Bahá’í News/Issue 62/Text

From Bahaiworks

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BAHÁ’Í NEWS


Published under direction of
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada


No. 62 SPECIAL CONVENTION ISSUE MAY, 1932

Twenty-fourth Annual Convention Report[edit]

By LOUIS G. GREGORY

The Convention is always a time of festival and spiritual refreshment among the followers of the faith and they are assisted by the Unseen Powers to convey these favors to others. Each occasion has its distinct features which are woven into the history and progress of the Cause. Each unfolds treasures and capacities hidden in minds and hearts. Each calls into play the service and sacrifice which glorify man. Each involves resignation to the Divine Will which brings guidance and establishes peace. The most striking feature of this Convention was its light, contrasted with the world’s gloom.

The twenty-fourth annual Convention, opened by prayer to the Throne of Guidance and in charge of the Chairman and Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, an organization afterwards made permanent, was called to order in the Foundation Hall of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Wilmette, Illinois, April 29th and remained in session three days. Mr. Allen McDaniel, presiding, read from the volume, Bahá’í Administration and referred to the beautiful music that was rendered as having a correspondence with the Spirit of the Divine Utterances and the music overflowing our hearts. Quite feelingly he referred to the divine ideals of love and service set before us by the Master, now so nobly exemplified in the services of our Guardian. He stated that the Guardian was now trying to raise the standard of administrative efficiency and to help America realize its high destiny as revealed in the Sacred texts. He hoped that deliberations might proceed in the spirit of the beautiful message of Shoghi Effendi.

The Secretary, Mr. Alfred Lunt, then read the latest message from Shoghi Effendi, one replete with heavenly illumination and guidance, and conveniently printed for circulation among the delegates. The title given this letter is The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

“That the Cause associated with the Name of Bahá’u’lláh feeds itself upon those hidden springs of celestial strength which no force of human personality, whatever its glamour, can replace; that its reliance is solely upon that mystic Source with which no worldly advantage, be it wealth, fame, or learning can compare; that it propagates itself by ways mysterious and utterly at variance with the standards accepted by the generality of mankind, will, if not already apparent, become increasingly manifest as it forges ahead towards fresh conquests in its struggle for the spiritual regeneration of mankind.”

Depths of assurance are in those beautiful lines. The Convention listened with deep reverence to the further reading of the message from Haifa, which unfolded the heroic days of the Cause in Persia; the great contribution to come from America; the inevitable decline of all that is born from the fleeting passions of a sordid world; the contrast of the majestic revelation of today with those revelations of the past; the fundamental unity of religion; the wisdom of the Holy Manifestations and their compassionate teaching of men; the meekness of the Divine Teacher; His disclaimer of finality; yet withal, the days’ dire need of a new revelation. Other weighty utterances shed light upon the Station of the Great Báb, or First Point of Revelation, the peerless exaltation of Bahá’u’lláh; the mighty seas of spiritual out-pouring; admonitions against political activities, bartering the faith for power, surrendering its essential ideals or lowering its standards in the hope of progress.

Other sections reveal the serious harm that may come to a universal Cause by its adherents in any land taking a political stand; a plea for solidarity among the friends; the claims upon our devotion of the beloved Temple; a feeling tribute to the Greatest Holy Leaf and the opportunity offered by the Great Fair of 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, to the American Bahá’ís to present their Temple in such a way as will challenge the admiration of the world.

The Convention expressed its gratitude by the following cablegram to the Guardian: “Profoundly impressed by America’s divine destiny. Conscious incapacity for heroic task. Will unitedly press forward under Guardian’s invincible leadership in fulfillment of plan ushering in the golden age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”

(Signed) BAHÁ’Í CONVENTION.

The Convention was reminded of the cosmic range of Bahá’í activity by messages, by letter or wire, from various cities at home and abroad. Phoenix, Los Angeles, Rockford, Philadelphia, Seattle, Rodondo Beach, Geneva (Switzerland) and the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma, indicating the oneness of spirit which invites distant friends, by sending loving greetings.

The Convention sent its own felicitations to Mr. Mountfort Mills, praising his international services to the Cause, the Greatest Holy Leaf and the newly established Spiritual Assembly of Japan.


SECRETARY’S REPORT

The annual report of the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly was read by Mr. Alfred E. Lunt. It was a fine presentation of the progress of the Cause during the past year, marked by the formation of new centers and the stirring to new life of many who have been inactive; the constructive record of eleven National Spiritual Assembly meetings. It contained an eloquent tribute to The Dawn Breakers, which the friends should place in public libraries; report of the new translation of the Iqán; an explanation of the power of consultation and the Guardian’s ceaseless efforts in the translation of these works; the number of Spiritual Assemblies, now fifty-three; the consideration of five-hundred and fifty separate matters forming subiects of consultation by the National Spiritual Assembly, a volume increasing with the growth of the Cause, the distribution of fifteen hundred copies of The Goal of the New World Order; the expansion of the Cause from nine delegates who attended the first Convention in 1909 to the present Convention with ninety-five accredited delegates, fifty-five of whom were in attendance and ending with a high note of optimism and spirituality.

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GREEN ACRE

An important item of the Secretary’s report covered Green Acre, the Bahá’í Summer Colony in Maine. The former program committee has been retired and a Faculty Committee appointed in lieu thereof. The purpose of this was the wish of the National Spiritual Assembly to put into effective operation next summer the ideal of the Guardian for the study of Nabil’s Narrative and the conversion of Green Acre into a training school for the preparation of Bahá’í teachers. This is in line with the wishes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His vision of a great university there in the future. To this end classes for study, earnest, serious study, will be conducted, Nabil’s Narrative being used as a text book. It is hoped that the marvelous spirit revealed in this book will sweep America. It is hoped that the Guardian’s preference will bring on the part of all a ready and active response.

The report of the Secretary on motion of Mr. Harlan Ober was received with marks of appreciation and thanks.

Percentages of increase of the number of Bahá’ís in various cities were reported as follows:

Oakland, California, 15%; San Francisco, 16%; Columbus, Ohio, 18%; Berkeley, California, 20%; Peoria, Illinois, 20 or 25%; Seattle, 25%; Yonkers, New York, 30%; West Eaglewood, 40%; Milwaukee, 37%; Miami, Florida, 90%; Racine, Wisconsin, 110%. Besides these Cleveland, Ohio reported eight new believers. Thereupon the ddegate from St. Paul asked if numerical gain only should be considered. He assured the Convention that St. Paul has gained 75% in quality. This sally provided laughter. Both quality and numbers mark the increase of the Cause. The former will assuredly bring the latter.


TREASURER’S REPORT

Mr. R. C. Wilhelm in presenting his report, stated that his office was consolidated action on the part of Messers. Holley, Matthisen, Miss Herklotz and himself. In reality it was a “treasurer-iat.” He referred to the day of small things when there was but a very small sum, $2,000, to purchase land which was to be the future site of the Temple. Now the work is well advanced and sums are sent in by more people than ever before. Various countries as remote as China and Japan are listed; among other givers there is a family of four generations even the little members of which are sending in their gifts. Yet at this time the contributions are only enough to pay running expenses. Once before this happened, yet a large sum was raised through consultative judgment. The Guardian and the Greatest Holy Leaf have both expressed hopes that the present Plan of Unified Action will succeed.

Mr. Holley, associate treasurer: Our economics in regulating our lives, our sacrifices, vision and co-operation, will bring results. We must raise our incomes and earnings to the place where they reflect the Divine Cause. This may save the country from a calamity that may take place. How quickly, in the crash of 1929, did the country lose the big profits it secured on foreign warfare. The thousand people whose incomes were a million or more a year, had they but realized how soon they would lose them, would doubtless have used them more largely for human relief. Unified Action is a plan with a foundation of spiritual reality. This Convention will set forces in motion which will bring spiritual victory.

Mr. Matthisen, a very practical Bahá’í, presented figures to show how regular and systematic giving on the part of all the American friends on the basis of their number, will soon bring the $150,000.00 needed to complete the work on the dome. It was reported that the number of givers in Washington, D. C. has been increased from fifty to one hundred percent.

MASHRIQU’L-ADHKAR

The Temple trustees reported $350,000.00 required for the projected expenses in the completion of the Temple. The beautiful Temple model through the effort of Mr. Schopflocher and Mr. Benjamin Shapiro, was in evidence during the Convention and appealed by its beauty to the interest of the friends. It is deemed wise to complete the dome of the Temple first. This will eliminate danger to the lower section in placing the derricks, etc. The architectural concrete will be very strong to meet various meteorological conditions. The ornamentations will carry out the spirit of the architect’s design.

Mrs. True read the Master’s Tablet to the first Convention, held in 1909, when there were but nine delegates from as many centers. In this Tablet it is made clear that this is the “Mother Temple” which will give birth to many others and now is the beginning of the organization of the Kingdom. Of the sum needed for work on the dome $30,000.00 should be immediately available. Outside aid is not allowable or usable. The Temple must be erected through the sacrifices of the friends.

FEAST OF RIDVAN

This greatest of all celebrations was held in the Temple foundation, Mr. Leroy Ioas of San Francisco presiding. After reading passages from the Book of Iqán he said. “The dynamic Words of Bahá’u’lláh enable us to understand the hearts of those pioneers who were with Him in the Garden of Baghdád when He made His immortal declaration, fulfilling both ancient and modern prophecies. Realize the mental misery and spiritual anxiety that filled their hearts just prior to this declaration, how the deepest gloom was suddenly turned into joy. And today we have the letter of Shoghi Effendi, with its challenging note, revealing more of the Divine Plan of Bahá’u’lláh. Forty years after the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh we have come in greater effort and sacrifice to hear His message and to rededicate ourselves to the great task that He has laid before us. In a short time people from all over the world will come to visit this Temple.”

Mr. Albert R. Windust read prophecies from the Bible about the appearance of the Lord of Hosts, also the words of ’Abdu’l-Bahá about the future of Akká and Haifa, then gave a detailed description of the scenes around Akká and Haifa and a report of his pilgrimage and conversations with Shoghi Effendi. The gardens on Mt. Camel, he said, were the most beautiful in Palestine. He described Shoghi Effendi’s charming manners, insight and great abilities as a master of detail. He wants us to be ourselves, to worship God, but not to be imitators of others. During his visit he said that Shoghi Effendi never took the head of the table, but gave that honor to the oldest pilgrim. He pours forth a stream of divine eloquence and wisdom, both intellectual and spiritual. In his presence all imaginations flee as mists before the sun’s rays. He wants the friends to avoid political positions although they may do administrative work. Bahá’u’lláh forbade His followers to take part in politics. Even voting at this time may result in serious consequences for the Cause and the believers in other lands. But the time will come in the future when all Bahá’ís will vote. Russia sent emissaries to Persia to find out if Bahá’ís take part in politics.

The visit to Bahjí is a great event today. Its entire structure has been repaired by Shoghi Effendi. It is a great Bahá’í Archives as well as a Holy Shrine. The room in which Bahá’u’lláh received Professor Brown in 1890, has been completely restored.

The Guardian sent greetings to the believers in Europe and America, laying emphasis upon the Temple and teaching work. Mr. Windust referred to page fifty-seven of Some Answered Questions as shedding light upon the station of the Guardian. He is establishing the Kingdom of God upon Earth.

The only other speaker was Orcella Rexford who displayed two sets of pictures of Palestine, ancient Christian Shrines and Bahá’í shrines of today ending [Page 3] with a number showing the progress of the work on the Temple in America. Besides other beautiful music, this meeting ended with the playing of the beautiful song, Benediction, by its author, Mrs. Shahnaz R. Waite.

SECOND DAY

A prayer read by Mrs. Harlan F. Ober began the work of the second day. Greetings were received from various cities and from Mrs. French, detained by illness.

TEACHING

The report of this committee was presented by Mr. Leroy Ioas and justly occupied a great part of the time of the Convention. Mr. Ioas said. “a new situation confronts the Cause. The progress of the Temple and the work of traveling teachers have drawn the attention of people. Local communities must show forth a mode of living which will unite all races and nations, impress and motivate people. New methods are now more effective in producing results. Recommendations as follows were made by the Teaching Conference:

1. In all assemblies individual teaching

service should be encouraged. Confirmations come through service.

2. Be sure to follow up the work of

traveling teachers. Nurture and protect those attracted, supply teachers in a small area.

3. Train the children. Remedy defects

in education. Mrs. Gift and Miss Linfoot should be made the nucleus of a National Committee on training children.

4. Outline studies for the development

of Bahá’í teachers. Summer schools should function this way.

5. Traveling teachers should not scatter

their seeds too widely but more deeply. Both preliminary and follow-up work shduld be associated with them.

This report was amplified by talks by

Mrs. May Maxwell for the youth, showing strides made by the group in Montreal through their elders granting them freedom.

Mr. George Latimer who felt that too

crystallized a view cramps growth. A variety of teachers is needed.

Mrs. Mary Collison spoke on the connection

between economy and teaching.

The work should be done more largely localy.

Miss Sylvia Payne described the work among the students at the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Mrs. Mabel Ives mentioned various contact groups favorable to the Message, especially that of Harriet McCollum. Miss Easterbrook explained one of the fundamental principles of education, leading from the old to the new.

Orcella Rexford spoke of the difficulties of overcoming the inertia of conservatives and those who adhere to conventional methods of spreading the Cause.

Dr. E. Lenore Morris felt that the elders still have a duty in guarding the Cause, while the youth bring enthusiasm. Both are needed. Mrs. Greenleaf said, science tells us that a negative thought dims the light of reality. Mrs. Moffett told of the success of the work at Racine and the value of the chart method in presenting the Cause.

Mrs. Myrta P. Sandos advocated having members of a Bahá’í community work with various groups in a city and attract them to the Cause.

Mr. Harlan F. Ober reviewed the teaching work in Pittsburgh and the fine connection made with New Castle, Pa., sixty miles away.

Mrs. Shahnaz Waite implored help to prevent the great catastrophe; “let us join hands before it is too late” she urged.

Mrs. Grace Ober discoursed on the brightness of Bahá’í juniors. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Swartz on the progress of the Cause in Columbus and the harmony of that community; Mr. Holley on the responsibilities of a local assembly and Mrs. Bolles and Mr. Harrison on Bahá’í duty to the poor.

In spirit and volume the consultation on teaching reflected divine light and fire.

AMITY

The past year was reported the best ever with many notable triumphs. It came to light that tradition mentions an African as having assisted Christ in bearing His cross; that Belal-i-Habashi was a Negro companion to the Prophet Muhammad; that an Ethiopian accompanied the Báb on His pilgrimage to Mecca and that Esphandiar the beloved, brave and faithful attendant of Bahá’u’lláh, who braved a hundred perils for the Cause, was eulogized by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as a perfect man.

Mrs. A. S. Parsons gave emphasis to the Howard University address of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Key to the solution of the race Problem. The colored must express appreciation and gratitude to the whites and the whites must show kindness to the colored and acknowledge equality.

Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews, Chairman of the National Racial Amity Committee, spoke with great enthusiasm of the success of the Amity work in New York, where her efforts have been successful in contacting and attracting people of large influence and capacity through this phase of service.

Other speakers were Dr. Bagdadi who told reminiscences of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and his words about the relations of races.

Mr. Nordquist of Seattle told about the amity work done there and Mr. Philip Marangella who gave a vivid description of his teaching journey in the South, the many contacts made and the reading of a letter from the Guardian that the Message should reach every man, woman and child. The Guardian, like the Master before him, has at all times taken the keenest and ‎ liveliest‎ interest in every phase of the Amity work and has given his blessing and confirmations in many beautiful letters written those who are active.

ELECTION

At this point the tellers reported the result of the election of the new National Spiritual Assembly as follows: Messers. McDaniel, Holley, Lunt, Wilhelm, Schopflocher, Mrs. French, Messers. Scheffler and Leroy Ioas and Mrs. Collins. With one exception the personnel of the new body is the same as that of last year.

As touching the matter of whether or not those chosen to teach should serve on committees a letter from the Guardian to Mr. Willard P. Hatch read in part as follows:

“You raise in your letter the question whether teachers should become members of different committees and assemblies. Shoghi Effendi prefers to lay no hard and fast rule on such a matter. The teachers are free to accept such posts or not. But it would be much preferable if they would keep themselves free from administrative duties and concentrate upon teaching.”

SACRIFICE

Mr. Harlan Ober gave emphasis to the need of sacrifice, inspired from Nabil’s Narrative. Do not think, he said, of accumulating, but of what we can dispose of. Make a definite sacrifice from present resources.

Mrs. May Maxwell: In this discussion we are really addressing ourselves. The Guardian knows the resources of the American friends and that through their sacrifices the work can be done by this group of believers. May not this convention in cash and pledges raise the $30,000.00 now so urgently needed?

