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| No. 495 | BAHA’I YEAR 129 | JUNE, 1972 |
Mother Temple of Latin America
View from the Air
The Nature of the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors[edit]
Letter from the Universal House of Justice[edit]
To the Continental Boards of Counsellors
and National Spiritual Assemblies
Beloved Friends,
Recently we have received queries from several sources about the nature of the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors and its relationship to the Institution of the Hands of the Cause, and we feel it is timely for us to give further elucidation.
As with so many aspects of the Administrative Order, understanding of this subject will develop and clarify with the passage of time as that Order grows organically in response to the power and guidance of Almighty God and in accordance with the needs of a rapidly developing world-wide community. However, certain aspects are already so clear as to require a proper understanding by the friends.
In the Kitáb-i-‘Ahd (the Book of His Covenant) Bahá’u’lláh wrote “Blessed are the rulers and the learned in Al-Bahá”, and referring to this very passage the beloved Guardian wrote on 4 November 1931:
“In this holy cycle the ‘learned’ are, on the one hand, the Hands of the Cause of God, and, on the other, the teachers and diffusers of His teachings who do not rank as Hands, but who have attained an eminent position in the teaching work. As to the ‘rulers’ they refer to the members of the Local, National and International Houses of Justice. The duties of each of these souls will be determined in the future.” (Translated from the Persian).
The Hands of the Cause of God, the Counsellors and the members of the Auxiliary Boards fall within the definition of the “learned” given by the beloved Guardian. Thus they are all intimately interrelated and it is not incorrect to refer to the three ranks collectively as one institution.
However, each is also a separate institution in itself. The Institution of the Hands of the Cause of God was brought into existence in the time of Bahá’u’lláh and when the Administrative Order was proclaimed and formally established by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Will, it became an auxiliary institution of the Guardianship. The Auxiliary Boards, in their turn, were brought into being by Shoghi Effendi as an auxiliary institution of the Hands of the Cause.
When, following the passing of Shoghi Effendi, The Universal House of Justice decided that it could not legislate to make possible the appointment of further Hands of the Cause, it became necessary for it to create a new institution, appointed by itself, to extend into the future the functions of protection and propagation vested in the Hands of the Cause and, with that in view, so to develop the Institution of the Hands that it could nurture the new institution and function in close collaboration with it as long as possible. It was also vital so to arrange matters as to make the most effective use of the unique services of the Hands themselves.
The first step in this development was taken in November 1964 when The Universal House of Justice formally related the Institution of the Hands to itself by stating that “Responsibility for decisions on matters of general policy affecting the institution of the Hands of the Cause, which was formerly exercised by the beloved Guardian, now devolves upon The Universal House of Justice as the supreme and central institution of the Faith to which all must turn.” At that time the number of members of the Auxiliary Boards was increased from 72 to 135, and the Hands of the Cause in each continent were called upon to appoint one or more members of their Auxiliary Boards to act in an executive capacity on behalf of and in the name of each Hand, thereby assisting him in carrying out his work.
In June 1968 the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors was brought into being, fulfilling the goal of extending the aforementioned functions of the Hands into the future, and this momentous decision was accompanied by the next step in the development of the Institution of the Hands of the Cause: the continental Hands were to serve henceforth on a world-wide basis and operate individually in direct relationship to The Universal House of Justice; the Hands ceased to be responsible for the direction of the Auxiliary Boards, which became an auxiliary institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors; the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land were given the task of acting as liaison between The Universal House of Justice and the Boards of Counsellors; and the working inter-relationships between the Hands and the Boards of Counsellors were established. Reference was also made to the future establishment by The Universal House of Justice, with the assistance of the Hands residing in the Holy Land, of an international teaching center in the Holy Land.
In July 1969 and at Riḍván 1970 further increases in the numbers of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members were made.
Other developments in the Institution of the Hands of the Cause and the Institution of the Continental Boards of Counsellors will no doubt take place in future as the international teaching center comes into being and as the work of the Counsellors expands.
We have noted that the Hands, the Counsellors and the Auxiliary Boards are sometimes referred to by the friends as the “appointive arm” of the Administrative Order in contradistinction to the Universal House of Justice and the National and Local Assemblies which constitute the “elective arm”. While there is truth in this description as it applies to the method used in the creation of these institutions, the friends should understand that it is not only the fact of appointment that particularly distinguishes the institutions of the Hands, Counsellors and Auxiliary Boards. There are, for instance, many more believers appointed to committees in the “elective arm” than are serving in the so-called “appointive arm”. A more striking distinction is that whereas the “rulers” in the Cause function as corporate bodies, the “learned” operate primarily as individuals.
In a letter written on 14 March 1927 to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Istanbul, the Guardian’s Secretary explained, on his behalf, the principle in the Cause of action by majority vote. He pointed out how, in the past, it was certain individuals who “accounted themselves as superior in knowledge and elevated in position” who caused division, and that it was those “who
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pretended to be the most distinguished of all” who “always proved themselves to be the source of contention”.
“But praise be to God” he continued, “that the Pen of
Glory has done away with the unyielding and dictatorial
views of the learned and the wise, dismissed the assertions of individuals as an authoritative criterion, even
though they were recognized as the most accomplished
and learned among men and ordained that all matters
be referred to authorized centers and specified Assemblies. Even so, no Assembly has been invested with the
absolute authority to deal with such general matters as
affect the interests of nations. Nay rather, He has brought
all the Assemblies together under the shadow of one
House of Justice, one divinely-appointed Center, so that
there would be only one Center and all the rest integrated
into a single body revolving around one expressly-designated Pivot, thus making them all proof against
schism and division.” (Translated from the Persian).
Having permanently excluded the evils admittedly inherent in the institutions of the “learned” in past dispensations, Bahá’u’lláh has nevertheless embodied in His Administrative Order the beneficent elements which exist in such institutions, elements which are of fundamental value for the progress of the Cause, as can be gauged from even a cursory reading of the Guardian’s Message of 4 June 1957.
The existence of institutions of such exalted rank, comprising individuals who play such a vital role, who yet have no legislative, administrative or judicial authority, and are entirely devoid of priestly functions or the right to make authoritative interpretations, is a feature of Bahá’í administration unparalleled in the religions of the past. The newness and uniqueness of this concept make it difficult to grasp; only as the Bahá’í Community grows and the believers are increasingly able to contemplate its administrative structure uninfluenced by concepts from past ages, will the vital interdependence of the “rulers” and “learned” in the Faith be properly understood, and the inestimable value of their interaction be fully recognized.
THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE
April 24,1972
Message to Panama from The Universal House of Justice[edit]
To the Beloved of God gathered in the Conference
called on the occasion of the Dedication of
the Mother Temple of Latin America
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
With praise and gratitude to God the whole Bahá’í world acclaims the dedication of the Mother Temple of Latin America, an edifice which glorifies the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh at that point where, the beloved Master asserted, “the Occident and the Orient find each other united through the Panama Canal,” where “the teachings, once established ..., will unite the East and the West, the North and the South.”
This historic project, in a hemisphere of infinite spiritual potentiality, fulfills one of the most important goals of the Nine Year Plan, and brings untold joy to the hearts of the friends in every land. Privileged are they who shared in the raising of this glorious Silent Teacher with deeds of loving generosity and sacrifice. A crown to the labors of all those who have striven to establish the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in Latin America, this Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, the rallying point for the Bahá’ís of those lands, whether they are of the blessed Indian peoples or represent the other races whose diversity enriches the nations of that hemisphere, will be a fountainhead of spiritual confirmations, and this mighty achievement will endow the Bahá’í Community with new and greater capacities, enabling the friends in Latin America, and particularly in this privileged land of Panama, to win victories that will eclipse all their past achievements.
The three-fold task to which your attention is now directed comprises the proclamation, expansion and consolidation of the Faith. We urge you to concentrate your deliberations not only on the exchange of ideas for the prosecution of this task, but on ways and means for fostering collaboration among the Bahá’í Communities of Central and South America so that the most fruitful harvest may be gathered in all three aspects of the teaching work and enable you to achieve your remaining goals of the Nine Year Plan.
Our loving, ardent prayers will be offered at the Sacred Threshold, that the Almighty may inspire your discussions in this historic Conference and crown all your efforts with victory.
March 19, 1972
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CABLE TO HAIFA FROM PANAMA CONFERENCE |
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HEARTS OVERFLOWING JOY GRATITUDE GLORIOUS DEDICATION MAGNIFICENT MOTHER TEMPLE LATIN AMERICA. PRIVILEGED GREAT SPIRITUAL BOUNTY VIEW PORTRAITS TWIN MANIFESTATIONS BLESSED BY PRESENCE YOUR DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVES HANDCAUSE AMATU’L-BAHÁ RÚḤÍYYIH KHÁNUM GIACHERY KHÁDEM ETHERIAL BEAUTY TEMPLE ATTRACTING SOULS PROCLAIMING CAUSE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH YOUR INSPIRING MESSAGE GALVANIZED OVER 4,000 FRIENDS GATHERED CONFERENCE REPRESENTING 26 COUNTRIES 16 INDIAN TRIBES REDOUBLE EFFORTS FULFILL REMAINING GOALS HONORED PRESENCE 7 COUNSELLORS 22 BOARD MEMBERS 10 KNIGHTS 26 NSA REPRESENTATIVES. CONFIRMATIONS EVIDENT 103 PIONEER OFFERS TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS OVER 7000 DOLLARS 2400 ENROLLMENTS FOUR WEEKS PRIOR AND DURING CONFERENCE SUPPLICATE PRAYERS SACRED THRESHOLD ENABLING BELIEVERS ACHIEVE RESOUNDING VICTORY FINAL YEAR NINE YEAR PLAN. PANAMA CONFERENCE
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Some of the audience at one of the four Dedication services on Saturday, April 29, 1972.
[Page 5]
At the gate during the Dedication.
During the Dedication a reading is presented by a Cuna believer.
The Greatest Name in the center of the dome of the Temple.
Hand of the Cause Rúḥíyyih Khánum, as she took part in the Temple Dedication service.
[Page 6]
Members of the choir in the gallery.
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Dedication Program Saturday, April 29, 1972 | |
| 8:00 A.M. | 11:00 AM. |
| 2:00 P.M. | 5:00 P.M. |
|
Choral Selection | |
| Prayer of the Báb | Báb |
| Day of God | Bahá’u’lláh |
| Prayer for Humanity | ‘Abdu’l-Bahá |
| Prayer of Thanksgiving | Bahá’u’lláh |
| Prayer for Unity | Bahá’u’lláh |
| The Tablet of Visitation | Bahá’u’lláh |
| Choral Selection | |
| Presentation of the Sacred Pictures Choral Selections by | |
Another view of the audience at the Dedication, looking away from the podium. On the first seat shown are Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members.
Readers for the Dedication service on Saturday,
April 29, 1972 were: Hand of the Cause of God Rúḥíyyih Khánum; Manuel Flores of El Salvador; Helen Hornby,
Ecuador; Octavio Hernandez, Guatemala; Adelina de
Leon (in Cuna) San Blas Islands; Clarissa Bryan, Panama; Foad Izadinia (Persian pioneer), Panama; Marcie
Porter, Mexico; Rodrigo Tomas, Costa Rica; James
Facey, Panama; Elias Zohoori, Jamaica; Jane Czerniejewski, Panama; Frederic J. Berest, Panama.
A group of believers outside the Temple waiting to enter the Dedication service.
Who Built the Temple?[edit]
Only the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Panama know the whole story of the building of their impressive House of Worship out on Cerro Sonsonate, six miles from the city. Since 1964 when they accepted the challenge of their World Center in Haifa, Israel, to “Build a Temple in Panama!” theirs has been the burden and privilege of the staggering decisions and administrative labor.
This is the first or Mother Temple of Latin America. Its erection is of international concern. Though locally the membership was few in numbers and resources, it knew that the whole Bahá’í world community of over 3,000,000 in 313 countries would rally to its assistance.
The National Treasurer tells that story:
“The money has all come from Bahá’ís—every cent of the $1,000,000 it will cost after the nine gardens have been landscaped. Funds are never solicited nor accepted from the public for our Institutions. They are a free gift to humanity.
“Generous gifts from our wealthy members and other National Assemblies have come, but the greater portion has been sent by individuals who have sacrificed until it hurt. We are taught that the spiritual reward of giving is in proportion to the sacrifice involved. Some have even taken this literally, and given all.
“Like the Guaymi Indian who walked up to the speaker’s table when the call went out for funds, emptied his pockets of every cent he had (49 of them) and said, ‘For the Temple!’ Or the old lady in Africa who brought an egg to be sold and we received the 28 cents ‘for the Temple.’
“The money has come from the $2 and the $5 saved from the budgets of teachers, housewives, laborers, professionals, farmers. The most regular contributor we had was a man in Texas who has sent a check for $10, sometimes $20, on the first of every month for all these years.”
