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| No. 472 | BAHA’I YEAR 127 | JULY, 1970 |
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Martyrdom of the Báb July 9, 1850 I am, I am, I am the Promised One! I am the One Whose name you have for a thousand years invoked ... |
Consultative Status achieved
United Nations Economic and Social Council[edit]
We share with you the text of a cable released May 29 for publication in Bahá’í News:
“Joyfully announce Bahá’í World attainment consultative status United Nations Economic and Social Council thereby fulfilling long cherished hope beloved Guardian and World Center goal Nine Year Plan. Sustained persistent efforts more than twenty years accredited representatives Bahá’í International Community United Nations devoted support Bahá’í communities throughout world finally rewarded. Significant achievement adds prestige influence recognition ever advancing Faith Bahá’u’lláh. Offering prayers gratitude Holy Shrines. — Universal House of Justice.”
In Memoriam[edit]
The following message has been received from the Universal House of Justice:
GRIEVED LEARN PASSING KNIGHT BAHÁ'U'LLÁH BEN WEEDEN APRIL FOURTEEN FOLLOWING LONG ILLNESS. HIS DEVOTED LABORS TOGETHER WIFE GLADYS WORLD CENTER SERVICE BELOVED GUARDIAN AND PIONEER ACTIVITIES CRUSADE WELL REMEMBERED. SUPPLICATING HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM.
| April 28, 1970 | —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE |
Mr. Weeden became a Bahá’í during the days before
cards were signed, but apparently made his declaration
in Brattleboro, Vermont in 1943. In 1948, he went to
Haifa to serve the beloved Guardian at the Guardian’s
request.
Mr. and Mrs. Weeden were married on March 20, 1948, in the city of Jerusalem by the Spiritual Assembly of Amman, Transjordania. They continued to serve the Guardian in Haifa until 1952, when they returned to the United States.
In 1953, Mr. and Mrs. Weeden pioneered in the British West Indies briefly, returning to Henniker, New Hampshire, where they made their home until the passing of Mr. Weeden on April 14, 1970.
GRIEVED LEARN PASSING KNIGHT BAHÁ'U'LLÁH HOWARD SNIDER DEVOTED STEADFAST DEDICATED BELIEVER DISTINGUISHED SERVICES PIONEER FIELD. CONVEY FAMILY ASSURANCE PRAYERS PROGRESS HIS SOUL ABHÁ KINGDOM.
| June 3, 1970 | —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE |
Mr. Howard Snider passed away in Smyrna, Georgia,
June 1, 1970, following a period of great suffering. One
of the first to answer the Guardian’s call for pioneers
in the Ten Year Crusade, he settled in Key West,
Florida, and subsequently pioneered in Switzerland,
Barbados, Bermuda, and Mexico. The words of the
Universal House of Justice testify to his devotion to
his beloved Faith.
Cablegrams[edit]
GRIEVED LEARN PASSING LEW TOOMES LONG TERM PIONEER COLOMBIA PLEASE CONVEY FAMILY CONDOLENCES ASSURANCE PRAYERS PROGRESS SOUL.
| May 5, 1970 | —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE |
GRIEVED LEARN FATAL ACCIDENT INVOLVING DEVOTED YOUTH KAMYAR ARJOMAND SHAHRAM DEHNAD ENDING THEIR DEDICATED SERVICES DEEP SOUTH TEACHING. SUPPLICATING HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS THEIR SOULS ABHÁ KINGDOM ASSURANCE PRAYERS BEHALF THREE INJURED YOUTH.
| May 3, 1970 | —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE |
Bahá’ís gathered for the opening session of the 1970 National Convention in Wilmette, Illinois, were very distressed by the announcement of the tragic sacrifice of two Persian Bahá’í youth in a fatal automobile accident while they were en route from Louisiana to attend the Convention.
Kamyar Arjomand, son of Mr. and Mrs. Amir Arjomand, and Shahram Dehnad, son of Mr. and Mrs. Núr’u’lláh Dehnad, were killed in the accident. Hafiz Hafizzadeh, Hooshang Yazdani, and a non-Bahá’í Persian were seriously injured.
A brief memorial service was held for Kamyar and Shahram on Friday evening, May 1, in the Bahá’í House of Worship following the close of the evening’s session of the National Convention. The Universal House of Justice in cabling condolences to the National Spiritual Assembly of Írán stated that these young men “AS GOOD EXAMPLES BAHÁ’Í YOUTH CRADLE FAITH THEY FELL FIELD SERVICE.”
The friends will be interested to know that Kamyar Arjomand had special love for the South where he lived during his first four years in America and only a short time before the fatal accident had returned to aid in mass teaching work in Bogalusa, Louisiana.