Bahá’u’lláh once told one of the believers who was His companion to give to a poor person the only coin he possessed. He obeyed. The next day this donor of his all was taken into an enterprise which made him the richest man in Persia. Then he made himself poor by giving again. When his all was spent, he went to the bazaars and declared himself a Bahá’í. Then the enemies took him out and beheaded him. Thus, he gave his all, not excepting even his life. This, said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is the standard of giving.

Friends told various ways of saving by cutting out needless expenses and saving extras. One of the stories was that of Orcella Rexford, about saving small [Page 4] sums. Another reported the devotion of a blind lady in Cleveland. Ali Khan urged giving when it is hard to give. The outside world cannot be allowed to build the Temple. Regularity is the key-word. Mrs. Ober reported ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as saying that when the Oriental way of sacrificing reaches America the Temple will be built. Dr. Bagdadi offered a gold coin that was once the property of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Then occured a most impressive scene as the Spirit of Sacrifice swept the Convention. Many came forward to lay their most precious possessions upon the altar of sacrifice. Money and checks given in various sums from ten cents up to a thousand dollars, gold rings, jewels, coins, watches, diamonds, and a pearl necklace worth several thousands, taken from the neck of one of the devoted friends, were all freely given. One or two precious articles once given pilgrims by the Master brought many times their material value, the sums being given to the fund. No one yet knows what the total will be as the articles other than money will be placed in the hands of the sales committee of which Mr. George Spendlove is chairman. When sold, the proceeds will swell the fund. Many things indicated the spirit of love and devotion which kindled a fire which we hope will spread to all assemblies throughout America. The pockets of the Treasurer were bulging with funds and one of the daily papers on its front page carried a description of this remarkable scene of Bahá’í sacrifice.

PUBLIC MEETING

The public meeting for teaching was held on Sunday afternoon and was one of the most brilliant and attractive ever held on such an occasion. The seating capacity of the Temple foundation was entirely taken, with standing room only, and hundreds turned away for lack of room.

Presiding was Mr. Allen B. McDaniel who read the divine utterances on the Day of God. He referred to the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá twenty years ago coming to spread the message of the oneness of mankind. Who warned of the danger of the great war and urged all to unite in amity and accord and bring the millennium. The universal getting together is the Divine Plan and the only one that can bring a remedy for existing ills.

Mr. Alfred Lunt spoke with deep earnestness and power on “The Spiritual Aspects of the Divine Plan.” He said in part:

We are meeting in a structure devoted to the greatest light and teachings that have ever come into the world. In the past great teachers and founders of religions have appeared and have done great service to humanity. But in this age a great teacher has arisen giving us remedies for the ills of today. This Temple is a symbol of brotherhood and oneness, joining all the races and religions together. It is one of the greatest symbols of God in all the world.

Man has strayed away from the Path of God, like a child separated from his father. God reveals ‎ Himself‎ today to bring again the Holy Spirit, the flaming fire of His Love. Some think Him remote. But in the colorful and wonderful history of the Bahá’í Movement in Persia, it is seen how the Power of the great teacher moved thousands of souls to give up life and more than life for the love of God and to remove the slaughter of warfare and the barriers between races and nations. The speaker read the inscription of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Bible in the London Temple. He then made clear the mystery of the resurrection as explained in the Gospel and its application to the great changes in this day. The spirit of Bahá’u’lláh is making living beings out of dead beings. He voiced the need of release from misunderstandings through connection with the Great Reality and gave eloquent expression to the power of love and sacrifice.

Mr. Horace Holley was the second speaker. He said, whenever any living organism becomes cognizant of danger it instantly recoils. This is true whether in the jungle or the State. It is the instinct of self-preservation. When a danger persists the rational mind awakes and feels the need to remove it by understanding the real nature of the attack. The human organization has been subjected to danger for many years. It is sinister and widespread. He then reviewed the great civilizations of the past, including Greece and Rome, showing how great was the culture of the one and the might of the other, yet how rapidly they were consumed by the forces of disintegration because of the lack of spiritual cohesion. Marcus Aurelius, a man of culture and vision, tried to stem the tide of dissolution in the state he ruled. But his wisdom and might were insufficient. Rome could not recover from its degradation until its emperors bowed to Christ. This held only so long as spiritual ideals were followed. Mr. Holley then spoke of the modern world, reviewing the events which led to the great upheaval of 1914, showing how the body of Europe lacked in spirit which can be supplied only by Divine Love. A true unity must be a sign of human association and not purely a regulation of material things. Both Europe and America must now turn, amidst their great difficulties, to the world of spirit and find the ingredient of love. It is necessary to bring the world of mind and heart together. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá warned of the present difficulties. He compared the world to the body of a sick man, grievously in need of healing. It is a great privilege to be alive at this time. People of various races are inspired by the one Holy Spirit. Talents of inventors and engineers are thus turned to the good. Now we turn from selfishness and death to ideals of human fellowship and peace.

This meeting, whose spiritual atmosphere was blended with beautiful music and the aroma of flowers, left its divine impress upon the hearts and minds of the visitors and believers.

FINAL CONSULTATION

The evening meeting was informal, Mr. Albert R. Windust presiding for the delegates. Visitors had the privilege of the floor. The Bahá’í News, The Bahá’í Magazine, Green Acre, Geyserville, Lew-Helen, Amity in the South, etc., came in for expression and consultation. The general plan for Green Acre as modified by the Guardian’s instructions and wishes for Nabil’s Narrative, the report of the editors of the Bahá’í News; the plan of the Summer School at Lew-Helen to study Nabil’s Narrative; a very interesting report from The Bahá’í Magazine with the reading of fine letters of commendation from many parts of the world, the reading of a letter from Haifa, later to be published, were among the matters considered at this session.

Despite the depression. this year’s Convention appeared to show an increased volume of work, a large number of delegates and visiting friends from afar and near, many signs of hospitality and kindness, marked by simplicity, to visiting friends and the happiness, peace and spiritual attraction which mark the majestic onward movement of the Cause.


Report of the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada---1931-1932[edit]

In the general field of Bahá’í activity in this western world, the past year, appear several thrilling, enheartening and outstanding accomplishments. Undeterred by the depressing economic conditions, the believers of God in many towns and communities have displayed divine courage and a radiant faith in advancing the Cause of God. [Page 5] Particularly in the middlewest, the favored region of the Temple, and on the Pacific Coast, the Bahá’í cohorts have set up new frontiers in the teaching and the confirmation of many new souls who have joyfully accepted the Great Message and have enrolled in the army of Love and Peace. Almost everyone of the Bahá’í communities contiguous to Chicago and Wilmette has witnessed a new birth. Bahá’í communities and groups which have remained seemingly stagnant and without progress for many years, have this year arisen to great heights of devotion in the service. Our brothers and sisters in Racine, co-operating with true Bahá’í fervor with the resourceful and able teaching provided by Mrs. Moffett, have held public meetings in a room opening upon a main street. Many new believers have joined that community. A leading newspaper has been most helpful in co-operation.

Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Seattle, Montreal, Pittsburgh are other Bahá’í communities gleaned from the rolls, that have made substantial gains in membership. But in this report a complete survey of the whole field would be too extended. In many of the places not named here sterling activities have been carried on, which will become recorded in American Bahá’í history.

Chicago, upon whose willing shoulders so much responsibility rests, in caring for the throngs of seekers who visit the Temple, has achieved a new unity and performed a truly great service this year. This is evidenced by a twenty per cent increase in enrolled believers. Chicago, the heart of our Bahá’í organism, is, with heart and soul, drawing ever nearer to the sublime vision of the Master for that city. Love and unity are the keys not only to His good pleasure for that city but to every Bahá’í community in the United States and Canada, which sincerely desires to accomplish its divine destiny. Action and yet more action is the fairest fruit of those two great attributes, and we may be certain that where action and accomplishment are lacking the surest proof is at hand that somewhere along the line unity and love have not found entrance into the hearts. The water may be clear but Bahá’u’lláh tells us that if it is also bitter with discord and personal differences it cannot quench the thirst of the weary traveller.

Equally true is it that unity and love are never found where a true regard for the great gift of consultation and obedience to its results, is not fully understood and applied by all the members of a Bahá’í community. Consultation is one of the great pillars of the New World Order, a truly divine bounty to humanity. The believers of God must ever march forward, a disciplined spiritual army, with the results of true Bahá’í consultation. For this divine law enables us to draw nearer to the Mind and Will of the All Glorious One, than has any means previously evolved by man, or revealed by the former Prophets. Consultation is our shining armor, our shield and buckler against the divided hosts of the world. For Bahá’í consultation is kindly, open-minded, solicitous for the well-being of every soul, impregnable in its unity and power. It is the strong arm of the Administration in which every soul has a part. Obedience to its behests both purifies and glorifies the body of the Cause and this light is shed upon every sincere believer. For thus Unity is served, against which no human power can prevail. Unity is the song of the morning stars which mirror forth the sublime and divine Unity and Singleness of the Lord of all men. Praise be to God, who has, in this unexampled century, laid the foundation of unity. His greatest mystery, in the hearts of His servants. Let us, this coming year, drink of this cup more deeply than ever before. No greater step can be taken to achieve oneness than in a closer study of the refinements of consultation which feeds the life-blood of the great Bahá’í organism.

The fair city of New York, the City of the Covenant, has, likewise, this year, consolidated its ranks, performed a notable service in reaching out to the public, carried on a varied and attractive program of teaching continuously, and shows, too, a twenty per cent increase in its membership.

This new spirit has pervaded yet other communities and in giving these notable examples, the purpose is mainly to show the trend of events in conspicuous Bahá’í centers.

The outstanding factor is the astonishing fact that in a world of gloom and doubt, whose initiative has been largely lost and beset with fear, the believers have advanced. Forgetting their personal hardships and lack of means, they have shaken off fear and now displaying traces of the unconquerable spirit of the men of Tabarsí and Zanján, have attained these spiritual victories in their own communities.

It is the same spirit, directed along the lines of giving and sacrifice, that will victoriously place upon the Temple its radiant covering within the time asked for by our beloved Guardian.

I wish there were time to tell you in detail of Keith Ransom-Kehler’s beautiful and vigorous Bahá’í work in Honolulu, Japan, China, Java, Australia and India. She has written us some most informative reports, and if any time is available during the sessions, all will be inspired to hear these reports read. They bring us new facts, never before known, of conditions in those countries, and particularly of the operation of the Bahá’í Assemblies and groups.

I would refer you to the Teaching Conference and reports for details of the numerous goings and comings of our teachers in this country.

Although the enrollment shows a net gain in organized Assemblies over last year, fifty-three Assemblies in all, Geneva, New York; Flint, Michigan; Burlingame, California and Dayton, Ohio, have been dropped from the list, because of various local conditions, all of which pertain to decreased membership. In some cases, the believers have moved away or death has intervened; in others at the request of the Assembly itself because of local administrative problems.

A year ago, at the Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly announced the receipt of the precious manuscript of The Dawn-Breakers. This unique volume with its multitude of reproductions, photographs, the priceless original Tablets of His Holiness, the Báb, and its stirring text was completed early this year and has already found distribution almost throughout the world. The preparation of this book for the printer required months of the most painstaking and ceaseless effort, to which the Publishing Committee gave its unremitting attention.

This truly great volume is bound to have a profound influence upon the western world. It is similar to the Book of Acts in the Bible, only multiplied in scope and sheer heroism to include the very flower of Persia’s entire population, depicting a spiritual dynamic so tremendous as to rock the very foundations of that ancient state. And all this within the few short years of the Báb’s ministry. Nowhere in human religious history can an event like this be found. One becomes breathless as one goes with Mullá Husayn into the darkened abodes and cities of cruelty and ignorance after his marvelous conversion at the hands of the Báb. And, later, as we mingle, in the consciousness of a holy reality with the starving, heroic, severed men who, at Tabarsi, discomfited so many long months the flower of the Sháh’s army, we witness, as it were, veritable swords of light flashing in the midst of murky darkness. What divine elixir was this these men had drunk! An elixir that severed them from the world of “I” and “thou,” changing them into companions of the Supreme Concourse while yet living upon the earth. Truly, these exalted souls were the companions of the Lord, consumed with the fire of love for Him, thereby becoming an example in action, to the believers of God. They were [Page 6] men of action. In them, the holy mystery of the Divine Reality was unloosed.

As we read this supreme account of the dawning of the Day of God in the world, our hearts turn with gratitude and love to our beloved Guardian whose painstaking and brilliant labors of translation and transliteration have alone made its perusal possible.

Another great milestone in the history of Bahá’í publications, the past year, was achieved through the printing and distribution of the Guardian’s new translation of the Kitáb-i-Iqán. This noteworthy production now brings us Bahá’u’lláh’s matchless work in a form more readily understood and appreciated by western readers. Like a powerful, flowing stream, this divine exposition of the mysteries of prophethood, and the prime reasons for their rejection by the people of every age, sweeps away the debris of the past, and builds a new and glorious hope and an assured knowledge in the hearts of men. Before its resistless logic and its all compelling knowledge, every merely human dogma is swept away. The dark superstitions and cruel prejudices of the nations and ecclesiastical orders are revealed in their true light. There is no possible answer or refutation to this divine exordium. Truly the Word of God is an ‎ mmeasurable‎ bounty to all mankind.

It is the earnest hope of the National Spiritual Assembly that every Bahá’í Community in the United States and Canada will take two important steps in the very near future. First, place a copy of The Dawn-Breakers and the Kitáb-i-Iqán in their local public library; second, themselves read and study both these books with a new and concentrated attention, beginning now.

The National Spiritual Assembly, in behalf of every believer in the United States and Canada, wish to thank each and every member of the various National Committees of the past year, for their faithful, willing and at all times able services rendered in carrying out their manifold and arduous responsibilities. Few realize the care and attention incident to the constantly growing obligations of Bahá’í National Committees. Our Guardian has made it plain that their work is of a most important and essential character. In proportion to the increase in the work of the Committees, the National Spiritual Assembly has to face the task of the ever growing responsibility of supervision of each branch of the work, keeping in constant contact with each committee and communicating to them the new policies which are constantly being inaugurated. In the field of Bahá’í Administration, the National Committees occupy not only an important place but one which affords unrivaled opportunities for learning and applying the great administrative principles.

The National Spiritual Assembly realizes more keenly every day—and this knowledge should be in the possession of every believer—the vital and really transcendent significance of the early days of Bahá’í Administration. Only intense devotion, meditation and prayer—coupled with unity—can protect us from deviating from the sword-like and hair-like road that has been marked out for us by the Founders of the Cause, and by Shoghi Effendi. The slightest deviation today, the least compromise in principle will, history shows, become the cause of infinite suffering to succeeding generations. The world is always eager to offer its compromises, its temptations to incorporate in the pure body of Bahá’í principles the many half-truths that are at present rampant in the minds of men, to introduce some outworn dogma or suggestions that more believers will be won if we accept some former religious custom or belief. These very things, however, in the early days of Christianity, polluted and diluted the pure teachings of Christ, and caused the presentation of a distorted picture of His Divine Reality and purpose throughout the centuries. Hold fast, therefore, to the firm rope of the Manifestation. Permit no circumstance, however grievous, to lead you astray from the firm highway of the administrative order. In your local communities follow its precepts, become enamored of consultation, learn obedience to it, and drink deeper and deeper of the cup of divine love and unity. For the administration is the body, the vehicle of the Holy Spirit. Let us learn and apply the divine mystery mentioned by the beloved Master at Green Acre, when He said—in effect,—that the believers of God must show forth such love to one another that the world will marvel and say —“what manner of love is this that we witness among the Bahá’ís.”

And so we say that if in any Bahá’í Community, in any group of believers, conditions exist that are not conducive to this divine love of friend for friend, if personalities are clashing, if rivalry exists, if worldly ambitions are chilling the hearts,—that community must awaken to the realization that the most precious gift of God is being cast aside, that the distinguishing mark of a Bahá’í is being mingled with clay, and the Holy Cause in that place is being withheld from the souls who dwell therein. This indwelling love, this sacrifice for one another is the greatest power the Cause possesses. When these divine attributes are expressed in every act of Bahá’í Administration, that marvelous instrument becomes a mercy and a fortress to every believer, and foreshadows the new world order in shining light to all mankind. How great then, our individual responsibility.

This year the National Spiritual Assembly has gathered for eleven meetings, all in West Englewood, New Jersey and New York City, and has dealt with, in consultation, approximately something over five-hundred and fifty separate matters. Sessions usually occupy two full days and nights until about 11 p. m. Within these forty-eight hours no respite is taken—the meetings, with the exception of mealtimes, are continuous. In the United States and Canada, an ever increasing volume of Bahá’í work pours in from the Assemblies and believers. Our Guardian has recently written that the duties and obligations of the National Spiritual Assembly in this respect will constantly increase, from now on.