It has come from Canada and Switzerland, from Brazil and Japan, from Hawaii and Germany and Vietnam. And the San Blas Islands, where the Cuna women sold their beautiful molas and proudly presented $93 “for the Temple!”
Countless services have also been rendered. Three Bahá’í engineers hurried to Panama to assist. The secretarial load has been tremendous with correspondence going out to so many individuals and 94 National Assemblies; progress reports, letters of acknowledgment, articles for magazines, public relations jobs. One local family has nurtured thousands of saplings and shrubs until they could be transplanted to the gardens. Artists and typists, printers and writers, photographers and carpenters and many, many others have lent their time and talents “to the Temple!”
From the selection of the unique architectural design so beautifully suited to the contour of the mountain setting, to the Dedication Conference, April 29-May 2, all has been team work, freely donated.
From the steps of the Temple looking out toward the parking area and the caretaker’s house into which Mr. and Mrs. Francis Czerniejewski have now moved.
Looking through the gates of the Temple. Note the opposite gates, balcony and open space above. The profile
is that of architect Peter Tillotson.
Some of those who worked for the Panama Temple and to make the Dedication and Conference a
success: Panama National Spiritual Assembly members (left to right) Mrs. Elsa Campbell; Mrs.
Femaline Dunbar; Mr. Harry Haye; (fifth) Mr. Arthur Krummell, Treasurer; Mrs. Leota Lockman,
Secretary; Alan Pringle; Mrs. Raquel de Constante, Chairman. The man behind the shoulders of
Mr. Haye and Mr. Krummel is Mr. Woody Chastain, in charge of the print shop. At the extreme right
is Mrs. Mary Macdonald who assisted Mr. Chastain and is Secretary of the Audio-Visual Aids Committee. Additional members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, not in the photo are:
Cirilo Sanchez, Luis Cuevas and Kenneth Francisco.
[Page 8]
Blessed and inspired by the presence of the representative of The Universal House of Justice, Hand of the
Cause Collis Featherstone, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the North West Pacific Ocean was
formed in a corrugated iron movie theater on the island
of Ponape in the Caroline Islands at its national convention April 22nd and 23rd.
Geographically the assembly embraces the Mariana, Caroline and Marshall Islands. Politically this area consists of Guam, an American territory, and Micronesia, a trust territory of the United Nations administered by the United States.
Mr. Howard Harwood, of the Board of Counsellors for Australasia, accompanied Hand of the Cause Featherstone on visits to each of the districts of this vast area. They assisted the Convention and the new National Assembly with wise counsel. Auxiliary Board members Miss Virginia Breaks (Australasia), Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Caroline Islands, Dr. Jane McCants (North America) and Mrs. Kazuko Hayashi Bray (North East Asia) also participated. The representative from the “parent” National Assembly of the Hawaiian Islands was Mr. Katsugi Tamanaha.
In spite of a disruption of plane schedules just before and during the Convention, all nine of the delegates were present, gathered with some eighty observers.
In the past year the teaching work in the area had been greatly assisted by the introduction of mass teaching efforts with the visit by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir, and the extensive travels of a team led by Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Poova Murday. Eighteen new Local Assemblies were formed this year, bringing the total to twenty-six. Especially inspiring was the arrival during the Convention of those who had gone to these new Assembly areas and assisted in the formation of Local Assemblies.
The dedication of the believers was reinforced by the statement of Mr. Featherstone that he has seen in Micronesia a potential for mass enrollments, which, if tapped, could rival the victories in India and Bolivia.
North West Pacific Ocean newly elected National Spiritual Assembly members. Standing, left to right:
Harlan Lang (Secretary), Francis Reimers (Vice Chairman), Yowakim Francis, and Saimon Rehobson.
Sitting, left to right: Richard Benson (Treasurer), Joy Faily Benson (Chairman), Rose Makwelung,
Cynthia Olson, and Stem Salle.
First National Convention of Puerto Rico[edit]
Newly elected members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Puerto Rico, left to right: Mrs. Maull; Josephine
Comacho, Assistant Treasurer; Sunni Da Var; Rachael
Barick, Secretary; David Hunt, Vice Chairman; Ken
Kalentar, Assistant Secretary (Spanish); Jose Monge,
Chairman; Tom Burke, Zelma Arce; Treasurer.
First National Convention of Puerto Rico. Representative of The Universal House of Justice, Hand
of the Cause of God Dr. Ugo Giachery is seated at the right of Mrs. Giachery, at the corner of the table.
Representative of the United States National Spiritual Assembly, the sponsoring Assembly, is Dr.
Dwight Allen, second from the left at the table.
Singapore Elects First National Assembly[edit]
First National Convention of Singapore. Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Shirin Fozdar is seated, second from left: Counsellor Mr. Yan Kee Leong (in dark suit) is standing to her right; Hand of the
Cause Mr. Jalál Kházeh is holding the Greatest Name; standing at the extreme right are Counsellor
K. H. Payman and Counsellor Dr. C. J. Sundram.
Newly elected members of the Singapore National Spiritual Assembly, with Hand of the Cause Mr.
Jalál Kházeh. Left to right, seated: Mrs. Lena Tan, Mrs. George Lee, Mr. Jalál Kházeh, Mrs. Rose Ong
(Chairman), Miss Nita Sundram (Secretary). Standing: Mr. Kenneth Mak, M. Teo Geok Leng (Treasurer), Mr. G. Machambo (Vice-Chairman), Mr. Edward Teo, Mr. Henry Ong.
The First National Convention of Singapore[edit]
The Convention for electing the first National Spiritual Assembly for Singapore was held at the Y.M.C.A. on April 22, 23, 1972, in two air conditioned rooms adorned with flowers and welcoming banners. Prayers in English, Chinese and Tamil opened the session.
Honored guests were Hand of the Cause of God Mr. Jalál Kházeh who was the representative of The Universal House of Justice; Counsellors for South East Asia Mr. Yan Kee Leong, Mr. K. H. Payman and Dr. C. J. Sundram; Auxiliary Board member Mrs. Shirin Fozdar from Thailand. The National Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia was represented by Dr. John Fozdar from Kuching, East Malaysia; Mrs. Shanta Sundram from Penang, West Malaysia and Mr. Imbum Chinniah from Kuala Lumpur.
Mr. Henry Ong was elected Chairman of the Convention and Mrs. Rose Ong was elected Secretary.
Greetings from eighty countries were received and read by Mrs. E. Gibson. After the reading of the message from The Universal House of Justice a committee was appointed to send a reply cable. A message from the Mother Assembly of Malaysia was read by Dr. John Fozdar.
