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| No. 466 | BAHA’I YEAR 126 | JANUARY, 1970 |
Awakening to the Immediacy of the Challenge[edit]
To the Bahá’ís of the World
Dear Friends,
In the worsening world situation, fraught with pain of war, violence and the sudden uprooting of long-established institutions, can be seen the fulfillment of the prophecies of Bahá’u’lláh and the oft-repeated warnings of the Master and the beloved Guardian about the inevitable fate of a lamentably defective social system, an unenlightened leadership and a rebellious and unbelieving humanity. Governments and peoples of both the developed and developing nations, and other human institutions, secular and religious, finding themselves helpless to reverse the trend of the catastrophic events of the day, stand bewildered and overpowered by the magnitude and complexity of the problems facing them. At this fateful hour in human history many, unfortunately, seem content to stand aside and wring their hands is despair or else join in the babel of shouting and protestation which loudly objects, but offers no solution to the woes and afflictions plaguing our age.
Nevertheless a greater and greater number of thoughtful and fair-minded men and women are recognizing in the clamor of contention, grief and destruction, now reaching such horrendous proportions, the evidences of Divine chastisement, and turning their faces towards God are becoming increasingly receptive to His Word. Doubtless the present circumstances, though tragic and awful in their immediate consequences, are serving to sharpen the focus on the indispensability of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the needs of the present age, and will provide many opportunities to reach countless waiting souls, hungry and thirsty for Divine guidance.
It is these opportunities which we must seize before it is too late. What is needed now is the awakening of all believers to the immediacy of the challenge so that each may assume his share of the responsibility for taking the Teachings to all humanity. Universal participation, a salient objective of the Nine Year Plan, must be pressed toward attainment in every continent, country and island of the globe. Every Bahá’í, however humble or inarticulate, must become intent on fulfilling his role as a bearer of the Divine Message. Indeed, how can a true believer remain silent while around us men cry out in anguish for truth, love and unity to descend upon this world?
We all know how often the Master and the beloved Guardian called upon the friends to consciously strive to be more loving, more united, more dedicated and prayerful than ever before in order to overcome the atmosphere of present-day society which is unloving, disunited, careless of right and wrong and heedless of God. “When we see the increasing darkness in the world today,” the Guardian’s secretary wrote on his behalf, “we can fully realize that unless the Message of Bahá’u’lláh reaches into the hearts of men and transforms them, there can be no peace and no spiritual progress in the future.”
The Nine Year Plan is the current stage in the achievement of that sublime objective. It is now imperative for every Bahá’í to set for himself individual teaching goals. The admonition of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to lead at least one new soul to the Faith each year and the exhortation of Shoghi Effendi to hold a Bahá’í fireside in one’s home every Bahá’í month are examples of individual goals. Many have capacities to do even more, but this alone will assure final and complete victory for the Plan.
We call upon the friends to join with us in prayer during the Feast of Sulṭán that we will all become so imbued with zeal, courage and enthusiasm that from this day to the end of the Nine Year Plan nothing will be able to stay the victorious onward march of the followers of the Most Great Name. May our efforts be worthy of the blessings and confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh.
—THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER
HAIFA, ISRAEL
NOVEMBER 16, 1969
Universal House of Justice Announces Acquisition of Important Property at Bahjí[edit]
To: National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
After several years of protracted negotiations with agencies of the Israel Government both in Jerusalem and Haifa, an important property adjacent to Bahjí and embracing the Master’s tea house has been acquired. On November 17th we cabled the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States as follows:
“WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS ANNOUNCE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS INITIATED NEARLY TWO DECADES AGO BY BELOVED GUARDIAN WITH AUTHORITIES STATE ISRAEL RESULTING OWNERSHIP VITALLY NEEDED PROPERTY SURROUNDING ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ’S TEAHOUSE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORHOOD MOST HOLY TOMB FOUNDER FAITH. ACQUISITION MUCH DESIRED LAND EXTENDING GARDENS BAHJÍ FACILITATED THROUGH EXCHANGE PROPERTY DEDICATED SOME THIRTY-SIX YEARS AGO TO HOLY TOMB BAHÁ’U’LLÁH BY DEVOTED SERVANT CAUSE HÁJÍ ‘ALÍ YAZDÍ (SIGNED) UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE.”
The successful conclusion of these negotiations initiated during the lifetime of the beloved Guardian was
made possible through the acceptance by the Government, as even exchange, of an endowment property
given to the Faith in 1933 by the late Hájí ‘Alí Yazdí.
The significance of the specific piece of land donated by
this venerable soul becomes apparent when reading the
following quotation from the “In Memoriam” article
about him in The Bahá’í World, Volume IX:
“He will forever be remembered, amongst other things, as the establisher of Bahá’í endowments in the vicinity of ‘Akká through his gift of a tract of land dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh’s Holy Tomb in Bahjí ...”
It is a glowing tribute to the memory of this devoted servant of the Blessed Beauty that his gift should play such an important part in securing this valuable additional safeguard for the Most Holy Tomb.
Please also convey the news of this victory to the friends.
—THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER
HAIFA, ISRAEL
NOVEMBER 18, 1969
Aerial view of Bahjí
Visit of Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan to North America[edit]
Through the great bounty of the Universal House of Justice the North American continent was recently blessed by the presence of dearly beloved Hand of the Cause of God Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan. For three months, from June 15 to September 15, 1969, Mr. Furútan traveled throughout the width and breadth of this great continent carrying out his sacred duties as a Hand of the Cause of God by diffusing the Divine Fragrances and edifying the souls of men.
A Long Career of Service[edit]
This devoted servant of Bahá’u’lláh was born in Khurásán, Írán, in 1905, but at the age of nine he and his family were forced to leave their native land because of religious persecution and went to ‘Ishqábád, Russia. He attended secondary school in ‘Ishqábád and later graduated from Moscow University with a degree in Psychology and Child Education. In 1930 he was banished back to Írán because of his religious activities on behalf of the Bahá’í Faith. On reaching Írán he was appointed as a Bahá’í teacher and sent to Ádhhirbáyján where he served four years. Then the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, instructed him to go to Ṭihrán to serve as principal of the Tarbíyat Bahá’í Secondary School.
In 1934 Mr. Furútan was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Írán and continued to serve on that body for twenty-four years as its secretary.
Mr. Furútan was appointed a Hand of the Cause by the Guardian in 1951 and since then has represented the Bahá’í Faith and assisted with its activities in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Europe, Africa and South America.
World Trip Includes North America[edit]
His visit to the North American continent on behalf of the Universal House of Justice was part of an eight month world teaching trip. During his trip to the United States he visited the Bahá’ís in New York, N.Y.; Dallas, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; Washington, D.C.; Columbia, Maryland; Seattle, Washington; and the National Bahá’í Center at Wilmette, Illinois. Large meetings were arranged in these cities for Mr. Furútan to meet and address the Bahá’ís and their friends.
In addition he taught classes at Bahá’í Schools at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine; Camp Dorothy Walls, Black Mountain, North Carolina; Davison, Michigan; and Geyserville, California.
The Continental Board of Counsellors for North America arranged three Deepening Conferences: two in Alaska at Juneau and Anchorage, and one in Canada at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Mr. Furútan blessed each of these conferences with his presence.
While in Canada Mr. Furútan met with the Bahá’ís and their guests in St. Johns, Newfoundland; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
He also taught classes at the Canadian Bahá’í School of Laurentian, Sylvan Lake, Pacific Youth Institute, and attended the Continental Indian Conference held at Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan.
