Bahá’í News/Issue 73/Text

Bahá’í News
Issue 73

BAHA’I NEWS

Published by
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey

No. 73

MAY, 1933

THE DIVINE EDIFICE[edit]

These swiftly passing days bring fulfilment of the Master’s prophetic utterances concerning the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. The Cause in America seems aflame with a new and deeper confidence, an overwhelming determination to meet the standard of achievement held aloft for us by Shoghi Effendi. In action now lies the mysterious test of true faith.

“Now the day has arrived in which the edifice of God, the divine sanctuary, the spiritual temple, shall be erected in America! I entreat God to assist the confirmed believers in accomplishing this great service and with entire zeal to rear this mighty structure which shall be renowned throughout the world. The support of God will be with those believers in that district that they may be successful in their undertaking, for the Cause is great and great; because this is the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in that country and from it the praise of God shall ascend to the Kingdom of Mystery and the tumult of His exaltation and greetings from the whole world shall be heard!

“Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with a great power from His Supreme Kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend, which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the glorious and eternal God.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

“I am overjoyed at the news of the remarkable impetus which the sustained and ever-increasing efforts of the American believers have lent to the progress of our glorious enterprise. The intensest effort, and a still higher, a more compelling evidence of the vitality of our Faith are required to insure the realization of our fondest hopes.” — Shoghi Effendi. (March 7, 1933).

On April 26 the National Spiritual Assembly sent out the first of a series of weekly letters, to continue until the date of the Convention, reporting on what new efforts are being made by Assemblies and individual believers to serve the Temple Fund. On April 30 the National Spiritual Assembly was able to appropriate the sum of $13,000 toward Temple construction. The total appropriated previously has been $33,000. There has thus been devoted to the dome contract up to May 1, 1933 the sum of $46,000. As reported in April BAHÁ’Í NEWS, this contract calls for a total appropriation of $135,000. In order to meet the Guardian’s hopes there still remains to be donated the sum of $89,000.

The weekly letters issued in May to Assemblies and groups will show what the National Treasurer is receiving as the friends make final effort to complete that sum by June 1.

Work done by Mr. Farley on the dome contract during April is described in the following excerpts from report made by Research Service to the Temple Trustees dated April 28.

“During the month of April the work has involved the continuation of the preparation of the models and molds, the building of a special shed and runway for the casting of the concrete sections, the follow-up of the three important contracts for material awarded during March, and other miscellaneous work.

“The models and molds of the ten sections of the field of the dome have been completed and are now being placed in position in the casting shed for the making of the concrete sections.

“The sculptor is working on the final and top section of the great rib. The models and molds for the three parts of this last section will probably be completed by the middle of next month. The models and molds of the lower dome sections of the great rib are completed and ready for casting of the concrete sections.

“Mr. Farley and his associates plan to begin the casting of the sections at the Virginia plant next week. We are making every effort to expedite the work so that the casting of the lowest 19-foot sections of the ribs of the dome may be begun at the Temple as soon as possible during the early part of May.”

GREEN ACRE PROGRAM[edit]

The significance of Green Acre has been greatly augmented this year by the unexpected discovery of the original Tablets revealed by the Master to Miss Sarah J. Farmer. The dates cover the period April, 1900 to July, 1908. A few of these Tablets have been published in past years, but the greater number are made available for the first time.

In the Master’s own words we can now trace the history of the founding and development of Green Acre as an institution destined to play an important part in the future growth of the Cause. After the lapse of more than twenty years, one can perceive and appreciate how the Master surrounded that great believer with His protection and guidance, inspiring her to an achievement that will endure throughout coming centuries.

“I hope that through the favor of the Blessed Perfection thou wilt become the lamp of the society of Green Acre, and wilt become the cup bearer of the wine of the love of God; that thou wilt invite a great number unto the Kingdom of the powerful Lord, and wilt teach numerous souls.”