There were five Local Spiritual Assemblies to elect the Singapore National Spiritual Assembly; Jurong, Bukit Panjang, Serangoon, Katong and City (Singapore). A newsletter kept them informed of activities. The Assembly of Bukit Panjang speaks Tamil, and possibly a future activity will be a newsletter in that language.
Before the election the writings of the Guardian on “Nature of Bahá’í Elections” was read.
After the election, a special Message to Singapore from The Universal House of Justice was presented. In it it was mentioned that two intercontinental conferences not originally meant for Singapore were held there, one in 1958 and in 1971. Goals assigned to Singapore to be completed by Riḍván 1973 were:
1) Extensive translation and publication into Chinese 2) Teaching the Chinese people 3) Recognition of Bahá’í Holy Days and Bahá’í Marriage 4) Teaching the various ethnic groups 5) Incorporate the Local Spiritual Assembly of Singapore 6) Convert the local Bahá’í Center into the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. Most important were the first two goals.
The Universal House of Justice sent a gift of a handwoven carpet using the Greatest Name. Dr. Fozdar gave photographs of earlier believers of Singapore. Hand of the Cause Mr. Kházeh praised the Convention as the best he had attended.
PIONEER INSTITUTE, WILMETTE[edit]
Pioneers attending the Pioneer Institute at Wilmette on March 27-30, 1972 and their posts where they
will serve the Faith. Left to right, rear: Thomas Richards, Southwest Africa; Monsell Laury, Leeward,
Windward & Virgin Islands; Dan Salter, Zaire; James Selph, Latin America; Robert Altork, Colombia;
Henry St. Gelais, Kenya; Alan Fryback, Ecuador; William Thompson, Norway; Stephen Stogre, Ecuador; Mark Murphy, Europe; front: Jacqueline Richards, Southwest Africa; Jeanne St. Gelais, Kenya;
Ann Miller, Ecuador; Joyce Thompson, Norway.
United States Convention, 1972 “Poised For Overwhelming Victory”[edit]
Oh, how I long to announce unto every spot on the surface of the earth, and to carry to each of its cities the glad tidings of this Revelation.... Gleanings, page 16 Bahá’u’lláh
These words of the Blessed Beauty reverberated
around the world on April 21, 1972 as Bahá’ís on every
continent and on the most remote islands celebrated the
first day of Riḍván. This was the anniversary of the
declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, God’s chosen Manifestation
for the Age of Fulfillment. This was the season of planning as more than 4,000 Bahá’ís from around the world
prepared to attend the dedication of the House of Worship in Panama, the heart of the Americas, the link
between East and West. And this was the time of the
sixty-third annual convention of the Bahá’ís of the
United States.
Held one week earlier than usual because of the Panama Temple dedication, the National Convention of 1972 was preluded by the celebration of the Riḍván Feast on Friday, April 21 in Foundation Hall. Among the highlights of the program was a talk by Mr. Jalil Mahmoudi on the monumental significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration, fulfilling the Lord’s Prayer as prayer and prophecy, closing the Adamic Cycle and leading mankind into a new cycle of an unprecedented vista.
The focal point of the first session and throughout the Convention was the Message of The Universal House of Justice. An inspiration and challenge, the Message presented teaching and pioneering as the primary concerns of the world community and called for a distinction in Bahá’í life that must demonstrate to an increasingly
[Page 13]
decadent world the path to its redemption.
Also highlighting the opening session was the presentation of members of the Board of Counsellors for North America: Miss Edna True, Mrs. Florence Mayberry, and Mr. Lloyd Gardner. Mr. Gardner shared the loving Message of the Counsellors; Miss True stressed the spiritual nature of the responsibilities which face the Bahá’í Community and the assurance that practical goals can be achieved through spiritual means. Mrs. Mayberry painted an analogy between the inevitable season of spring and the inevitable season of God as the Kingdom of God on earth is coming into fruition.
This first session was closed dramatically as the first of twenty-five soldiers in the Cause of God streamed forward in response to the call of The Universal House of Justice to the field of pioneering.
The afternoon session opened with the report of the National Spiritual Assembly. The twin focuses of growth and challenge were again keynotes as the National Spiritual Assembly reported spiraling enrollments and called again for accelerated efforts in the divine tasks.
It noted the fiftieth observance of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with two preeminent works: Memorials of the Faithful and the Fall 1971 issue of World Order. It cited the regional deepening conferences held in Little Rock, Fort Wayne and Reno, sponsored by the Continental Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members and referred to the South Carolina campaign which galvanized the world community in its phenomenal concentration, thrust, and results.
The increasing number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the United States was reported—the growth from 800 last year to over 940 this year. The spiraling number of localities where Bahá’ís reside was given—the mark from 4,000 to 4,800 in one year. And Bahá’í Clubs were reported as functioning in 277 colleges and 52 high schools and junior high schools.
Among other indications of the progress of the Faith in the last year were the eighty-two pioneers who ventured to foreign posts to fill goals in fifty-seven countries; the sixteen new American Indian tribes represented in the Faith, bringing the total to over one hundred tribes; and
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the more than a quarter of a million persons from all
over the world who visited the House of Worship in
Wilmette last year.
“Operation Gabriel”, as the South Carolina campaign was called, was the subject of much attention especially by delegates from areas where mass teaching has not yet gained momentum. Various participants in this historic endeavor described the operation of the campaign, its basis in prayer, its grounding in strong planning, and its vigor through concerted effort.
The South Carolina delegates, most of them attending the National Convention for the first time, poured out their hearts with sincerity and love, enabling other delegates to enrich their understanding of the conditions, the triumphs and opportunities now open in this and other states.
The evening session of April 22 focused upon the budget as National Treasurer Dr. Dorothy Nelson presented her report. After lengthy discussion of various facets of the financial picture, the delegates voted to approve the proposed budget of $2,500,000.
This session was also marked by the announcement of the results of voting by the delegates for the National Spiritual Assembly a few hours before. In a spirit of prayer and as an indication of support, the delegates elected the same National Spiritual Assembly as last year: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, Dr. Dwight Allen, Miss Magdalene Carney, Dr. Daniel Jordan, Mr. Franklin Kahn, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Mr. Glenford Mitchell, Dr. Dorothy Nelson, and Dr. Sarah Pereira.
The session of Sunday evening, April 23 was one of international focus as the secretary of the International Goals Committee, Mrs. Eileen Norman, called for pioneers and for deputization of pioneers. The Bahá’í representative to the United Nations, Dr. Victor de Araujo, cited the increase in opportunities to make known the goals and growth of the Faith throughout the world.