In the field of proclamation the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Washington, D.C. arranged two radio interviews for Mr. Furútan as well as a forty-five minute television appearance with Mr. Glenford Mitchell and Mr. Norman Ross participating.
Vast Range of Topics Covered[edit]
From the moment Mr. Furútan landed in New York until he left to fly to Hawaii he was busy teaching the Cause of God. Some of the topics he spoke on were as follows:
- “The Unique Character of the Divinely Ordained World Order of Bahá’u’lláh; Comparison with Human Institutions.”
Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan visits Wilmette. Left: A consultation with Glenford Mitchell, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States; Right: with Hand of the Cause Mr. Khádem, at right; Board of Counsellors member Miss Edna True; and Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Javidukht Khádem at left.
- “What is the Bahá’í Life?”
- “The Basic Beliefs of the People of Bahá”
- “The True Meaning of the Oneness of Mankind”
- “The Meaning of Freedom”
- “Education of Bahá’í Children According to the Spirit of Bahá’í Belief.”
- “Bahá’í Concept of the Relationship Between Elders and Youth”
- “Consultation”
- “The Destructive Influence of Backbiting and Egoism on the Community”
- “The Institution of the Hands of the Cause”
It was reported from the Halifax Deepening Conference that Mr. Furútan spoke of our great bounty and privilege of recognizing the Supreme Manifestation and said that we are too close to the Apostolic Age to realize our bounties. He said that if we hold a book too close to our eyes we cannot read, we must focus to see it. Likewise, we are too close to the age of Bahá’u’lláh to realize His glory and majesty. To be a good Bahá’í, our first duty is to obey Bahá’u’lláh. Our second duty is to teach, to bring the healing Message to the millions of others who have never heard His Name. He said that we Bahá’ís are so few, but the subject is not one of quantity but of quality, one diamond is worth a million stones......... To teach, we should see how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá taught. Teach according to the needs and beliefs of the hearers, otherwise it is like a doctor giving a prescription without an examination. Assistance of the Concourse on High, the power that is always in the atmosphere surrounding us, will come through prayers, devotion and the willingness to serve.
Mr. Furútan brought the final session of the Conference to a beautiful climax. He said that Bahá’í conferences are like universities where students come to learn — nobody can claim to understand fully the Bahá’í Writings. Everything is relative and if our capacity at a given time is not fulfilled, the shortcoming is not in the Writings, the shortcoming is in ourselves. Building a new world is making a new race of men. The most difficult thing is to change the minds, habits and hearts of men. This change will come about only through the power of the Manifestation. It is our individual duty to teach the Cause. And how do we teach? “It is easy”, he said, “just open your mouth”.
A Loving, Inspiring Teacher[edit]
Wherever Mr. Furútan went he radiated a sweet humble, loving manner as he conveyed to the friends the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. In the words of Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for North America: “His manner of teaching is so delightful, as well as inspiring and educative, since he has the unique quality of drawing close to him in affection and attention the children as well as the youth and adults. His stories so set the lesson in the mind that they can never be forgotten — and their logic never denied.”
The writer of the report from the Western Canada Summer School said: “... the greatest bounty was having Hand of the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan with us. Picture if you can Bahá’ís of all ages always on time for his classes; eager faces awaiting each word; hearty gales of laughter spreading happiness; bright, friendly
Speakers at a deepening conference in Juneau, Alaska in
September, sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors. Left to right, front: Howard Brown, Peggy Ross, Hand of
the Cause ‘Ali-Akbar Furútan, Florence Mayberry; rear: Rex
Talcott, chairman for the meeting, and Alaska National
Assembly members, Georgia Maisler, Robert Moul, Donald
Anderson.
eyes spilling love on each other because of the spiritual
inspiration this beloved man brought us. Picture him
walking down the leaf-dappled paths, children holding
each hand, or sitting on a log by the campfire, surrounded by the listening friends. Imagine how our
knowledge and understanding grew because of this
superb teacher.”
In his final session in Alaska, before continuing his world itinerary, Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan gave deep insight into the Writings concerning the individual’s responsibilities in service to the Cause of God. He urged us, with all of his heart, to higher endeavor in proclaiming this blessed Cause to all of mankind.
This North American continent will never be the same because of Mr. Furútan’s visit from the World Center of our Faith. His shining example of love and humility; his great wisdom and inspiration; his wit and personal charm will always be with us to lead us to greater heights of sacrifice.
The Passing of a Distinguished Servant of the Faith[edit]
HAVE TODAY CABLED NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF SOUTH AFRICA FOLLOWING: “GRIEVED LEARN PASSING RUTH RANDALL BROWN. HER LONG LIFE DEVOTED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CAUSE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH SHINING EXAMPLE ALL PIONEERS. PLEASE ARRANGE FITTING MEMORIAL HER BEHALF. CONVEY HER FAMILY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY ASSURANCE ARDENT PRAYERS DIVINE THRESHOLD PROGRESS HER SOUL.”
The above cablegram from the Universal House of Justice was received by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States November 5, 1969.
First Australian Conference Held by Board of Counsellors[edit]
Above: Group of believers who attended the conference, called by the Continental Board of Counsellors in
Australasia, held in Melbourne November 21-23, 1969.
This was the first conference of its kind ever held in
Australia and was also the first national Bahá’í conference that Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, has
staged. It was attended by Hands of the Cause, Abu’l-Qásim Faizí and Collis Featherstone, and Counsellors
Thelma Perks, Howard Harwood, Sohail Alai, and
Board members Bill Washington and John Davidson.
Below: Mr. Faizí, left, and Mr. Featherstone on the
platform at the conference.
Devoted Pioneer Passes[edit]
Mary Hotchkiss Bode, whose lifetime of pioneering covered three continents, passed away in Lisbon, Portugal October 14, 1969. On learning of this, the Universal House of Justice cabled on October 16 as follows:
DEEPLY GRIEVED PASSING STEADFAST DEVOTED PIONEER MARY HOTCHKISS BODE CHILDHOOD ILLUMINATED MEETING ABDU’L-BAHÁ. ASSISTED FORMAL PRESENTATION TABLETS DIVINE PLAN LATER RENDERED WITH BELOVED HUSBAND EXEMPLARY SERVICES QUARTER CENTURY PIONEER FIELD NORTH SOUTH AMERICA EUROPE FINALLY YIELDING LIFE OUTPOST EUROPEAN CONTINENT. ASSURE PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HER SOUL.
Mary Bode was the daughter of one of the very early and active Bahá’ís of Washington, D.C. In addition to meeting ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a child, she received a Tablet from Him. She gave the Message to many, including Edward Bode whom she married in 1936. After serving together in California, they embarked on their first foreign pioneering assignment which took them to Brazil in 1946 where they helped to form the first Bahá’í Assembly in that country.
After also serving in Chile, Panama and Mexico this devoted and close-knit couple moved to Holland where they helped the Dutch friends establish and consolidate the Faith in that blessed little country. In March of 1969 they came to the island of Madeira, settling in Funchal at the suggestion of the Universal House of Justice. While attending a teaching conference in Lisbon, Mary became seriously ill and died. She is buried in the British cemetery, Rua St. Jorge No. 6, Lisbon, Portugal. The cemetery is a garden and very beautiful.
[Page 6]
Board of Counsellors Conference in Tokyo, Japan, October 18-19. Hand of the Cause A. Furútan appears in center front, with John McHenry III and R. Mumtazi at his left and Vicente Samaniego at his right, all Counsellor members.