In Memoriam[edit]
Many Bahá’ís who have been interested in efforts to achieve recognition of our Faith by worthwhile international organizations will be saddened as they read the brief contents of a note from Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh. It reads, in part:
“It is my sad duty to report to you that Hilda Yank Sing Yen Male died suddenly on March 18, 1970. This noble lady played an important role in the development of the Bahá’í Faith in the international field, and it was through her efforts that the Bahá’ís began their work with the United Nations.”
Panama House of Worship[edit]
Progress Report, April 1970[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of Panama reports that the last star point of the wing walls for their House of Worship was completed on April 25. Four star point wing walls will be completed to balcony level on May 8.
Building and erection of the forms for the balcony floor has been initiated, and by pouring the concrete floors for the wings and entrances now the erection of the forms will be expedited.
The photograph at the right shows Mrs. Violette Nakhjavání (left) and Paul Thiele with Hand of the Cause of God Rúḥíyyih Khánum during their recent visit to the Temple site.
The photos below, from left to right: (1-2-3) These indicate some of the details of work accomplished on the star points, and (4) shows a completed wing wall and star point “J.” (5) Shows a view of the construction from the northeast corner of the Temple property, while (6) views the construction work from the parking area. A careful study of the pictures will give the viewer some idea of the size of the wing walls and their relationship to the star points.
Mrs. Violette Nakhjavání, Paul Thiele, and Rúḥíyyih Khánum at Panama Temple site.
14th Annual Alaska Bahá’í Summer School[edit]
Place: Juneau, Alaska
Dates: July 18-22
Faculty: (Will include) Lloyd Gardner, member, Continental Board of Counsellors, Howard Brown, member,
Auxiliary Board, Ted Anderson, member, Auxiliary
Board.
Fee: $12.00 per person includes housing in Bahá’í homes
and three meals per day for five days. Sorry, but there
are no facilities for children.
For information and reservations, write: Alaska Bahá’í Summer School, Mrs. Georgine Moul, Registrar, Mile 2½ N. Douglas Highway, Juneau, Alaska 99801.
Fourth Annual Convention British Honduras[edit]
Signs of a growing maturity were very evident at the Fourth Annual Convention in Belize, April 30-May 3. With an allotted thirty-eight delegates this year, the National Spiritual Assembly made every effort to assure that as many as possible attended. Sketchy transportation, seasonal work, and day-to-day existence have presented constant problems here, but it was with great joy that we welcomed sixteen delegates from five of our six districts to the finest Convention yet held in this country, with visiting friends bringing attendance to twenty-seven from thirteen communities.
By the time convention officers had been elected on Friday morning, Alfred E. Osborne, Board of Counsellors member for our area, arrived and at once won the hearts of all. Throughout the following days he contributed largely to the success of the Convention with his wise and practical advice, great understanding, inspiring vision, and deep knowledge of the Teachings.
Annual reports indicated our growth: Twenty-six local assemblies (three new this year), ninety-six localities, thirty-seven groups, thirty-three isolated believers. We have exceeded our teaching goals under the Nine Year Plan. Of our other goals, our Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds had been purchased and paid for, but must now be renovated for occupancy; we have our Endowment, recognition of our Holy Days by the schools, and the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly. Incorporation of four local assemblies, acquisition of our Temple site, establishment of one or more permanent institutes, and the right to perform marriages are goals in process of achievement.
A highlight of the Convention was the election of the National Spiritual Assembly in an atmosphere of amazing spiritual dedication. The new Assembly, with officers subsequently elected, is as follows: Mrs. Gladys Stuart, chairman; Mrs. Bernice Yorke, vice-chairman; Mrs. Cora Oliver, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Shirley Warde, recording secretary; Robert Franklin, treasurer; and Mrs. Grace Grant, Nathaniel Neal, Mrs. Emma Lawrence, and Selvyn Codd.
The Riḍván Feast and a social evening on Saturday night cemented the warm fellowship that had developed. A public lecture on Sunday night by Mr. Osborne, to a well-filled auditorium, on the subject, “Re-Education of the Human Race,” was a fitting finish to our truly inspiring Convention.
Italy Announces Eighth Summer School[edit]
Location: Igea Marina—Rimini
Date: September 12-21
Hotels: Victoria and Diplomat. Both situated on the beautiful beach of the Adriatic. Every room has a shower or bathroom, telephone, and terrace. Prices for full pension, including cabin on the beach: Per person per day—
Small single room | L. 3.500 |
Large single room | L. 4.500 |
Room with two beds | L. 3.000 |
Room with three beds | L. 2.600 |
Students | L. 1.900 |
Families with four persons or more, with children over twelve years old, L. 2.250 per person per day. For less than three days occupancy, price will increase by ten per cent. For reservations, write: Mr. Mario Donato; Piazza Palermo, 5; 16129 Genova, Italy.
Germany[edit]
After an interruption of several years, World Religion Day was once again organized, this year on January 15 in Munich. We selected the University as the place of celebration in order to attract the youth. Nearly one hundred and seventy accepted the poster and letter invitations. Speakers for the occasion were: Dr. H. Lamm, department head of the Munich adult college (Judaism); Msgr. Alfred Berchtold, Rector, head of the Social Institute in Freising (Christianity); and F. Berdjis (Bahá’í).