“O maid-servant of God! By God, the True One, verily ‘Abdu’l-Bahá invokes God to strengthen thee through the mightiest power, so that thou mayrest become a star of guidance in Green Akka, to diffuse the fragrance of God, to blow forth the spirit of God, to summon (people) to the Word of God, and speeches may pour forth [Page 2] from thy pure mouth as a torrent which rapidly pours down from the loftiest mountains.”

“Verify, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was with you in Green Akka, in His Spirit, Soul and in all His spiritual grades, and He was your companion in your meetings, and was bearing unto you with His spiritual tongue the glad tidings of the divine splendors which shall in a short time be poured upon you from the Kingdom of God.

“O maid-servant of God! Be rejoiced at this glad tidings, whereby the hearts of the people of the Kingdom of El-Abhá are moved with joy. Verily, I beseech God to make Green Akka as the ‘Paradise of El—Abhá,’ so that the melodies of the nightingales of sanctity may be heard from it, and that the chanting of the Verses of Unity may be raised therein, to cause the clouds of the great Gift to pour upon it the rains falling from heaven, to make those countries become verdant with the myrtles of truth and inner significance, and to plant therein blessed trees, with the hand of Providence, which may bring forth pure and excellent fruits wherefrom the fragrance of God may be diffused throughout all nations. These signs shall surely appear, and these lights shall shine forth.”

“O maid-servant of God! Opposition shall surely pass away, the dark clouds in all regions will be dispelled, and the Lights of the Covenant shall shine forth. At that time your value shall appear among the nations of the world, and tribes and peoples will arise to praise you. Take warning of the former cycles and the bygone Manifestations.”

“O thou beloved maid-servant of God, exert thyself with all heart and soul that Green Acre may become the arena for the action of the beloved of Bahá and its administration pass into the hands of the friends. If such become the case, good results will ensue, otherwise all endeavors will come to naught. Devise thou a plan by which that place become the Lamp of the Light of the Cause of God and whereby the old sects and beliefs, like unto spurious decayed and unproductive trees produce no influence there, that the time of those assembled there be not uselessly spent. Should the friends of God buy Green Acre and make that place the center for the diffusion of the fragrance of God and establish meetings for teaching the truth unquestionably good results will be manifested!”

These are a few of the Master’s words. In a letter dated March 27, 1933, the Guardian wrote as follows to Mrs. Ivy Edwards, Secretary of the Eliot Spiritual Assembly: (through his secretary) “Your group occupies an important position in the Bahá’í world for you are situated in that locality where the Green Acre Summer School is held—the most important institution of its kind in the world. Through your persistent efforts all the people living in that vicinity should learn of the true spirit of the Faith and be drawn to it. They should not only be made to befriend the Cause, but arise for its active service.

“The world is in great turmoil and its problems seem to become daily more acute. We should therefore not sit idle; otherwise we would be failing in carrying out our sacred duty. Bahá’u’lláh has not given us His teachings to treasure them and hide them for our personal delight and pleasure. He gave them to us that we may pass them from mouth to mouth until all the world becomes familiar with them and enjoys their blessings and uplifting influence.

“You inquired regarding the meaning of the sentence, ‘The Mysterious Power that creates new spiritual worlds.’ This, Shoghi Effendi believes, refers to the transcendental Essence of God who is the Creator of this world and the worlds to come; for as Bahá’u’lláh says, God’s worlds are infinite.” And in the Guardian’s hand: “May the Almighty bless you and enable you, together with your diligent, able and devoted collaborators in Eliot to hoist the standard of the Faith in that part of your native land, where its institutions are fast developing and where its light will be fully and resplendently revealed.”

Living Arrangements This Season

The ideal upheld for Green Acre at this time is “the lowest possible cost for the largest possible number of believers.”

