The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada
| No. 59 | FEBRUARY, 1932 |
THE TEMPLE[edit]
The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is a unique development of the Bahá’í Cause, an outstanding expression of the universality of the Principles embodied in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh; a great institution for the spiritual, religious, scientific development of humanity, expressive of a movement that teaches the actual practice of brotherhood and the unification of the world religions.
Some American Bahá’ís were visiting ’Abdu’l-Bahá in the old prison city of ‘Akka in 1908 and he said to them: “To have it (the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár) built is most important. Some material things have spiritual effect and the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is a material thing that will have great effect upon the spirits of the people. Not only does the building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár have an effect upon those who build it, but upon the whole world.”
Again and again have we Bahá’ís been called to unity by the beloved ’Abdu’l-Bahá. He explained to us the dormant forces hidden in this unity, waiting release by our united efforts.
Since the beginning of history no people have had placed in their grasp the power to so benefit mankind as have the Bahá’ís. Their’s is the most glorious opportunity—to fail, the greatest ignominy.
The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár was designed by Bahá’u’lláh, a perfect outer expression of the inner reality, the form indicating the meaning. He commanded the Bahá’ís to construct such institutions in all countries, and make them the focal points for the development of the religious, philanthropic, educational and charitable life of the people. ’Abdu’l—Bahá wrote: “The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will become the center around which all these universal Bahá’í activities will be clustered. From that point of light, the spirit of teaching, spreading the Cause of God and promoting the teaching of God, will permeate to all parts of the world.”
The voice of the appointed Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, is calling the Bahá’ís, in the most earnest tones, to unite and establish this center. Nothing succeeds until it has an established center around which to revolve. ’Abdu’l-Bahá says: “Know thou that there is in the world of existence a Center for each great matter and bounties shower from that Center.” Clearly then, the Bahá’ís of America have within their power, through their united sacrificial efforts, the opportunity to construct a material edifice that will affect “the whole world”. ’Abdu’l-Bahá' wrote: “When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár with its accessories is established in the world, aside from its religious or spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect upon civilization. Aside from the religionists who will feel its influence, materialists will not be exempt therefrom. Moreover, it contains divine wisdoms, spiritual effects upon the intellects and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection these will become evident.” ’Abdu’l-Bahá has unfolded to us the great potentialities of this Mashriqu’l-Adhkár so that the Bahá’ís might work with the divine enthusiasm which comes from first knowing and then doing. The Guardian has recently sent the following word through one of his secretaries: “It is very gratifying to see the National Spiritual Assembly and the friends whole-heartedly arise for the completion of this edifice which was so dear to the Master’s heart. If this spirit of co-operation and sacrifice should be sustained it will indirectly affect all the other phases of our activity and usher in a new era in the history of the progress of the Movement in that country.”
FIVE HUNDRED MILES TO PRAY IN THE TEMPLE[edit]
In early winter a Bahá’í friend invited me to drive to Chicago “To Pray in the Temple”. Needless to say we went.
Readers, the wish of my heart while there was that every believer on this Continent might have that experience, and privilege. Words cannot express the ‘Power’ that reaches down to the depth of heart and soul as one steps inside the upper part of that Divine House of Worship. Turning eastward toward “That White Spot, from which all regions have been perfumed” one faintly glimpses the significance of ’Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy regarding the mighty tumult that would be set in motion upon its completion.
Standing outside the building quite a different reaction was realized. Beautiful as it is even in its unfinished state, these words rang in my heart—“I am naked. Will ye not clothe me?” If every believer in America could see it in its present stage there is no question that added sacrifices would appear in each individual life— “ere it is too late.”
A trip to Kenosha was an unexpected blessing that has left its enduring traces. Dr. Zia Bagdadi was to be the speaker for the Sunday evening meeting, but graciously shared the time with the writer, as the subject was “Personal Experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”. Dr. Bagdadi’s talk on the Holy Land as a preface to his own experiences with the Master was a most illumined one. The ’Abhá Spirit filled the hall in which were believers and new-comers. As the party drove back to Chicago all hearts were radiant and thankful.
Kenosha assuredly has come into a new station of enkindlement and illumination. The love of God fills the hearts. Sacrifices are being made daily by local and visiting teachers, as well as by the united assembly, for the spread of the Glad Tidings in that city. There is a great response.
Some of the faithful and tried believers of that Assembly have within the past year, ascended to the World of Light. Through their prayers they are no doubt assisting Kenosha to become “A Beacon Light to the World of Humanity”.
BOUND VOLUMES OF THE BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE[edit]
To comply with requests it has been decided to complete 10 Bound Volume Sets of 17 volumes—(4 to 21 inclusive with Volume 17 missing) and offer them during March and April only, for $45.75; on time if desired. This is at the rate of $2.75 a volume instead of $3.50. If single copies of bound volumes are desired during March and April they may be had for $3.00 instead of $3.50 plus postage.
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NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA General Address: Bahá’í Secretariat, Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N. J. ALLEN B. McDANIEL, Chairman,
ALFRED E. LUNT, Secretary, 89
NELLIE S. FRENCH, International
ROY C. WILHELM, Treasurer,
HORACE HOLLEY, Associate Treasurer,
CARL SCHEFFLER, Financial Secretary, 1821 Lincoln St., Evans ton, Illinois.
Bahá’í News The Bahá’í News is the Organ of communication between the National Spiritual Assembly and the believers, and is printed for distribution to believers only. SARAH WALRATH, Chairman. ALBERT WINDUST, Editorial Manager
SOPHIE LOEDING. ALBERT VAIL.