Counsellors Initiate Conferences in Northeast Asia[edit]
The beloved Guardian wrote, “To strive to obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation must, it is my unalterable conviction, remain the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents,” a statement which places the obligation of deepening in the Cause firmly on every believer. The Universal House of Justice reiterated this to every Bahá’í in the Riḍván Message of 1967. In addition to this that supreme body gave the theme we must pursue in our efforts to deepen in the Cause.
In response to these instructions, the Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan, the three Counsellors in Northeast Asia, the Auxiliary Board members, eight members of the National Assembly of Northeast Asia, and members of their committees came together for a two day deepening conference. Fifty-four participants, including friends from Korea, Taiwan, and Guam attended this first conference held in Tokyo on October 18 and 19, 1969. Two additional conferences are being held in Seoul, Korea and in Manila, Philippines respectively. Both conferences are again being blessed with the presence of the Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan.
Mr. Furútan spoke on “Bahá’í Institutions,” giving the friends a clearer understanding of the unique structure and principles governing these divine bodies. He stressed how all the Bahá’í institutions, including the newly created Continental Board of Counsellors have been formed under infallible guidance either by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the beloved Guardian, or the Universal House of Justice. He said that the institutions are our only protection.
All through the conference the friends were in very high spirits. It was a perfect demonstration of the Bahá’í institutions in action. The Universal House of Justice and the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land were present through their cable and the Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members, the National Assembly, and the committee members all worked together as one body. Even the far away Continental Board of Counsellors in North America gave practical suggestions, samples of their programs and invitations and their encouragement and prayers.
IN NORTHEAST ASIA
College Pays Tribute to Memory of Doris Corbin[edit]
Mrs. Doris Mae Corbin, American Bahá’í who, with her husband Don, pioneered for the Faith in Sweden for several years beginning in 1949, under the Second Seven Year Plan and under the Ten Year World Crusade in Grenada in the West Indies, passed away in Fort Myers, Florida, on November 1, 1969. For several years after the Corbins’ return to the United States, Mrs. Corbin served in business departments of Edison Junior College where Mr. Corbin is an instructor. An accomplished musician, she and Don created the college’s first Fine Arts Program. In appreciation of her services to the college and the community, the auditorium of the newly constructed Learning Resource Center of the college has been named the Doris Corbin Auditorium, and a music scholarship in her memory has been established for some student majoring in music.
Dr. David G. Robinson, President of Edison Junior College, sang at the Bahá’í funeral service for Doris and several of the pall-bearers were faculty members.
Mr. and Mrs. Corbin helped to establish the first Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Lee County, Florida. In 1967, both made the pilgrimage to the Bahá’í World Center. Mrs. Corbin’s death was the result of a serious automobile accident suffered five months earlier.
Proclamation Weekend in Monaco Features Public Conference[edit]
Bahá’ís of Monaco commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Birth of the Báb on October 18-19, and used the weekend as proclamation events.
Mr. Louis Henuzet, from the Board of Counsellors for Europe, gave a public conference Saturday afternoon, in the Palais des Congres de Monte-Carlo, an official building, on the subject, “The Dawn of a New World Civilization.” Fifty-two guests attended the conference, asking very interesting questions. Books and photos were on display.
Radio Monte-Carlo gave a six-minute interview on their evening program, “The Sun Gazette,” Friday, October 17, at 7:15, and also announced the meeting twice during the week.
An average of sixty-five Bahá’ís came to Monte-Carlo from Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland, and the whole meeting was full of friendliness, warmth, and deep spirituality.
Discussion on ways and means to achieve the goals of the Nine Year Plan, with the participation of all Bahá’ís, was conducted by Mr. Henuzet and Mrs. Haenni de Bons and Mr. Bijan Ghaznavi, Auxiliary Board members.
A STORY OF LOVE AND FAITH[edit]
It seemed to be a long way, and we passed many narrow and dark streets that branched one from another, with the hope of coming at last to the house for which we were eagerly searching. As we went along my friend was explaining to me that here was a house wherein nothing was known but love and faith.
Although the house seemed to be silent and deserted it was once occupied by a happy family and its rooms and corridors rang with the cheerful laughter of their children. Where were they now? They were all far, far away, each one a pioneer in a different land.
Now listen to this story!
About a half a century ago in Sarvestan — one of the small towns of Persia — a great commotion arose amongst the inhabitants. Excitement filled the air, everybody was shouting and uttering such words as these: “Let us kill the Bahá’ís. Let us clear the town of these infidels!” This furious mob advanced towards the shop of an old Bahá’í teacher, Haji Gholam Riza; being situated close by the place they were gathered, Haji caught their eyes as an immediate object upon which to vent their wrath. As the town’s people crowded around, he called out to them and they heard him say: “O ye people! I know your intentions. I know you have come here to take my life. Praise be to God that at last my prayers have been answered. Let me have the privilege of sacrificing my blood in His path. For a long time I have been longing for this moment. Why are you waiting? I am impatient!” In a few minutes his body was hacked to pieces; each piece was hurled in a different direction. A drop of blood stained the shoe of a young man in the crowd. That drop on his new shoe, of that blood shed in the way of truth, awakened this man. It made him think and search after truth. At last he
All the friends have appreciated the most inspiring presence of Hand of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery and Mrs. Giachery.
was able to recognize that the kingdom of God was on earth, that His Messenger had appeared amongst men.
From this new found truth, he suffered in the pathway of service to the Cause of God; he was banished from his home and came at last to live in Ṭihrán. Now, this house where we were became his home, that lady his wife, and those pioneers I spoke of, his children. The faithful lady told us about these pioneers, their success and their devotion in the path of God.
Do you think that she regreted her solitude, when she might have had her beloved family around her? No! She was happy in the knowledge that her children were devoting their lives to spreading the message of God, in spite of all the obstacles, that arose in their way. She did not wish them to come back to her and was continually encouraging them to their endeavors.
A drop of a martyr’s blood was the water of life that gave vitality to these sturdy and flourishing plants. That age was in a Heroic Age. A time when the tree of God’s Cause needed to be nourished by blood. Now the tree has grown, and the sacrifice we are called upon to make is of a different nature.
Today we are called upon to carry out the work of God, to spread this message. We are called upon to awaken the people from their deep sleep of prejudice and indifference. This task is difficult and calls for the highest degree of self-sacrifice.
Our pure deed, every effort that we make, will be like that spot of blood casting a light into the hearts of our fellow men, leading them to find and recognize the way to eternal peace.
BAHÁ’Í YOUTH BULLETIN, VOL. 3 #4, June 1950, LONDON
Translated from the Persian Youth Bulletin AHANG BADI
Hand of Cause Sends Message to Dahomey Pioneer Conference[edit]
This is the talk prepared by Mr. Olinga, Hand of the Cause of God, reproduced at the Porto Novo, Dahomey conference of October 24-26, 1969, in his absence, due to illness:
To all the friends assembled in Porto Novo, for the conference convened by the Emergency Administrative Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of West Central Africa. Beloved Friends, with a warm heart I greet each and every one of you. I extend to you a most loving welcome and wish you successful and inspired deliberations. After formal exchanges of greetings and sharing of the victories which have been won in the name of our glorious Faith and the territories which you represent at this historic conference, you will move first to the most important task which the conference has been called to deliberate upon, namely the early completion of the tasks assigned to you under the Nine Year Teaching Plan. As you all know, the success of the Nine Year Plan in your region depends largely on each and every Bahá’í taking an active part in its completion to the extent in which every believer arises with greater determination and consecration to teach the Faith of God, will your achievements be (successful). Yours, therefore, is a duty to so galvanize the Friends in your region and infuse in them the spirit of service that they may, one and all, arise to lend a great impetus to the onward march of our glorious Faith, assist in expanding and consolidating the framework of its divine institutions, and pledge themselves to insure in the course of the remaining fleeting years of the Nine Year Plan the success of your sacred tasks. This is the meaning of Universal Participation. It is the key which opens all doors and you should never hesitate to seize and make use of it. It is to be hoped that before you disperse you will evolve a plan to ensure in the course of the remaining six months, separating us from next Riḍván, the success of the colossal tasks assigned to you in the plan and to extend the teaching work to as many villages as possible, and to plan to have at least one or more Bahá’í villages, before next Riḍván. To form as many groups as is possible which will form
Hands of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga and Dr. R. Muhájir, in Lagos, Nigeria, October 9, 1969.