Mrs. Ella Guthrie has volunteered her loving and efficient services in conducting the Inn and adjoining cottages. The following rates have been fixed: Room and board, $6.00 a week for guests who give two hours daily of service; room and board $8.00 and $10.00 a week without service; board alone, $7.00 a week: single meals at 25c and 35c for breakfast, 65c for dinner and 40C for supper. Mrs. Guthrie plans to surround the Inn with a homelike, informal and cordial atmosphere. Tea is to be served daily, to be called “Temple Teas,” there being no charge made but a silver collection taken for the Temple Fund.

Fellowship House will not be opened, but it is hoped that it can be rented for the season and so add to the income of Green Acre. All Bahá’í classes, cultural lectures and other social activities will be held in the Inn auditorium.

The National Spiritual Assembly expresses the profound hope that believers will come to Green Acre in great numbers this summer from all cities in the East of Canada and the United States. Under existing social conditions, it is most desirable for believers to make special effort to attend the study classes, exchange views on Bahá’í subjects, and deepen their sense of fellowship in the Cause,

Study Classes

General plan: Four Courses of one week each, each Course to cover six days, the last day devoted to general discussion and review. The aim of the Study Courses at Green Acre is to train believers to serve actively as teachers in their local communities. The Study Course leaders are preparing their subjects directly from Bahá’í literature, and all attending the Courses will be provided with a list of references. The first Course aims to provide a suitable background for the better understanding of the appearance of the Cause in 1844.

Course I. July 31-August 5. Leader, Dr. Genevieve Coy. Subject: “The Dawn of the New Day.”

Course II. August 7-12. Leader, Dr. Stanwood Cobb. Subject: “Bahá’u’lláh: The Sun of Truth.”

Course III. August 14-19. Leader, Mr. Harlan Ober. Subject: “‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Principles of Divine Civilization.”

Course IV. August 21-26. Leader, Mr. Horace Holley. Subject: “Shoghi Effendi: The Worldwide Bahá’i Commonwealth.”

Other Activities

During July, before the Study Courses begin, there will be various lectures and activities at Green Acre. Dr. Glenn Shook of Wheaton College will give four evening lectures on “Modern Aspects of Science and Religion.” Dr. Genevieve Coy will repeat her discussion of “The Psychological Approach to Bahá’í Teaching” for the benefit of those who were not able to attend her classes last year. Miss Louise Wright, if she returns from her teaching work in Holland in time, will hold morning meditations and conduct a study of the Tablet of Iqan. Mr. Harland Ober will give [Page 3] several lectures on “The New World Order.” There will be opportunity to study Persian and Esperanto. The Arts and Crafts Studio, where most attractive pottery was made last summer, will again be under the direction of Miss Agnes O’Neill. There will be evenings of music and poetry, picnics and social gatherings, so that although the regular Study Courses do not begin until July 31, those who are at Green Acre earlier in the season will find ample opportunity for recreation and study.

Further details will be announced as soon as plans for Teaching and Amity Conferences have been perfected.

REPORT OF GREEN ACRE FACULTY COMMITTEE[edit]

Last year the N. S. A. appointed a Faculty Committee to organize a Bahá’í summer school for serious study. While its primary object was class room work it did undertake other activities which are a necessary part of any summer school. This year it will confine its work to preparing believers for more efficient teaching.

Under present conditions Green Acre must be self-supporting, i. e., the N. S. A. cannot take any financial risks so that we may not be able to utilize all of our material equipment. However, provision will be made for all who wish to attend the school.

Last season we did not have very definite ideas as to the nature of this future Bahá’í university, the way seemed to open as we proceeded and in the end we all felt that we had had an unusually good season.

Our success was due largely to the singular fact that practically all who attended the classes, regardless of age or experience, made some contribution to the work. We soon discovered that we accomplished far more with a few active members than with a large number of passive ones.

We wish to stimulate profound study and our discussions must be based upon study rather than accumulated opinions.

It is not too much to say that in the long run the lecture system has very little, if any permanent value.