The meeting was subsequently reported in the Munich Catholic Church newspaper, which also reported the topic: “How does religion face the problems of our time?”
A participant in the World Religion Day meeting asked Professor Bürkle, chairman of the missionary-theology seminar of the evangelical theological faculty of the University to introduce the Bahá’í religion to a seminar. He agreed, made a request that literature be placed at the disposal of the seminar, and that Bahá’ís be present. The seminar was held on February 4. After his thirty-minute lecture, Professor Bürkle gave the three members of the Bahá’í Student Group an opportunity to take a position to his criticisms and to answer questions raised by the students. Professor Bürkle is willing to arrange a similar program next semester if the students evince sufficient interest in the Bahá’í religion.
Correction[edit]
April 1970, page 12 photo caption, should read: Julian Randell and Margaret Leonard presenting....
RIḌVÁN 1970[edit]
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ghana. Left to right: (seated) Samuel Lynch, secretary; Hand of the Cause of God Jalál Kházeh; Maxwell Budu, vice-chairman; (standing) Andrew Sagoe, assistant treasurer; David Tanyi; Eddie Whiteside, treasurer; Robert Naabi; Golgasht Mossafai, chairman; Michael Williams; Ernest Bentil.
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Dahomey, Togo, and Niger. Left to right: Simon Toli, Niger; Ebenezer Dohou, Dahomey; Norma Winston, Togo, external secretary; Francois Pierre Charles, Dahomey, treasurer; Mme. P. Djoneidi, Niger, chairman; Hand of the Cause of God Jalál Kházeh; Mme. F. P. Charles, vice-chairman; Dr. Sadeghzadeh, Auxiliary Board member; Emmanuel Tomondji, Dahomey, internal secretary; Denis Degue, Dahomey; Emmanuel Winston, Togo.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Vietnam.
Left to right: Quang Dinh Minh; Nguyen Hoang Loc, assistant
secretary; Le Duy Thinh; Le Can, vice-chairman; Mme. Tran
Thi Giang Chau; Nguyen Van No; Truong Liem Dong,
treasurer; Le Cho, secretary; Le Loc, chairman.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska, with
Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member of the Continental Board of
Counsellors seated between Howard Brown and Ted Anderson,
Auxiliary Board members. The Assembly members, left to
right: (standing) Robin Fowler, vice-chairman; John Kolstoe,
chairman; Donald A. Anderson treasurer; Arthur Jess, Jr.;
Eugene King; Blaine Reed; (seated) Mrs. Janet Smith,
secretary; Mr. Brown; Mrs. Mayberry; Mr. Anderson, Mrs.
Mary Brown, and Mrs. Georgia Haisler, recording secretary.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pakistan, with Hand of the Cause of God Shu‘á‘u’lláh ‘Alá’í seated in center.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Paraguay.
Left to right: (seated) Rosa de Laterza; Juan Jara; Ana de
Alvarez, vice-chairman; Josephine Johansen, assistant corresponding secretary; (standing) Victor Alexander, librarian;
Janet Alexander, chairman; Victoria Rojas de Frey, recording
secretary; Ouida Coley, corresponding secretary; Cyrus Toutounchi, treasurer.
[Page 6]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Dominican Republic. Left to right: Reginio Pepin, recording secretary; Danilo Rodriquez; Benito Perez; Wilfred Rowland,
chairman; Sheila Rice-Wray, treasurer; Rowell Hoff, vice-chairman; Rafael Benzán, secretary; Felix Ramón Gomez;
Juan B. Reyes.
First National Convention of the Bahá’ís of Ghana in Accra, Ghana, April 25-26.
Bahá’ís of the Cameron Republic at their National Convention at Riḍván 1970.
Bahá’ís at the National Convention of the Dominican Republic.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Cameroon Republic. Left to right: Moses Akombi; Simeon Arreneke, chairman; Mrs. Laquetta Karch, secretary; Carl
Jones Enowachuo; Solomon Tanyi, Auxiliary Board member;
Mrs. Zora Banks, vice-chairman; Peter Arrey; Sampson
Forchak; Abraham Enoh; Dickson Akoh, treasurer.
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Silver City, New Mexico.
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iowa City, Iowa.
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Challis, Idaho.
[Page 7]
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Wichita, Kansas,
achieved incorporation April 13, 1970. Left to right: (back
row) John Warren, treasurer; Louis Anderson; Ron Preuss,
chairman; Gordon Warren; George Wilson, vice-chairman;
(front row) Donna Warren, secretary; Wanda Warren; Ronna
Santoscoy; Marjorie Preuss.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Corvallis, Oregon,
achieved incorporation October 27, 1969. Left to right: (back
row) David Bogdanoff, Foad Seddigh, Soheil Sohrab, David
Backes, Bob Sarracino; (seated) Gloria Bogdanoff, Sue
Backes, Hildred Rice, Barbara Hadley.