Editorial Office: SARAH WALRATH, 1415 Sherwood
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In the last several issues the Editorial Committee has appealed to the friends for news items from the Bahá’í Communities throughout the country, asking that every Assembly make a point of sending a brief newsy report of current activities in its Community each month. These should reach the Chairman of the Editorial Committee at the above address not later than the fifth of the month.
EDITORIAL
THE CALL OF THE KINGDOM
In a recent letter from Haifa, the Guardian writes:
“We should have faith in the power of the Master to come to our help and guide us in our difficulties. We should at the same time do our best in awakening the friends to their duties and urge them to keep up their sacrifices.”
How well we recall the words of the Master years ago when he stated that the Temple would be built on the foundation of sacrifice! And now Shoghi Effendi urges the believers throughout America “to keep up their sacrifice.”
This glorious effort will be sustained in spite of the business depression and financial stringency. We are learning the spiritual blessings that come as the result of real sacrifice; giving when it means giving up.
So, during the coming year, let each and every believer decide upon his own measure of sacrifice. The New Plan of Unified Action is our goal, set up by the National Spiritual Assembly and endorsed by our Guardian. “It fully and truly deserves the unreserved support of every American believer.”
While the New Plan, like the original Plan for Unified Action, established an average of nine dollars per month for each believer, many are unable to give as much, and nine cents will be acceptable. The spiritual principal of unity will be achieved only when every believer gives what he or she is able to on the basis of sacrifice. Even in these days of financial stress and distress, each one can give up some need or reduce some regular expense in order to co-operate with their fellow-believers in their respective Bahá’í communities in complete unity of action; 100 per cent co-operation toward our glorious objective; the early fulfillment of the New Plan for Unified Action.
Let us keep continually in our minds those stirring words cabled by Shoghi Effendi:
“An appeal to individuals and Assemblies alike to maintain, despite worldwide depression, high standard of self-sacrificing efforts (for) National Fund, is imperative. Abundant blessings shall be vouchsafed its staunch supporters.”
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“O God! Make all My ideals and thoughts one ideal and one thought, and suffer Me to attain to an eternal, unchangcahle condition in Thy service—” |
EXTRACT FROM LETTER RECEIVED FEBRUARY 4, 1932[edit]
Dear Roy: Jan. 14, 1932
. . . Concerning the general letter he has sent lately to the Western friends, to which you refer in your letter; Shoghi Effendi thinks that the friends should spread the message it conveys to the public. It should undoubtedly be dong in a very judicious way lest the people think that we have entered the arena of politics with rather drastic programs of reform. But we should at the same time show the lead that the teachings take towards the realization of the international ideal. The primary importance of the Cause among the existing religions of the world is that, whereas the others have no coherent program upon which they are united, the Movement is rich with the very spirit and teachings of world needs for solving its present international problems. It is wonderful chance for the Cause to absorb the interest of the intelligent elements in the public. . . .
Please convey Shoghi Effendi’s greetings to your Mother as well as to the Members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
REPORT OF NATIONAL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE, ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY 31st, 1932
Use of the term “Bahá’í” as applied to music, painting, poetry and other art forms.
At the present time, there exists no standard by which music, painting, poetry and other art forms can be described as “Bahá’í”, as distinguished from other forms of art. Such art forms may deal with Bahá’í subjects, but their excellence as art can be judged only by existing standards which can in no sense of the word be described as “Bahá’í”. It, therefore, at present seems wise that music, paintings, poetry and other art products should not be described as Bahá’í music, Bahá’í poetry, etc. Hymns, for instance, should not be published as “Bahá’í Hymns”, but should, perhaps, be described as “Hymns—for use in Bahá’í meetings.”
It is, of course, desirable that any art products which deal with Bahá’í subjects and which are published or exhibited to the general public, shall not be of so low a standard of artistic merit as to reflect discredit, or bring ridicule, upon the Bahá’í Cause.
EXCERPTS FROM LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI TO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY DATED DEC. 20th, 1931.
Shoghi Effendi views the great sacrifice the friends are making to complete the Temple with great admiration. He, however, hopes that this will be continuous and not spasmodic. We have to show the world that though our number is small, our spirit of service is beyond measure and we can face any emergency with absolute assurance as to the final victory. Shoghi Effendi is now looking forward to the time when the external decoration will start, for that will begin to present the real beauty that edifice will posses when completed. Teaching and the completion of the Temple construction are the two subjects that should obtain the most careful attention.
(In the Guardian’s handwriting)
Dear and valued co-worker:
I deeply appreciate the continued and self-sacrificing endeavor of the American believers in the face of the grave financial and economic depression into which their country and the whole world is now plunged. That the Temple edifice should arise under such circumstances, that its elaborate and exquisite ornamentation should be carried out, through the efforts of a mere handful of Bahá’í followers despite the gloom, the uncertainty and the dangers which surround them is but another evidence of the mysterious all-compelling power of Bahá’u’lláh whose blessings will be bountifully vouchsafed to all who arise to carry out His purpose. The Cause is entering upon a period of unprecedented achievements. The full measure of its glory and power will be gradually manifested, if we, on our part, execute in their entirety the instructions and bequests bequeathed to us by our beloved Master. The American believers have made a splendid beginning. Let them bring to a speedy and successful termination a task which they have so nobly initiated and which they alone are destined to accomplish.