To be sure everyone will be welcome to any class and may derive some benefit from it, but we must not forget that the real success of the school depends upon individual study.

If a number of believers, with a real desire for study, can assemble at Green Acre this summer we can make it one of the best seasons we have had. Where Bahá’ís are gathered to study the Word there is no priest, no teacher; we are one.

Faculty Committee

By: G. A. SHOOK, Chairman.

A STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ON MIRZA MEGHAMI’S GIFT TO THE TEMPLE FUND[edit]

The Bahá’í News Letter issued in January, 1927, included an announcement of a visit made to this country by two Persian Bahá’ís, Mirza Meghami and Mirza Benan, their arrival at New York having been preceded by a cablegram from the Guardian which introduced them as distinguished Persian believers.

On page 8 of the News Letter dated April, 1927, reference was made to a generous contribution which Mirza Meghami had made to the Temple Fund.

This reference was based upon a letter written by Mirza Meghami to the National Spiritual Assembly on February 7, 1927, in which he enclosed a receipt for Persian art objects which Mirza Meghami had left on sale with Dr. Ali Kuli Khan at an agreed net valuation of $9,000.00. The letter informed the Assembly that Mirza Meghami wished to make these objects or their proceeds a donation to the Fund of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.

The Treasurer of the National Assembly was instructed at the meeting held in April, 1927, to write Dr. Khan that the Assembly felt that these objects should be exhibited at the forthcoming Convention to be held in Montreal. At that same meeting a letter was presented from Dr. Khan informing the Assembly that he had given Mirza Meghami a number of shares of stock in the Persian Art Center of New York City in exchange for these objects and that he would turn the objects over to the National Assembly on return of those shares of stock.

At the meeting held in June, 1927, a letter was presented from Dr. Khan, dated May 15, of that year, stating that the reference to the matter of Mirza Meghami’s gift in the minutes of the April meeting was not accurate, and requesting that the subject be cleared upon the Assembly minutes. This letter stated that the facts are that Dr. Khan is perfectly willing to turn over these objects to the National Assembly at any time, but wishes the Assembly to arrange with Mirza Meghami that the certificate of stock in the Persian Art Center, held by the latter, be returned to Dr. Khan, since the certificate was given as a guarantee for the value of the art objects and does not represent ownership in the corporation of the Persian Art Center. After discussion of this letter it was recorded as the sense of the meeting that the Assembly could not enter into any arrangements made between Dr. Khan and Mirza Meghami.

A letter from Dr. Khan dated November 30, 1927, was presented at the meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly held in January, 1928, again referring to this business arrangement with Mirza Meghami, and the Secretary was instructed to reply that the Assembly make no claim to the art objects donated to the Temple Fund by Mirza Meghami in view of these business arrangements, but is content to wait until Mirza Meghami and Dr. Ali Kuli Khan have come to a mutually satisfactory settlement.

The meeting of the Assembly held in August, 1932, gave consideration to a letter written to the Assembly by Mirza Meghami, dated May 20, 1932, at Teheran. This letter requested the Assembly to explain its years of inaction with reference to his donation of $9,000 in merchandise to the Temple Fund, and expressing surprise and disappointment at the Assembly’s failure to send him the usual receipt for his donation.

The minutes and records were thereupon searched for the history of the matter, and the original documents located. On October 17, 1932, the National Spiritual Assembly wrote Dr. Khan to inform him of this letter from Mirza Meghami and to state that the Assembly had voted to request him to make the payment of $9,000 to its Treasurer or to return the original merchandise as itemized in the receipt which Dr. Khan had signed and delivered to Mirza Meghami in 1927.

At the meeting held in November, 1932, a letter was presented from Dr. Khan dated October 28, 1932, stating that the letter written him by the Assembly on October 17th, ignored his (Dr. Khan’s) rights in the matter, and claiming that Mirza Meghami could not have donated this merchandise to the National Spiritual Assembly or transfer it to any other party whatsoever in view of the fact that Dr. Khan’s possession of it was confirmed by an agreement signed by Mirza Meghami in New York during 1927 under the terms of which Mirza Meghami received shares in the Persian Art Center as security for the $9,000 in merchandise.