We have recently distributed nearly fifteen hundred free copies of the Goal of a New World Order to a splendid list of intelligent and well known people outside the Cause all over the country. The responses from a large number of the recipients have been astonishingly cordial and appreciative. These lists were furnished by the Bahá’ís themselves from all the various centers. Through this and similar methods the Cause is winning friends and well-wishers among people of influence and capacity. Few realize the keenness with which the world without is watching the spiritual strength, fortitude and resourcefulness with which the believers are meeting the problems of the Faith, both great and small. The search-light of public opinion will before long cast its rays into every phase of Bahá’í activity. The mirrors of the hearts must become very pure so that only universal reflections will radiate; that the dynamic beams of the Orb of Truth may, from our hearts, show the world what Light really is, that the Holy Spirit is active in the world, that we are fully performing our part of the Divine Covenant.

The National Spiritual Assembly several months ago supplicated for the guidance and the advices of Shoghi Effendi, concerning the future policy of Green Acre. In this connection we sent him various data and reports covering the entire field of the work there. His reply recently received was that “Green Acre is to be developed into a center where teachers are created to go out into the field as able servants.” Previously he told us that Green Acre should be made self-supporting and, if possible, income producing. Immediately following these instructions, the National Spiritual Assembly dissolved the former Program Committee and instituted a new Committee which we call the Green Acre Faculty Committee. Through this means, we believe we will be [Page 7] able to apply our Guardian’s policy concerning Green Acre with a new and greater efficiency. We can never forget the Master’s prophetic saying, when He stood on Mount Salvat, in Green Acre, and definitely pointed to the spot where the second Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in America would be built, and beside it, the great institution of learning. These projects, He said, were ordained matters. The new Faculty committee is the first trace of a succeeding line of trained Bahá’í servants who will gradually evolve the greatly needed plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for true Bahá’í education, concerning which He revealed so many basic and stirring Tablets. We are assured the friends of God will put forth a great effort to help this first Bahá’í educational institute, so that the children of this and succeeding Bahá’í generations may receive the divine blessings of studying in a school or college whose classes and courses will be based, without reservation, upon the original teachings and rules revealed by the Center of the Covenant of God.

It is now many months that we have been publishing in Bahá’í News the moving appeals of Shoghi Effendi, ever increasing in power and directness, for the completion of the exterior ornamentation of this Divine Edifice. During the winter substantial and necessary interior improvements were installed, made possible by the generous of the loving friends.

But up to this hour, the Temple Construction Fund remains practically dormant, being just now but a little over one thousand dollars. The first Plan of Unified Action attained no successful momentum until its final year. The benefits of regular and systematic giving during the first three years were almost entirely lost. Our Guardian, however, has appointed, under the New Plan of Unified Action, a new period of three years for fulfilment. One of these years has already elapsed.

Beloved friends, no merely human power sustained the defenders of Tabarsí, or filled with tenor the serried ranks of their foes. In repeated instances a little band of sixty men raising their resounding cry of “Yá Sáhibu’z-Zamán” caused the flight of sixty thousand of the regular army of Persia. In the hearts of that little band remained no attachments to the things of the world. An invincible and unified will accompanied by a unity like unto that of the Supreme Concourse itself, completely dominated the minds of their earth-bound besiegers. The laws and mysteries of the heavenly realm, flowing through those pure and severed souls, paralyzed and numbed those lesser laws which govern the lives of those who are enmeshed in the miry clay of fear and cowardice. Each hour a miracle was performed, a miracle to those unable to understand the Might and Power that flows from the Pure Realm of Reality.

It is this lesson that our beloved Guardian wishes us in America to learn. He desires for us no less than the attainment of a consciousness like that possessed by the men of Tabarsí, Nayríz and Zanján. He wishes us to step into that realm of brilliant heroism, as the Temple builders of the west. And he knows that if the tried and true believers of America and Canada bend their united wills to reflect a trace of that measure of sacrifice, the Temple can and will be completed within the fixed period. The Master told us that nothing is impossible to the possessors of pure intentions and divine determination. The unification of our collective will power constitutes a divine magnet so compelling that victory hastens to its aid.

The delegates to this Convention are capable of generating a unity and a love sufficient to electrify and win the entire Bahá’í body into an unconquerable Flame of sacrifice and achievement. “For every hour”—Bahá’u’lláh said,—“there is a fate.” Our Guardian has signified this hour as an hour of fateful import in a world whose ramparts are progressively crumbling. He tells us we should complete the Temple while there is yet time. Will history record the vain regrets of the present body of believers as they look back from the midst of the on-coming crisis upon an uncompleted task, or will an astonished world in 1932 and 1933 pause to witness the final tap of the hammer that converts this builded symbol of the Law of God for this glad new Day, into its finished symmetry! Strange to say, there has been granted to us, unworthy as we are, the opportunity to answer, yes or no, at this hour which all the atoms of creation have longed for and awaited. Our supreme hope is that the consultation you will give this all important and pre-eminent matter, during the Convention sessions, will evolve such measures as will stream, like golden light, into the hearts and wills of every sincere believer in His Manifestation.

ALFRED E. LUNT,
Secretary


Annual Reports of the National Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada---1931-1932

REPORT OF RACIAL AMITY COMMITTEE[edit]

The past year has been the banner year in this particular line of activity during the period since it was started. Information has come to us from over a wide area, extending from Maine to California of notable successes won by those working to establish in the world the divine ideal of human solidarity. But first of all, let us mention with deep reverence and grateful appreciation, the stimulus, encouragement, protection and mighty confirmation that have come to us from and through our beloved Guardian. With his powerful arm of assistance every difficulty has been met and successfully overcome.

The first undertaking was the Amity Conference of Portsmouth and Green Acre last August., Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, chairman, as the opening session and keynote speaker, gave the message of Bahá’u’lláh with a wealth of imagery and spiritual attraction. The cities represented by those who appeared upon the program were New York City, N. Y., Washington, D. C., Boston, Mass., St. Augustine, Fla., Pittsfield, N. H., Eliot, Me., Portsmouth, N. H., Cleveland, O., New Haven, Conn., Portland, Ore., and Auckland, New Zealand, Science, religion and music unfolded their treasures of enlightenment. A greater number of people of capacity than were ever attracted by a similar meeting at Green Acre came for this congress. Consultation over matters of very practical value in human relations was a valuable feature of this effort.

The Pittsburgh, Pa. Spiritual Assembly, in collaboration with the National Amity Committee, held an Amity Conference in October. The local branch of the National Urban League gave valuable assistance, as well as other welfare organizations of the city, a learned Rabbi and several liberal clergyman. The three sessions were held at the Colored Branch Y. M. C. A., at the Oakland M. E. Church and in the Auditorium of the Frick Training School. The Bahá’ís of that city, few in number, showed great courage in boldly upholding their principles and ideals in such a stronghold of orthodoxy. As a result of their efforts and sacrifices the fame of the Divine Cause was spread and several rare and beautiful souls became attracted to the investigation of the Cause. This applies to both races.

The New York friends planned two Amity Conferences on their program of [Page 8] activities for the season. The first was held in November, with two sessions, one held in the Auditorium of the Urban League in Harlem and the other at Bahá’í Center. Among the speakers were Prof. Hansberry of Howard University, Messrs. Hubert and Allan of the Urban League, Mrs. Jessie Fawsett Harris and the chairman and the secretary of the National Amity Committee. These gatherings were notable in attracting to the Cause the flower of the colored race in Harlem.

Some years ago Shoghi Effendi wrote, asking that a white teacher and a colored teacher go South together to spread the Bahá’í Cause. His directions were specific.

“A vital necessity, a step fraught with immense possibilities for our beloved Cause.” He wrote, “May ‘Abdu’l-Bahá guide every step you take and protect and inspire you, who are his chosen, dearly beloved standard bearers in that vast continent. Teach, teach, teach and the victory, the most glorious victory is ultimately yours.”

The two inter-racial parties, the first traversing the states of Virginia, North and South Carolina and consisting of Messrs. Philip Marangella and Chauncey Northern, and the second, consisting of Mr. Willard J. McKay and Mr. Louis G. Gregory and traveling through Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Southern Ohio, bear testimony to the fine contacts they were able to make among people of both races, large audiences addressed, very great interest and attraction of souls and the signs of a mighty, spiritual confirmation. Shoghi Effendi has again written, expressing great approval of such efforts and urging their continuance, with follow up work. He further writes:

“When one of the friends arises to spread the Cause with absolute determination and complete severance, God will confirm his efforts and guide his steps.”

WASHINGTON. D. C.

In the Nation’s Capital, some of the Bahá’ís conduct an Inter-racial Discussion Group which meets monthly. This circle they gradually widen, doing an extremely delicate and difficult task in a place where it is greatly needed. During November they arranged an inter-racial dinner at the Grace Dodge Hotel in honor of Miss Martha Root, Mrs. Mariam Haney presided and those in attendance were about eighty of the most influential people of Washington, almost any one of whom would honor an occasion and add to the dignity and beauty of a program. This effort has done much to establish the Cause in the hearts and minds of many very able people. It was a noble and generous sacrifice on the part of its sponsors and its success was a sign of great confirmation. Special music by distinguished artists was a charming feature. Members of the Amity Committee co-operated.

CALIFORNIA.

In California, the Amity Committee of the Oakland Bahá’í Assembly had a series of home meetings. The first was held at Miss Ruth Williams’, with twenty-seven present; the second, at Miss Charlotte Linfoot’s, with thirty; and a third, at the home of Mr. Paul Jones with an attendance of twenty. At the first meeting Mrs. Kathryn Frankland spoke, introducing the Bahá’í Cause to inquirers; at the second, Mr. Leroy Ioas, on the Relation of the Bahá’í Cause to Christianity; at the third, Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, on the Bahá’í Cause and Prophecy. Mrs. Kehler also gave an informal talk at the home of Miss Linfoot on the subject of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. As a result of these meetings, a class of sixteen was formed and valuable contacts have been made.

On two occasions Miss Charlotte Linfoot addressed the members of the Linden Club of Business and Professional Girls of the Young Women’s Christian Association. At the last annual Easter breakfast of this Club, the President read the Bahá’í meaning of Easter, and many of those present expressed their delight in this interpretation. She also spoke of the Bahá’í Cause to the members of the Art and Industrial Club and at the Berkeley Forum, a part of the Acorn Boys Club.

The Berkeley friends planned two Amity meetings which were well attended. The first was at the home of Mrs. Burland with thirty present. Mrs. Holley of Visalia was the speaker. The second, at the home of Professor and Mrs. Ward, was addressed by Dr. Kandwalla of India and Mrs. Ruth Williams.

LOS ANGELES

In February, a very brilliant Amity dinner and program were successfully conducted by the Amity Committee of the Los Angeles Assembly, Mrs. Sarah L. Witt, chairman. Quoting from the report:

“The presence of a number of American Indians, dressed in their full regalia, added much color and atmosphere to the gathering.” The leader, Chief Standing Bear, from the picture of the banquet a picturesque figure, spoke on “the first Americans and Peace.”

Representatives of China and Japan were among the speakers. The colored and white races were of course much in evidence.

Other subjects on the program were:

“The Youth Movement in Japan,”

Takeshi Haruki.

“World Court and Peace,” Emmett

E. Smith.

“Esperanto and World Friendship,”

Joseph R. Scherer.

“Oneness of Mankind,” Willard P.

Hatch.

Remarks by other notable speakers, including a Chinese lady. Mrs. Nellie S. French presided and Mrs. G. C. Finks acted as Secretary. The musical program was a treat. A young Negro artist being among the chief attractions.

This delightful occasion ended with the ‎ “Benediction”‎ played by its author, Mrs. Shahnaz Waite.

NEW YORK

Perhaps the most noteworthy success of Amity since the first Convention, held in 1921, was the inter-racial banquet in New York on February 27th, an affair given in the name of the National Amity Committee in honor of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the New York Urban League. One hundred and fifty people were delightfully entertained and the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh was promoted in a most impressive way. The Bahá’í speakers were Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews and Louis G. Gregory who acted as co-chairman, followed in turn by Hooper Harris, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford and Horace Holley. These felicitated the two great bi-racial organizations upon their fine achievements and stressed the new day of spiritual understanding, peace and brotherhood whose signs are all about us. Responses were made by Dr. W. E. Burghardt Dubois, Editor of The Crisis, William J. Schieffelin, president of the Citizens’ Union and chairman of the Trustee Board of Tuskegee Institute; Dr. John Hope, president of Atlanta University; Arthur C. Holden, president of the New York Urban League; Walter White, secretary of the N. A. A. C. P.; James H. Hubert, secretary of the N. Y. Urban League and speaking for the Bahá’í youth of the world, Mrs. Wanden Mathews La Farge. The way in which distinguished outside speakers eulogized the Divine Cause was most impressive and beautiful. It was an occasion of spiritual exhilaration and divine happiness. After all, perhaps the most eloquent of all the speakers was Mr. E. R. Mathews who financed the undertaking but said nothing, though so ably represented by his wife and daughter.

The musical program was equal to the other in brilliancy and charm. Saffa Kinney, David Fountaine, “the Southernaires” a Quartett renowned in radio circles, whose voices were marvelous imitations of [Page 9] musical instruments, and Edward Matthews, director of negro music at Fisk University who came at his own expense from Nashville, Tenn. to contribute his talent to this great occasion, shared and reflected the divine joyousness.

The publicity given this dinner was national in scope and many pleasant echoes are heard from many quarters. To quote from a report, appearing in a weekly which has a circulation of a quarter million: “The adieu of the meeting, completing the chain of peace and amity and love of mankind, as advocated by the philosophy of the great and good ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the better understanding as expressed and demonstrated at the banquet, the new friendship experienced by one-hundred and fifty people assembled in a room made beautiful by flowers,—all these were summarized by Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews.”

DETROIT, MICH.

This Assembly has an Amity Committee which is continually active, making interesting contacts with liberals of various races. The chairman of this Committee is Mrs. Philomene Altman very ably assisted by the secretary, Mrs. Mabelle Davis and others, among them a colored clergyman. They had a rather unique inter-racial dinner in March, attended by seventy-two people of various races and nationalities. Rev. Dr. Adams of the Universalist Church, who has often co-operated with the Bahá’ís generously gave the use of his Church.

The invitation read in part:

“You are invited to attend an informal family dinner planned by friends from various groups.

What Family? The Human Family.

Where? At the Church House of the First Universalist Church.

How much? Whatever you like.

What is the idea? To discuss progress toward World Peace through inter-racial friendship and understanding.”

The Cause of Bahá’u’lláh scored a very notable victory through this effort which meant hard work and pure sacrifice on the part of beautiful souls. Prof. Denton of the University of Michigan came from a distance to attend. Among the groups represented were the Society of Friends, League of Industrial Democracy, Communists, two colleges N. A. A. C. P., two colored churches and a Chinese clergyman. “The spirit, spoke!” Enough supplies were left over to feed thirty impoverished people.

Respectfully submitted,
MRS. LOULIE MATTHEWS, Chairman
MR. LOUIS G. GREGORY, Secretary
DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
MRS. MABELLE. L. DAVIS
MRS. FRANCES FALES
MRS. SARAH L. WITT
DR. ALAIN LOCKE
MRS. SHELLEY N. PARKER
MRS. ANNIE K. LEWIS

REPORT OF TEMPLE TRUSTEES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA FOR THE YEAR 1931-32.

The Temple Trustees have held nine meetings during the past year, beginning with their organization meeting on May 4th, 1931, following the last Annual Convention and ending with the meeting on April 28th, 1932.

During the year, steps have been taken and about $11,000 expended to complete the boiler room and the heating and ventilating equipment so as to protect the Temple structure and to provide for its use throughout the year. This work has been completed and has been in satisfactory operation during the past winter and spring months. The details of this installation of utilities and accessories are as follows:

1. Installation of feeders to

transformer vault, temporary
switchboard, and
connection with present
equipment .................. $3,700.00

2. Complete covering of all

boilers, breeching, steam
supply mains and branches,
cold and hot water
lines, and hot water tank
in basement ................. 1,900.00

3. Tile partitions around boiler

room, with exception of
elevator shaft .............. 1,200.00

4. Doors in partition around

boiler room complete with
frames and hardware ....... 288.35

5. Metal frames and partition

around boiler room for
future heating and ventilation
ducts ............................. 100.00

6. Automatic oil burner ......... 950.00

7. Radiator enclosures and

grills ........................... 100.00

8. Ventilating system exhausts

for toilets and kitchen ..... 1,200.00

9. Plaster patching ................. 20.00

Total of original contract, $9,458.35

A careful study has been made to ascertain what additional work should be done to make the present operating equipment self-contained and sufficient for the protection and operation of the Temple structure for the next few years while the exterior ornamentation is being applied.

Seven items involving an expenditure of slightly less than $1,000.00 are involved and should be done as funds become available.