Focus beyond the Continental United States was again accented when Dr. Dwight Allen, fresh from the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Puerto Rico, shared the excitement of this event. And the scope was again broadened when Mr. Salvatore Pelle, director of the Bahá’í Information Office, was presented as he prepares to move to Hawaii to assist in the work there.
The evening was concluded with a late night showing of three new films: “It’s a New Day,” a musical film from Hawaii; “Give Me That New Time Religion,” a film of commentary by Bahá’ís of show business renown; and “Have You Heard the News, My Friend?,” a film on the Jamaican conference, and three new television spot announcements.
The morning session of April 23 was sparked by the message from Hand of the Cause William Sears stressing the significance of the ninth year of the Nine Year Plan. Quoting the beloved Master in the call to arise, the Message resounds, “O ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant Hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshalled in the Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs his charger into the arena of service.”
The message from Mr. Sears was followed by a return to consultation on the Message of The Universal House of Justice and by a resounding unanimity of support for a recommendation to the National Spiritual Assembly that a plan of national scope be devised to draw upon the wealth of insight of experienced teaching teams and to inspire a monumental nation-wide thrust radiating from South Carolina.
Weekend retreats for prayers, study, and fellowship to prelude the national effort; a film strip-cassette aid to share teaching methods; and an unprecedented vigil of prayers were among the recommendations voiced by various delegates as the large scale effort caught the imagination and won the allegiance of the body of delegates.
The afternoon session turned attention to implications of living the life as Dr. Daniel Jordan, Vice-Chairman of
At the National Convention of the United States. Left to right: newly appointed Auxiliary Board
member Eunice Braun; Auxiliary Board members Paul Pettit and Mrs. Javidukht Khádem; Continental Counsellors Miss Edna True and Mr. Lloyd C. Gardiner; Auxiliary Board members Dr. Peter Khan
and Miss Thelma Thomas. Not in photo were Counsellor Mrs. Florence Mayberry and Auxiliary Board
member Miss D. Thelma Jackson.
[Page 15]
the National Spiritual Assembly, stressed that there will
be no New World Order if our understanding of teaching
does not include “transformation of our inner lives.” In
consultation, the need for considering children in community life, the need for vitalizing the Nineteen-Day
Feast, the need for overcoming the deadening influence
of gossip and backbiting, the need for patience with
each other’s frailties, the need for unceasing effort
toward the spiritual life were all cited among the considerations in making the Bahá’í life a reality.
The exigency of mass teaching was voiced from the Writings, from Messages of The Universal House of Justice, by members of the Board of Counsellors and by various delegates. The urgency of reaching the waiting masses was stressed as the world becomes increasingly marked by “disorderliness, lack of cohesion, permissiveness, and godlessness.” As The Universal House of Justice stated in its Message of July 13, 1964 accenting the need for regeneration, “When the masses of mankind are awakened and enter the Faith of God, a new process is set in motion and the growth of a new civilization begins.”
Through all these recurring convention themes were the call to the realization of the urgency of the fulfillment of our spiritual role and the assurance that the American Community will arise to its destined station.
Repeatedly was heard the theme of universal participation in the vital realization that all elements of the Bahá’í Community are important—the young and the old, those committed to direct teaching and those committed to the indirect method, the friends who serve by cooking and opening their homes and those who serve by deputizing pioneers or by baby sitting. The cry was one for heightened love and unity among the friends. Emphasizing the point that every believer has a part to play, Dr. Kazemzadeh, Convention Chairman, commented “It is the nature of the individual to have his predilections. Two ethoses are in operation—immediacy and caution. We must have elements of both, thus mobilizing the resources of the whole community. We should exploit each other’s strengths. We must recognize the integrity of our differences in styles.”
Consultation on various aspects of teaching needs and the exigencies of deepening and consolidation captured the attention in the closing hours of the convention on Monday morning. The recommendation of a film for teaching Indians in their languages, and a comment on the need to share the Writings with illiterate believers were but two of the points made by delegates. References to the Covenant in its all encompassing nature, to the Cause in our commitment to serve it, to the magnificence of being alive in this Day, to the urgency of our mission, to the essentiality of the Divine institutions were emphasized in the brief remarks from the several members of the Auxiliary Board as they were introduced by the Continental Board of Counsellors.
Miss True vividly painted a word picture of the conception of the Mother Temple of the West and of the struggle led by her mother, Mrs. Corrine True, to bring it into reality under the infallible guidance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mrs. Mayberry called for the believers to become beacons to carry the Message to all souls of this lovely earth.
Following the approval of loving messages to be sent to Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, to the new National Spiritual Assemblies, and to the Canadian and Alaskan Conventions, the Convention was closed with a taped message by Hand of the Cause Mr. Sears. “As we leave this convention,” he said, “let us carry into every part of our country and region the ‘spirit’ of this gathering when the very air is throbbing with a potential of undreamed of victories. Bahá’u’lláh is the Sole Redeemer of mankind. His Administrative Order is the one agency that can rescue and revive an unshepherded, disillusioned
National Spiritual Assembly members just as their re-election was announced: Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh
(Chairman), Miss Magdalene Carney, Dr. Dorothy Nelson (Treasurer), Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, Mr.
Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary, Miss Charlotte Linfoot (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Dwight W. Allen.
Two others had already left the Convention when this photograph was taken: Dr. Daniel C. Jordan
(Vice-Chairman) and Mr. Franklin Kahn.
[Page 16]
and suffering humanity.”
As the delegates took leave of each other they made such comments as these: “Of all the conventions I have attended, this one I have enjoyed most of all.” “This Convention has been different; it is as if we have turned a corner and are never going back.”
At the non-delegates session.
Mrs. Janet Rubenstein of the International Goals staff assisting prospective pioneers to fill out applications.
Chairman of the Convention, Dr. Kazemzadeh confers with the Convention Secretary, Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell.
Mrs. Alberta Williford, administrator of the Regional
Teaching Office in South Carolina and Auxiliary Board
member Miss Thelma Thomas, who have worked in close
cooperation.
BERMUDA GOALS MET[edit]
On April 25, 1972 a letter was received from the Teaching Committee of the Bahá’ís of Bermuda that goals have been met there. There are two Spiritual Assemblies, Devonshire and Pembroke, as well as ten centers—the goal was five. Only one area here out of eleven is not opened, the town of St. George.
Hand of the Cause of God Rúḥíyyih Khánum paid a surprise visit to Bermuda en route to first Barbados and then Panama. She met with the friends one evening, was a guest speaker at a public meeting and also recorded a television interview which was telecast a week after she left.