On December 18, 1932, the Guardian[Page 4] wrote the National Spiritual Assembly as follows: “In the minutes of the Assembly and other communications he has received from America, the Guardian has read of the gift Mirza Ghaem Meghami made to the Temple Fund several years ago. He thinks that the Assembly should communicate with him and find the real truth of the matter and take a decision. It is the sacred duty of the Assembly to safeguard the interests of the Faith, and such gifts dedicated to the Cause fall under such interests. If such a gift was really made the Assembly should secure it and face any odds.”— P. S. “Read and approved. Shoghi.”

The Assembly invited Dr. Khan to attend the meeting held in December, 1932, and explain his views of the matter. As the result of this conference the National Spiritual Assembly was called upon to decide whether, in the face of the other, separate agreements and contracts entered into between Dr. Khan and Mirza Meghami in 1927, (dealing with the shares of corporation stock and various unlisted items of Persian merchandise), the transfer by Mirza Meghami to the National Assembly for the Temple Fund of the receipt for merchandise executed by Dr. Khan constituted a valid gift and transfer of rights in this merchandise to the Assembly, or whether the existence of these other agreements had the effect of making it legally impossible for Mirza Meghami to donate that merchandise to the Temple Fund.

The National Assembly has studied all the documents and correspondence bearing upon this matter with extreme care. At the meeting held in April, 1933, the Assembly made its decision, which was that:—

1. The National Spiritual Assembly is the trustee of a legal gift to the Temple Fund made by Mirza Meghami in 1927 by transfer to the Assembly of his rights in the merchandise listed in the receipt duly signed by Dr. Ali Kuli Khan.

2. Dr. Khan, as consignee of the merchandise intended to be conveyed by the gift, is obligated to turn the merchandise over to the National Spiritual Assembly, or its equivalent in cash.

3. The Assembly understands from Dr. Khan that none of this merchandise has been sold and that he still holds it intact.

4. The National Spiritual Assembly has no concern with any other and personal business arrangements that in 1927 existed or may now exist between Mirza Meghami and Dr. Ali Kuli Khan.

5. In making this decision, and in asserting its responsibility as trustee of the Temple Fund, the National Spiritual Assembly is dealing only and exclusively with the realm of objective fact and does not to any degree attempt to enter the realm of human motives.

Relation of the Case to the Bahá’í Law and the Believers

Quite apart from the controlling facts of this case having to do with the property rights involved, and upon which the above decision is based;— other considerations, relating to the spiritual foundation of the Cause, have, we regret to say, intruded themselves. Had this case been left to the decision of the National Spiritual Assembly as to the facts and the evidence alone, as it should have been, much sorrow and wounding of hearts would have been avoided.

But, from the time this case became acute, in August, 1932, the spiritual law binding upon us all, i. e., to utterly refrain from gossip and backbiting, has been violated, by certain believers. We can only hope that this breach of one of Bahá’u’lláh’s greatest commandments was unthinking rather than deliberate; in other words, that no motives of personal hostility, envy or suspicion darkened the atmosphere of this deplorable episode.

Unfortunately, the consequences of backbiting are the same, whether ignorantly or designedly inflicted. In this particular case, untrue and wholly unfounded reports were whispered about, from ear to car, which questioned the honesty of our brother, Dr. Ali Kuli Khan, in this transaction. As is always the case, these fleeting reports gained strength and significance as time went on, until a point was reached where reputation and Bahá’í standing were, alike, affected. Because of this, deep sorrow penetrated the heart, not only of our brother, but the hearts of many believers and Assemblies to whom these reports were carried.