“NOT MERELY AN ECONOMIC, BUT A SPIRITUAL TASK”[edit]
On December 16th the National Spiritual Assembly sent to its Local Spiritual Assemblies the third in its series of letters devoted to the Plan of Unified Action. In this letter the Assembly stated its “firm confidence, that every true believer will also arise in full devotion and sacrifice, is based upon the conviction that the completion of the beloved Temple of Bahá’u’lláh is not merely an economic but far more a spiritual task. We are convinced that the apparently overwhelming obstacles on the path leading to that success are the means of discipline, purification and unity given us all from the wisdom and mercy of the Manifestation Himself. On no easier path could believers in the Cause of God arrive at the glorious station of service.”
On January 14th the fourth letter was sent. “We send these letters for consideration at every Nineteen Day Feast, that all the believers may concentrate their minds and hearts on the success of the Plan of Unified Action. No one can estimate the full measure of that blessing which shall be poured out upon the co-workers of Shoghi Effendi when the mysterious power of unity takes effect in all the local gatherings of Bahá’ís. . . . Only what we give—of love, devotion and wise counsel, as well as of material wealth— will be saved in this Great Day of God. What we hold back will be lost." In this letter the National Spiritual Assembly stated that by February 29th, the contributions required amount to a total of $7,424.00 if all obligations are to be met. “The ideal condition is that in which every recognized believer contributes faithfully every month, even if circumstances in some cases permit giving only five cents. Will the Local Spiritual Assemblies assist in the attainment of this ideal?”
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI TO A BELIEVER
Shoghi Effendi has directed me to write this in answer to your letter, expressing his appreciation of your aspirations and conveying to you his loving greetings.
As to material sacrifices toward the welfare of the Cause, he wishes you to understand that the general interests of the Cause take precedence over the interests of the particular individuals. For instance, contributions to the welfare of individuals are secondary to contributions to the National and Local Funds and that of the Temple.
This is a general instruction. Of course helping the individuals in case one is able to help, is also desirable and merits appreciation. He is glad to learn that you have been helping . . . . Surely God will reward you. He prays for you and for . . . . so that you may prosper more day by day and . . . may also be released from the inconveniences of life.
SHOGHI EFFENDI APPROVES NEW YORK DECLARATION OF TRUST
The chairman of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New York City has received from Shoghi Effendi a letter and also a cablegram which indicate his approval of the Local Declaration of Trust recently adopted by that body. Since this letter comments on the matter of the legal status to he assumed by Local Spiritual Assemblies in general, the contents of the Guardian’s communication are shared with all believers.
The first portion of the letter was written through his secretary: “It is surely very important to give to the Local Spiritual Assemblies some legal standing, for as the Cause progresses and its adherents increase, they will be confronted with duties they cannot even imagine at present. Not only will they have to make contracts for acquiring halls for their meeting place, but also they will be obliged to create new institutions to care for their sick, poor and aged people. We hope that before long the Bahá’ís will even (be able to) afford to have schools that would provide the children the intellectual and spiritual education as prescribed in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master.
“For such duties that will naturally devolve upon the Local Spiritual Assemblies there will be an increasing need for a legal standing. They will have to be considered as a legal person with the power of making binding contracts.
“In small centers where the friends are still few, the taking of such steps is rather premature and may add to the complexity of Bahá’í administration. Not so, however, with New York which, I suppose, is the largest center in the United States.”
The Guardian added the following words in his own handwriting: “Kindly convey to the members of your distinguished Assembly and through them to the entire Bahá’í Community in New York, the expression of my heartfelt gratification, admiration and gratitude for the historic step that has been taken by the Bahá’ís of New York, the City of the Covenant, for the consolidation of their local activities. I am entirely in agreement with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, endorse its principles, approve its purpose, and believe it to be eminently practicable, useful and serviceable to the interests of the Cause. It will serve as a pattern for every Bahá’í Local Spiritual Assembly in America and a model for every local community throughout the Bahá’í world. This document, being the first of its kind, should, I feel, be published, in its final form and in its entirety, in The Bahá’í World.”
The foregoing letter was dated December 25, 1931. Three days later the Guardian dispatched this cablegram: “Urge mail promptly two photographs, one (of) New York Assembly, another (of) entire local community to accompany (the) publication (in) Bahá’í World (of) New York’s splendid Declaration of Trust. Heartfelt congratulations.”
(Signed) Shoghi.
NEW YORK
New York City: The Bahá’í Activities of this city have continued with undiminished ardor and consecrated effort during December—inspired by the presence at the Center of the splendid portrait of ’Abdu’l-Bahá which was painted by Mr. Sigismund Ivanowski of Westfield, New Jersey, a gift from one of the Buffalo believers to Shoghi Effendi for the holy shrine of ’Abdu’l-Bahá on Mt. Carmel.
The presence of the portrait provided the central theme for the meetings of the month. On the first Sunday, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford and Hooper Harris spoke on “Who is ’Abdu’l-Bahá?” Mrs. Ford stressed the mystery and bounty of the station of ’Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center of the Covenant of God, the divinely appointed channel through which the creative Word and Power of God could reach the whole of humanity, the one who should make clear to humanity the revelation, the purpose, and the power of the Great Manifestation for this Day. Mr. Harris cited most clearly and convincingly those passages of our Old Testament which describe the One who is to come, the Servant, the righteous Branch, the man who shall build the Temple of the Lord, the Sun which should rise in the West, etc., concluding with the promise of ’Abdu’l-Bahá Himself that He would be with all those who turn their hearts to the Great Orb of Guidance of which Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed him, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, to be the Center.