Another triumph is that the Bahá’ís of Bermuda have a separate telephone listing in the yellow pages where formerly it was listed under “Churches.” This was achieved after negotiation and is another step forward.
Norway Temple Site[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Norway reports the acquisition of its Temple site, its most important goal of the Nine Year Plan! It is an unusually beautiful hill property located at Nannestad in the outskirts of Oslo and near the national military airport of Gardemoen, with a view of the surrounding area, and easily accessible on a good motor road. It has a flat white stone top which is surrounded by beautiful pine trees. The clearing is large enough for a Temple building and the entire site covers about three acres of land. In the years to come it will be necessary to acquire a parking space but now we are satisfied to have a Temple site and rejoice that Norway can pay for it.
Another vital goal of the Nine Year Plan has been achieved with the recognition of the Faith by the State, and the acceptance of the Bahá’í marriage ceremony. However, with the addition of the minimum requirement of the law which is “Do you (name) accept (name) in marriage?” for both parties and then the declaration that they are wedded. The Universal House of Justice has approved this addition so now Bahá’í marriage is possible in Norway.
The recognition of the State, of course, has meant that Bahá’ís must withdraw from membership in the State Church, and for a few of the friends this has been the cause of withdrawal from the Faith, but in reality this means a solid foundation for the Faith in Norway.
FIRST NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF ICELAND[edit]
First National Spiritual Assembly of Iceland. Front row,
left to right: Liesel Becker, Recording Secretary; Svana
Einarsdottir, Chairman; Barbara Thinat; John Spencer.
Back row: Petur Magnusson, Treasurer; Johannes
Stefansson, Corresponding Secretary, Icelandic Language; Roger Lutley; Balour Bragasson; Larry Clarke,
Corresponding Secretary, English Language.
Delegates and guests at the first National Convention of Iceland, on April 29, 1972. Hand of the Cause
Enoch Olinga is on the second row, fourth from right. Mrs. Elizabeth Olinga is back of him. Counsellor Betty Reed is in the front row, fifth from right. Jameson Bond, representative of the Canadian
National Spiritual Assembly is on the right end of the second row. National Spiritual Assembly Representative of Canada Glen Eyford is in the back row, to the right of the tallest man.
[Page 18]
The new Bahá’í Center at the top of a hill at Livingston, Guatemala. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean.
Livingston, Guatemala, Dedicates Bahá’í Center[edit]
The dream of the community of Livingston, a town on the Atlantic coast, was realized on the weekend of February 26, 1972 when the first local Bahá’í Center in Guatemala and perhaps in all of Central America was dedicated to Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga.
About fifty enthusiastic Bahá’ís, young and old, boarded a chartered bus early Saturday morning for Puerto Barrios, from which point seventy-five boarded the express boat to Livingston. For many it was their first glimpse of the ocean. One man said, “Isn’t there any land out there?”
For those who came from communities of nine or ten believers, it was an impressive sight to see the colorful stream of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh ascending the incline from the wharf to the town and the friendly exchange of greetings between the townspeople and the visitors.
Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhájir told some of the friends on his visit in 1968 that his heart was in Livingston and that the inhabitants are an abandoned and unappreciated people who are hungry for the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. He said: “When someone is on fire to do something it will be done.” Louise Caswell was set on fire. She went and one person accepted the Faith. She persevered. Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga came
Some of those attending the dedication of the new nine-sided Center of Livingston, dedicated on February 26, 1972.
Inside the new Center, the Chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly welcomes visitors.
[Page 19]
Group of Bahá’ís attending the dedication of the Livingston Bahá’í Center.
and walked the streets like a king. The people, unconsciously attracted by the great love he always radiates,
followed him everywhere. Dr. Ahmádiyyih came, touching many hearts by his devotion and sincerity. Daniel
and Pamela Wegener, newly-arrived Directors of the
Institute visited, fell in love with the people and asked
to pioneer there.
As the number of believers increased the desire was born in their hearts to build a nine-sided building. In searching for the land they found a beautiful spot on a hill overlooking the sea in the direction of Belize. Through special contributions the project was started less than a year ago and now, how inspiring to see this unique structure like a jewel in this beautiful setting!
The dedication took place with more than 200 in attendance. The Mayor of Livingston and many townspeople climbed laboriously up the steep dug-out clay steps to the Center where the program of music and speeches took place.
Pupils from the Bahá’í school sang several Bahá’í songs in English and Spanish. This bilingual grade school meets in the Center. Over fifty children are taught by Adan Lino.
Sunday morning a National Institute was held. Four visitors from Barrios entered the Faith. Auxiliary Board member Edith McLaren spoke on “Universal Participation.” Daniel Wegener concluded the session with comments on the joys and struggles during the period of construction when during the hottest time of the year work on the Center continued.
Most of the visitors went for a plunge in the ocean after which all enjoyed a delicious fish dinner served by the ladies of Livingston.
Representatives attended from fifteen communities, which included thirteen Local Spiritual Assemblies. Especial thanks are expressed to Dr. Muhájir, Enoch Olinga and Mrs. Louise Caswell.
In Japan, Groups Enter the Faith[edit]
In March 1972, I had the bounty of travel-teaching in
Southern Japan. After making plans with the Counsellor, Auxiliary Board member, and the members of the
Chugoku Regional Goals Committee, I left as a team
leader for Tokuyama and Yanai with a university student
who knew very little about the Bahá’í Faith but who
was my devoted translator for the next few days.
Praise be to Bahá’u’lláh that through His Divine Confirmation we now know that the Japanese people, like all of the other people of the world, are patiently waiting to be invited to join the ranks of the soldiers of Bahá’u’lláh! We need only to tell them about Bahá’u’lláh and His Teachings, then to invite them to become Bahá’ís. The Japanese have the love of Bahá’u’lláh in their hearts and the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in their minds, but they haven’t heard of Bahá’u’lláh yet. One new Bahá’í asked, “Why haven’t I heard of Bahá’u’lláh before? Why isn’t He in the history books? Of course, I want to be a Bahá’í!”
Shoghi Effendi has said, “Japan, a land so richly endowed, so alert and progressive, so quick in its grasp of the realities of life, is now the recipient of a Divine Bestowal, greater, richer and more enduring than any material gift she has ever enjoyed in modern times. What blissful thought to remember that you are the Chosen Ones that shall establish the Kingdom of God in that land; that you are the pioneers of a work that will endure and supersede all the other achievements, however meritorious and brilliant, of your fellow-countrymen for Japan!”(1)
Yes, here in Japan, we’ve had fifty declarations in less than four days! Armed only with prayers and the love of Bahá’u’lláh, we found fifty waiting souls. We traveled raising the cry of “Yá-Bahá-u’l-Abhá” throughout the countryside.