The poison thus instilled is the greatest enemy of unity and of the divine happiness of the friends. Our Master admonished us all, without exception, to praise the friends, and not to detract or condemn; and in this instance, His luminous utterance “to look to the good qualities” in all matters, is like unto a gleaming sword of truth.

‎Neverheless Nevertheless‎, instances like these, continually arise among us. This carelessness, in the face of the new, Divine Command, withholds the Cause from advancing as it otherwise would. Not only are we commanded to refuse to listen to gossip mongers and slanderers, but, more especially, to rebuke them when they approach us with tales of others’ faults.

All this was done while the matter was still before the National Spiritual Assembly and before its decision as to the ownership of the property involved, and deplorably these calumnies were spread without any proper or just basis, expressed or implied, for any suspicion or criticism concerning the motives of anyone involved in this matter. Those responsible for the rumors, were unjustifiably asserting their personal views without knowledge of the facts and without willingness to await the decision of the National Spiritual Assembly.

For these reasons, the National Spiritual Assembly feels it necessary, —representing as it does the entire Bahá’í body, and responsible in a definite sense, for the correction of any manifest injustice substantially affecting the spiritual status and purity of the Cause in this Country,—to publish this statement to the entire body of believers as an expression of regret and sorrow that such things could still happen.

The National Spiritual Assembly feels it incumbent to state that Bahá’u’lláh’s command applies equally upon those who agitate for and those who agitate against any human personality. For such agitation leads to partisanship, and we must recall the Master’s warning against those who form a party round about themselves. The Guardian also has stated that partisanship must be eradicated from the Cause.

We unitedly appeal to every individual believer, that from this time on, no similar incident will darken the pages of American Bahá’í history; that those few who have made a breach in the Temple of His Command will make spiritual restitution; and that from this incident, we may forever trace a new and divine acceleration in the purity and integrity of our beloved Cause.

How true the searching Word of Bahá’u’lláh: “He must never seek to exalt himself above anyone, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vain glory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence, and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smouldering tire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul.

[Page 5]

The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endure a century.”

“LIKE THE GOOD SHEPHERD”[edit]

A Letter from the Guardian

The Guardian is fully familiar with the difficult circumstances facing the Assembly, especially in providing for the financial needs of the Cause and completing the construction of the dome. Yet he is confident in God’s blessings and assistance and the persistence and sacrifice of the friends in fulfilling their sacred pledges. In his moments of prayer at the Blessed Shrines the Guardian will think of you all and ask God to assist you and reinforce your efforts.

As regards the admittance of new members into the different groups as declared Bahá’ís, and the expulsion of any from the community, Shoghi Effendi believes that the Assemblies should not act hurriedly. They should be wise and most considerate, otherwise they can do much harm to the body of the Cause. They should see to it that the new-comer is truly conversant with the teachings, and when he expresses his belief in the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, knows what he is saying and what are the duties he undertakes.

On the other hand when any person is expelled, the Assembly should not act hurriedly. There is a great spiritual responsibility attached to the act. The Assemblies do not have only rights against the individuals, they have great duties also. They should act like the good shepherd whom Christ mentions in His well-known parable. We also have the example of the Master before us. The individual Bahá’ís were organic parts of His spiritual being. What befell the least one of the friends brought deep affliction and sorrow to him also. If by chance one of them erred he counselled him and increased His love and affection, if the Master saw that that friend is still stubbornly refusing to reform his ways, and that his living among the other Bahá’ís endangered the spiritual life of the rest, then He would expel him from the group. This should be the attitude of the Assemblies toward the individuals. The best criterion whereby you can measure the spiritual attainment of an Assembly, is the extent its members feel themselves responsible for the welfare of the group. And perchance they feel forced to deprive a person from his vote it should be only to safeguard the rest and not merely to inflict punishment.