On Sunday, the 13th, Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews conducted a most beautiful and uplifting “Symposium on Prayer.” Mrs. Mathews emphasized these reasons for praying: first, in order to unite ourselves with the Source of Bounty for all our needs; second, in order to connect ourselves with the love and assistance of those who have gone on before; third, prayer—meditative prayer— is the surest way to help us to distinguish between the selfish ego and the spiritual reality in each one of us.
On December 20th, Mr. Harris explained “the Message of ’Abdu’l-Bahá,” referring again to the Old Testament prophecies.
On December the 27th, Mr. Saffa Kinney gave the Christ Message for this Day. He reminded us that no message was ever given as unique as the message of the Christ Himself for this Day. Christ brought out the intimate relation of the fatherhood of God to man and in this Day we have in the two lives of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá, the perfect demonstration of this fatherhood and sonship, each giving as the message and gift to the world, the Kingdom of Heaven on earth with Shoghi Effendi as guardian.
The Tuesday afternoons in December under the direction of Mrs. Ford, gave the public the privilege of hearing more about the qualities and reality of ’Abdu’l-Bahá which Mr. Ivanowski strove to reveal in the portrait itself.
On Thursday, the 17th, Mrs. Krug began a series of intimate talks at the Center, to which she invited the many friends to whom she has given the message during many years. The spirit of ’Abdu’l—Bahá, a living and ever-present reality in Mrs. Krug’s life, was felt by all.
The Young People’s Tuesday meetings continued as usual with a splendid social time on the 27th.
The Friday Night Study class continues to hold the attendance and devoted study and effort of a large group.
On Wednesday evening, the 23rd, the study class invited the members of the Local Spiritual Assembly to its “party”. The hearty singing of many old beloved Christmas carols, the joy of learning a new carol which Saffa Kinney wrote for the occasion, and the games, all contributed to the joy and pleasure of true fellowship.
In response to a suggestion made at one of the open consultation meetings of the Bahá’í community, the Local Spiritual Assembly appointed a special Committee whose function will be to watch out for articles, editorials, speeches, etc., given by those who seem to have sensed the underlying causes, realities and remedies for the problems of this Day. The Committee will then communicate with such persons and send to them some appropriate Bahá’í literature which clearly substantiates, develops, and fulfills their vision and hopes.
Finally the year 1931 was brought to a close and the new Christian year of 1932 was ushered in during a feast given to the friends by Mr. and Mrs. Kinney and Mrs. Krug, held at the home of the Kinneys. It was a happy ending to the Christian year of 1931 though as one of the friends pointed out there was still some time before the close of the 87th year of the Bahá’í Era.
In response to an appeal from the Bahá’í Peace Committee of New York, the New
York Local Spiritual Assembly compiled and published a little sixteen-page pamphlet on The Most Great Peace, to be used at this auspicious time for free distribution in New York City.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
We have had the great privilege of a visit from Miss Martha Root. To give an accurate account of her busy five weeks or more in this city would require many pages. At all times Martha’s attitude was that of implicit obedience to the Guardian's wishes; therefore her first consideration was to find opportunity to proclaim the Glad-tidings to the students in the universities, colleges and schools of the city and surrounding towns. This was done most acceptably—doors to the great institutions opening for her by the confirmations of the Almighty.
Washington is a vastly different city from any other American city. It is the national capital and there are innumerable obstacles in the way of making important contacts, but all these seem to be swept away when spiritual laws are in operation. It was a great achievement, therefore, to proclaim the Name of Bahá’u’lláh before so many students—in one High School alone fifteen hundred students were assembled. Thus we can see that in figuring up the total number of students present at these various gatherings, many (thousands must have heard the Name of Bahá’u’lláh and the great principles of our religion. The students for the most part gave wonderful attention. We hope in many instances follow-up work will be done by personal contacts. What the final result will be of this great service rests with God and the confirmations He gives to the friends who strive to do personal work with those who manifest an interest.
In addition to this, and probably equally as important if not even greater, was the dynamic service which Martha, accompanied by Mrs. Parsons, rendered in connection with their personal visits to officials from foreign countries who are members of the Diplomatic Corps in this city. This was indeed an outstanding and superb service, and one which will doubtless be very far reaching in its effect. No one save these two servers could have had entre to this exclusive circle, and even they could not save through the Power of God.
On Martha’s program also there were many group meetings, and she had several interviews with people in private life as well as with an important government official. Also the Message reached many thousands through her broadcasting.
Altogether we feel that she served the
Cause of God in this city most efficiently[Page 5]
and with that spirit of devotion and loyalty
for which she is justly famous.
Another service we would like to touch upon in this report is the work done by Orcella Rexford. Her way of serving is decidedly unique and different. She certainly is an enthusiastic Bahá’í, and she has the ability and capacity to reach thousands of people. The audiences gathered to hear her primarily talk about Diet and the Chemistry of Food. She is earning her living now as a Food Scientist, and at her free lectures for six nights in succession she had an audience of from eight hundred to a thousand each night.
At her private classes she prepared her students for the Great Message by dropping seeds of Truth continually so that by the time she was ready to give her great public lecture on the Bahá’í Religion she had prepared many hearts. In one Bahá’í lecture she gave the most important historic points in Bahá’í history, and did so in no uncertain way, referring to the Great Báb. Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi; she very definitely stated the principles and many of our most wonderful teachings, and held the attention of an audience of around one thousand people for two hours and a half.