local spiritual assemblies next Riḍván. To establish
several Bahá’í localities in your region, to intensify the
teaching work aimed at the masses in the villages who
should be enrolled under the banners of the Cause of
God. To erect several Bahá’í centers in your region and
to generally deepen and consolidate Bahá’ís and Bahá’í
communities in your area. To organize conferences in
Cotonou, Lagos and Accra. As you know there will be
new national spiritual assemblies formed next year and
these cities are the seats of the future national spiritual
assemblies. That you will prepare yourselves during
this conference for the future collaboration and mutual
cooperation and expand and consolidate the framework
of the institutions of the Cause, generate influence, and
capture loftier heights as you continue to serve the
King of Kings. It is the ardent hope and fervent prayer
of every lover of Bahá’u’lláh. I regret my inability to be
with you in person and I say to you all, my warmest
Bahá’í greetings and assurance of my prayers for your
success and guidance. ‘Alláh-u-Abhá!
Hands of the Cause of God appear with
friends in Lagos, Nigeria, in October 1969 in
front of new Bahá’í Center sign. Pioneers
Duane and Stephie Troxel and Leanne Woodward were present with several West African
believers. Following this a pioneer conference was held in Dahomey October 24-26.
with Bahá’ís from Ghana, Togo, Dahomey,
and Nigeria attending. A six-month teaching
plan was formulated at the conference.
First Institute Held in Togo[edit]
The first national teaching institute in Togo, West Africa was held at the Bahá’í village of Animagnan on September 7, 1969. Sixty-two men, women and children filled the specially built woven palm frond pavilion that gave cool shelter under the coconut trees near the sea. A Bahá’í youth chorus welcomed everyone singing the first Bahá’í songs ever to be composed in Togo. Soon everyone was singing these beautiful songs in praise of our beloved Faith.
From early morning until late in the afternoon, the Bahá’ís learned more about their Faith. Since there are few books in Togo to teach the Faith, each person was given mimeographed worksheets on various topics. Posters illustrating various teachings adorned the pavilion. A sign near the road proclaimed the Faith and welcomed all. The women of the village prepared and served delicious African food. The Word of God and the happiness and love of the friends created such an atmosphere as to be irresistible. First one declared, then another until there were six new believers from this small village. Joy and sadness mingled when the afternoon drew to a close and everyone reluctantly parted.
RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM:
A group at the Institute. Miss Norma Clark, pioneer, is third from the right in the front row.
Members of the National Teaching Committee of Togo. Left to right: Mr. Blaise Pofagi, Mrs. Helen Reech, pioneer, Chief Lessi Komahé, of Animagnan.
Children’s class at Animagnan.
New believers are welcomed at Animagnan.
BOLIVIA[edit]
Second conference of the literacy teachers in
the Departmento of La Paz. Conferences are
held and progress reports given each three
months. Some teach children during the day
and adults at nights. A literacy book prepared
by the National Spiritual Assembly of Bolivia
is used.
First study course in the history of Bolivia
for the campesino Indian women, held five
days in month of September under the
auspices of the Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly
of La Paz and the Regional Teaching
Committee of that Departmento. All plan
to be voluntary teachers in their communities and nearby areas.
Bahá’í school children of Calapungo, who
welcomed Dr. Muhájir with songs and
the Greatest Name, being personally
greeted by the Hand of the Cause.
[Page 11]
Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir, in the rural community of Calapungo, La Paz, Bolivia, during August 1969.
AUSTRALIA[edit]
The twelve-foot-high model of the Bahá’í House of Worship at Mona Vale, Sydney, Australia, which was featured in the Bahá’í
float entered in the recent Waratah Spring Festival. This very successful float, judged by commentators to be the most attractive
floral entry, was seen by one-third million people lining Sydney streets. It was also viewed on all TV channels and earned high
praise from the official organizing committee.
North Central States[edit]
Bahá’í Summer School—1969[edit]
The Fifth Annual North Central States Bahá’í Summer School was held at Green Lake Bible Camp near Spicer, Minnesota. If only one word could be used to describe that beautiful school this year, it would be — “Unity.” Of the 214 who attended 40 were youth. It was the youth who were instrumental in bringing about the strong sense of unity which prevailed over the school. The special efforts of these young people to always include the young and old in activities was a joy to witness.
Three youth, members of the counselling staff of the Green Lake Lutheran Bible Camp, accepted the Faith at the camp prior to the summer school. Two of these young people, relieved of their counselling duties, returned to attend summer school. These activities focused much attention from the camp staff and surrounding area on the Faith. It manifested itself in the form of several visits to the school from local clergy as well as a few curiosity seekers.
The covenant and administration and the Nine Year Plan were two of the subjects covered in the adult classes. Other courses were entitled: “Modern Radicalism and the Bahá’í Faith,” “The Spiritual Evolution of Mankind,” and “Mobilizing the Youth for One World.” There were also evening Bahá’í Literature Seminars which concentrated on specific books such as “World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, The Advent of Divine Justice, and Foundations of World Unity. The attendance at and class participation in these courses was a tribute to their success.
The children enjoyed a well taught and diversified program including arts, crafts and classes on the Faith. This year, for the first time, teachers from the adult classes were asked to teach a one-hour course one day only to the Junior Youth. This was received with tremendous enthusiasm by these young people. Out of the class on Administration at which they held a mock State Convention came this recommendation to the National Spiritual Assembly: That a week long winter school be organized in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin or Illinois. Evening entertainment for the children consisted of films and storytelling.
Varied evening programs gave opportunity to share personal experiences related to the Faith, see slide programs, and to be entertained and socialize. The film and recording of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America was a most outstanding experience and a rare privilege. One evening we had the bounty of an unexpected visit from Mr. Aziz Yazdi, Continental Board Counsellor from Africa, who spoke most informally on teaching in Africa.
There were three declarations in addition to those of the counsellors mentioned above.
The Institution of the Hands of the Cause was with us for the entire session represented in the person of Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Auxiliary Board member.
At the North Central States Summer School of 1969 held in Minnesota.
Prayer Meetings in Oklahoma[edit]
The annual “prayer powwow” of the Delaware County, Oklahoma Bahá’ís, held October 4 in Jay and at Lake Eucha on October 5, was initiated and arranged this year by the Delaware County friends. Prayers were a dominant part of the program, in addition to which there were guest speakers from: the Bahá’í Indian Council, Arkansas State Goals Committee, and visiting friends.
Mr. Gary Hillaire, of the Indian Council, spoke simply and earnestly to the Indians stressing their responsibility in carrying the Message to their own people and showed that it is each one’s obligation to do his part in spreading the Faith.
A special highlight was the showing of slides of the Holy Land, with accompanying narration. On Saturday evening, after the regular program, there was music by Indians who played guitars, violins and drums. Over one hundred friends came together for these very inspiring two days of spiritual enlightenment and good fellowship.