First local Spiritual Assembly of Chico, California. Left to
right: (back row) Charles Jenkins, chairman; C. L. Hopkins;
Fedros Yanrom; Nancy Flores; (front row) Ruthi Hopkins;
Jan Parsi; Bernice Jenkins; Eleanor Allen, secretary; Jeannie
Hendon, treasurer.
First local Spiritual Assembly of San Marcos, California. Left
to right: (seated) Mrs. Erma Sullins, Foster M. Buckner, Mrs.
Karen L. Floyd; (standing) Donald E. Sullins, Carl H. Gamez,
Mrs. Loretta J. Gove, Mrs. Vina McPherson, and James
Gove III.
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jackson
County, Oregon. Left to right: (back row) Mary LaBrant,
secretary; George LaBrant, chairman; Adele Tapper; Vanice
Carrick, vice-chairman; Ron Needham; (front row) Claudia
Bailey, treasurer; Bill Johnston; Judy Lurie; Al Cannon.
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rockford,
Illinois. Left to right: (seated) Mrs. Mona Kollberg, Mrs.
Phoebe Legge, Miss Linda Perth; (standing) Thomas Mandeville, Mrs. Donna Mandeville, Mrs. Kathleen Karlberg, Mrs.
Marlene Aneja, Bhola Aneja, and Stig Karlberg.
[Page 8]
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Sommerville,
Massachusetts. Left to right: (standing) John Wilson, Judi
Ellis, Larry Orloff, Greg Dahl, and Jeff Kurtze; (seated) Judy
Orloff, chairman, Dawn Kinney, Michele Pericone, secretary,
and Grant Rhode, treasurer.
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Richmond, the capital city of Virginia.
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of King County Councilman District No. 3, Washington.
France[edit]
Summer School[edit]
Location: Sevrier Annecy, near the lake, a beautiful
spot, and very near to Geneva, Switzerland.
Dates: August 23-28
The French summer school will include several important subjects in its program. Among the outstanding speakers will be Board of Counsellors member Louis Henuzet and Mrs. Schaubasher of the National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland. Both of these gentlemen speak fluent English. There are good accomodations at the School, and prices are reasonable. Hotels at reasonable prices are also available nearby.
Bahá’ís wishing additional information may write to:
- Comité de l’ècole d’été
- 11, Rue de la pompe
- Paris 16 eme
- France
Nice[edit]
An attractive, dignified Bahá’í stand drew many visitors when it again occupied a conspicuous place in the Tourists Floor of the Annual International Fair in Nice on March 5-16. Large quantities of pamphlets were distributed; and slides were shown of the Shrines in the Holy Land, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs, and the 1963 Congress in London. A public conference followed the Fair.
Among those participating at the stand were: Mme. Samimy, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of France, with her husband, from Paris; Mme. Blagovestchensky of Monaco; Mr. Frey Daniel, a product of the Fair; Mr. Kamal Zein; and Mlle. Claire Honningman.
California[edit]
Many judges, lawyers, and civic leaders were at a public presentation on April 17 in Beverly Hills of a bronze plaque bearing part of Bahá’u’lláh’s oft-quoted statement, “The best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice...” The plaque will be placed on the new Beverly Hills Courthouse. It was presented by Mrs. Dorothy W. Nelson, dean of the University of Southern California’s School of Law, and also a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, together with her husband, Judge James F. Nelson, of the Municipal Court of Los Angeles.
A follow-up meeting that evening, sponsored by the Beverly Hills Bahá’í Community, drew an audience of about two hundred. Judge and Mrs. Nelson spoke on the topic, “The New World Is Coming — The New Age Is Here.”
[Page 9]
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Halifax, Nova Scotia, achieved incorporation status November 24, 1969. Left to right: Mrs. Shirley MacDonald, Mrs. Ruth McClung, John Edmonds, Mrs. Joyce Edmonds, Mrs. Fran Maclean, A. Russell McClung, Mrs. Sarah Lynk, Mrs. Kaye Walford, and Mrs. Audrey Rayne.
Canada[edit]
In announcing the formation of the Spiritual Assembly for Hull, Quebec, Mr. M. E. Muttart, General Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, stated, “We feel that it is of particular interest because the majority of the members are French speaking. Following ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s exhortation to teach the French-speaking people of Canada our great hope has been to arrive at a more equitable representation from the two main language groups of this country.”
First local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Hull, Quebec,
Canada. This achieves an important goal, for most of the
members are French-speaking. Canada’s “great hope has
been to arrive at a more equitable representation from the
two main language groups” in their country. Left to right:
(seated) Marjorie Merrick, Paul Hanbury, Winifred Harvey;
(standing) Lucille Lebeuf, Daniel Caillaud, Danielle Coinon,
Paule Médori, Michel Larin, Janet Braithwaite.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, was incorporated
on October 28, 1969. Back row: Frederick Thorkildsen, recording secretary; Mrs. Jacqueline Law; Ernest Barkes, vice-chairman; Mrs. Joan Ziegler; Barry Lavery, chairman.