She invited those who wished to hear more about the teachings to join a study class. Mr. Cobb was chosen as the teacher for this class. At the first meeting about one hundred were present. This class will continue one night every week for an indefinite period, and out of this group we are praying there will be some confirmed souls actually willing to join our ranks in full membership.
CALIFORNIA
Pasadena: Genuine interest and enthusiasm is centered here in the group of young believers, all college graduates and members of the Communities of Glendale, Los Angeles and Pasadena, who are meeting regularly to study and equip themselves so that they will be ready at any time to answer questions, or to speak in public on the Cause. A few Sundays ago this group took complete charge of the Sunday public meeting and gave a very able presentation of the “Solution of the Economic Problems from the Bahá’í Standpoint”. Not only was the program intellectually sound but a profound spiritual atmosphere prevailed which filled the audience with reverent awe and wonder.
Los Angeles: A World Friendship Dinner was given on February 1st by the Bahá’í Assembly. Mr. Horace Hahn, a student at the Los Angeles High School, spoke on “Education of the Multitudes for Peace”; and Mr. Emmett Smith, a student at the Venice High School, spoke on “The World Court and Peace”. Both of these young men were successful contestants in the fifth annual World Friendship oratorical contest held in December and sponsored by the Speech Arts Association of Southern California, the Efebian Society of this city and other organizations interested in world friendship.
Dr. Getsinger is conducting his fourth annual series of lectures and classes in which he gives the Bahá’í message from a scientific and philosophical standpoint with blackboard illustrations.
The Los Angeles Bahá’ís have also a self teaching class meeting the first and third Monday of each month. This class has no teacher but each one attending is given the opportunity to speak or present a paper on any phase of the Bahá’í Revelation. The object of the class is to enable those speaking to develop and improve their method of giving the message to individuals or groups of people. Another class to be started in January is a study class the object of which is to assist all the friends to deepen in the Cause and obtain a better understanding of the Teachings. A chairman will arrange subjects for discussion and will assign to individuals the preparation of answers to questions that will be brought up. It is hoped that many of the Bahá’ís and others in and around Los Angeles will participate in this class. Plans are at present under way to hold several large public meetings in the city during January and February.
Berkeley: An inter-racial group of college students, many of whom had never before attended a similarly mixed gathering, met recently at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Yazdi to discuss the Bahá’í teachings. A brief introductory talk was given, after which the meeting was devoted to questions and answers. Interesting questions upon the Bahá’í view of race inter-marriage, the duty of the new negro generation in associating with other races, and the inadequacy of most internationally-minded groups clue to their influencing only internationally-minded people and their failure to overcome the far more numerous ranks of the prejudiced. The Bahá’ís of Berkeley present an Amity Meeting every month, and are doing much toward eliminating race self-consciousness in their community.
Long Beach: The little group all take part in the meetings for study, working in love and harmony. The Nineteen-Day Feasts are held in the various homes. A series of public meetings is planned for the Third Friday of each month throughout the spring. Mr. Willard P. Hatch and Dr. W. M. Madson, a young medical student of Pasadena, opened the campaign, January 29th. Mr. Hatch spoke on the Bahá’í Principles and Dr. Madson presented the Bahá’í Economic Plan, both being well received.
COLORADO
Letter from Loulie A. Mathews
Colorado Springs had the privilege of being visited for three days by ’Abdu’l-Bahá who spoke in glowing terms of its future. It is a region where the sick come to regain their health and is the scene of sacrifice and exile. Here many illuminated Bahá’í teachers have visited, Martha Root, Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Brent and others. Building upon the foundation of their brief giving of the Message, a class was formed last summer. The faithful and regular attendance, in one season, brought such results that upon my return to New York I was happy to leave the class to Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hadsell, who are confirmed believers. All the members of the class have become earnest students and are fired by the enthusiasm which insures success. The class of fourteen members is now meeting at the charming home of Miss Katherine Bachus, and we confidently expect to form an Assembly in the Spring upon my return to Colorado.
Anyone having friends going there should invite them to attend this brilliant class by writing to either Miss Bachus at 311 East Unitah St., or Mrs. H. H. Hadsell of 827 East Willamette St.
ILLINOIS
Chicago: Great things are happening
in Chicago. Day by day we can see how
the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is growing in
this great cosmopolitan center, which
’Abdu’l-Bahá called the heart of America.
Greater strides have been made,
numerically, in the last year than in many
preceding years. Undoubtedly, the
erection of the Temple is the underlying
cause for this phenomenal expansion. The
beautiful room in the Lake View Building,
which we opened on December 31, 1930,
has already been out-grown and we have
taken a much more beautiful and commodious
suite in the same building. We
hope that any visitors to Chicago will make
it a point to call at our headquarters, 116
S. Michigan Avenue. The rooms are open
daily from 12 to 4 p. m. Every Wednesday,
from 12:15 to 12:45 p. m.,
there is a public meeting; every Friday
from 12:15 to 12:45 p. m., there is a
public prayer service. Wednesday evenings[Page 6]
at 8 o’clock there is a study class.
Every Friday evening at 8 o’clock there
is a public meeting. In our new quarters
we will be able much more efficiently
to serve the Cause and the friends and
confidently expect an even greater expansion
than that which has taken place
in the last year.