Booth in Maryland State Fair—“It Works”[edit]
From August 26th to September 3rd the Bahá’ís of Baltimore County, Maryland manned a booth at the annual state fair. The theme of the booth, “The Bahá’í Faith,” was approached through the slogan, “It Works!” This message was the basis of a new, original pamphlet, a specially prepared slide presentation with a taped narrative, and 8,000 “It Works!” buttons.
The new pamphlet, prepared within the community, became the jacket for 5,000 information packets that were distributed containing several pamphlets, schedules of public meetings and firesides, and a card to be used for requesting further information.
In connection with the Fair activity, extensive newspaper advertising was used and publicity releases were sent to all local papers. These concerned both the booth itself and the three public meetings featuring Linda Marshall, Poova Murday, and Dr. Daniel Jordan.
The center of this great proclamation effort was a glass-walled, air-conditioned booth designed by Bahá’í Frank Stewart in cooperation with a community committee. Located on the busiest intersection of the main exhibition hall, the booth was built with two corner stalls to allow literature distribution while inside a slide show was shown and more extensive teaching was conducted. At the height of the Fair, Labor Day evening, the booth was turned over to the youth for a special program featuring music and guest speaker Eric Byrd. The response was literally overflowing.
The results are already apparent. Both the publicity releases and independently initiated stories have appeared in the newspapers. An estimated twelve hours of prime radio time has been given Bahá’ís to speak on the Faith. Over 100 new friends have been found through the firesides and public meetings and forty-five cards have been received inquiring about literature and meetings. A number of these enquirers reside in Baltimore County’s extension teaching area. Finally, before less than a month had passed, there had been several declarations!
This great success is a fine example of community cooperation and initiative. For ten days young and old alike made this teaching activity the foremost thought in their minds. Here is the real spirit of the Bahá’í Faith. Truly, “It Works!”
Bahá’í Booth Provides Catalyst[edit]
The North Carolina State Fair, a shocking note of the bounties and excesses of materialism, contained the resolving catalyst, the Bahá’í Faith. The Bahá’í booth, beautifully done, was patterned in three dimensions depicting Progressive Revelation, made in portable sections, and painted in all the colors of the rainbow. It was a clear and attractive explanation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings about the Manifestations of God. The fellowship showered on the inquirers showed the generous spirit with which the Bahá’ís contributed both time and money. The Bahá’ís in the area cooperated to make possible a post fair public meeting in Chapel Hill at which Jane McCants spoke to about seventy-five interested questioning people.
Connecticut Fair Attracts 50,000[edit]
The Bahá’í booth at the North Haven Fair was a successful example of a proclamation effort based on inter-community cooperation. The North Haven Fair is an annual agricultural fair drawing a large attendance from South Central Connecticut. This year a total of approximately 50,000 people attended.
The Bahá’í booth was decorated and manned by Bahá’ís from North Haven, New Haven, Wallingford, Hamden, Meriden, and other nearby towns. Situated near the main gate, the Bahá’í exhibit attracted considerable attention. It was charmingly decorated in blue, with the word “Bahá’í” in large golden raised letters. Approximately 1,000 pamphlets were given out in the four day period, and fifteen people signed the register indicating their interest.
The interior of the booth was decorated with pictures of the Bahá’í Youth Conference and of the Bahá’í Temples. A small Temple model, as well as a poster listing the twelve Bahá’í principles were also used. Many people stopped to chat who did not take pamphlets, and all in all it was felt that the display presented a favorable impression, and placed the name Bahá’í prominently in the public eye.
Report “Dawnbreakers”[edit]
The European Dawnbreakers’ Show, “A Plea for One World,” was conceived over a cup of coffee at a Swiss winter school by four young Bahá’ís from four countries. The original idea of a singing group blossomed into thirty-two Bahá’ís from ten countries presenting the message of Bahá’u’lláh through mime, songs, Bahá’í scripture, and documented narrations. A total of eighteen performances were given in Holland, Germany, and Belgium. The five-week tour in July and August 1969 was organized by the Bahá’í youth in Europe and supported by the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany.
The tour has given an example of how Bahá’í youth from different lands can live, work, and teach together in a united effort. It stimulated an air of enthusiastic activity amongst unsuspecting Bahá’ís everywhere, revivifying belief and responsibility in the Faith. To the general public, a message of love and unity on an international scale was conveyed successfully. The theme and title, “A Plea for One World,” was basically depicted by the central character named “Mitty.” He was a man who, in his search for peace of mind, had to travel around the world. He finally realizes his search has ended when he finds the Bahá’í Faith, after some doubts, anguish, and disappointment. His experiences and the various situations he faced during his journeys were depicted with scenes of famine, hatred, discrimination, happiness, and unity, all with authentic realism, backed by songs and readings.
Press, radio, and important personages were contacted in most of the towns and cities where performances were given. The tremendous interest created and the genuine investigation into the Faith initiated by the show received good notice in television, radio, and newspapers.
One youth who participated has written: “One of the best things was the warm and loving reception we were given by the Bahá’ís wherever we went. In some places the friends really worked hard to make the show successful, and it always paid off. There was a marvelous feeling of enthusiasm and unity in those places where we could work with the local Bahá’ís for an end result. In Essen, for example, the Bahá’ís had permission from the police for us to sing in the Kennedyplatz the day before our show. This was a large square, traffic free, in the middle of the town. The press came, and so we had good publicity in the local newspaper (circulation a half million) on the morning of the show.”
Seychelles Keeps Faith Before Public[edit]
Bahá’ís of Seychelles held another successful public event to mark United Nations Day October 24, which received an unprecedented amount of publicity in the press and on the radio. The theme of the public symposium was “United Nations — View Toward One World.” Among the speakers who took part was Mr. David Joubert, member of the Seychelles Governing Council, who in his brief address publicly congratulated the Bahá’í Assembly for its effort and initiative in making the United Nations and its activities better known in the Seychelles. This was widely reported in the press and on the radio. In the symposium Mr. W. Prosper, chairman of the Bahá’í Assembly of Victoria read the preamble to the UN Charter; Miss Farida Rahmana, member of the youth committee read the message of U Thant to the youth of the world; B. Renaud, secretary of the public relations committee spoke on the aims and achievements of the UN. David Petrouse, a Bahá’í youth and Paul Chow Sing, a young guest from the Seychelles College also spoke on the main theme. Mr. Rahman, secretary of the area teaching committee, served as moderator of the symposium.
On the same evening the Bahá’ís presented a ten minute radio program.
A partial view of the audience at the UN Symposium on
October 24 in the Seychelles. Left to right: Mr. W. Prosper,
Mr. Rahman addressing the audience, Mr. B. Renaud, secretary Bahá’í Public Relations Committee, David Petrouse, a
Bahá’í youth, and Mr. P. Chow Sing.
French School Hosts Twelve Countries[edit]
The French Summer School, held at Annecy/Sevrier from August 30 to September 8, was blessed with the presence of two Hands of the Cause of God, Dr. A. M. Varqá and Dr. Ugo Giachery, who brought love, warmth and inspiration. Madame Haenni de Bons and Dr. Moayad, Auxiliary Board members, were also present.
The 150 persons attending the School came from Germany, England, Belgium, Denmark, India, Luxembourg, Dominica, Morocco, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, including the French of course, all united together with love, affection and prayers.
The general theme was the “Progressive Revelations” which was introduced by Mr. Danjon. Mr. Raymond Foubert spoke about Krishna and Buddha, Monsieur Ezzat Zahrai about Zoroaster, Mr. Jean Claude Chazeau concerning Moses and Christ, Mr. Alai of Muḥammad, and Madame Blagovetschensky of The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Mlle Guyonne David gave an eloquent talk, Madame Jagu Roche spoke about the New Cycle, Mme Haenni de Bons told about the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá whom she met in Alexandria when she was seven years old.
The Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Giachery, spoke about the Universal House of Justice and of the life of the beloved Guardian. Dr. Varqá, Hand of the Cause, spoke about the Faith throughout the world.
Other speakers and their subjects were:
| Mr. Ghadimi | “Youth and Faith” |
| Mme Munsiff | “Prayers and Meditations” |
| Dr. Sabiran | “Responsibility of the Youth” |
| Mme Starcher | “The Bahá’í Life” |
They had round table discussions which were always
very animated, and there was great warmth in the
School in all its aspects. The Unity Dinner was a great
success, and the friends were warmly welcomed by the
sweet hostesses, Mlle Emma Barral and Mme Pollier.
One of the finest schools held in the country in many
years!
Round table discussion at the French Bahá’í Summer School.
Children’s class.
At the French Summer School of 1969.
SCHOOLS IN—BELGIUM[edit]
Eighty participants in the Belgian summer school of 1969 from thirteen countries, at Château d’Oteppe.
The presence of Dr. Varqá, Hand of the Cause, contributed widely to awaken the enthusiasm of the friends.
UNITED STATES[edit]
Right: At the Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School for 1969 held in Bridgeport,
Texas. In addition to classes there was
time for fun and fellowship as shown below.
The Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh Celebrated[edit]
The Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, which offers believers throughout the world an excellent opportunity to proclaim His Message, was marked by special events in many communities of the United States. This year the occasion was used for premiere public showing of the new film on the Bahá’í Faith, “A New Wind,” in some forty cities and nine colleges in the United States.
The film, by the well known documentary film producer George C. Stoney, shows in color scenes from the Holy Land, as well as Bahá’í communities in India, Japan and in the United States, depicting Bahá’ís in their gatherings and firesides, in their daily lives and personal activities. It shows the unity in diversity so characteristic of the Faith and portrays, in twenty-eight minutes of screen time, the spirit and scope of a fast-growing worldwide religious community.
Some reports from communities which marked the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh with a public showing of this film are as follows:
Denver, Colorado: The performance of “A New Wind” was held in the Century Room of the Cosmopolitan Hotel and was viewed by an audience of over 350 people. The chairman was Archie Evans, and Mrs. Charlotte Orlick gave a beautiful talk on the Faith. The Brooks “Brothers” (Misses Carol, Linda and Pam) sang “A New Wind,” along with other songs, and accompanied themselves on their guitars.
Des Moines, Iowa: On November 12 the film was shown on the Drake University campus, with a Bahá’í speaker, Hermos Bastani, a student from Írán, and a lively discussion among the college students. On the following three days the film was shown at: Marshalltown,
Six page leaflet announces “A New Wind.” Below: scenes from the film show Bahá’ís in India and in Japan.
[Page 18]
Iowa, a goal city where two resident Bahá’ís
made all the arrangements and Mrs. Ruth Moffett was
the speaker; at Grinnell College campus in Grinnell,
Iowa the film was shown as one of the events of a
remarkable week of teaching planned and executed
by one Bahá’í, Yvor Stoakley; at Des Moines a public
meeting was held where Richard Synder of Waterloo,
Iowa spoke.
Bristol, New Hampshire: the movie was shown at the Bristol Town Hall with excellent attendance by Bahá’ís and guests. Prior to the showing a buffet supper was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds. Linda Marshall was visiting the community and talked a little about the movie before the showing and offered a prayer.
Springfield, Illinois: The film was shown in the Illinois State Museum Auditorium with a reception afterward. Eighty people attended; for the great majority of the guests it was their first Bahá’í function.
At many of the viewings of “A New Wind” audience reaction cards were used and comments were generally favorable. A limited selection of these is given:
“It showed that there is definitely love in the world. That is one thing that I was really beginning to wonder about.”
“I would like to know more details about beliefs and ceremonies.”
“Beautifully done — catches a certain spirit of humility which I liked.”
Extracts from the community reports follow:
“Most of the students had never heard of the Bahá’í Faith and their reactions to the film were surprisingly good. When they did complain, it was to say that not enough details were given about the principles or tenets of the Faith or that there was not enough emphasis on the Faith in the United States.”
“The film generated a good many questions.”
“Some of us felt that the audience would have liked to see more. It was spell binding. One man said, ‘This is heaven; this is what we are looking for ...’ ” “With about 100 non-Bahá’ís attending, there was much discussion after the program. Not one left the auditorium before the end of the program, and nearly all stayed and asked questions. There were four declarations.”
Other Observances of Bahá’u’lláh’s Birthday[edit]
Communities which did not have a showing of the film used the joyous occasion in a variety of ways to tell their friends and the public about the coming of The Promised One.
The Bahá’ís of Manatee County in Florida had a dinner meeting at which Bahá’ís of neighboring Sarasota and Manatee Counties joined. Mrs. Jean Dobbs of Sarasota County, the speaker, told of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings, stressing His use of the bird as a symbol of detachment, aspiration and love.
In Desert J.D., California it was decided that the Bahá’í children should participate more fully in Holy Days and Feasts and so this event was planned and hosted with special help and participation from the three Segundo children (ages seven, eight and nine). An open house was held during the entire twenty-four hour period and over fifty guests came and enjoyed the spirit of love and fellowship. The children, dressed specially for the occasion, greeted the guests and served the refreshments. The house was decorated with roses and olive branches and the cake was specially decorated in appropriate manner. Each guest was given a rose as he left. Inasmuch as prayers had been requested during the planned walk of Hand of the Cause William Sears in Ṭihrán, a room was provided for this purpose. A visit was made to the local hospital for crippled children and contribution made in the name of the Bahá’í children. One of the results of this celebration is a renewed interest in children’s classes, with a number of new children eager to come.
The Bahá’ís in Akron, Ohio commemorated the occasion by presenting slippers to the nearby County Home. They put a news release in the local paper explaining the importance of the Day to Bahá’ís and describing the gifts they gave in His honor.
The Spokane, Washington, Community celebrated Bahá’u’lláh’s Birthday with a public meeting at which Mrs. Mary Parker gave the facts of His life. Among the guests were representatives of four different Indian tribes, Spokane, Nez Perce, Yakima, and Blackfeet. These, together with the Bahá’ís of two different tribes, made it seem almost as though it were a Council Fire.
Portion of gatherings for celebration of birthdays of the Báb (left) and Bahá’u’lláh, celebrated at the Bahá’í Center in Saigon.
[Page 19]
As reported by the Community, “the Caucasian, Negro,
and Indian of diverse backgrounds who came to this
observance, blended together in such love and harmony
as is only possible through the Teachings of the Blessed
Beauty. The Indian guests afterward expressed their
thanks for being invited, and their amazement at the
loving atmosphere of the meeting.”
Eleven-Day Fair Proclaims[edit]
Over 400,000 persons attended the Fresno (California) District Fair held last fall and had the opportunity to view the Bahá’í booth pictured here with the theme “Man One Family” centered around a collage suggested by the youth. A Mono Indian woman attracted to the Faith opened her home on the Indian Reservation. Thus it was possible to celebrate Bahá’u’lláh’s Birthday on the Reservation.
Bahá’ís in the surrounding communities supported the Fresno J. D. Bahá’ís in manning the booth and giving those all-important smiles and on-the-spot firesides. Over 2,200 pieces of literature were taken by interested souls. The Fair is becoming an important annual event.