Front row: Mrs. Valery Lavery; Mrs. Isabelle Nikulka; Mrs. Joyce Barkes, treasurer; Mrs.
Beatrice Mines, corresponding secretary.
Pakistan[edit]
A list of recent visitors to Pakistan includes Hands of the Cause of God Dr. Adelbert Mühlschlegel and Dr. Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir; Mr. Hádí Rahmání, member of the Continental Board of Counselors for Western Asia, and his family; and Mr. Ali Aziri and Allama A. Sullaimani, eminent teachers from Iran are now traveling the country.
Decisions to organize teaching and consolidating tours for the interior came out of the Bahá’í Youth Conference in Karachi. Some seventy youth were present at the Conference. A variety program, with Bahá’í songs and a quiz session, was a special feature of this meeting.
The Bahá’í Publishing Trust for Pakistan has been incorporated. An Urdu translation of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era will be released April 29. Pakistan has also purchased a 7.75-acre site for a future Bahá’í House of Worship.
Senior Advocate of the High Court A. C. Joshi visited the far-flung village of Perumal, delivered the Message to the Hindu Community there, and twelve persons enrolled immediately. A Spiritual Assembly was to be formed there at Riḍván.
Hand of the Cause Dr. Mühlschlegel and Mrs. Mühlschlegel attended the ten-day Bahá’í Winter School at Hyderabad, and members of the Board Messrs. Bakhtiari and Ilmi participated also.
Delegates from both “wings” of Pakistan at their historic 14th
Annual Convention, with Hand of the Cause of God Shu‘á‘u’lláh
‘Alá’í and members of the National Spiritual Assembly in
evidence.
With folded hands, Hindus of Village Perumal chant, “Hail Bahá.” Mr. Joshi, with black cap, in center.
Another group of the Hindu Bahá’ís of Perumal. On the left, foreground, is the wife of the Headman of the village.
Pakistan. Two views of a variety program organized by the
National Ladies Committee during Riḍván. The picture on the
wall bears the word, Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. If the clock on the
right of the two photos is meaningful, the entertainment
program must have met with approval, for an hour and a half
seems to have slipped by.
Sixth National Convention Vietnam[edit]
Saigon’s newspaper, The Vietnam Guardian, for April 28, carried the following item:
The sixth annual convention of the Bahá’í World Faith in Vietnam was inaugurated yesterday at the National Center of the Faith at 193/IC Cong-Ly street, with Mr. Le Loc the Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Vietnam welcoming the 171 Bahá’í delegates representing the hundreds of Bahá’í communities in every province of our Nation. Also present were representatives from the Faith’s world center and from some of the adjoining countries of South East Asia. The convention, which is open only to Bahá’ís, heard messages from the World Center of the Faith in Israel and began its consultative session among the full complement of 171 delegates who will, in the next seven days, be the ones who will cast their votes to elect the new National Spiritual Assembly for the Bahá’í year 127 ....
A Bahá’í spokesman reported that since last year the number of adult Bahá’ís has increased to 94,982 as compared to last year’s total of 52,300 Bahá’ís....
Delegates and friends at the Vietnam National Bahá’í Convention, April 26-May 2.
Alaska[edit]
Fourteenth National Convention of
Alaska, April 24-26. In second row, center, Mrs. Florence Mayberry, member
of the Continental Board of Counsellors,
with Auxiliary Board members and
their wives: Howard and Lea Brown
at her right hand; Ted and Joan Anderson at her left hand.
Tenth Annual Convention Asuncion, Paraguay[edit]
“I’m sorry son, you’ll just have to get married next month—this month I’m travel teaching and have to help form a new assembly,” were the words of Aida de Armoa who, by the way, did successfully form the new local Spiritual Assembly of 25 Legua.
Mrs. Victoria Rojas de Frey, who helped form the new local Spiritual Assembly of Mariscal Estigarribia, was happily surprised her first day in the Chaco when a stranger came up, presented his documents to show he was an honest and honorable person, and requested permission to become a Bahá’í.
Mrs. Natalia de Caballero, who left her three children and husband to try and form a new assembly where there were eight Bahá’ís, was greeted by the local Indian believers of Colony 3 with a list in hand of thirty-six new Bahá’ís.
From these sacrifices, and many others, have truly sprung spiritual fruits resulting in the most historic Annual Convention of Paraguay. With great joy we cabled the Universal House of Justice:
RADIANT HISTORIC CONVENTION, FERVENT DEDICATION (TO) SURPASS 9 YEAR PLAN GOALS. LSA GOAL ACHIEVED. INDIGENOUS DELEGATES — TWO TRIBES REPRESENTED. ONE INDIGENOUS MEMBER NSA. GRATEFUL INSPIRATION MESSAGE UHJ. ASK CONTINUED PRAYERS CONSOLIDATION FULFILLED GOALS PARAGUAY.