The entire extension of these utilities has been made under the general supervision of The Research Service, Inc., and the immediate direction of its Chicago representative, Mr. Benjamin B. Shapiro, to whom credit is due for the successful installation and operation of the equipment.

The Guardian has frequently urged the believers in America to concentrate on the fulfillment of the New Plan for Unified Action, and especially on the completion of the Temple.

In two recent letters, Shoghi Effendi urges the believers to sacrifice to the end that the first section of the exterior ornamentation, including the dome and ribs, may be completed by the end of the Spring of 1933. The preparation of the models and molds will take six months and an expenditure of $30,000, and the casting and erection of the sections of the ornamentation will require an additional six months and cost $120,000.

Thus our Guardian has issued to the believers in America a great challenge; to demonstrate the capacity of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh to transmute material poverty into true wealth, and worldly weakness into spiritual power.

Respectfully submitted,
TEMPLE TRUSTEES,
MR. ALLEN MCDANIEL, Chairman
MR. CARL SCHEFFLER


REPORT OF BAHÁ’Í NEWS EDITORIAL COMMITTEE[edit]

In July of 1931 the Committee entered upon its duties. The first issue of the Bahá’í News prepared by the present Committee was that for the month of July, Number 53. Since then there have been monthly issues. Numbers 53, 55, 57, 58, 59 and 60 are eight-page publications; numbers 54 and 56 are four-page. Issues numbers 53 and 54 were printed by Crier Press, Inc. The other issues were printed by the Lincoln-Ringley Company. The Lincoln-Ringley Company is, we feel, giving us an exceedingly low rate and are further generous in making linotype corrections gratis. This is a most unusual concession, as there is invariably a charge for this service.

The members of the committee wish to take this opportunity of expressing their gratitude for the service they have been permitted to render.

Faithfully yours,
MRS. SARAH S. WALRATH, Chairman
MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST
MRS. NINA MATTHISEN
MISS SOPHIE LOEDING
MR. ALBERT R. VAIL

[Page 10]10


REPORT OF GREEN ACRE PROGRAM COMMITTEE[edit]

Under the existing conditions, the Program Committee cannot contemplate an elaborate program, but it hopes to elevate the general level of Green Acre activities and to give to the friends, few or many, something that will be of vital assistance in promoting the work of the Cause.

Perhaps we cannot announce the names of all the speakers until later nor can we give data of all the lectures at this time, but we expect to broaden our field and make it compatible with the maturity of this age.

We are convinced that if we are to carry out the Guardian’s wishes concerning Green Acre, we cannot use the entire land for a mere handful of Bahá’ís. We must either make Green Acre a real factor in the intellectual and spiritual life of America or confine our activities to one or two buildings, say the Fellowship House or the Tea House.

Perhaps many of the friends cannot come to Green Acre this season. Perhaps this is not the important thing. It may be necessary to open the Inn to those who can afford it and to make Green Acre ‎ significant‎ in this way.

Yours faithfully,

PROF. GLENN A. SHOOK, Chairman

MRS. MARY CORISTINE

MISS AGNES O’NEILL


REPORT OF GEYSERVILLE SUMMER SCHOOL COMMITTEE[edit]

The sessions of the Bahá’í Summer School at Geyserville, again manifested the spirit of “unity and interest” and made a deep impression upon Bahá’ís and strangers alike.

Through the loving service of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Bosch, many improvements in housing conditions were made. To those attending the Summer School, it was truly a demonstration of the statement of Bahá’u’lláh that: “The city is the home of the body, while the country is the home of the soul.”

There were about one hundred and seventy-five members and guests in attendance at the annual reunion under the “Big Tree.” The registration of the members during the sessions numbered ninety-nine, with an average attendance of forty-five.

The sessions were addressed by Professor William John Meredith, Dean Of the Montezuma School for Boys, Mr. Leroy Ioas, Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Mrs. Grace Holley, Professor Ward, of the University of California, Mrs. Helen Bishop, Dr. George P. Hedley, Archaeologist and Scholar Pacific School of Religions, Mr. George Latimer, Dr. E. C. Getsinger, Mrs. James Otis Lincoln, on such subjects as: “Accord of Science and Religion,” “Universal Education,” “The Development of a Universal Consciousness,” “The Solution of the Economic Problem,” “The New Political Outlook,” “The Machine Age,” “The Relation between Invention and Universality,” “The Abolition of Racial Barriers and the Development of Latent Powers in All Peoples,” “The Aspects of Christianity,” a series of lectures on the Economic Plan as outlined by Bahá’u’lláh and the presentation of the educational film, “The Pyramid of Cheops.”

Those who were privileged to attend the Summer School at Geyserville received both spiritual and intellectual stimulation from these varied and comprehensively presented subjects.

Respectfully submitted,
MR. JOHN BOSCH, Chairman
MR. GEORGE O. LATIMER
MR. LEROY IOAS
MRS. AMELIA E. COLLINS
MRS. ELLA G. COOPER


REPORT OF BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE BUSINESS OFFICE[edit]

In spite of the great depression on all sides and the increasing number of letters telling of believers out of work for months and even a year, we feel the Bahá’í Magazine has held its own fairly well.

Our cash receipts have fallen off considerably because some of the friends have asked for renewal but deferring payment to a later time (a few subscribers have definitely cancelled their subscriptions). From Australia, India and Canada we have received letters asking us to continue the magazine and they will pay later when the rate of exchange improves, at present they would be paying almost again the price. Our Persian list is reduced because of the difficulty in sending over the money; also Bahá’í literature is so often confiscated.

Our yearly contribution from the National Spiritual Assembly last year was $3,800.00; this year we received $3,529.00, or $271.00 less than the previous year. Having returned to the National Spiritual Assembly last year most of our balance ($700.00), this left us quite uneasy some months to find funds for running expenses, but we emerged at the end of this year—through careful economy on the part of our office manager—with $15.13 less in actual running expense than last year.

We are sorry to have to report a falling off in cash receipts of $328.18, but considering world conditions we do not want to be discouraged, and we are sure that the back payments will be made up as soon as conditions improve.

It is gratifying to see that more people have availed themselves of the Bound Volumes, an increase of $182.50 and an order for three sets waiting to be filled. We also show a gain of $15.22 in Single Issues and only four less in Trial Subscriptions which shows that the Magazine is being used for teaching purposes.

Respectfully submitted,
MRS. MARGARET B. MCDANIEL,
Business Manager


REPORT OF BAHÁ’Í ECONOMICS COMMITTEE[edit]

This Committee has been active for some months in collecting, arranging and rearranging, also indexing a compilation of the Words of Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá on the economic question, and this compilation will be ready by the time the Convention meets. If it is possible to have this compilation multigraphed so that copies may be distributed, this will be done, but this may not be possible until after the Convention.

The National Spiritual Assembly has arranged to have put into type an article on the entire subject of “Bahá’í Economics and the Social Order,” which was prepared for The Bahá’í World by the Chairman of the Committee. Mr. Lunt, and it is hoped that advance sheets of this article may be available for the Convention. It is planned to publish this article in the form of a teaching pamphlet through the Publishing Committee.

The Committee keenly appreciates the need for more exact knowledge on the part of all the friends of the universal economic remedies established by Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and we hope that in the coming year, the friends will avail themselves of every opportunity to study this urgent question which has become a world-wide problem in these times of necessity and depression, and it is also our hope that energetic measures may be introduced to spread this knowledge into the hands of the general public, especially economic leaders and those having responsibility for governmental action on this subject.

Respectfully submitted,
MR. ALFRED E. LUNT, Chairman
MR. DALE S. COLE, Secretary
MR. GEORGE O. LATIMER
MR. HARLAN F. OBER
MR. S. SCHOPFLOCHER
MISS JUDIE RUSSELL
MR. WILLARD McKAY
MR. ROBERT L MOFFETT
MR. WRIGHT

[Page 11]

REPORT OF WORLD’S FAIR (1933) RELIGIOUS CONGRESS COMMITTEE[edit]

This committee, appointed after the annual Convention of 1931 in Chicago, was entrusted with the responsibility of securing if possible, adequate and dignified representation during the period of whatever religious congress the authorities of the World’s Fair might decide to hold during the Fair.

The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, having been first consulted as to his wish in this matter, gave explicit instructions to your chairman in the following quotation which is taken from his personal postscript to a letter dated November 30th, 1930:

“I feel that every effort should be made to secure from the authorities their approval for the holding of a special Bahá’í session in connection with the Inter-Religious Congress, at which a paper should be read on the Cause, its purpose, teachings and activities. The American believers, and if feasible, believers from Europe, should be adequately and befittingly represented. It would, I am sure, be of great value to the Cause, and if properly organized, would considerably enhance the prestige of the Cause. An international Bahá’í Congress would, on the other hand, due to manifold obstacles in our way, not produce this result. I trust and pray that the Assembly will be divinely assisted and inspired in taking the most effective preliminary measures for such a valuable and far-reaching undertaking.”

SHOGHI.

With the utmost zeal and happiness the committee sought, through its secretary, Mrs. Maxwell, through Mr. McDaniel and through Mr. Vail, also members of this committee, to secure some definite information as to the identity of those in charge of such matters for the World’s Fair Commission, and to obtain an interview in order to present our hopes and make known our purpose. After repeated efforts Mr. McDaniel was able to secure some definite information in Washington, and later Mr. Vail was accorded an interview in Chicago with Dr. Odum who was acting with authority for the proposed Religious Congress.

At the time of Mr. Vail’s interview definite statements were made to the effect that the World’s Fair Commission had decided that the Fair should be entirely scientific and commercial, and that all thought of a Religious Congress had been abandoned. No encouragement whatever was held out that the plan might be changed and the outlook was decidedly unfavorable. For this reason, and because further efforts were made during the summer of 1931 without any semblance of success, your chairman reported at the National Assembly meeting of October, 1931, and asked that the committee be dissolved. This action was taken by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Some months subsequent to this, through the agency of some circulated literature sent out by some organization, the name of which I no longer recall, your chairman learned that arrangements were under way for a Religious Congress in connection with the Fair after all, and although the committee had been dissolved, called the attention of the National Spiritual Assembly to this matter, urging that a new committee be appointed which should be composed of members resident in or near to Chicago so that any measures found to be desirable might be speedily set in motion. As an additional urge to the National Spiritual Assembly your chairman quoted again the text of the Guardian’s letter which appears above, feeling that the tone of that letter was of such character as to almost promise the realization of our hopes. It was suggested that Mr. Holley be asked to approach Dr. Atkinson of the Carnegie Foundation and that he be asked to state our desire to participate in any kind of Religious Congress which might be held during the World’s Fair.

In the National Assembly minutes of the meeting of February 12th, 1932, your chairman finds that no action was taken regarding the above suggestions and that the National Spiritual Assembly preferred to await further developments, and further, that the National Spiritual Assembly felt that it “might be very much better to hold our own meetings during that period at the Temple, together with a carefully planned Amity meeting at Chicago.”

Your chairman desires to express her appreciation to the members of the committee who so diligently served in this capacity, at the same time stressing her intense regret that no more definite result was the outcome. She begs to state, however, that she still entertains the hope that should any plans for a Congress materialize, that the National Spiritual Assembly will at once remember the expressed wishes of the Guardian and take steps to secure the kind of representation which he, in his wisdom, has indicated.

MRS. NELLIE S. FRENCH, Chairman

MRS. MAY MAXWELL

MRS. MARGARET B. McDANIEL

MR. ALBERT VAIL.

MR. HORACE HOLLEY

MRS. ELLA G. COOPER


REPORT OF LEGAL COMMITTEE[edit]

Your Legal Committee submits the following report on matters referred to it by your body during the current Bahá’í year.

1. Approval was voted of the settlement

made by the Trustees under the Temple Indenture with the Estate of the late Major Burt, whereby sums due his Estate for services rendered in his capacity of Engineer representing Bahá’í Temple Unity were agreed upon with Mrs. Burt and made payable to her in monthly payments. In this connection it may perhaps be well to record again for the information of American Bahá’ís that the Temple Trustees assumed all responsibility for contracts entered into by their legal predecessors, Bahá’í Temple Unity.

2. At the date of this writing it is

necessary to record the fact that the Temple Trustees have not yet been able to reach a similar settlement with the Estate of the Temple architect, our Bahá’í brother, Mr. Louis Bourgeois, deceased. This settlement involves several conditions arising under the two contracts entered into with Mr. Bourgeois: one contract covering his services as Architect, the other related to the permission granted him to place a temporary working studio on Temple land. There is also a condition arising from a loan made to Mr. Bourgeois and secured by mortgage on his studio. We feel sure that all American Bahá’ís will appreciate the desire and active effort of the Temple Trustees to effect a final settlement of these matters in full conformity with the spirit of Bahá’í justice and with the definite legal responsibilities laid by the Indenture upon the Trustees.

3. The question of Canadian incorporation

has been pending for several years. A member of the National Spiritual Assembly has been appointed to make further investigation and report recommendations to the Assembly. If possible, the Declaration of Trust adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly will be recorded in Canada; otherwise the solution may be found in legal incorporation by Local Assemblies in the manner already done by New York and Chicago, as reported under section 6 below.

4. Careful examination has been

made of the By-Laws of the National Declaration of Trust related to the Annual Convention, with a view to possible clarification of the status of participating Local Communities, but the present By-Laws were found sufficient as statements of the Bahá’í principles involved. In this connection it might be pointed out that delegates elected to represent a Local Community which, by loss of members or otherwise, loses its status between the date of the election of delegates and the date of the Annual Convention, cannot be recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly as qualified to serve as Convention delegates. That is, all delegates must represent a Local Bahá’í Community in [Page 12] existence at the time the Convention is held.

5. In August, 1931, the National

Spiritual Assembly adopted an amendment to Article V of the Declaration of Trust, which now reads as follows: “The central office of this Trust shall be located in such place as may be decided upon from time to time by the National Spiritual Assembly.”

6. On November 11, 1931, the New

York Spiritual Assembly adopted a local Declaration of Trust, afterward unanimously ratified and approved by the Bahá’í Community of that City, and submitted it to the National Spiritual Assembly and also to the Guardian for approval. Your Legal Committee was requested to examine this document. An opinion was obtained from Miss Alice Greenacre, attorney, of Chicago, stating that this Local Declaration conformed to the National Declaration of Trust.

After its own independent study, the Legal Committee reported favorably to the National Spiritual Assembly. The Guardian approved the New York Declaration of Trust in a letter which is quoted here an account of its general importance to all Local Communities. Writing through his secretary, the letter being dated December 25, 1931, the Guardian stated that: “It is surely very important to give to the Local 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 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 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.” In his own handwriting Shoghi Effendi added these words: “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 Assembly in America and a model for every local community throughout the Bahá’í world.” At this date of writing, your Legal Committee has before it the text of the incorporation adopted by the Chicago Spiritual Assembly in February, 1932. The committee has not had time to make its collective report to the National Spiritual Assembly, but there seems to be no doubt of the validity and Bahá’í accuracy of the Chicago incorporation.

7. An interesting situation from the

point of view of your Legal Committee has arisen this year through the desire of an American believer to constitute the National Spiritual Assembly as the repository for certain papers and documents not coming under the exact classification of the Bahá’í Archives. As originally stated, this desire was for the Assembly to serve passively, as custodians of the papers, that they might be preserved for the future under Bahá’í auspices. Later, it appeared that certain conditions were laid down whereby the Assembly would be responsible for the specific performance of certain actions, irrespective of the authority and responsibility vested in the Assembly. The wisdom of permitting the National Spiritual Assembly to yield its freedom of acting under all circumstances solely for the interests of the Cause as a whole seemed more than doubtful, and the Assembly felt compelled to refuse to meet the request.

8. In the annual report made by your

Legal Committee last year it was stated that the National Spiritual Assembly considered it preferable for Local Assemblies desiring legal status to obtain it by setting up an Indenture rather than a Declaration of Trust or other form of incorporation which might confuse the Bahá’í status of believers already provided for under the National incorporation. It is therefore desirable to explain in this report that the difficulty mentioned last year has been removed in the local incorporation adopted by New York and Chicago. These instruments give further emphasis to the matter of individual Bahá’í status, without confusion as between the National and Local Assemblies.

9. A recommendation from one of the

Local Assemblies, that the National Spiritual Assembly hereafter reserve one of the ninety-five delegates to represent the isolated believers, was referred to this Committee. The National Spiritual Assembly accepted the view of the Legal Committee that this proposed plan has no justification in any administrative teachings of the Cause.

Yours faithfully,
MR. HORACE HOLLEY, Chairman
MR. ALLEN B. MCDANIEL
MR. LOUIS C. GREGORY
MR. SIEGRIED SCHOPFLOCHER
MR. CARL SCHEFFLER


REPORT OF PUBLICITY COMMITTEE[edit]

(BAHÁ’Í NEWS SERVICE)

Your Publicity Committee submits the following report on activities undertaken during the current Bahá’í year.