Springfield: Word comes to us that one of the young Bahá’ís of that city,took for the subject of his last address in his public speaking work, “The New World Religion.” addressing the instructor and twenty class mates. He was graded “A” on this work. This is a field which offers the young Bahá’ís who are students in the colleges and universities of the country boundless opportunities for spreading the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
WISCONSIN
Milwaukee: The Feast on December 31st was a very happy event for Milwaukee Bahá’ís, for at that time ten new believers were formally accepted. Public meetings are held on an average of twice a month on Sunday evening in the Medford Hotel. For these meetings we have a visiting speaker whenever available. Friday evening Study Groups are held in the home of Mrs. Bruss. Several teaching groups have been meeting regularly each week for those just becoming interested in the Cause. There are also classes for the study of Esperanto, public speaking and singing. An inter-assembly party was given at the home of one of the friends and the splendid co-operation of Racine and Kenosha Assemblies made this an affair that will long be remembered.
INDIANA
Indianapolis: Since April, 1931, a number of teachers have visited this city with the result that several classes have been organized. These classes now meet jointly and it is hoped that by April of the current year an assembly may be formed.
MONTREAL
The Bahá’í Community in Montreal has been steadily increasing its numbers, becoming well known in the city and enlarging its activities during the weight of aversion and bigotry, that for so long has made our headway slow and in the face of truly colossal opposition, is giving way. During the heat of the summer months our Tuesday evening young people’s group filled to overflowing the Bahá’í Hall. This same group also held weekly picnics on Sundays by the river about twelve miles from the city, making economical arrangements by train and truck. They were enabled in this way to meet in hours of companionship and relaxation, the young people who have been attending their discussion group, forming those personal bonds so essential to the spirit of the Cause and transmitting it “from heart to heart” as well as from speaker to listener.
The development of our young people’s group has been by a most natural growth and we owe it entirely to the foresight and liberality of our Spiritual Assembly. Having been given at first perfect freedom to do as they felt best, subject of course to supervision by the Local Assembly, they were allowed to develop and adapt themselves to best spreading the Teachings among young people. Within the last year, however, that initial separateness that was needed to give them strength has entirely disappeared and the Tuesday group is a most integral and co-operative part of the community at large.
Montreal has received many stimulating visitors during the past year; Mrs. Sonita Knowles, following the suggestion that Shoghi Effendi gave her in Haifa, has been traveling all over the country to different Assemblies, and bringing us tidings of our Guardian and reports of Bahá’í activities in other places. We were happy to have her with us a week in August. Over the New Year we also had the great pleasure of a short visit from Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf from Boston, accompanied by Miss Roushan Wilkinson, refreshing and gladdening us by her continuous devotion and steadfastness in her service to the Guardian.
The 13th and 14th of January Martha Root spent in Montreal. We have all been drawn into the deeper realms of our great and blessed Cause through her finding our reason (which we overwork) at a standstill to explain or account for the openings we were able to get for her and the response in believer and stranger alike to the power of Bahá’u’lláh which she mirrors. For the first time in Canada the names Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and Bahá’í, were voiced into the listening air. Her broadcast was merely a symbol, to us, of the power of an “Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh”. She also spoke to the Montreal Social Workers Club at a luncheon of seventy-five or so, and to a public meeting of over two hundred; a luncheon to twenty people who had hitherto made no organic contact with the Cause, and to a round table meeting of thirty before taking her train, as well as meeting the friends at a reception and at a tea.
HAIFA
A recent letter from the Guardian to The Bahá’í World Committee chairman mentions the interesting fact that he expects to create two new sections in Volume IV of The Bahá’í World, one devoted to Bahá’í poems, and another to Bahá’í music. He says: “I hope that the friends will gradually arise to enrich these sections and improve the standard of their contributions.”
In the same letter Ruhi Afnan says that “if in every center, the friends could win the co-operation of at least one of the local papers, they could thereby start a teaching campaign far more effective than anything yet attempted.”
GERMANY
Hamburg: The young people of this assembly have a wonderful workshop where they are trained in all manner of arts and crafts. The products of their labors are sold and the proceeds contributed to the Cause. They have sent a beautiful assortment of doilies and hand painted covers to America to be sold for the Temple fund. All such things should henceforth be sent to our American official Sales Committee Chairman: Mr. George Spendlove, 1700 K Street, Northwest, Washington, D. C., U. S, A.
Speaking of the beautiful arts sent by the German Assembly children for the Temple fund, our National Chairman, Mr. McDaniel, says: “We are glad to have these lovely art works which we will sell for the Temple. These little mats or doilies are so attractive that I am sure that we shall find a good sale for them. We are happy to keep some for our own. use. This is a very fine and generous contribution to the Temple and I am sure that these loving labors of the children will be confirmed. Our Temple utilities are now completed so that this glorious structure will be protected and preserved and can be used in the future. Now we must make every sacrifice to raise additional funds to proceed with the exterior ornamentation.”
NEWS NOTES FROM THE BRITISH ISLES[edit]
The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, sends
the following message through the National
Spiritual Assembly: “I deeply sympathize
with the increasing difficulties confronting
the believers in Great Britain,
but I feel that these will serve to deepen[Page 7]
their faith in the power of the Cause and
will enable them to reinforce the spirit of
Bahá’í solidarity among them. I strongly
feel that the maintenance of the Center
(Walmar House) is indispensable and
vital to the interests of the Cause, and I
will continue to pray that Bahá’u’lláh may
protect and bless and sustain the upholders
of His Faith in that land.”