Attendance reached sixty, representing the Yanaigua
and Chulupi Indian tribes, the Paraguayan community,
and Bahá’ís from Germany, Holland, Persia, and the
United States. Both Spanish and Guarani languages
were used.
The National Community joyfully welcomed the arrival of two new pioneer families from the United States: Clyde and Pauline Johnson, and Moses and Lucinda Edwards and their child Johana.
As a result of the strong spirit of rededication shown by numerous offers to do travel teaching, and from others to deputize others to teach on their behalf, the National Spiritual Assembly has raised its goal of nine local assemblies to fifteen for 1973.
We gratefully thank Bahá’u’lláh for the new spirit of devotion and courageous teaching which has come to Paraguay.
1970 National Bahá’í Convention in Paraguay.
Ninth Annual Convention Norway[edit]
The ninth annual Bahá’í Convention for Norway was held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds on May 1-2, and on May 3 a teaching conference and public fireside were held with around thirty in attendance. All of the nine delegates were present; and for the first time, there were delegates from Trondheim—an achievement of the Nine Year Plan!
Dorothy Ferraby, member of the Board of Counsellors, and Gerd Strand, Auxiliary Board member, gave helpful assistance with the discussion on the Message from the Universal House of Justice. Three pioneers were welcomed, one from Persia and two from America, as well as Linda Marshall, a traveling teacher from America who will visit the Bahá’í communities of Norway immediately following the Convention.
The National Spiritual Assembly elected for the coming year was as follows: Gunnar Lange-Nielsen, Dr. Hooshang Ra’fat, Elna Lodrup, Solveig Lervik, Amelia Bowman, Gustav Anderson, Harald Thiis, Ernst Holm, and Gudrun Ofstegaard.
Before the session on May 2, the friends gathered at the grave of Johanne Schubarth, “mother of the Faith in Norway,” and read prayers for the dead, for mankind, and for teaching. In a cable sent to the Universal House of Justice, prayers were requested at the Holy Shrines for the achievement of the goals of the Nine Year Plan.
The Oslo Community provided lovely open-faced sandwiches for luncheon the two days of the Convention, and “lapskaus” for the Unity Feast on May 3. The whole tone of these days together was one of joy and happiness, with a strengthening of the bonds of unity.
The program arranged by the National Teaching Committee for the “Teaching Day” began with a conference at which Gerd Strand gave the key talk, with a few remarks from Modesta Hvide, another Auxiliary Board member, followed by Pauline Ra’fat, who spoke on the “Urgency of Teaching.”
Guests joined us for the Unity Feast and the public fireside. Short talks were given by Dr. Hooshang Ra’fat, Jon Sandsmark, Amelia Bowman, and Linda Marshall. Two youth declared to the Oslo Community following the fireside.
Ninth Annual Bahá’í Convention. Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, Oslo, Norway.
[Page 13]
Delegates to the Norway Convention.
Linda Marshall, traveling teacher from America, with pioneer from Persia on her right, and Jon Sandsmark, speaking at the public fireside.
A presentation in San Blas. Left to right: Thomas Nelson de Leon, National Spiritual Assembly member; Melva Campbell, local Spiritual Assembly member; Cacique Olodebiliquiña; Alfred Osborne, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors; Leota Lockman, National Spiritual Assembly secretary; Alejandro Hedman, chairman of the local Spiritual Assembly of Ustupo, and unidentified friends.
San Blas Islands[edit]
(The following is chiefly taken from a report of the March 2 issue of Bahá’í News, published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama.)
Member of the Continental Board of Counsellors Alfred Osborne, Miss Melba Campbell, member of the Spiritual Assembly of Panama City, Miss Pat Mount, en route from Scotland to her post in New Zealand, and Mrs. Leota Lockman, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Panama, recently flew to the Islands of Ustupo, where they were greeted by Tomas Nelson de Leon, also a National Spiritual Assembly member, and Kay and Jim Harris, recently arrived pioneers from the United States who are making their home on this island; along with many of the friends, including numberless children, shouting “Neudi, Nuedi (Welcome, Welcome).”
Soon the local men returned from their farms and immediately went to work on the huge pile of leaves covering the floor of the Bahá’í Center. These had been cut and carried from the jungle to make the roof. The work moved with the speed of assembly-line production — 10, 15, 20 men taking turns skillfully putting each leaf in place, then swiftly tying them with a strong vine which had also been cut and brought from the jungle.
Later we were taken by the secretary of the local Spiritual Assembly, Señor Arturo Morris, to meet the Cacique of the entire Comarca of Islands, Señor Olodebiliquiña.