I. Articles issued. The publicity articles prepared and sent to Local Assemblies were:

June, 1931—three photographs showing Temple exterior and interior, with descriptive text. In addition to Assemblies, about one hundred sets of photographs were also sent to important newspapers and magazines in the architectural and engineering fields.

During the same month the Committee issued an article on the nine Bahá’í Holy Days.

December, 1931—article on Ten New Bahá’í Assemblies in America, and article on World Plan of Bahá’u’lláh. The text of the “World Plan” article, adapted to the requirements of a general letter, was also issued in the form of a letter and mailed to 1,000 leading educators, economists and ministers. Ten Local Assemblies accepted the offer made by the Committee to furnish extra copies of this letter for local distribution.

March, 1932—article on the subject of the public interest aroused by the Temple; article entitled “International Bahá’í Leader Describes Goal of New World Order.” The latter article quoted from the Guardian’s general letter of November 28, 1931, on that subject. It was prepared in view of Shoghi Effendi’s expressed desire that the Bahá’í teachings on a plan for a federated world be promoted throughout the general public, but with care lest the Cause he presented as a political movement.

Special emphasis should be given to the value of the Temple publicity secured by your Supervising Engineers, the Research Service, Inc., in the form of magazine articles and technical journal advertising reprinted for wide distribution.

The Publicity Committee has also participated in the following special work, in some cases as a Committee and in other cases through individual members:

Preparation of book review material for the Kilab-i-Iqán and for The Dawn-Breakers.

Distribution of 500 copies of The World Economy of Bahá’u’lláh booklet to newspapers, magazines and public men.

Distribution of about 1,500 copies of Shoghi Effendi's The Goal of a New World Order booklet, with letter from the National Spiritual Assembly, to names and addresses supplied by several National Committees and by Local Assemblies. These names provide a valuable mailing list available for similar use from[Page 13] time to time in the future. Many appreciative acknowledgements have already been received.

Preparation of reply to unfavorable review of the Kitab-i-Iqán published in magazine The World Tomorrow for January, 1932. This reply was published in the February issue of that magazine.

Preparation of article on the Cause for Religious Editor of The New York World-Telegram issue of February 27, 1932.

Correction of article on the Cause for New Standard Encyclopaedia.

Correspondence with Editor of Encyclopaedia of the Social Sciences, requesting changes in article prepared for that Encyclopaedia by a non-Bahá’í.

Statement on prophecies made by ’Abdu’l-Bahá, for a national radio talk given May 23, 1931.

Preparation of article outlining the Bahá’í teachings on inter-racial amity for a Negro weekly.

Material on the Cause and the Temple for the 1931-32 Church Directory of Vancouver, B. C.

Your Committee appreciates the deep interest and effective co-operation given by the Local Publicity Committees. The “publicity value” of the Cause has greatly increased since the construction of the Temple last spring, but it is obvious that the ground has only been prepared for the real seed sowing to come. Now is our precious opportunity to practice the lesson and perfect ourselves in the art of serving the Cause through the great mediums of newspaper, magazine and radio.

The National Publicity Committee is unable to report on the great services rendered by individual teachers and the Local Assemblies in the publicity field outside our own limited program. These services, we hope, will be brought to your attention by those who know the details.

A scrap book containing clippings was sent to the Guardian on December 5, 1932.

The following comments have been received from Shoghi Effendi since our last Annual Report: “He wishes me to congratulate you on the sane, sober but interesting and appealing tone which you have given to all your writings and which he trusts will find a suitable place in the press of the country,” (April 16, 1931 ). “Shoghi Effendi wishes me to express his full appreciation of the statement concerning the Temple which the Assembly is going to send out to the news agencies.” (May 6, 1931). “Shoghi Effendi read the open letters written by the Publicity Committee with great interest and he hopes that these appeals will awaken the intelligent people of that country to the importance of the teachings and their need for rehabilitating our dislocated society.” (December 25, 1931).

In view of this year’s experience, the Committee recommends that the incoming National Spiritual Assembly consider carefully the possibility of closer co-operation and consultation between the Publicity, Teaching, Amity and Publishing Committees next year. The total budget required by these National Committees can be greatly reduced if they concentrate on the production of the right teaching material, and leave more of the teaching work to the Local Assemblies. What the Cause in America seems to need most at present is a series of little printed folders (four pages each) outlining the Bahá’í attitude on Peace, Racial Amity, World Order and the Economic Problem. With this material, the problem of arranging public meetings, and doing “follow-up” work would be largely solved. In such a large territory as the United States and Canada, economy and efficiency both indicate the value of equipping every individual believer to give the Message as part of his daily life, in his own community, in contrast to the method of arranging a few public meetings a year, often involving more traveling expense than would be required for a large edition of these printed leaflets.

Yours faithfully,

MR. ALLEN B. MCDANIEL, Chairman

MR. HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary

MR. STANWOOD COBB

MRS. FLORENCE R. MORTON


REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT[edit]

(BAHÁ’Í SECRETARIAT)

The work of this office for the past year has combined so wonderfully with the work of The Bahá’í World committee that it is difficult to disassociate them in this report, for frequently a letter to an individual or group, or even to the National Spiritual Assemblies has had the two purposes of conveying news and soliciting work for the next volume of The Bahá’í World. And too, one of the greatest means of promoting co-operation and unity has been through the personal contacts enjoyed through the privilege of travel.

For three successive years your international correspondent has met personally the believers in certain parts of Europe and the exchange of ideas and experience in handling the work of the Cause has proven both helpful and inspiring. During the last two periods of summer vacation England, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland have been visited, and while only a few of the cities of these countries were reached, it has had a remarkable effect upon the greater understanding of the responsibilities which lie upon the shoulders of the believers in the Holy Cause.

During the past year eight circular letters have been sent to the National Spiritual Assemblies in which the important news of the Cause has been mentioned, while the ideal of establishing for their office the status of official medium for the dissemination of authoritative news of the Cause has always been borne in mind. A letter to this servant written under the direction of the Guardian by Mr. Windust while he was in Haifa, carries this instruction: “In discussing the Bahá’í News with me (I did not introduce the subject) he wishes the Bahá’í News committee to receive direct from all National Spiritual Assemblies all of the news of the Cause. He thought that as you were the Secretariat of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, that you should send to the Bahá’í World all information that comes to your hand, as well as all news that comes to the National Spiritual Assembly, direct to the Bahá’í News Committee. He said further, that if they withhold this information it will be of no value to the believers, therefore they should send it to the Bahá’í News so that it can be used if deemed advisable.”

This instruction is immensely valuable, and in time certain methods will evolve which will function smoothly and with no duplication. During this last year there has been some uncertainty on the part of this servant as to how much was expected of this office in summarizing the reports of the various Assemblies and Communities; whether the reports were sent direct, or whether the international correspondent was alone the recipient of the bulletins and alone responsible for the transmission of them to the Bahá’í News. As the volume of work in the various communities throughout the world increases, and the number of communities increase also, it would seem that the most efficient and more economical method of handling the news of the Cause should be through one permanently established medium which should be in close co-operation with the Bahá’í News Service. This would apply more particularly to the foreign centers, and therefore would logically come within the province of the International Correspondent.

During the year copies of all printed circulatory matter have been forwarded at once to the National Spiritual Assemblies, and by this is meant such articles and pamphlets as The Goal of the New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and all the data printed in connection with the construction of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár together[Page 14] with photographs of the Convention and of the building as it now stands.

It would naturally become the sacred obligation also of this office, to inform the National Spiritual Assemblies of any destructive or adverse actions or criticism of the Cause by disaffected or negative individuals, so that the admonitions of ’Abdu’l-Bahá and the warnings of the Guardian may be closely adhered to and protection afforded to distant communities to whom damaging literature may have been circulated. Indeed contact with the different centers in Europe has proven beyond question the great need for the protection of the friends from the nefarious operations of those whom the Guardian and the National Spiritual Assembly have found to be disturbers of peace and disseminators of evil. Firmness and courage are required to deal with these situations so that they may be removed from any vestige of personal animus, and only emphasize the direct and positive laws of administration in the most dignified and helpful way. Had such wise methods been employed earlier, much of the confusion which it has taken nearly two years to undo might have be avoided. We are only beginning to glimpse the beauty and perfection of the system which must ultimately become the perfectly functioning medium for circulating general information.

As soon as it became evident to this servant that the news was to be distributed in this way, and that co-operation with the Bahá’í News to the fullest extent was essential, every effort has been made to qualify in this capacity and regular news items have been sent in for use in the Bahá’í News at the discretion of the Editorial Committee.

Many personal letters have been received, all of which have been promptly answered and every request for literature or information has received the most careful attention. Isolated believers, like for example, Mr. W. E. M. Grosfeld Of Batavia, Dutch East Indies, or the two sons of Mirza Hosein Ruhi who now reside in Salt, Transjordania, or that beautiful and devoted Miss Johanna Sorensen of Copenhagen, Denmark, are cheered and comforted by a word now and then from this office, and the hundreds of letters which went to different countries in connection with the compiling of a new address list, brought in many warm and loving words of appreciation.

A letter of grateful appreciation was sent to the friend in ’Akká who sent some ‎ pomegranates‎ for the National Spiritual Assembly through Mrs. Bedikian, and the gratitude of the friends was also expressed to ‘Abdu’l Ali Khan Mithraqi for the beautiful gifts which he sent to be sold for the Temple Fund.

One of the most delightful experiences which will forever remain indelibly impressed on the mind of this servant was a personal interview with Mr. Zia Asgharzadeh in London when he told in detail the wonderful story of the purchase and ultimate delivery of the beautiful silken rug which now adorns the Temple, to ’Abdu’l-Bahá, and the placing of it in the Holy Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí. While this narrative may never be available in its entirety to the believers, because of the delicate political circumstances which it involves it is hoped that some portions of the remarkable story may be preserved through the medium of The Bahá’í World.

The acquaintance formed with the group of young Bahá’í students from Persia who had gathered in Paris last summer for the purpose of forming an Oriental Bahá’í Students Union for the mutual comfort and assistance of the young students who find themselves suddenly transferred into strange and somewhat alien surroundings, was helpful and enlightening in the extreme. The hope was expressed at that time that this servant should do all in her power to assist in the establishment of some such students’ organization in this country but the work has come to a standstill after its having been urged through the medium of the Bahá’í News.

Only very few letters have been received from non-Bahá’ís, in fact none of importance this year has reached this desk, but the editors of The Bahá’í World received a communication from Dr. Peter Ainslie of the Christian Union Quarterly which is published in Baltimore, enclosing a program for the Christian Union Conference which was to take place in Cleveland on November 17-18 to which a cordial invitation was extended. Through the very helpful suggestion of Mr. Horace Holley a letter was written to Dr. Ainslie thanking him for the invitation, and the Local Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland was asked to see that someone attended the Convention merely as a courtesy, and to show the Bahá’í willingness to co-operate. The Local Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland asked Mrs. Dale Cole to serve in this capacity, and subsequent letters from Mrs. Cole, the substance of which was given in the Bahá’í News, proved how willingly and ‎ efficiently‎ this courtesy was extended.

So much of the work of the Cause, and of the Administration is practically pioneering in new fields and blazing new trails, that every step is of the most absorbing and vital interest, and every minute detail gives promise of greater things in the future. To grow, to expand, to step into that spiritual freedom of Bahá’u’lláh which complete and absolute obedience to the Guardian and the Administration only can procure, must be the ideal toward which to direct all our ‎ supplications‎, our ideals and our efforts. Here consultation with the devoted servants of the Cause becomes such a joy and inspiration that one yearns for the constant association of understanding souls such as are only to be found among the believers, those who have been fed by His generous hand and nurtured in the bosom of His faith. To serve more, and to serve more intelligently, to become completely absorbed in the execution of the Holy commands and the instructions of the Guardian, to render “instant, complete and exact obedience” this is the goal. Where wisdom and justice guide the hand and love and patience the heart—these are the needs of the humble and devoted servants of the Cause today.

Faithfully and humbly submitted by,
NELLIE S. FRENCH.


REPORT OF BAHA’I WORLD COMMITTEE[edit]

A report of progress of the work of this committee was rendered previous to the expiration of the Bahá’í year—i. e. in March, 1931. In this report the activities of your committee and the various meetings for consultation were stated, together with the general plan of procedure which had been decided upon, and a tentative list of names of persons who might be approached and invited to write for the book.

It was decided to try to collect from those of the believers in every community where ’Abdu’l—Bahá passed some time, a short historical sketch of the beginnings of the Cause in that Community, and the circumstances which lead to the bounty of His visit.

It was further determined to divide the work of the Committee in such wise that your chairman was to solicit by correspondence or otherwise all material to be sent to the Guardian for his approval and possible acceptance. To Mrs. La Farge was delegated some special work of soliciting articles along the line of Racial Amity; to Mr. Holley was assigned the duty of making a general survey of the work of the Cause from the International standpoint, together with the generous and useful aid and suggestions which his skill and experience have so eminently enabled him to render.

To Mr. Windust was assigned the preparation of the material for the Guardian, and the passing on to the Guardian by him of all contributions to the text of the book by December first, 1931.

[Page 15]

Pursuant with this general plan therefore, your chairman began at once an extensive correspondence to solicit articles, and also to compile a complete new list of addresses from foreign countries, as many had been changed, and some completely abandoned, so that the list of the former volume was both incomplete and incorrect. Circular letters were sent out to all National Assemblies and groups in foreign countries asking for a correct list of names and addresses of secretaries where communications should be sent. At the same time that this work was undertaken by this committee, the International Bureau at Geneva also started a campaign for the same purpose, and a subsequent comparison of results with the Secretary of the International Bureau, and an exchange of notes has placed in the hands of the Guardian for use in The Bahá’í World as nearly complete and correct a list as it is possible to obtain. Too much cannot be said in appreciation of the splendid co-operation and generous assistance of the force of the International Bureau, and beside making this survey for the assistance of this committee, they are keeping always on file an up-to-date list of all believers in Europe so that travelers may apply to them for addresses of recognized Bahá’ís in all the cities where the Cause is known.

Frequent letters from the Guardian offering suggestions to be followed in the collecting of manuscripts made the work intensely interesting and vital, and the good fortune which enabled your chairman to visit Europe again last summer made it possible for her to solicit contributions from several sources which might otherwise not have been reached.

When the new issue of The Bahá’í World appears it will bear evidence of the blessings which attended the work for this important volume, and to go into detail might seem superfluous, especially as all manuscripts, of which there were a great many, and all very excellent, are subject to the selection of the Guardian and will eventually appear, as he desires.

In England your chairman wrote to General Viscount Allenby asking for his impressions of his various interviews with ’Abdu’l-Bahá. General Allenby responded with the greatest courtesy, saying that he would never forget hearing ’Abdu’l-Bahá explain His Teachings. The letter of General Allenby is in the hands of the Guardian, but in the event that it is not used, it is mentioned here.

Several hours were spent with Lady Blomfield in going over her precious memoirs in which she has preserved her many and rich experiences with ’Abdu’l-Bahá both in England and in the Holy Land. Out of the wealth of material which Lady Blomfield possesses it was necessary to choose only certain parts as the entire collection was too voluminous to be used in The Bahá’í World, but it is devoutly to be hoped that these writings will all be made a permanent record in the annals of the Cause, as they are choice and beautiful in the extreme.

A personal approach to Mrs. Alexander Whyte of Edinburgh also, whom your chairman had met during her visit to ’Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921, and who had entertained ’Abdu’l-Bahá in her home during His sojourn in Scotland, brought out certain important details and some personal impressions which will prove of great interest to the world in the future.

In Paris your chairman had a very interesting interview with Mme. Laura Dreyfus Barney, whom she urged to contribute something of her early experiences with the Holy Family in the very early days, and of her marvelous privilege of taking down the notes for Some Answered Questions. Incidentally Mme. Dreyfus Barney was also urged to begin at once upon the preservation of her memoirs as she has never yet made even a beginning at setting them down. Mme. Dreyfus promised to write for the book, but the subsequent loss of her mother, and the great pressure of work for the interests which she represents undoubtedly were the cause of her failing to do so, to our great regret.

While in Switzerland your chairman received a letter from the Guardian requesting her to send a copy of the last The Bahá’í World to Dr. Tagore and also to M. Privet, noted Swiss Esperantist, asking both of these gentlemen to write for the book. No reply of any kind whatever was received from Dr. Tagore, but M. Privet wrote most courteously, acknowledging the receipt of the book and of his appreciation of the Bahá’í Cause. He mentioned also the great interest which was aroused by the reading of the Will of Dr. August Forel, in which he stated his belief and acceptance of the Cause. The Will was read before a large and important group of people who were deeply impressed at its contents.