Of course, our tests were many. Upon arriving at our destination quite early in the morning, we discovered that my wallet was missing. After consultation, we decided to solve the problem of money by economizing on food. We also decided not to pay for coffee or lunch for any of our new friends but to go “dutch treat.” We followed this and found that our Japanese friends liked this much better as they were not considered guests and their pride wasn’t injured.
The tests we had only united us and kept us praying. We kept on teaching in the train station, at the coffee shops, and at the zoo. We had twelve declarations the first day! Sunday, we met a Tokuyama Bahá’í and her two friends at the zoo. The non-Bahá’ís were teaching and inviting seekers to join the Faith! We had twenty-four declarations! Many declared in small groups of three to ten.
Meanwhile, my companion had been trying to convince me all this time that in Japan I shouldn’t go up to strangers, especially couples. He was ready to go home, so we spent many hours in consultation. Thanks be to God, he remained with me translating.
The next morning we left for Yanai. We met a teacher
[Page 20]
on the train who after our discussion about Bahá’u’lláh signed a declaration card. Upon arriving at the
station, our new Bahá’í friend began teaching the Faith
to a couple in the train station who upon hearing about
the Bahá’í Faith also joined the ranks of the soldiers
of Bahá’u’lláh. We invited them to have coffee with us.
Then our new Bahá’í friend took us to a Buddhist
Temple where we had tea with the Priest, his wife, and
son who was also a teacher. Our new Bahá’í kept teaching about Bahá’u’lláh. These new Bahá’ís had the gift
of teaching bestowed upon them from the very moment
they declared themselves.
By the time we got back to the hotel, it was time for dinner and our evening meeting in Yanai where we spent the evening deepening with the Bahá’ís. After consultation, they decided that it was impossible to find more Bahá’ís in Yanai or to have a Local Spiritual Assembly by Riḍván. I read some prayers. After consultation, my translator decided to stay until the next afternoon. Through prayer, consultation, patience, understanding, and stamina, we found more new Bahá’ís in Yanai the following day, so we will have a new Local Spiritual Assembly by Riḍván. One woman even signed her brother’s name on the declaration sheet! Of course, we could not accept his name as each individual must make his own declaration.
Without my translator, I would not have been able to invite these people to the beautiful garden of Bahá’u’lláh. I merely acted as a translator of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings while my companion translated these teachings into Japanese—he was my communication link. We only tried to be good instruments. We asked them if they would like to hear about the Bahá’í Faith. We told them that Bahá’u’lláh is a new Teacher Who brings us a new plan for world peace—a new world order. We explained a little about the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh and the Principles of the Faith. Then we invited them to join the Bahá’í world community. Most accepted! We usually showed them pictures of the friends at the Sapporo Conference and an album of the friends in Honduras. We would give them a Bahá’í pamphlet and an explanation of the Local Spiritual Assembly. We tried to make friends and deepen if there was time, inviting them to teach with us. The Japanese are joyous, happy, kind, and courteous people with strong characters. We have only to share our joy and love of Bahá’u’lláh with them on a personal level and invite them to be Bahá’ís.
In order to achieve the Nine Year Plan, we must put aside our old ideas and fears of being shy or timid. Many people want to be Bahá’í but haven’t been informed of Bahá’u’lláh or invited to join the Bahá’í family. I read my first Bahá’í book in February of 1969. I considered myself a Bahá’í at that time. I attended my first meeting, which was Naw-Rúz in San Jose, California. From then on, I attended firesides regularly. At one of the firesides in May, a Bahá’í friend said, “Look at Sharon, she’s not even a Bahá’í and she believes in Bahá’u’lláh and is teaching about the Faith.” At that point I insisted I was a Bahá’í. No one had invited me to sign a card, so how could I accept? So it took me three months, attending firesides regularly, to be invited. We must open up our hearts, share the joy of Bahá’u’lláh with our new friends, and invite them to be Bahá’í. No one is a stranger in this world; we are all brothers and sisters. We must put aside our fears and search for new members of our world community.
By detaching ourselves from all earthly things, we must rely solely on the Supreme Concourse. Through prayer, we will be guided to those waiting souls who are ready to embrace the Cause.
“The invisible battalions of the Concourse on High,” our beloved Guardian has written, “are mustered in serried ranks, ready to rush their reinforcements to the aid of the vanguard of Bahá’u’lláh’s crusaders in the hour of their greatest need, and in anticipation of that Most Great, that Wondrous Jubilee in the joyfulness of which both heaven and earth will partake.”(2)
Notes:
- From a letter to Japan on Dec. 17, 1922 by Shoghi Effendi
- Bahá’í News No. 254, p. 4, 4/52
First National Convention of Nepal
First National Convention of Nepal[edit]
Chanting in Nepalese, Arabic, Persian, English and Hindi marked the opening of the first National Convention in Nepal. When Hand of the Cause of God A. A. Furútan read the first sentence of the Message from The Universal House of Justice, the forty delegates and observors sensed the importance of the moment.
“The banner of the Faith of God which in the past few years has been firmly planted on the heights of those beautiful Himalayan regions is now ... being unfurled.”
From the plains, valleys, mountains of Nepal, the Friends had come to Kathmandu, to confer, pray, elect their National Assembly. For nearly five years they had worked for this moment. Dr. Furútan said: “It is a God-given system ... those who are elected are appointed by God ... in the Bahá’í election, we do not consider if a member of an Assembly can do anything for us. We elect from the purity of our hearts.”
On the afternoon of the first day, April 23, the first National Spiritual Assembly of Nepal was elected, consisting of new and older Bahá’ís, from many religious backgrounds—Buddhist, Hindu, Christian. The Hand of the Cause counseled the members, some of whom were serving on an Assembly for the first time. Remarked Dr. H. M. Munje, representative from the National Spiritual Assembly of India: “Prayer is your powerhouse and the National Spiritual Assembly is the power-driven machinery. You must constantly pray to receive more power.” In the evening, and every evening Dr. Furútan dined with leaders in the fields of education, arts, government to whom he informally presented the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
The second day of Convention opened with a report on “Progress of the Faith in Nepal”, telling how the Faith developed from the first seed planted in 1958, blossomed, then slumbered for many years, to be revived in 1968 and burst into fourteen Local Assemblies within three years. Nearly eighty congratulatory messages from National Assemblies around the world were read to the delegates. Specific objectives of Teaching were recommended to the National Assembly. At noon, the First Convention of Nepal closed with chanting by the Hand of the Cause.