A paragraph from Ruhi Afnan written under the direction of the Guardian seems also so significant that it is here quoted.—"He hopes that the friends will display a certain amount of faith and courage and not fear present economic conditions. We should not let financial considerations hamper our work and discourage us in rendering our services. Giving lavishly during days of plenty cannot be termed sacrifice. It applies only to our activities when depression and economic difficulties seem to block the way. . . Whatever we sacrifice at present is to assure the welfare of humanity and ourselves as members of it in the future.”
- NELLIE S. FRENCH,
December, 1931.
THE PASSING OF MME. deLAGNEL[edit]
Once again the friends of Washington, D. C., were called upon to translate into the world of action the divine injunction of Bahá’u’lláh, “I have made death to thee as glad-tidings . . .” Without this teaching the devoted friends of Mme. Josephine Cowles deLagnel would have been a sorrowful group, for her passing into the life eternal and radiant would have meant a bereavement inexpressibly great and very deeply felt. This faithful maid-servant was for many years an active and beloved member of the Washington Bahá’í Community and for many years she had served on the Local Spiritual Assembly.
Mme. deLagnel became a Bahá’í in 1902, and from the day she entered the Fold she was a comprehending follower of the Faith,—loyal, devoted, sincere at every point and at all times. She had “found her Lord,” as she so often said, and so all of the Teachings emanating from the Source of Life and Light and Love in this Great Day constituted her armor and buckler and were indeed all-in-all to her. Through the creative effect of the Holy Utterances she had developed spiritual ears and spiritual eyes and a keen spiritual perception. Her greatest charm was her firmness in faith and her longing to serve the Most Great Cause. She was eighty-five years of age, yet she was active up to the time of her serious illness which began about six weeks before the final dissolution of that once very strong body. She Was well equipped for service for she had a strong spirit and a strong mind in a strong body.
Those who knew her well during all the thirty years of her devotion to the Cause will remember her unique and beautiful character, and the Washington friends in particular will always remember that her home was the Bahá’í meeting-place for years. When ’Abdu’l-Bahá was in Washington in 1912, He visited her home, and thereafter she herself and many others considered the home was especially blessed and that it had an unusually pure spiritual atmosphere.
’Abdu’l-Bahá said of her, “She is My real daughter, there is no one who could be dearer to me than she is because she really serves. I love her. I love her very much.” And in one of her own Tablets from Him, these words, “Every soul has a protector, but praise be to God thou hast God.” And during the storms and stress of life she held firmly to these Holy Words.
A SUGGESTION FOR TEMPLE FUND[edit]
Some of the friends will recall that during the sojourn of ’Abdu’l-Bahá in America there were times when the meal consisted of bread and gravy—nothing more.
Shoghi Effendi once said to an American pilgrim that when the spirit of sacrifice and devotion which permeated the believers in the Orient appeared in the Occident, the Temple would be built. With these two memories fresh in mind and heart, the following plan was set in operation and is proving to be a blessing to all, so we send it forth; perchance those in other cities might like to try it also.
Once a week the believers gather at one of the homes for an Economy Dinner. The host gives the meal which consists of one main dish. All who come give to the Temple Fund what their dinner would cost them at home. For instance: a large dish of rice and gravy or bread and gravy with plenty for everyone, water to drink, will cost around five cents per person for the hostess. The more there are of course the smaller the cost per person. No one can provide such a meal at so low a cost at home. After the meal there is an opportunity to build up, in the Bahá’í Community, a greater social and friendly bond that is not possible in the regular Bahá’í meetings. Discussions, music, prayers or readings according to the inspiration of the occasion, follow.
As a result there is something “Extra” in the Treasury each week to keep sending, small though it may be, to the National Fund. Just try it and see what happiness will come as a result! A rotation of homes is a good plan.
STUDY COMMITIEE ANNOUNCES NEW COURSE[edit]
Dear Bahá’í Co-workers:
The recent letter from the Guardian with its clear statement of oncoming world events is a call that awakens us to the urgent necessity of a wide expansion of our teaching activities. We must accustom ourselves to the idea of dealing with large numbers, while pondering in our hearts what service we can but render to mankind in this transitional period. Surely a solution offered to a world which knows not which way to turn, shall attract to the Cause a multitude of people made alert by suffering and the apprehension of world chaos.
To seize this opportunity a band of trained Bahá’í teachers will be needed. In the words of Shoghi Effendi: “How pressing and sacred the responsibility that now weighs upon those who are already acquainted with the teachings! How glorious the task of those who are called upon to vindicate their truth, and demonstrate its practicability to an unbelieving world!” Certainly no true believer can remain silent when confronted with the burning questions of the age, for which we alone have the answer.
The Bahá’í Study Committee wishes to point out that with the turning of a new cycle in human history, a fresh and timely approach to the teachings must be thoughtfully considered. This enlarged scope of Bahá’í subject matter is suggested in the statement of Shoghi Effendi, who says: “For Bahá’u’lláh, we should readily recognize, has not only imbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit. He has not merely enunciated certain universal principles, or propounded a particular philosophy, however potent, sound and universal these may be. In addition to these, He, as well as ’Abdu’l-Bahá after Him, have, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a set of Laws, established definite institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy.”
Would it not be well for Bahá’í teachers and students to re-study the history, principles and precepts of the Cause with a special view to attaining to a more profound comprehension of the background which they furnish to the inauguration of the New World Order?
How glorious will be our victory if the
teaching work can go forward in accordance[Page 8]
with a plan in which all, in the
briefest possible time, can equip themselves
with a sound knowledge of the
Cause and its application to this significant
hour!