To Miss Martha Root is due the beautiful letter of appreciation from Her Majesty the Queen of Roumania. This letter will appear in the book. Also Miss Root devoted many hours to a survey of her work in Europe and the Orient, and with her characteristic thoroughness and devotion she has given to the book, and thus to the world, an imperishable record of service.

Miss Lidia Zamenhof on being asked to write sent in a beautiful article in both English and Esperanto which will appear also, and from Italy we received a beautiful article in Italian, which is an appreciation of the Esslemont book Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, written by our distinguished Bahá’í friend, General Renato Piola Caselli.

Dr. Bayard Dodge, President of the American College at Beirut, Syria, accepted most cordially the invitation to write for us, and sent in a manuscript which pleased the Guardian greatly. Dr. Dodge mentioned incidentally that he had a Bahá’í secretary, saying that between them both, he was sure they would be able to present something acceptable for The Bahá’í World.

During the absence of your chairman in Europe last summer, the work of The Bahá’í World correspondence was carried on from this end by Miss Emmalu Wever, a beautiful young Bahá’í college girl, whose devotion to the Cause was fully evidenced by the way she fulfilled her duties as secretary for several months.

On the return of your chairman the last of October, 1931, the work of assembling the manuscripts which had been promised began, and a vigorous correspondence elicited a most gratifying result, but in the meantime Mr. Windust who had been delegated to prepare the material to be sent to the Guardian, himself departed unexpectedly for the Holy Land, and it was necessary therefore, to mail all to his care in Haifa. As the Guardian had specifically mentioned the first of December as the date when he wished all the material, every effort was bent toward the execution of his wishes, and practically all the material was forwarded by that time. Whatever was received subsequent to that date was also forwarded at his request, as some unavoidable delay made it possible for him to accept the belated contributions.

A most important part of the work for the book was prepared by Mr. Holley under the direction of the Guardian who expressed the greatest admiration and confidence in his ability to make of the International survey a beautiful and valuable addition to the work. Nor was Mr. Holley’s assistance limited to this subject alone, for he had been collecting suitable data for the book for months previous to that time, and his co-operation was a priceless asset.

A list of the various books, magazines and other publications wherein the Cause was mentioned was prepared by Mr. Bishop Brown of Pittsburgh and this will prove very interesting reading.

It is to be greatly regretted that the entire work of selection, arrangement, and correction must needs be thrust upon the Guardian, for the editing of so voluminous a work, together with his ever increasing responsibilities is one of which we would so joyfully relieve him, but it[Page 16] may be that in the future some of the more arduous labors can be delegated, and in the meantime it must be our aim to fit ourselves for the assumption of greater responsibilities in service.

In expressing our gratitude and appreciation for the constant and loving service, of all those who were called upon to assist in the work of The Bahá’í World, we must especially mention Mrs. Victoria Bedikian, whose loving heart and willing hands are never too busy to help, and never so happy as when employed in His service. Her department of photography was ably and completely handled, and to her are due the gratitude and appreciation of the friends for the visual work of the Cause through the medium of Photography.

Hundreds of names will go down in history as collaborators in the great records of The Bahá’í World, and to one and all your committee pays its sincere tribute of gratitude and appreciation.

As to suggestions for the future, your committee would strongly urge the next incumbents of this office to begin immediately upon their appointment to reach important individuals who know of the Cause and may have had a hand in promoting its interests, and solicit their services toward the realization of The next issue, and it is further suggested that a longer period he allowed to lapse before another volume is brought out might produce far more noteworthy results. However, this should of course be submitted to the Guardian for his approval.

In closing, your chairman feels that she is expressing the sense of the entire committee in making acknowledgment of the great bounty and privilege which was accorded us in the execution of this work. All our love and reverence and zeal has gone into our duties and we shall be happy to share the results of our valuable experience with our successors in this glorious field of service.

We trust that all who have labored so painstakingly for the success of this forthcoming volume will understand that the choice of all material has rested entirely in the hands of the Guardian and that only the consideration of space will have prevented him, in case all contributions have not been employed in preparing the 1930—1932 edition of The Bahá’í World.

Respectfully submitted,

MRS. NELLIE S. FRENCH, Chairman

MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST, Secretary

MRS. O. LAFARGE

MR. HORACE HOLLEY


REPORT OF THORNTON CHASE MEMORIAL COMMITTEE[edit]

Your request of March 11, 1932, for a report regarding the Thornton Chase Memorial, has reached this servant per your esteemed Secretary. Mr. Alfred Lunt.

This servant on his return from Palestine and Europe and the eastern United States, in November, 1931, conveyed to Mr. John D. Bosch, custodian of all Mr. Chase’s data and fellow member of this Committee, the statement of the Most Beloved Guardian of the Bahá’í Cause to the effect that if Mr. Bosch cared to do so it would be well for him to put all this data in the National Archives.

Mr. Bosch was here in Los Angeles, day before yesterday (March 19th) and stated that he had already sent the Tablets of Mr. Chase and that he will forward the balance of Mr. Chase’s papers to the Archives. When this is done the wish of the revered Guardian will have been carried out and will consist of the work of this committee—and thus complete the need of its being, as at present constituted.

Cordially, in El-Abhá.
MR. WILLARD P. HATCH
MR. JOHN D. BOSCH


REPORT OF MUSIC COMMITTEE[edit]

Several members of the Music Committee met at Green Acre last summer. Music appropriate for use in the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as well as in the Community meetings was considered. The first and only possible meeting during the year, resulted in discussion as to what would not be acceptable rather than forming decisions.

As the members of this committee live too far distant from one another to meet in consultation, and as through correspondence good results cannot be secured, perhaps a more satisfactory outcome might be obtained if the Committee were selected from some one city where the members could frequently meet to hear the music presented for their consideration and through this close association fruitful results could be expected.

In Haifa last spring, Shoghi Effendi spoke of this subject. He was inclined to favor the use of a single voice when sacred words were used. But after considering the beauty, dignity and spiritual effect of the great Russian choirs, he gave his consent to the use of such choruses when the Words of Bahá’u’lláh are set to music.

Shoghi Effendi was asked if he thought it advisable for the Western composers to pattern their music after the beautiful Eastern way of chanting. He did not approve of this, he said the West should use its own natural gift of expression, that imitations were never spontaneous and therefore not acceptable.

Regretting that this report cannot be more satisfactory.

Faithfully submitted,

MISS LOUISE D. WRIGHT, Chairman

MRS. NINA MATTHISEN

MISS MARGARET KL!-1135

MISS RUTH LUNT

MRS. EDITH INGLIS

MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST


REPORT OF THE TEMPLE PROGRAM COMMITTEE[edit]

During the year the activities in this great teaching center of the Cause in America have steadily grown. Day by day the number of people, who, attracted by the beautiful edifice, come to inquire regarding its nature and purpose, increases. They are met by believers who conduct them through the building, explain the Teachings of the Cause, present to them some literature and extend an invitation to the meetings. This has continued throughout the winter and many of the friends in Wilmette and Chicago have found there glorious opportunity to give the Message.

The numbers who How in and out of the building on a Sunday or holiday have become so great that the Program Committee is planning to arrange a public meeting for Sunday mornings in addition to the regular Sunday afternoon meeting. During the winter the attendance at the Sunday meetings averages one hundred and fifty people, two-thirds of whom are not believers. In summer, the number runs well over two hundred. An increasingly large percentage of these visitors are becoming more or less regular attendants. Over four hundred have placed their names on the list of interested inquirers, expressing a desire to receive notices of future meetings or literature. Many have joined study classes. Such classes have been conducted uninterruptedly in Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Cicero, Oak Park, Riverside and Maywood, for the purpose of deepening the knowledge of these inquirers.

In addition to the regular Sunday meetings, the major Feasts held in the Temple have become wonderful points of contact with the public, so that these meetings frequently fill the Foundation Hall to capacity. Numerous organizations, bible classes from churches and students from theological seminaries and universities have visited the building, where they have been addressed by Bahá’í teachers.

[Page 17]

Active opposition to the structure has entirely disappeared and as a result of these before-described activities, the misconceptions regarding the nature and significance of the Temple and the Cause are rapidly being dispelled, so that the name, “Bahá’í” is now generally regarded at least with a fine respect.

We feel strongly that the near future will eclipse the recent gratifying growth that has come to the Temple area since the erection of the superstructure of the Temple.

The Committee is aware of the extreme importance of the work that must be done here in the Temple and is endeavoring to arrange programs that are of high intellectual and spiritual character, are dignified and simple and give the pure Teaching of Bahá’u’lláh. The Temple is attracting a splendid type of people, spiritually and intellectually representative of every walk of life and capable of maintaining the high standard enjoined upon the followers of Bahá’u’lláh.

Respectfully submitted,

MR. CARL SCHEFFLER, Chairman

MRS. SARAH S. WALRATH

MRS. SHELLEY N. PARKER

MRS. EDRIS RICE-WRAY CARSON

MRS. ANNE BARTHOLOMEW

MR. WILLIS S. HILPERT

MR. MONROE IOAS

MR. A. F. MATTHISEN


REPORT OF ARCHIVES COMMITTEE[edit]

The good work of the Archives Committee continues. Many original Tablets of ’Abdu’l-Bahá have been received during the past year for preservation in the National Bahá’í Archives. The work of indexing and filing preparatory to publication has made progress. The members of the Committee, who have been active in this service, are deserving of the highest praise.

It has been my privilege to see the Archives in the Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Camel and in the Mansion of Bahjí, near ’Akha, Palestine, during my visit there last November. Through the wisdom of Shoghi Effendi, these sacred places are now of great interest to strangers as well as the Bahá’ís. There one finds framed upon the walls and effectively arranged in cabinets, a remarkable display of Tablets, photographs, books and objects sacred because of their association with the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. While there, Shoghi Effendi gave me several photographs for the Archives in America.

When the room in the foundation of the Temple is prepared to house the Bahá’í Archives of America, it will be of interest to strangers as well as the believers, and will undoubtedly be an effective means of publicity as well as preservation.

Respectfully submitted,

MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST, Custodian

MISS GERTRUDE BUIKEMA, Secretary

MRS. RUTH CORNELL


REPORT OF BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]

NEW PUBLICATIONS

THE DAWN BREAKERS—NABIL’S NARRATIVE OF THE EARLY DAYS OF THE BAHA’I CAUSE.

Translated by
SHOGHI EFFENDI

The work on this history of the early days of the Cause, was begun last May and completed in March, 1932. During this time the Committee was in constant communication with the Guardian, obtaining his opinion upon any matter of which there was a doubt. Regarding the method of advance sales in the form of subscriptions as well as the limited autographed edition, he gave his wholehearted approval.

The many details made necessary to prepare a book of its size for the press, containing so many illustrations and Persian accents, made it very difficult to produce the finished book at a stated date. Therefore the Publishing Committee wishes to offer its deep regret for the many delays, and to thank all those who have waited so patiently, for their gracious understanding.

KITAB-I-IQAN—THE BOOK OF CERTITUDE.

Translated by
SHOGHI EFFENDI

The manuscript was turned over to the printers in June, 1931, after the National Spiritual Assembly had approved and accepted the estimate. It was completed and ready for distribution in September, 1931. Review copies were sent out with an accompanying letter, through the National Spiritual Assembly to Literary Editors of Newspapers and Magazines, and to many important people in the Educational and Religious world. We quote the following letter from the Guardian since receiving a copy of this edition:

“I am greatly pleased with the new edition of the “Iqan” and I am arranging to send a large number of copies to distinguished people throughout the country.”

Shoghi.

WORLD ECONOMY OF BAHA’U’LLAH.

Compiled by
HORACE HOLLEY

This compilation was completed in October, 1931, and has filled a great need.

One thousand copies of this pamphlet were presented to Literary Editors, chief Editorial writers, Authors, Educators, Scientists, and a few individuals here and abroad. This was made possible through the generosity of Mr. Holley who purchased this number for free distribution.

MY PILGRIMAGE TO THE LAND OF DESIRE.

By the Late
MARIE WATSON

This small book was printed for the Estate of Mrs. Marie Watson, through its executor, Mrs. Agnes Parsons, of Washington, D. C. In it Mrs. Watson gives the story of her visit to Haifa in 1921, and it contains an interesting account of her healing by ’Abdu’l-Bahá'.

HIDDEN WORDS.

ENGLISH EDITION.

The Publishing Committee wishing to co-operate with the English National Spiritual Assembly, who some time ago published an edition of the Hidden Words, a later translation by Shoghi Effendi, have ordered 100 copies. The edition, however, is handsomely bound and we are obliged to sell it at $1.00.

In order to supply the great need for a less expensive edition we have obtained an estimate from London for a paper bound edition which we hope in a short time to have on sale for about 25 cents.

THE GOAL OF A NEW WORLD ORDER.

By
SHOGHI EFFENDI

This letter from the Guardian was printed, and distributed by the National Spiritual Assembly.

This stupendous message to the World, written with such power, makes us halt for a moment at the threshold of a new civilization. The poignancy of the Guardian’s words has awakened the great realization of the inevitable onward march of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

The National Spiritual Assembly has turned over 648 copies to the Publishing Committee for handling and distribution, to be sold for 25 cents each. The amount received to be refunded to the National Spiritual Assembly to defray the expense of publication. There has been some criticism of this charge which does not allow the regulation discount, and for additional postage charged; the impression is given that the Publishing Committee is not consistent in carrying out its own policies. The National Spiritual Assembly considering the importance of this communication from the Guardian, thought it advisable to print this book independently, and were wholly unconscious[Page 18] that this divided activity in the same department of the work would cause confusion.

REPRINTS

WHAT IS THE BAHA’I MOVEMENT?

Twenty-five thousand copies were ordered printed for the National Spiritual Assembly for distribution to the Teaching Committee and Amity Committee.

These also are sold in lots of 1,000 and 500 to the Local Assemblies.

TRANSLATIONS OF BOOKS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA.

In Russian

We have received 200 copies for distribution.

BAHA’U’LLAH AND THE NEW ERA.

In Chinese

This translation is of especial interest as it was made by well known scholars and educators, and is indeed indicative of the forward march of the Cause in the far East.

BAHA’I CALENDAR.

Compiled by
MRS. DORIS HOLLEY

Copies of the Calendar were sent to all Local Spiritual Assemblies, requesting them to put them on sale in their Centers before Christmas.

SELLING EFFORTS

The Publishing Committee has endeavored to stimulate an interest in Bahá’í Literature, by making personal calls upon some of the leading wholesale distributing houses in New York, such as, Baker or Taylor Co. and Campbell & Leunig Co. The Secretary has also written to A. C. McClurg in Chicago and to the Library Association also in Chicago. It was considered advisable by the Committee to send this Association one copy of each of our best titles, for their reference file. They are the guide and source of information for library purchases, the latter depending upon their judgment as to the choice of books for libraries. A letter was also written enclosing catalogue to the Bookmobile, operated by T. J. McLaughlin, who uses this ingenious method of selling books through a traveling book store, in the southwest.

There has been no response up to date from this first effort, but we will soon follow it by another letter.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORK

Four years ago the Publishing Committee adopted and put into effect the policy of allowing the regulation trade discount of 33 1-3 per cent to all Local Spiritual Assemblies purchasing books. This was done primarily to create and put into action the spirit of co-operation, and co-relating the work of spreading the Teachings by this reciprocal contact with the Spiritual Assemblies throughout the country. The material benefits received to assist in establishing the foundation for the support of a Bahá’í Center in each respective community.

The Publishing Committee feels that the time has come to take another step by uniting all our forces as one body in spreading the Teachings. There is no doubt that it is through circulating the written Word that the greatest and most effective method of teaching can be obtained. The following quotation from a letter written by the Guardian to the Publishing Committee, clearly indicates his feeling on the matter:

. . . “Much of the progress of the Cause depends upon you (the Publishing Committee), for more people are attracted through reading than by hearing lectures. The first requisite, however, is that everything put before the public should be of the highest type both literary and artistic. The Cause is in great need of first class publications.” . . .

Therefore, although it is first the task of this Committee to do its utmost to fulfill the Guardian’s wishes in striving to attain the high standard which he desires us to achieve; the real need which we can readily read in his word is to reach out to the public and get before them the literature, which contains words revealing the true and lasting healing for a sick and distressed world.

It is a great responsibility as well as a blessed privilege to be numbered among those who, fully accepting this message, have been given a great work to accomplish.

Therefore the Publishing Committee feels at this time the need of appealing to all Local Spiritual Assemblies to work with us in establishing in their Communities the need of every individual member to do his utmost to circulate the literature. This can become the greatest force; to bring to the attention of thinking people the realization and understanding of the Revealed Words contained in the Bahá’í Literature.