Although the Convention was over, a “Deepening Class” for all the friends was held for the next one-and-half days in order to take advantage of the knowledge of the Hand of the Cause, as well as visiting Counsellor Vasudeva and Mr. Furúdi, Auxiliary Board member. The spirit of prayer was felt by everyone, including the hotel staff. Other guests at the hotel were stirred to make inquiries about the Faith.
Now Nepal begins a new era in the Faith. As the friends returned to their homes, deepened in the knowledge, they are more determined than ever to awaken their countrymen to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of
Nepal: standing left to right, Amar Pradhan, Shyam
Maherjan, Jujubhai Sakya, Aranda Lal Shrestha and
Dinesh Verma. Seated: Keith de Folo, W. F. Chaittonaya,
P. N. Rai, D. K. Malla.
First National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Ireland[edit]
First National Convention of the Republic of Ireland, held on April 22-23, 1972. Hand of the Cause of God William Sears represented The Universal House of Justice and is holding the Greatest Name.
Members of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Republic of Ireland. Seated, left to right: Mr.
Philip O’Brien (Treasurer), Miss Eleanor O’Callaghan, Miss Leslie Gibson (Secretary), Mr. Adib
Taherzadeh (Chairman). Standing: Mr. John Turner, Mr. Joseph Watson (Vice-Chairman), Dr. Margaret Magil, Mr. Patrick Dawson and Mr. O. Z. Whitehead.
Hong Kong Holds First Bahá’í Winter School[edit]
The first Winter School in the history of the Bahá’í community of Hong Kong began on February 15 and continued for two days.
Mr. R. D. Gulwani, Chairman of the National Administrative Committee, welcomed participants and stated the aims of the school. 1) To unite the hearts of the people and sincere truth seekers of Hong Kong; 2) To study and deepen in the fundamental teachings of the Bahá’í Faith; 3) To encourage youth participation in fun and fellowship and to remind older Bahá’ís that there is no generation gap. He pointed out to those who attended that it was the first project of its kind in the locality and so was historic.
He reminded the friends that the opening of the conference was on the Chinese New Year and said: “May God specially help us to glorify His Name amongst His creatures at the gateway to China.”
The first session was given by Yin Hong Shuen about the successive Prophets up to the Báb. A brief talk on the Bahá’í Administrative Order was given by Mr. Richard T.K. Lee. Many questions were asked and answered. Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Charles Duncan led a workshop on the election of a Local Spiritual Assembly which included a mock election, enjoyed by all.
The second day of Winter School began with devotions and a talk on “The Power of Prayer” by Teh Teik Hoe. Mr. Charles Duncan, Professor of Music Theory in Korea, taught the class how to chant Bahá’í prayers in English, and invited some of the friends to chant a given prayer in their own style.
Yin Hong Shuen related some of the poignant incidents in the life of Bahá’u’lláh and related them to Bible prophecies. Mr. Philip A. Marangella told of the bounty of teaching, drawing from his own personal experiences. He showed the personal letters received from the Guardian. Hong Shuen spoke about the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A quiz session was conducted by Teik Hoe with the purpose of determining how much had been learned during the school.
Nineteen believers and seven seekers attended this school. Immediately afterward, the youths helped to clean up the Center. Then they launched a distribution of about 1,000 pamphlets in two public parks in Hong Kong.
A ‘Sing-along’ session after the lectures for the day.
Young and old joined in the songs with full spirit. Teh
Teik is strumming the guitar.
Group at Winter School in Hong Kong. Standing, left to
right, Mr. Kishin Melwani; Richard Lee, Malaysian pioneer; Freddy Sim; Yin Hong Shuen, Malaysian pioneer;
Charles Duncan, pioneer from Korea. Seated: Miss Lolita
Datwani; Ranee Datwani; Philip Marangella; H. Azizi;
R. D. Gulwani, Chairman of National Administrative
Committee; Meena Datwani.
Exhibit in Chilean Fair[edit]
The Bahá’í community in Concepcion in the Southern part of Chile participated in the Fair of the Province of Bio-Bio in the city of Concepcion from January 20 to February 9, 1972 with the assistance of Bahá’ís from other communities and also by some of the new local believers.
The stand was quite small and inconspicuous, but people seemed to enjoy coming in to discuss the Faith and religion in general. Average attendance was 200-250 visitors daily, forty-five new believers were enrolled and several localities opened to the Faith. A local newspaper El Sur had an article about the Bahá’í stand at the Fair with a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and many visited the stand as a result of this article.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In the July issue we will have more complete coverage about the Panama Temple and especially the Conference, also more about National Assemblies being elected for the first time.
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Group of San Marino with Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery (center, rear) and Mrs. Giachery (seated, at right).
Assembly in the Republic of San Marino[edit]
The small Republic of San Marino, situated on three mountain cliffs in the center of Italy, was first opened to the Faith in 1953, at the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade, when Mrs. Tobandeh Payman, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh, settled there, followed shortly by her husband, Mr. Sohrab Payman, and their little daughter Ghitty. At that time San Marino was very different from what it is today. It consisted of a tourist center in the summer, while in winter it would become almost deserted and inactive.
The difficulties encountered by these valiant pioneers are many. They were the only ‘foreigners’ living in San Marino and were looked upon by the natives with some suspicion. It took patience and perseverance on the part of this family to make a place for themselves. More importantly, they were able to acquire the friendship and the respect of the inhabitants of the place.
The government of San Marino has always been reluctant to grant a permit to any outsider to settle in their country and, although others have tried, only the Payman family has been able to stay throughout these years notwithstanding the many difficulties. The beloved Guardian had stressed the importance of having a pioneer there. This family, acting under the directive of Shoghi Effendi, was able to gain the trust of the people as well as of the government which today is cooperating with the Bahá’ís as they put into practice the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The Faith had to be spread very quietly, by living the life, setting an example and slowly but constantly sowing the seeds.
About a year ago, a youth, Miss Loredana Pinotti, made her declaration in San Marino. Last fall things began to happen. In fact the first two natives of San Marino, a young couple Mr. and Mrs. Giardi, accepted the Faith, soon followed by another young man, Mr. Marino Giardi also of San Marino. Many friends have visited this country. Last year Hand of the Cause Mr. Ugo Giachery and Mrs. Giachery were there more than once. It was during a fireside held on the occasion of their visit that the first two believers, Mr. and Mrs. Giardi, made their declaration. The pioneers of San Marino share this joyful news with the rest of the Bahá’í world as it marks another step toward achieving one of the goals of the Nine Year Plan, namely a Spiritual Assembly in the Republic of San Marino.
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