Bahá’í Proclamation Opens New Doors in Illinois[edit]
In the spacious heart of the midwest is a small metropolis known as Urbana, Illinois. Within this thriving city are the makings of a great Bahá’í community. Urbana Bahá’ís through phased and systematic planning, with enthusiasm and untiring efforts, have been successful in their proclamation efforts for our Beloved Cause. From October 9 through October 12, 1969, the community sponsored public meetings with Mr. Winston Evans as their guest speaker. The meetings, however, entailed more than just the usual speaker and tea-sipping-cookie-eating audience, for the community at large.
The most touching incident of their first meeting in Godfrey, at Monticello College, was Mr. Evans’ radio interview on the “Helen Walters Show”. The show is normally forty-five minutes long with a short chat between Miss Walters and the guest, then audience participation. However, Miss Walters interviewed Mr. Evans throughout the entire show, and then apologized to the audience for having taken all the time. The community was thrilled with the show. Miss Walters was delighted with Mr. Evans. After Mr. Evans left, two Bahá’ís remained to speak with Miss Walters about how spiritual they felt her questions had been. She said that Mr. Evans had instigated many of them and that now she had many more to ask. She holds a great deal of respect for Winston Evans and showed sincere interest in having another opportunity to spend more time with him. In addition, she is now reading the Writings and investigating the Faith.
In Edwardsville Township at Southern Illinois University, the community prepared posters that were distributed throughout the campus. Emphasis was placed on the words “Bahá’í” and “Bahá’u’lláh” on the posters. A very large three sided bulletin board in a choice location facing the stairs to and from the cafeteria was decorated economically, using pictures from Ebony and Life, pamphlets and the principles of the Faith from another display.
Ads were placed in the newspaper after one member of the community went to the editor who was aware of the Faith and had shown an interest in investigating it. Although the paper doesn’t normally send reporters to religious meetings, the end result was an article two columns by eight inches for less than one third of the normal price. In Granite City, the community began by arranging six weekly firesides prior to the public meeting, then a news release was submitted to the local paper announcing the coming firesides. Again the emphasis was on the words “Bahá’í” and “Bahá’u’lláh”.
Well in advance three local libraries were approached about receiving books (Bahá’í). None of these libraries had any Bahá’í books; Granite City, Madison, or Venice. The Madison librarian was delighted since she had had several requests for Bahá’í books and she didn’t know where to direct the requests. She also requested pamphlets for her own use. The Venice librarian was obviously dubious about accepting the books. She asked if this Bahá’í had anything to do with Communism. After she was assured that the Faith taught that there were three false gods: Nationalism, Racialism and Communism, her attitude changed and she appeared even eager to get the books and pamphlets. Granite City librarian accepted the books with some small confusion. Even in view of this they displayed the books and posters for the public meeting. Proclamation, here and in other cities, opens the door of opportunity to spreading the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh.
A Single Proclamation Reaches Several Minorities[edit]
Over eighty people attended a “Night of Unity and Fellowship,” theme of the Proclamation program for Spanish speaking people sponsored by the Bahá’í Assembly of Toppenish, Washington on October 18. Although located on the Yakima Indian Reservation, between one-quarter and one-third of Toppenish’s population are Spanish speaking. Since both Indians and Spanish-speaking people are goals of the Nine Year Plan the program had double significance.
Having no Spanish-speaking members in the Bahá’í community, the Toppenish Assembly appealed for speakers and support by personal calls and State Goals Committee bulletins. Entirely in Spanish, the program which resulted consisted of: songs by Phil Lucas, well known entertainer and a student at a nearby college; short talks by Miss Nancy Aquino, visiting Bahá’í from Puebla, Mexico, and Mrs. Pauline Johnson, former pioneer to South America; slides and narration of recent pioneering experiences in several Mexican states by Vern Zuehlsdorf. The meeting was held in a partly completed basement auditorium of the new Spanish community center.
Thirty guests attended the meeting: twenty-two Spanish, four Indian, two Negro, and two Caucasian. Spanish speaking Bahá’ís greeted the guests at the door and whenever possible sat beside them during the
Nancy Aquino addresses the audience in Spanish.
program.
In addition to an advertisement in the local weekly paper free publicity was obtained in a separate article. Flyers in both Spanish and English were distributed door to door and placed in places frequented by Spanish speaking people. Many colorful posters were also used. There has been follow-up in the form of a fellowship get-together in the local park on the following day and a photograph of Phil Lucas performing was published the following week in the local paper.
A School for All Ages[edit]
The Stamford, Connecticut Bahá’í Community is sponsoring a weekly Bahá’í Sunday School. The sessions include song, prayer, meditation and classwork. Classes range from pre-kindergarten level to an adult class.
The first school session, pictured here, took place last Fall and was attended by seventy-four people from various towns. The Stamford Bahá’í Community is very proud of its school because it offers a wonderful means by which the friends can deepen in the Cause and friends can become acquainted with the Faith in a most comfortable fashion.
The Sunday School is held in Westover School, one of Stamford’s elementary schools, from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon. Future programs will include guest speakers, plays, musical performances, movies and celebrations. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who happens to be in the vicinity on any Sunday during the year.
Presentation[edit]
The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh is presented to Mayor Lewis
J. Krause of Collinsville, Illinois. Left to right: Mrs. Genelle
May, Mrs. Marguerite Birger, Mayor Krause, Edward Wilson,
Mrs. Elsie Wilson.
Bahá’í Week in Charlotte, North Carolina[edit]
On September 22, 1969, six of the Spiritual Assembly members of Charlotte, North Carolina met with Mayor John Belk for a relaxed fifteen minutes during which they chatted and explained the activities planned for the forthcoming Bahá’í Week in Charlotte (October 20-26), received the Mayor’s Proclamation for the Week and presented him with a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh.
Three dearly loved Bahá’í teachers: Dr. Daniel Jordan and Mr. Jack McCants, of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mr. William Allison, member of the Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta, Georgia, came to help proclaim the news to the general public. There was four public meetings, two in churches, one in a Jewish temple and one at the University of North Carolina. Two community firesides were also held. Topics for the meetings were timely (“Tomorrow’s Religion Today”, “Destiny of the Uncommitted”, “Love and Harmony Between the Races”, “The Bahá’í Peace Program”, “Why Bahá’í?”, and “Dawn of a New Age”) and almost one hundred guests attended the week’s activities.
Publicity was obtained through the newspapers, radio and TV, with posters and booths. The Charlotte News carried two articles, one being an interview, with picture, of Dr. Jordan. Interviews with Dr. Jordan and Mr. Allison were featured also on television and radio. Those conducting the interviews were cordial and anxious to cooperate and eager for similar interviews in the future.
Booths at two colleges served to demonstrate that Bahá’ís put their beliefs into action: the booth at an all-white exclusive girls’ school being manned by two students from the predominately Black University nearby.
As a direct result of the meetings one lady declared and is now a very active member of the Faith. The community is effectively teaching and holding follow-up meetings. One week after the proclamation David
Mayor John Belk (center) of Charlotte, North Carolina meets Bahá’ís and accepts a copy of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh.
With him are, left to right: Fred Anvary, Bob Rea, chairman of the Assembly; Susie Huffer, (Mayor Belk) Ron Edmonstone, Rufus Morgan, Audrey Rea.
Hauck was invited to speak on the Faith to a class of
about fifty in comparative religion at the Black University. The discussion and questions lasted half an hour
beyond the allotted time. All who attended took a sheet
which David had prepared with questions such as “do
you feel that the issues of racism, war, poverty, and
corruption are among the major problems facing our
society today?’ and inviting those answering to investigate the Bahá’í Faith and attend meetings.