We would suggest that the Local Assemblies through the members of their Communities form committees whose duty it would be to bring the literature to the attention of Librarians of Public Libraries, and to the leading bookstores in their localities. We would also suggest that from time to time they make inquiries regarding Bahá’í Books at these different stores. In time it is natural to suppose that if the demand is persistent enough the book dealers would soon feel it necessary to carry stock of Bahá’í Books, thereby reaching many who otherwise would not hear about the Cause. We ask the Local Secretaries to send us the names of these leading bookstores which have already been made familiar with the literature, by the Committee working in that district. We in turn would place them on our list for notices of new publications. The Publishing Committee feels that this will soon put into motion a spiritual power which is bound to have far reaching results,

The followers of Bahá’u’lláh in this country have been given the stupendous task of completing the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, in a very short period of time. A task made still more difficult in view of the economic depression which is affecting the whole world. We should all reflect deeply upon the significance of erecting a material edifice at this specific time. . . . Has this work been given us only to build a Temple of steel and stone? Has this task been given to test merely the capacity of our faith? . . . Could not the answer be, that first we must have the full realization of that Spiritual Edifice which is in itself the very Cause of God as brought to the world today by Bahá’u’lláh? First it must be built in its entirety in the heart, before it can be reflected and find its counterpart upon the material plane. This seems to be the time in the history of the work in the Cause when everything is directed toward the great need of a united effort, for all the believers to focus their activities upon one central point, and that this vital point is the very base of the structure of the Bahá’í Revelation. The realization of the meaning of this revelation in its entirety, we believe to be the manifestation of the spiritual constantly being reflected in the material.

Therefore let us all strive to look upon our activities as one work, interdependent, circulating through one central organism. Let us all work toward accomplishing the Guardian’s wish that the Publishing Committee will soon become the one profit bearing department of the activities in the Cause and a material source of income to the National Fund. . . . Let us be conscious first of the spiritual message which each book brings to the world, and know that the material results will inevitably be reflecting that great message.

Respectfully submitted,

MR. HORACE HOLLEY, Chairman

MRS. MARION M. LITTLE

MR. ROY C. WILHEM

MISS BERTHA L. HERKLOTZ

MRS. M. B. MOORE

MRS. LOULIE MATHEWS

MRS. C. R. WOOD

[Page 19]

REPORT OF BAHÁ’Í STUDY COMMITTEE[edit]

The Bahá’í Study Committee has issued a study course of thirty-six lessons on the Bahá’í Teachings, consisting of textbooks, references and questions.

Since the second week in March, when this course was put on sale, about twenty centers have subscribed for the lessons. The course is being used with marked success for subject matter both for study classes and meetings.

The Committee has carried on the sale of the following study courses throughout the year—Study Kits containing study outlines including Outline on Material and Divine Science, Bahá’í Teachings Concerning Christ, Material and Divine Civilization and Correspondence Course in the Bahá’í Teachings.

Respectfully submitted,

MRS. DORIS MCKAY
MRS. HARLAN F. OBER
MRS. RUTH RANDALL BROWN


REPORT OF BAHÁ’Í SALES COMMITTEE[edit]

As the Sales Committee has just been organized, its report must be of future prospects and hopes rather than past performance; however, we can report that an adequate assortment of Bahá’í photographs, ringstones, voice records and other articles of interest to the believers, is now on sale by this Committee. It is hoped to have before long a fully comprehensive collection of photographs of place endeared to all Bahá’ís by their association with Bahá’u’lláh and ’Abdu’l-Bahá.

One important part of the duties of this Committee is to appraise and to arrange for the disposal of any articles of value contributed to the National Bahá’í Fund, and there is now in our hands for disposal property conservatively estimated at between four and five hundred dollars in value. Many believers who find themselves unable to give in money maybe able to send in jewelry, old gold or silver, unset stones, antiques or art objects, any of which will be welcomed by the Committee and the proceeds sent at once to the National Fund. They should be sent directly to any member of this Committee. Undoubtedly such contributions will greatly increase with the passage of time and may become a very important source of revenue. The Sales Committee feels that it is also possible to build up a remunerative business in unusual articles sent by Bahá’ís from foreign lands, which may be sold not only to believers but to others as well. We have every hope that future Committees will be able to render valuable service to our beloved Cause.

Obediently in His Service,

MR. F. ST. G. SPENDLOVE, Chairman

MR. R. Y. MOTTAHEDEH


REPORT OF THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE[edit]

This Committee understands that most of the problems with which it deals are referred to it by other committees, in particular the Reviewing Committee and the Publishing Committee. That is to say, this Committee does not initiate any activities. Because of this fact, and also because we have been organized for work for only the past two months, we have very little to report.

We have made recommendations as to the use of the word “Bahá’í” as applied to music, painting, poetry and other art forms,—as published in the February number of the Bahá’í News. We are at present working on a revision of the Glossary in Shoghi Effendi’s translation of the Iqán, at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly.

With cordial greetings,

DR. GENEVIEVE L. COY, Chairman

MR. HORACE HOLLEY

MRS. MARIE B. MOORE


REPORT OF THE NATIONAL REVIEWING COMMITTEE[edit]

The work of the National Reviewing Committee for the year 1931-1932 actually began with a special meeting called by the National Spiritual Assembly in New York City on April 12, 1931, for consultation with some of their members and the Publishing Committee to confer in the matter of The Dawn-Breakers, a stupendous manuscript sent by the Guardian for publication in America. The editing of this manuscript by the Reviewing Committee, which was supplied with photostat copies, carried through July, when it was turned over to the Publishing Committee, upon whose shoulders the real burden of the enormous detail involved descended, and this book has just come off the press at the date of writing this report.

In June, 1931, a letter was received by the Reviewing Committee from the National Secretary announcing the re-election of the Reviewing Committee of the year 1930-1931, for the year 1931-1932.

The manuscripts which have been received and approved, were considered in the following order:

The Dawn-Breakers. The several suggestions made by the Reviewing Committee have been accepted by the Guardian.

Bahá’í Calendar, compiled by Doris Holley. This calendar (now in print) was composed of quotations from Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi. It was approved by the Reviewing Committee with the recommendation that in all cases the source of the words should be included. This was done wherever possible, but in the case of quotations taken from Bahá’í Scriptures from the chapter, The Loom of Reality the source was not always known.

Teaching Lessons, by Shahnaz Waite. Compilations by Flora Clark. Both these manuscripts were returned to the National Assembly as this material seemed to belong to the general work of the Teaching Committee to be used in mimeographed form in connection with classes, etc.

The Miracle, by Marie B. Watson. A record of her visit to ’Abdu’l-Bahá. This manuscript was approved and is now in print.

The Temple of Light, by Allen B. McDaniel. Technical description of the Temple. This manuscript was approved with certain suggestions and recommendations to bring it up to date in regard to time and tense.

Light and Life, by Marie B. Moore. This compilation of short passages for meditation composed of the words of Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Prayers and a few selections from the sayings of Jesus, Buddha, the Psalms, Muhammad, the Gita, etc., was approved with the recommendation that wherever possible the translation of Shoghi Effendi be used in place of earlier ones.

Glossary of the new edition of the Iqán. On request from the National Assembly the Reviewing Committee examined the Glossary published in the Guardian’s translation of the Iqán and recommended that a new glossary be compiled to include only terms contained in the actual test of the book.

The World Economy of Bahá’u’lláh, by Horace Holley. Pamphlet on the economic teachings of the Bahá’í Revelation. The manuscript was approved. Now in print.

The Supreme Affliction, by Alfred E. Lunt. Pamphlet or article on the economic teachings of the Bahá’í Revelation. This manuscript was approved.

The Reviewing Committee begs to bring to the attention of the National Assembly the need of committee members being within consulting distance as joint consultation for review of a manuscript is almost imperative.

The attention of the friends is called to the fact that the National Assembly has appointed an Editorial Committee which will pass upon the general literary and artistic side of Bahá’í manuscripts. This work has previously been assumed by some to come under the work of the Reviewing[Page 20] Committee which really only passes upon the authenticity of the text from a Bahá’í point of view.

Respectfully submitted,

MR. BISHOP BROWN, Secretary
DR. GENEVIEVE L. COY
MRS. DORIS HOLLEY

REPORT OF THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE 1931-32

The specific details of the teaching work done under the National Teaching Committee for the past year are so numerous and varied that, in spite of their great interest and significance to the general Bahá’í Community, the present report of the Committee will deal only with the general trend of this activity throughout the country during 1931-32. In her most excellent and comprehensive report of the progress of the Cause on the Pacific Coast, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Western Secretary of the National Teaching Committee, writes of the work in the West:

“No extensive teaching campaigns were carried on in any part of the area, and yet there has been a marked increase in the number of Centers which have opened up for receiving the Teachings and there were during the past year more individual Bahá’ís engaged in teaching than ever before. The idea of initiating the Cause in a new locality by means of a series of large and widely advertised public meetings has been discarded and the plan of intensive, informal work with comparatively small groups is being found more effective, less expensive and productive of greater results. Because of the many problems which arise as a result of this period of rapid transition in the Cause, new groups cannot be left to struggle through alone and the Western branch of the Teaching Committee, recognizing the importance of frequent follow-up visits by older and experienced teachers, has given special attention this year to the needs of these young groups with gratifying results. We feel that we have reached a new stage when teaching work must associate itself with the organism of the Cause, and that teaching is effective to the degree to which it is reflected in the actual functioning of Local Assemblies. Therefore, the program upon which the members of the Western Teaching Committee have concentrated this year has been that of building up the Assemblies which were already organized, to the highest possible state of perfection and preparing the new groups for organization in accordance with the principles of Bahá’í Administration. We feel we have made some progress and above all, we believe that the past year has laid the foundation for rapid growth in the coming year.”

In the east there has been a tendency in the same direction.

Throughout the country there is a general increase in the activity within the Local Spiritual Assemblies, which is tremendously strengthening the individual, the Local Community, and therefore the entire structure of the Cause. As Miss Linfoot says, “Practically every Assembly in the west shows that there has been a greater effort than ever before to draw all of the believers into active work by giving them definite responsibilities. This expansion in the activities of individual Bahá’ís is partly due to the larger fields of service opened up as a result of Inter-Assembly activity but perhaps more so to the increased realization that every one should be given an opportunity for self-expression and a feeling of responsibility for the development of the Cause within the locality.”

Individuals and Assemblies, both in the east and the west, are finding ‎ opportunities‎ for service in study classes, fireside discussion groups, teas to meet Bahá’í teachers, children’s classes, inter-racial dinners and meetings, welfare work and Esperanto classes.

The study class is proving to be a versatile and effective medium of teaching. Almost every Assembly in the country sponsors at least one. Twelve home study classes meet weekly in different sections of Chicago. Probably very few study groups are of the same type. They are large and small, public and private, for inquirers, new believers and confirmed Bahá’ís of long standing. They are usually based on one or more of the study outlines distributed by the National Bahá’í Study Committee or upon some Bahá’í book. They have resulted in a deeper knowledge of the Teachings, the development of active workers and teachers, and many new believers.

The fireside discussion group is a semi-social means of attracting one’s friends to the Cause and preparing them for more intensive study within classes. San Francisco, with at least four weekly fireside meetings, has concentrated on this form of activity with very remarkable success.

The work of establishing Bahá’í Sunday-schools seems to us especially important. We commend the recent extension of this phase in many centers and hope it will receive careful consideration from all communities in the coming year.

In certain Assemblies the young people have been drawn into active participation in administration and teaching, with gratifying results. The National Teaching Committee has this year had among its members two young people whose point of view has been most helpful and constructive and feels convinced that not only do young people have a better approach to others of their age, but that a pooling of the contribution that both older and younger people can make will mean added vigor and diversity in the work of the Cause. We urge all Assemblies both to encourage the formation of youth groups and to share with the young people the responsibilities of teaching and administration.

In the west there are now no Assemblies maintaining public headquarters. They are reducing local expenses to a minimum in order to give greater support to the New Plan of Unified Action. In the east where conditions and methods differ our larger cities are still maintaining public headquarters and results seem to warrant the expense. Some of them are making their headquarters effective teaching centers rather than mere lecture halls.

Some of the encouraging developments of the past year among the Assemblies are the unmistakable evidences of growth and activity in groups that have been dormant for years; and the success of a few Assemblies, notably Racine and Kenosha, in sponsoring an intensive teaching campaign in their localities.

On the other hand, we regret exceedingly that two Assemblies formed last spring have disintegrated. Since both were clear cases of premature organization, the whole question of the formation, strengthening and supervision of new Assemblies is being considered most seriously by the National Spiritual Assembly.

In many places throughout the country the Cause is being introduced into new territory either through the efforts of isolated believers, individuals from nearby communities, or through the co-operative action of an Assembly or group of Assemblies. So far as we know, no Assembly in the east has assumed as a group the responsibility for introducing the Cause into some nearby town or city. This is being done in the west. However, good work is being done by individual believers in Laguna Beach and Santa Maria in California, in Newcastle, Pa., Youngstown, Ohio, Rochester, N. Y., and no doubt many other places.

Many Assemblies have received encouragement, assistance and inspiration and many new people have been reached through contacts with such Bahá’í travelers as Miss Martha Root, Mrs. Cinita Knowles and Mr. Willard Hatch.

Mrs. Louise Waite spent a month with the new Assembly at Phoenix, Arizona, and made many other important teaching trips. Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the[Page 21] winter as a resident teacher. Mr. Howard Ives has been teaching in Washington and Baltimore for over three months. Miss Juliet Thompson and Mrs. Howard Ives visited Indianapolis and the new Assemblies in southern Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Ioas visited Phoenix and the Assemblies of southern California. Miss Bessie Garrison traveled and taught in the south for a month last fall. Mrs. May Maxwell found the opportunities for teaching in Montreal increasing so rapidly that she stayed home all winter. Many other people have given valuable assistance through repeated trips to nearby places.

Mr. Louis Gregory, in addition to the work of his particular committee on interracial amity, has done important pioneer work in the south through churches, schools and colleges, has visited many Assemblies and has at all times been most co-operative.

Mr. Willard McKay accompanied Mr. Gregory on one of his southern teaching trips. Mr. Chauncey Northern and Mr. Philip Marangella together toured another part of the south and spread the knowledge of the Cause. Both of these ventures were as successful as they were unique.

A very valuable piece of teaching during the past year was that of Mrs. Ruth Moffett of Chicago. Since the last Convention Mrs. Moffett has visited 22 different cities and given 474 lectures, of which seven were radio broadcasts. She spent five weeks in Kenosha and four weeks in Racine, giving an average of over two lectures a day. Many new believers were confirmed in both cities. Milwaukee and Cincinnati were also effectively served. During the year, as a result of her work, thousands were attracted to the Cause, hundreds deeply interested and willing to study further, 57 new believers joined Bahá’í Communities and nine who had left were reunited.

Another outstanding service in teaching was rendered by Miss Orcella Rexford, who, following her series of paid lectures, introduced the Cause to an average audience of one thousand and arranged for a Bahá’í teacher to follow her in Indianapolis, Boston, Washington, Miami and Jacksonville.

The follow-up work is being done in Indianapolis by Dr. Lillian Sielken, in Boston by Prof. Glenn Shook, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mrs. Mary Coristine, Mr. Alfred Lunt and others, in Washington by Mr. Stanwood Cobb, in Miami by Miss Fanny Knobloch and in Jacksonville by Dr. Walter Guy and Miss Alma Knobloch.

An Assembly will soon be formed in Indianapolis through the constant, devoted and excellent teaching done by Dr. Siel ken, the only confirmed Bahá’í in the city when Miss Rexford gave the Message last June. The Boston and Washington Communities will undoubtedly be augmented by a number of new believers. It is too early to predict lasting results in Florida but after a month Miss Fanny Knobloch is still holding four classes a week with an average attendance of 65 each, and having many personal interviews.

Inter-Assembly work has progressed very unevenly in different parts of the country. The most active Inter-Assembly districts seem to be northern California, southern California and the Illinois-Wisconsin district, although conferences have been held and some co-operative work done in the Washington, southern Ohio and Northwestern districts. It is interesting to note that with the exception of a few individual Assemblies, the greatest activity has coincided with the best Inter-Assembly organization.

Miss Linfoot writes, “Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of these Inter-Assembly activities is that the ability of Assemblies to co-operate has been clearly demonstrated and they can come together and consult freely and openly without any preliminary flourishes. The Cause is developing beyond the confines of the Assemblies and there is a rapidly growing need for teachers. A single Assembly does not provide the necessary training for those who plan to go out into larger fields, and in the work of the Inter-Assembly grouping, the individual experiences an enlarged influence, an increased power, and profits by the experiences of the larger group.

“Some of the results traceable directly to the Inter-Assembly program in California are the following: ability to use the time of teachers and delegates to the Convention with the least possible waste; consultation on problems which are sectional in nature; well-rounded inter-racial amity programs; development of children’s classes; co-operation in planning participation in the Olympic Festival, and above all larger opportunities for service and a greater outlet for abilities and capacities of the individual Bahá’ís.”