Deer and prized co-workers:

The handling of this delicate and vital problem regarding nonparticipation by Bahá’ís of East and West in political affairs, calls for the utmost circumspection, tact, patience and vigilance, on the part of those whose function and privilege it is to guard, promote and administer the activities of a worldwide, ever-advancing Cause. The misgivings and apprehensions of individual Bahá’ís should be alloyed and eventually completely dispelled. Any misconception of the sane and genuine patriotism that animates every Bahá’í heart, if it ever obscures or perplexes the minds of responsible government officials, should be instantly and courageously dissipated. Any deliberate misrepresentation by the enemies of the Cause of God of the aims, the tenets and methods of the administrators of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh should be vigorously faced and its fallacy pitilessly exposed. The Cause to which we belong stands on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion. Its problems are many, diverse and challenging. Our methods and ways of approach must likewise be characterized by unusual sagacity, consummate skill and wisdom. He will surely never fail us in meeting the needs of a critical hour. SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine,

March 16, 1933. To the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Guardian was very glad to learn that the work of the fourth volume of The Bahá’í World is progressing rapidly. He hopes that it will be soon out for circulation for undoubtedly the public is waiting for it.

Please convey the Guardian’s loving greetings and best wishes to the members of the Assembly. He hopes that through their endeavors the spirit of the Faith will permeate that land and solve the pressing problems of its suffering people.

Yours ever sincerely,

RUHI AFNAN.

P. S. As regards the Tablet of the Master to Mr. James Morton, Shoghi Effendi would prefer to see the original Persian to decide as to its authenticity.

RUHI.

(In the Guardian’s hand-writing.)

Dear and precious co-workers: I greatly value the Tablets addressed to Sarah Farmer and I thank you for having sent them to me. Will you kindly send me a few more copies of the Study Guide to Nabil’s Narrative and the reprint of the Declaration of Trust, copies of both of which I wish to distribute among those who are deeply interested. Your letters of March 31 and 30th, written on behalf of the Assembly, have just reached me. Concerning the removal of believers I feel that such a vitally important matter should be given the most serious consideration and preferably be referred to the National Assembly for further consideration and final decision. We should be slow to accept and reluctant to remove. I fully approve and whole-heartedly and unreservedly uphold the principle to which you refer that personalities should not be made centres around which the community may revolve but that they should be subordinated under all conditions and however great their merits to the properly constituted Assemblies. You and your co-workers can never overestimate or overemphasize this cardinal principle of Bahá’í Administration.

Your true brother,

SHOGHI.

Haifa, Palestine,

April 11, 1933.

INVESTIGATION OF RESOURCES FOR BAHA’I MAGAZINE[edit]

During 1932, the World Unity Magazine gradually adopted and developed a policy for the presentation of the direct Bahá’í teachings to its readers. Toward the end of the year, as the work of the World Unity Foundation was drawing to a close, the World Unity Publishing Committee, through its secretary, Mr. Horace Holley, wrote to Shoghi Effendi, offering the resources of its publication for the direct teaching work of the Cause in the following statement:

“Discussing these matters, we three also agreed to write you and express our hope that the time has come when it may be possible to bring World Unity into union with the BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE, and thus give the National Assembly a broader and more influential medium for the public expression of the teachings.

“The thought is that World Order is not an isolated conception but represents the fulfilment of social policy in connection with a new spirit, a new mind and a new heart in mankind. In combining the magazines, all these aspects[Page 6] of the teachings can be balanced and harmonized, with World Order the public objective, and the different aspects of the teachings as the necessary mental and moral preparation. But this thought is only our effort to explore the possibilities of such union. Our real aim is to lay the intention before you and seek your advice. We fully appreciate the fact that if World Unity can bring a new asset to the Cause, the various elements of policy and plan must be established by proper consultation on the part of the Assembly or by your guidance. What we would deeply appreciate from you is whether our intention and aim are acceptable to you in your vision of the Cause and the world as a whole, and if so, what should be our next step. Perhaps it should be added that this possibility of union has been brought to Dr. Randall’s attention and he is quite willing to withdraw from the work so that the magazine may enter a new phase.”