We had come to Ustupo with slides of the Intercontinental Conference, the Holy Shrines, Temples, and many taken by friends who had visited various islands throughout the years. The manager of the theater, which has a seating capacity of 300, agreed to let us use it for the showing. Soon word spread that the Bahá’ís were having a special show. Why was it only for Bahá’ís? A change had to be made; the slides would be shown outside on the wall of the theater high enough for everyone in the park to see. An estimated 2000 Kuna Indians saw the show. A sea of people in the darkness — excitement covered the island. Shouts of joy and delight filled the air like a roar as many saw themselves for the first time — and they saw the work on the Temple they had so long heard about. Some slides were shown a second time, and requests are now coming from other islands for a slide program.
Melba met with the children. They sat for hours listening to her tell stories of the Faith, and then singing songs which they especially love to do.
We left reluctantly, wishing we could stay longer, but grateful to Bahá’u’lláh for the blessings He had showered upon us during our short visit.
[Page 14]
Summer School, Refugee camp “La Sirama” in El Salvador.
El Salvador[edit]
The National Teaching and Proclamation Committee of El Salvador sponsored the first summer school held in the eastern part of the country, in the refugee camp “La Sirama,” just outside of the port city of La Union. The camp is one of many which houses the thousands of Salvadorians who fled Honduras during the recent war between the two countries. Of the sixty families in this camp, twenty-four of the refugees were Bahá’ís.
The summer school was a complete success, with Bahá’ís attending from four communities other than Sirama. Morning and afternoon classes were held for forty to fifty people who were able to learn the essential teachings of the Faith. Both children and adults memorized songs and Bahá’í prayers, which was found to be a most effective way to teach. In the evening, crowds of 250-300 adults, youth, and children enjoyed seeing slides of the Holy Land, Temples, and Bahá’ís from all parts of the world.
As a result of two days of intensive teaching, twenty-two people accepted the Faith. Eight of these belong to three new localities—other refugee camps in the area. The acting administrator of the camp was among the new believers. This Riḍván, La Sirama will establish its local assembly. A Bahá’í youth from San Salvador stayed on to live with the people at this camp and to teach them to read and write.
These beautiful people, simple people, who have long suffered, taught us much and made it a most successful Bahá’í weekend.
Group of refugees who attended the summer school in Camp La Sirama, El Salvador.
Oregon[edit]
Chemawa Indian School[edit]
Bahá’ís from the Yakima Reservation in Eastern Washington met with Salem, Oregon, Bahá’ís on Saturday, April 11, to enjoy a potluck supper and evening fireside. Emma Olney, of the Yakima Nation, told what the nine-pointed star meant to the Indians in the past; Annie Brown, Wasco, shared stories told to her by her mother; and a young student from the nearby Chemawa Indian School, Theresa Showaway, related a legend told her by her grandmother, who was of the Warm Springs Nation.
Through the efforts of a Salem Bahá’í, Al Robinson, a teacher at the School, the Bahá’í Faith was presented at the School’s Sunday morning worship service. Duncan Brown, Yakima member of the Bahá’í Indian Council, spoke to the young people of the oneness of mankind and of God’s Messenger for this day. At the fellowship coffee-hour after the service, individual Bahá’ís talked and mingled with the students, distributing “Bahá’í Faith, the Spirit Way” booklets. It was during the fellowship hour that youth Theresa Showaway signed her declaration card. Since that time, at the “Canawash Council Fire,” Marie John, a friend of Theresa, has made her declaration.
A number of the “Spirit Way” booklets have been presented to the Chemawa Library, and Salem Bahá’ís will assist Mr. Robinson and Miss Showaway in the proclamation/consolidation efforts at Chemawa.
Chemawa Indian School, April 12, left to right: Emma Olney, Theresa Showaway, Anne Brown.