Many of the same general constructive results have been noted in the active eastern Inter-Assembly districts. We hope that the success of this co-operative work wherever it has been really tried, will encourage the other districts to greater effort next year.

You may be interested in the financial side of the National teaching work. Last spring the National Spiritual Assembly voted $8,000.00 to the National Teaching Committee and in September reduced it to $5,000.00. when Mr. Vail was removed from the jurisdiction of this Committee. After taking out the amount voted to Mr. Gregory, there was $2,120.00 left for the year’s teaching budget, of which we have asked for and received $1,300.00. In view of the urgent need of money for the Temple we spent as little as possible and were glad not to use $820.00 of our budget. We believed it would be only just to divide equally all money received between the eastern and western branches, since the services of our two paid teachers have been entirely in the east for some time. The western division has used very little of its money this year and has a balance of about $300.00 to be used later for teaching activities in connection with the Olympic Games. The eastern division, on the other hand, has spent practically all of the $700.00 received this year. Of this, we spent $110.00 to assist teachers for our summer schools, $250.00 for teachers to new Assemblies, and $315.00 for hall rent and teachers to follow up Miss Rexford’s lectures.

Before closing this report we must mention several phases of teaching activity that lie outside the jurisdiction of our Committee and will be reported separately, but which are really an integral part of any record of Bahá’í teaching in America.

The inter-racial amity work of the Assemblies is such a fundamental part of teaching that it is really impossible for us to separate them, but the Inter-Racial Amity Committee will report the activities of Assemblies and individuals most closely concerned with different races. We cannot help but rejoice that one of the most effective approaches by Bahá’í Communities to the general public during the past year has been through racial amity work.

The Temple is one of our most potent teaching agencies and the work of Mr. Vail and others at the Temple and in the vicinity has been very valuable. Details of this field will be given by Mr. Vail and the Temple Program Committee.

Our three summer schools at Green Acre. Geyserville and Louhelen Ranch will also be reported separately. The type of program carried out at Geyserville has been especially productive of worthwhile teaching contacts.

The National Teaching Committee believes we are in a new phase of teaching which not only demands new methods in spreading the Cause but also a more effective development in committee organization in order to insure more accurate and prompt knowledge of teaching activities and problems in all sections of the country, closer co-operation of the National Spiritual Assembly, the National Teaching Committee, our teachers and the Local Assemblies, and therefore an increased sense of cohesion in the Cause. May the coming year bring us greater understanding, [Page 22] devotion, selflessness and consecration in this work, which Shoghi Effendi declares of equal importance with the completion of the Temple.

Respectfully submitted,

National Teaching Committee

MR. REGINALD COLLISON, Chairman

MR. LEROY IOAS, Vice-Chairman

MRS. ELLA COOPER

PROF. FORSYTH WARD

MR. WILLARD HATCH

MR. GEORGE LATIMER

Mas. BAHIYYIH LINDSTROM

MRS. MAYE GIFT

MISS MARGUERITE McKAY

DR. ALBERT HEIST

MR. PAUL HANEY

MISS CHARLOTTE. LINFOOT, Western

Secretary

MRS. MARY COLLISON, Eastern Secretary

THE BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE EDITORIAL OFFICE[edit]

The twelve copies of the magazine for the year are submitted, primarily, as the most important part of our report since these several issues constitute a report in themselves.

The year has been filled with experiences of absorbing and thrilling interest to the members of the Editorial Staff. Even in these times of depression, the magazine has grown in interest and value to many, inside and outside of the Cause. Letters in great abundance testify to the inspiration and encouragement it brings monthly into many homes. Here is a sample of one of the letters from France:

“I always receive and read The
Bahá’í Magazine with great joy.
It is inspiringly written, and gives us
great encouragement. Many persons
are reading it on my copy who
unhappily cannot afford personal
subscriptions.”

And from Australia the following:

“The Bahá’í Magazine is very
helpful. We cannot do without it.
It is always so very very helpful
whenever I am giving a Peace Talk,
and in my other lectures, too, there
is a wonderful opportunity to use
the magazine.”

From England we have had many expressions like this for instance:

“I look upon the Bahá’í Magazine
as the purest and best magazine
in the world, and hope in future
News Letters to draw more and more
attention to it.”

From Geneva, Switzerland, a non-Bahá’í writes:

“We beg to thank you most sincerely
for the issues of The Bahái
Magazine . . . and we hope very
much that you will be able to
continue this generous gift (to our Free
Public Reading Room).
Both adverse and constructive criticisms

are always valued, and we have been helped, inspired and encouraged by such expressions.

Sometimes we have adverse criticism which perhaps might not be forthcoming did the friends know the instructions under which we are editing the magazine. For instance, we are warned not to condemn the existing religions. There is, we can see at a glance, tremendous wisdom in this. We have so much that is beautiful and constructive to herald—that which will bring joy to a troubled world—that there is no time or space to devote to that which displeases. One of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s most definite instructions about editing the magazine was not to print anything which would displease any one.

A matter of general interest and which we would like to share with you is in connection with the question as to whether it is advantageous to publish in The Bahá’í Magazine articles of a general humanitarian nature, such as the splendid article of Mrs. Cook on the subject of Mr. Rosenwald. This question has been answered for us by a direct communication from Shoghi Effendi which reads as follows:

“Shoghi Effendi fully approves
the idea of publishing article that
are humanitarian even if they are not
purely Bahá’í, such as the one by
Mrs. Cook about Mr. Rosenwald.
Such articles are also educative for
the Bahá’ís, and will enhance the
interest of the magazine.”
In any such editorial plan we try always

to consult our Guardian in order to be sure that he heartily approves. We have felt that such articles would give breadth to the magazine as well as help in its wider circulation.

One of the delicate services we have to render is in connection with the return of manuscripts not usable according to the editorial policy. We feel quite sad to have to return a great many; they are for the most part worthy documents, but so very intimate in nature that they would only fit into a publication which would be strictly for Bahá’ís. We may offend some in the discharge of what we know to be our duty, but on the other hand, we often derive great encouragement from contributors who write like this, for instance: “This little incident helps us to realize the world in which we would be living. Such a spirit and such instances serve in strengthening our faith.” And still another writes: “Just received the letter (with returned manuscript). It breathed forth the spirit of the Abhá Kingdom, and also gave me a glimpse of what our business world will be when love permeates it. If necessary refusals of manuscripts of budding authors are like yours, rejection would become more like a benediction and Godspeed.”

The past year we have missed the many illuminating articles by Martha Root, the absence of which has been due to her continued traveling and intensive work in this country. The friends will note with joy, we feel sure, that these informing and fascinating contributions have been resumed with the April number, and we have every reason to believe that they will continue of surpassing interest throughout the year.

We are always trying to secure just the type of article best suited to the magazine, especially the kind recommended by our Guardian. We like also articles from every country in the world, if possible, thus showing the universality of the Cause, its world-wide scope. Articles of this type dealing with Bahá’í life and activities in the Orient and other countries have a strong appeal and are always well received. The past year we have had several, dealing with the life and activities in Persia, the wonderful articles about China, India, etc. After much writing we finally secured the stories now running in serial form about the history of the Cause in India. This story is being especially written for the Bahá’í Magazine, and it is a noteworthy and valuable contribution to Bahá’í history. We would like the friends to know that it is a painstaking effort on the part of the author. It is written in ink by his own hand. We think the entire original manuscript should be sent, eventually, to the Archives for preservation. Ruhi Afnán, writing for the Guardian, says: “Shoghi Effendi found the articles written by Siyyid Mustafa Roumie excellent and deeply enjoyed reading them. He is an old war horse and has won many battles for the Cause.”

Our editorial policy for any number is to make it as varied as possible, to make it readable, vital as to teaching the Cause, and to have the articles short.

Very important additions to the Editorial Staff of the magazine have been made by the National Spiritual Assembly. Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick was appointed as one of the Editors about two months ago. Her efficient and even brilliant assistance cannot be over-emphasized, and her appointment caused us to rejoice exceedingly. Mrs. Kirkpatrick has been associated with us for many years as a regular contributor, and her outstanding ability is recognized. She is eminently qualified for the position she occupies, and her good judgment, her wise decisions, her purity of purpose and real sincerity, her co-operative spirit and her spirituality, have brought joy to us all. Her absolute freedom from any [Page 23] self-motive makes it possible for her to receive true guidance.

Another new plan is that a number of friends in different parts of the country have been chosen by the National Spiritual Assembly to especially serve the magazine by furnishing material for its pages from time to time,—thus subjects such as the Temple, inter-racial, economics, teaching, etc., will be kept in mind by these various helpers who will make it their special business to keep the magazine supplied with good material, thus there will be some one representing the magazine for each of the outstanding activities in the Cause. This does not mean that others should not be doing all they can to cooperate, but it does mean that more material will flow to the magazine thru these various channels. We can therefore see how before another year passes the magazine will have to “multiply its pages,” as the Guardian hoped it would be able to do; at least there will surely be a measure of development and expansion which we hope will make happy the heart of the Guardian.

The Staff of the Magazine, therefore, as now definitely appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly is, Stanwood Cobb, Editor; Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Assistant Editor; Mrs. Mariam Haney, Managing Editor; these three constitute the Editorial Committee. In addition there are the Associate Editors who are “empowered,” by the National Spiritual Assembly. “to send in suggestions as well as noteworthy addresses or other literary material of interest which has passed through their hands as a Committee. Our vote.” as stated by Mr. Lunt, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, “did not give these Associate Editors any function of editing or reviewing the text of the magazine.” Those appointed are: Mr. Leroy Ioas, representing the Geyserville Summer School; Mr. Willis Hilpert, Temple Program Committee; Mrs. May Maxwell and Mrs. Doris McKay, Teaching and Outline Bureau Committees; Mrs. Loulie Mathews, Bahá’í Inter-racial Committee: Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Mrs. Marjory Morton. Bahá’í Economics Committee.

It is possible that some changes may soon be made in the list of Editors from other countries, like for instance, adding the name of Florence E. Pinchon for England, and Dr. Y. S. Tsao for China. Steps have been initiated to this end.

From around the world comments like the following come to us. They are submitted entirely impersonally, for “the service of the friends belongs to God, and not to them,” as the Master instructed, and for the further reason that this information is due you.

“From India: I congratulate the Editors on the splendid progress made by them in editing this magazine of world-wide importance.”

“Many, many words of congratulation for the joy the magazine always brings. It gets better and better.”

“The Bahá’í Magazine is like a real friend. It grows dearer and more necessary to one each month and we look forward to its coming so eagerly.”

“I appreciate the magazine very highly and it is the last thing I should be slack about settling for.”

“We are so proud to lend the magazine to forward-looking people. It improves every month. I am hoping for more subscriptions from our city this year as we are reaching many people of great capacity.”

“I love the Bahá’í Magazine—all of it. I particularly have enioyed the life stories, or rather the stories about how friends have come into the Cause (for I am a new believer). I lend my copies and boost the magazine as I have always seen its spiritual leadership among progressive periodicals.”

“Your magazine has some very fine contributors, and I wish for it a wide circulation for your kind of education is much needed.”

“My friend from India has expressed his appreciation of the Bahá’í Magazine and its lofty pure spirit. The extra copies are being wisely used, they are reaching quite a new circle of people, for instance, I am sending to some new young workers in Holland, also to an entirely new group in India, and to other circles before untouched. This is what we want—to extend the influence of this pure magazine.”

“I read and re-read the editorials and the spiritually fine articles, and I am always impressed with the pure tone of the magazine. I want you to know it is just like drops of water to a thirsty traveler in a desert.”

“I hope there are a sufficient number of outsiders who come in contact with this magazine to get the benefit of the illuminating editorials and all the other spiritual instructions and suggestions which the magazine contains and which are so vital to the peace and well-being of society.”

“We enjoy the Bahá’í Magazine very much. It is such an inspiration during these trying times. It gives us comfort and courage, and may God bless its readers and those who are contributing to it.”

“Sending my copies of The Bahá’í Magazine for binding, and enclose money for postage and renewal of subscription. I read every word in the magazine, and you can imagine what it means to me out here alone.”

“There is something particularly dynamic about the March issue of the Magazine. The ‘seed’ elements of this number seem surcharged with creative vitality. They must be scattered about! Perchance some may fall on fertile soil. The dozen extra copies I sent for have just arrived, but the number falls short of the need. Please mail me twelve more; check euclosed.” (It may be interesting to know that this friend ordered forty-one extra copies of the March number).

“I always welcome The Bahá’í Magazine when it comes, and read it with great interest; also with deep appreciation and admiration for the work that is being done.”

The general impression as gleaned from verbal as well as written expressions is that the magazine has improved very much in literary style, in the quality and tone of the articles, and in the fearless heralding of the Bahá’í Teachings without, as our Guardian instructed, “antagonizing any existing institution or peoples.”

In conclusion we should like to leave with you that which is the most important of all, namely, our latest word from our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi: Speaking of the Magazine, Ruhi Afnán, writing for our Guardian, says: “He is fully satisfied with its present rate, and hopes it will keep on developing. He does read its numbers with great interest and really enjoys some of its articles. . . . Shoghi Effendi wishes me to express his deep appreciation for the wonderful work you, as well as those associated with you, are doing in the field of service. May the Master ever guide and assist you in your noble task.” And in our Guardian’s handwriting the following: “I wish to confirm in person the message written on my behalf, and to assure you of my keen and loving appreciation of the many and notable services you are rdering to the Faith.”

And this encouragement from our Guardian and Protector, from the one who is protecting not only the Most Great Cause, but all those fortunate enough, through the Mercy of God, to be included in the ever-increasing numbers of the followers of the Faith, constitutes for us a life-giving message.

Humbly your servants,
STANWOOD COBB,
MARIAM HANEY,
BERTHA HYDE KIRKPATRICK,
Editorial Committee.

[Page 24]

REPORT OF GREEN ACRE TRUSTEES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA FOR THE YEAR 1931-32.

During the past year nine meetings of the Green Acre Trustees have been held, beginning with the organization meeting on May 4, 1931, following the last Annual Convention and ending with the meeting on April 28, 1932, just prior to the Twenty-fourth Annual Convention.

The Green Acre season of 1931, was a successful one in the further carrying out of the policy established by the National Spiritual Assembly three years ago—the operation of Green Acre as a teaching and training center for the believers in the Cause. In order to provide suitable living accomodations, the Inn was operated by Mrs. Flora Valentine on a co-operative basis and at a profit both for the Trustees and herself.

The lectures, classes and group meetings were held in the auditorium of the Inn and at the Fellowship House and were well attended. During July, Miss Martha Root inspired the friends with her enthusiasm and spiritual fervor. In August, Miss Pearl Easterbrook, Miss Orcella Rexford, Mr. Albert Vail and others carried on the classes and did most effective work among the friends in instructing them in methods of teaching and in the presentation of the Cause under varying conditions and circumstances.

Late in the fall, the Trustees sent to the Guardian the available reports and financial statements relative to Green Acre, and requested his wishes as to the policy under which Green Acre should be operated during the season of 1932. Under date of January 9, 1932, Shoghi Effendi wrote the National Spiritual Assembly as follows:

“Concerning Green Acre, Shoghi Effendi believes that the National Spiritual Assembly has to devise some method whereby this institution will become profitbearing or at least self-supporting and not remain a source of constant expense to the Cause. There are more important activities such as the Temple construction and teaching work to be carried through and these absorb all the funds available.

“Besides being self-supporting. Green Acre should be developed into a center where teachers are created to go out into the field as able servants. What are the means to be used? This is for the National Assembly. They may deem it wise to have a larger committee for Green Acre or call an Esperanto Congress to meet there in the summer, or even invite Miss Lydia Zamenhof for a trip to Green Acre. Such things, however, should be undertaken if it is not going to add to the financial burdens of the Cause. The Assembly knows best whether such steps are advisable or not and whether their advantages outweigh their disadvantages.”

The Trustees at the meeting on March 20, 1932, acting on the recommendations of the Properties Committee, authorized the operation of the Inn and Tea House during the coming season by Mrs. Flora Valentine. These properties are to be open to the public and at rates to be established by Mrs. Valentine, who, however, has agreed to work in close co-operation with the Properties Committee and in harmony with the policy of Green Acre.

The Guardian’s instructions that “Green Acre should be developed into a center where teachers are created to go into the field as able servants,” will be fulfilled by a newly appointed Faculty which will conduct classes at the Fellowship House. It is hoped that a large number of believers will avail themselves of this unusual and timely opportunity to prepare themselves for the important work of teaching our glorious Cause.

In order to carry out Shoghi Effendi’s wishes to make Green Acre self-supporting as soon as practicable, steps will be taken to lease the Inn property in the future and to operate the other properties somewhat along the lines recommended in the report of The Research Service, Inc., made to the Trustees two years ago.

Respectfully submitted,
GREEN ACRE TRUSTEES.
ALLEN MCDANIEL.
Chairman.


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