Bahá’ís of Charlotte are witnessing the results of their proclamation in many other evidences of interest in the Faith on the part of a number of people.
Presentations[edit]
Mayor J. Ernest Stroud of Amarillo, Texas, left, greets Larry Klem, chairman of the Bahá’í Assembly of Amarillo when accepting The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh from the Bahá’ís in Amarillo.
Wesley Baker, left, and Duane Coffler present The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to Mayor Robert C. Anderson of Everett, Washington as part of a week of proclamation activities in Western Washington in celebration of the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh.
Pilot Laubach Literacy Workshop Held[edit]
Atlanta, Georgia was the site of a pilot Laubach Literacy Workshop held to help Bahá’ís develop useful skills necessary to reach illiterates and thus help fulfill the goals of the Nine Year Plan.
Bahá’í Week in Fayetteville, Arkansas[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Fayetteville, Arkansas, having achieved their goals of a local Spiritual Assembly and a Bahá’í Club on the University of Arkansas campus, decided it was time to bring the Bahá’í Faith to the attention of the people of Fayetteville. So the week of October 20 through 26 was designated Bahá’í Week.
Mrs. Eulalia Bobo, guest speaker for the week, was a source of joy to all the friends. The Bahá’í Club and the Bahá’í youth, with the help of the Assembly, arranged a series of meetings on campus, which included a UN Day Tea with Mrs. Bobo conducting a round-table discussion on the Faith during the hours of the Tea. A public fireside was held that same evening in the Student Union. Mrs. Bobo spoke before a group of fifty students in Yocum Hall, a highlight of the week, with many questions and much discussion.
Activities of the week included; the presentation of The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh to the Mayor of Fayetteville, Mr. Garland Melton, by Mrs. Bobo (see picture) and members of the Assembly, chairman Jim McGuire and secretary Helen A. Nott; a twenty-five minute television interview featuring Mrs. Bobo and Jim McGuire as guests of a local station on their Hi-Noon program; a picture and news article; radio spot announcements and ads in the campus newspaper; two evening firesides in the homes of members with guests present; and a dinner at a local restaurant.
The workshop, led by Mr. Henry Ginn (top row, far right) covered concept teaching, and how to write and use simple language in order to give simple yet meaningful “fireside” messages.
More than forty-seven persons from sixteen states, Panama, Írán and Puerto Rico were present!
The week was concluded with a two-day conference
set up by the Bahá’í youth of Arkansas with Mrs.
Richard Betts (then Miss Bambi Worth), member of the
National Youth and Student Activities Office, as their
guest speaker. Other conference speakers were: Miss
Elizabeth Rodriquez and Miss Marty Dean of Little
Rock, Arkansas, and Kal Basin of Fayetteville.
The week ended with one declaration and several young people attending youth meetings.
Presentations[edit]
Mayor Gerald Firestone of Santa Barbara, California, center, receives The Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh from the Bahá’ís of the city during a week designated by the Mayor as “Community Organization Week.” Shown with him are, left to right, Terry Bolibaugh, Mrs. Helen Drymon, Mrs. Jo Williams and Herbert Thompson.
Members of the Bahá’í community of Columbus, Ohio presented Human Rights are God-Given Rights to Mayor M. E. Sensenbrenner, center. Shown with the Mayor are: John Gloeckner, Mrs. Olivia Kelsey and Mrs. Emily Chabous, members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Columbus.
Spiritual Assemblies — New and Incorporated[edit]
Members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Cypress,
California formed April 21, 1969. Left to right, rear: Robert
Brunst, Miguel Sanchez, Rozalina Hernandez, Ruth Brannon,
Charles Cornell, Barry Brannan; front: Jaleh Brunst, Sheila
Calhoon, Jacqueline Cornell.
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Amarillo, Texas incorporated October 13, 1969. Left to right, front: Pat Klem, Carol
Rogers, Freda Belson; middle: Marie Fogarty, Joyce Parker,
Naoma Parker; rear: Larry Klem, Anne Bell, Kenneth Parker.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Prince George, upon
incorporation under the “Societies Act” Canada: British Columbia No. 8462, July 28, 1969. Left to right, front: Emery Wilson, Dag Westgaard, Riel Aubichon, Mrs. Georgenna Hughes.
Rear: Mrs. Elsea Giles, Glen Hughes, Mrs. Edith McNeill,
Juergen Fuhrmann, Mrs. Elizabeth Gunnlaugson.
Bahá’í Publishing Trust[edit]
Universal House of Justice Messages Published[edit]
Wellspring of Guidance (Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1968.)
Contains the major messages of the Universal House of Justice from its establishment in April 1963 through October 1968, concerning development of the institutions and intercontinental conferences; with a preface by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. 5½ x 8½, 192 pp. Cover, spring green.
- Per copy .................. $3.75 clothbound
New Edition of Epistle to the Son of the Wolf[edit]
A new edition of this important work, the last major Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh, has been published. A jacket printed in deep red on heavy gold stock has been added, making this an attractive companion volume to The Kitáb-i-Íqán, now making four volumes of the basic works of Bahá’u’lláh that have these distinguishing and durable jackets. An editorial note has been added to the introduction to update the commentary in it.
A portion of Marzieh Gail’s book review, published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS in August, 1961, is contained on the jacket flap. In that review, Mrs. Gail wrote: “People who must choose often ask whether they should add this or that book to their private library. My reasons for owning this one are: Its beauty of text, translation (by Shoghi Effendi), and format; its brevity; its richness from the academic point of view — the materials it offers for study; its comprehensiveness — for, although it is an independent creative work, having its own unity of form, its own personal spirit — it is almost an anthology, and one selected by Bahá’u’lláh Himself. And then, there is the totality of its impact on the reader, and the eternal gift it holds out to him, of the mercy of God.”
Although there has been no increase in the price of this book for twenty years or more, the Publishing Trust now finds it necessary to raise the price to $3.50, which is still a nominal cost when compared to any similar book being sold today.
Order through your community librarian
- Per copy .................. $3.50
| Order from: | Bahá’í Publishing Trust |
| 415 Linden Avenue | |
| Wilmette, Ill., 60091 | |
| (Note change of address) | |
Managing Editorship Changes[edit]
Effective January 1, 1970 and with the preparation of the February issues of BAHÁ’Í NEWS and NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW Mr. Aaron Bowen is becoming Managing Editor. Bahá’í Distribution and Service, of which Mr. Bowen has been manager, has been absorbed by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and he will therefore be able to devote his full efforts to the increasingly important task of Managing Editor of the BAHÁ’Í NEWS and NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í REVIEW.
Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, who has been serving in this capacity for the past five years, will be able to concentrate on assisting the International Goals Committee in filling African Goals, a task that has been her major interest since the early days of the Ten-Year Crusade.
The Bahá’í News Editorial Committee as presently constituted is shown below.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
The Galveston (Texas) Daily News of November 23, 1969 devoted the greater part of a page to telling the story of a Bahá’í artist, Gilbert Rucker. A large picture showed one of his paintings on the theme of the Oneness of Mankind; in fact the entire article emphasized the Faith and told of the teaching work that Mr. and Mrs. Rucker are doing.
Correction[edit]
December BAHÁ’Í NEWS, page 13 carries pictures of newly formed Spiritual Assemblies in Dublin, Eire and in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The captions under the pictures were reversed.
BAHÁ’Í NEWS is published for circulation among Bahá’ís only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís 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: Mr. Aaron Bowen, Managing Editor; Mrs. Eunice Braun, International Editor; Miss Charlotte Linfoot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative; Mr. Rexford C. Parmelee, Mrs. Sylvia 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.