Audio-Visual and Special Materials[edit]
New Cassette Tapes — $3.25 each[edit]
| 20-C-8007 | “Keys to Harmony” — Daniel Jordan relates the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the fundamentals of music. |
| 20-C-2004 | “Majesty and Greatness of the Local Spiritual Assembly” — Deepening session featuring Hand of the Cause William Sears. |
| 20-C-4005 | “1970 National Bahá’í Convention Highlights.” |
| 20-C-1113 | “Wake Up, America!” — Public talk by Hand of the Cause William Sears. |
| 20-C-8005 | “I Wouldn’t Miss the Chance” — Musical comedy about a Bahá’í community, by Mildred N. McClellan. |
| 20-C-5407 | “Role of Education in the New Dispensation” — Daniel Jordan’s talk at the National Bahá’í Conference on Education, Wilmette, in February. |
| 20-C-7001 | “The Wonder Lamp,” “Banishments,” “Sing His Praises” — Two musical dramas, one based on a story by Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizí, the second by Mildred N. McClellan. “Sing His Praises” are songs composed and sung by Creadell Haley. |
| 20-C-2013 | “Dare to Be Different,” “Bahá’í Morality” — Two presentations on Bahá’í standards; the first by Dwight Allen, the latter by Greg Dahl and Phil Christensen. |
| 20-C-2110 | “A Commentary on The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh — Talk given in Wilmette by Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizí. |
| 20-C-2007 | “Teaching; Living the Life” — Deepening session featuring Hand of the Cause William Sears. |
| 20-C-8006 | “Every Friday Night” — Musical comedy about a weekly Bahá’í fireside, by Mildred N. McClellan. |
| 20-C-5103 | “In His Presence” — Hand of the Cause Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí’s historic presentation at the Bahá’í World Congress (1963), describing his meeting with Bahá’u’lláh. |
1970 National Bahá’í Convention Highlights[edit]
20-C-4005 on Cassette tape | $3.25 |
20-R-4005 on Reel tape | 4.50 |
Fire and Snow: Reflections of A New World Order[edit]
This new long-playing stereo phonograph record consists of sixteen songs, each performed by its Bahá’í composer. Among the selections are:
- Phil Lucas’ “New Wind Blowing”
- Joany Lincoln’s title song “Angels of Fire and Snow”
- Claire Segue’s “There’ll Come A Time”
- Creadell Haley’s “There’s Only One God”
- Greg Dahl’s “Robin’s Song”
- Ray Flournoy’s “I’ve Got A Song To Sing,” and
- Chris Ruhe’s “Let Go.”
20-P-8008 Fire and Snow L.P. | $3.50 |
Photo Reprints of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
Black and white, 8 x 10 inches, inexpensive offset reprints for mass distribution, sold only in quantities of 20/$1.50, 100/$4.50, and 300/$10.00.
| 50-S-3504 | Offset, smiling, Washington, D.C., front view |
| 50-S-3102 | Offset, as a young man |
Colored Photograph of the Master — 3½ x 5[edit]
50-S-3001 A.B. colored photo, 3½ x 5 | 2/$1.00 |
Bahá’í New Spirit For The New Age[edit]
A new supply of this brief introductory slide program on the Bahá’í Faith has been produced and is ready for distribution. This 20-slide program includes views of the Bahá’í Houses of Worship and the Shrines in the Holy Land. Printed script included.
30-P-8102 Bahá’í: New Spirit | $5.50 |
National Youth Conference Photos, 1968[edit]
The remaining sets of ten 11 x 14 inch colored glossy prints, depicting the Bahá’í youth in their first historic national conference, have been reduced to $15.00. The photos include group scenes and close-ups, showing the “Oneness of Mankind” in reality. Excellent for Bahá’í exhibits and displays.
50-G-9601 1968 Youth Conf. Photos | $15.00 |
When ordering Audio-Visual and Special Materials: Use an Audio-Visual order blank. Include 10% for postage and handling charge on all personal orders. Community Librarian orders for $10.00 and over sent postpaid. Add 10% foreign postage and handling.
Literature[edit]
Bahá’ís at the United Nations[edit]
This leaflet, prepared by the Bahá’í Committee for the United Nations, answers the need for a statement regarding the relationship of the Bahá’í Community to the United Nations. While not necessarily a proclamation teaching tool, this brochure can be used effectively in literature displays, and should be particularly useful as a “give-away” at United Nations Day and Human Rights Day meetings.
It emphasizes that Bahá’ís support and endorse the role of the United Nations in the promotion of universal human rights, universal education, and world law; and it establishes the fact that the Bahá’í Faith is recognized by the United Nations. Bahá’ís should familiarize themselves with this material to be adequately informed of our status with the UN. 3⅝ by 8½.
20 copies | $1.00 |
100 copies | $4.50 |
Universal and Lasting Peace[edit]
A Commentary on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “Tablet to the Hague,” by Firuz Kazemzadeh.
In December 1919, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote to the Central Organization for a Durable Peace at The Hague. In this Tablet, the Master praised these members as “pioneers among the well-wishers of the world of humanity,” contrasted the evils of war with the blessing of peace, and then expounded on the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh which would first awaken man to his own humanity, enable him to transcend his human limitations through the teachings of God, and inspire him to embark on the great journey of constructing and maintaining a universal and lasting peace with its benefits to all mankind.
This illuminating article, first published in the winter issue of World Order Magazine, is now available in pamphlet form, 3⅝ x 8½. It is especially recommended for World Peace Day and all activities that relate to the need for world peace.
10 copies | $1.00 |
100 copies | $9.00 |
Success in Teaching — An Intimate Talk with Bahá’ís Who Long to Serve the Faith is now available in a new format. This article, by Rúḥíyyih Khánum, discusses personal and intercommunity attitudes and actions that affect teaching successes, and cites the force of example and understanding of the Covenant as keys to successful teaching. 3⅝ x 8½, 24 pp.
20 copies | $3.00 |
(Add 10% for foreign postage.)
Bahá’í Publishing Trust415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
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.