The Study Committee is offering at this time a course of thirty-six lessons on the Bahá’í Teachings. The course was designed to fit, not only the needs of the many new groups throughout the country, but also to furnish a framework for Assembly Study Classes and public meetings.
Unlike other courses offered by the Outline Bureau, a large library of Bahá’i books is not required. Nor is this a correspondence course. The course is based upon three text-books, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, The Wisdom of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and The Foundations of World Unity. Each lesson consists of one or more quotations on the subject from some other Bahá’í source, a prayer definite reference to the text-books and questions for discussion. A lesson is short enough to be easily covered in one evening.
In order to make this course available to all, we will sell the three text-books and the thirty-six lessons for two dollars. The set of lessons without the books will sell for one dollar.
The Study Committee has on hand a large edition of the outline on “Material and Divine Civilization”, which it recommends for close study since it consists of reference material on the social, economic and administrative teachings of the Cause. The outline is on sale for fifteen cents.
Orders will be filled after March first from the office of the BAHÁ’Í STUDY COMMITTEE, 2704 Tilbury St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
PUBLISHING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT[edit]
The members of the Publishing Committee share with all believers the recommendation received from the Inter-Assembly Teaching Conference held in Washington, D. C., on November 8, 1931. The Bahá’í Communities of Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D. C., participated. As reported by Mr. Spendlove, the Conference adopted the following resolution: “That this Conference bring to the attention of the Bahá’í Publishing Committee the need of having a full and sufficient supply of literature calculated to interest and appeal to people with a fundamentalist Christian outlook.”
The Publishing Committee appreciates the rapidly increasing need of literature in book and pamphlet form dealing with the Teachings from the Christian fundamentalist and many other prevalent group points of view. As a committee functioning under the conditions laid down by the National Spiritual Assembly, however, it does not initiate literature but merely manufactures and sells the books and pamphlets approved by the Reviewing Committee and chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly.
It seems advisable to make it clear that those believers who write books and pamphlets should submit them first to the National Spiritual Assembly for review and approval. When approved by the Reviewing Committee, the question of how to use available publishing funds in the manufacture of new books and pamphlets is subject to final decision by the National Spiritual Assembly.
The Publishing Committee would like to explain to the friends that the delay in publishing the Guardian’s translation of The Dawn–Breakers: Nabíl’s Narrative of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Faith has been due to the extreme complexity of this work, involving so many hundreds of pages of text and in addition so many illustrations and colored frontispiece. No Bahá’í work ever issued compares with this volume in the care required to produce a perfect book.
The publishing date on both the Standard and Deluxe (autographed) editions will now, it is confidently expected, be early in February, but the date during which the advance, reduced price can be accepted has been extended to March 1, that all the believers may have ample opportunity to take advantage of the lower price on advance orders. Until March 1, the Standard Edition will be $6.75— after March 1, $7.50. The Limited Edition autographed by Shoghi Effendi is $35.00, and this price will remain unchanged until the 150 copies are sold.
Other titles in which the friends have special interest at this time are:
Kilab-i-Iqán, translated by Shoghi
- Effendi .............................$2.50
Bahá’í Calendar for 1932 ........... .50
Esslemont's Bahá’u’lláh and the
- New Era, translated into Esperanto
- by Lidja Zamenhof ..................... 1.50
The World Economy of Bahá’u’lláh,
- 32-page pamphlet, sold
- only in lots of ten or more copies.
- Per copy .............................. .10
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING COMMITTEE
- P. O. Box 348
- Grand Central Station
- New York City
LETTER RECEIVED BY THE PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Dear Mrs. Little:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, written on behalf of the Publishing Committee, regarding the Publication of the Divine Art of Living.
Shoghi Effendi has laid down a principal that the Bahá’ís should not attribute much importance to talks, reported to have been given by the Master, if these have not in one form or other obtained His sanction.
Bahá’u’lláh has made it clear enough that only those things that have been revealed in the form of Tablets have a binding power over the friends. Hearsays may be matters of interest but can in no way claim authority. This basic teaching of Bahá’u’lláh was to preserve the Faith from being corrupted like Islám which attributes binding authority to all the reported sayings of Muhammad.
This being a basic principle of the Faith we should not confuse Tablets that were actually revealed and mere talks attributed to the founders of the Cause. The first have absolute binding authority while the latter can in no way claim our obedience. The highest thing this can achieve is to influence the activities of the one who has heard the saying in person.
Those talks of the Master that were later reviewed by Him and corrected or in some other form considered authentic by Himself, such as the Some Answered Questions, these could be considered as Tablets and therefore be given the necessary binding power. All the other talks such as are included in Ahmad’s diary or the other diaries of pilgrims, do not fall under this category and could be considered only as interesting material to be taken for what they are worth.
For this reason Shoghi Effendi has not been encouraging the publication of reported sayings that were not authenticated by the Master Himself. Shoghi Effendi is trying to prevent the friends from considering as actual words of the Master things that were not authenticated by Him.
Now in so far as the Divine Art of Living is concerned, some of the friends wrote Shoghi Effendi and stated that the book is very much liked, so he did permit its publication in its old form. The question, however, totally changes when the plates no more exist. He would surely not advise you to undertake that expense at this time and bring out a book where authentic and non-authentic material is hopelessly confused. It greatly detracts from the worth of a book to have in it quotations from Tablets which are absolutely binding and reported sayings that have no authority.
In closing may I assure you of Shoghi Effendi’s prayers and best wishes and assure you of his loving greetings.
- Yours ever sincerely