Under date of Nov. 30, 1932, the Guardian, in a letter to the National Spiritual Assembly, referred to this matter as follows:

“The Guardian welcomes such a proposition with deep gratification for it means that the energy that has been until now dissipated along channels not strictly Bahá’í, will now be used solely for the progress of the Faith, and the promotion of its principles in their entirety. He was sure that sooner or later those directing the policy of the World Unity will take this step, for they believe in the Cause of the Bahá’u’lláh as the highest idea of the age and the highest goal towards which they can work. This is the logical result of those forces that operate in their hearts.

“The Guardian also welcomes this proposition because it means the strengthening of the organ of the Cause in America and bringing to its support both the talent and means that are now at the disposal of the World Unity Magazine. Both will therefore profit from such a unity.

“There are, however, certain questions that Shoghi Effendi would urge the National Assembly to take into consideration before deciding on this important issue. First and foremost is the fact that the Magazine which is to result from such a union should become the organ of the Cause and under the full jurisdiction of the National Assembly. Non-Bahá’ís can cooperate but the responsibility for its policy should be in the N. S. A. In other words, the World Unity should become fully Bahá’í.”

The above correspondence was presented at the December meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly and as a result of discussion, action was taken appointing a Special Magazine Committee to make an investigation of the resources and practicability of this proposed union of the two magazines. This Committee was composed of the following personnel:

ALLEN B. MCDANIEL, Chairman

MRS. FLORENCE MORTON

MRS. MARIE B. MOORE

DR. GENEVIEVE L. COY

PROFESSOR BISHOP BROWN

The committee has held three meetings— the first in New York in consultation with Mr. Holley, the representative of the World Unity Publishing Committee, the second in Washington in consultation with the editorial staff and business department of the BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE and the third meeting in New York for further consideration of the data gathered. The Committee hopes to make a progress report at the last meeting of the present National Spiritual Assembly the end of this month. Your National Assembly will consider the data and recommendations of the Special Magazine Committee and then the whole matter will be referred to our Guardian for further consideration and instructions.

Respectfully submitted,

ALLEN MCDANIEL,

Chairman.

BAHA’I SUMMER SCHOOL AT GEYSERVILLE[edit]

Program

The 1933 Season will be from July 23 to August 5, inclusive.

The School opens with a Unity Feast at noon on Sunday, July 23.

A Teaching Conference will be held at 3 P. M., Saturday, July 29 and if desired can extend into the evening.

A Public Meeting will be held at Griffith Grove, 2 P. M., Sunday, July 30. The believers will remain for dinner and an evening entertainment.

Children’s classes will be conducted by Miss Linfoot, Secretary, Committee for Teaching and Training Children.

Courses of Study

Subject for Bahá’í youth—Influence of Religion on Society.

General subjects: Bahá’í History, Principles of Administration.

Daily schedule: Devotions, 9 A. M.; Influence of Religion on Society, 9:30 A. M. to 10:20; Bahá’í History, 10:30 A. M. to 11:20; Principles of Administration, 11:30 A. M. to 12:30 P. M.

Round Tables will be held twice weekly, on afternoons of days when Public Meetings have not been arranged for the evening.

A detailed program will be published as soon as possible.

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

The friends are requested to remember in prayer these believers who have ascended to the Kingdom:

Miss Ada Murray, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Edward Fuhrman, Sr., Washington, D. C.

Mr. Arthur D. Mayo, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Irving H. Vail, Pasadena.

Captain Alfred W. hall, Akron.

LETTER FROM MRS. KEITH RANSOM-KEHLER[edit]

In order to illustrate the truth of Bahá’í Unity I want to share with you some of the uplifting experiences that I have had in connection with our Temple dome.

Before reaching Persia I spent a short time with one of the dear Bahá’í friends in Java. Just as the ship was about to sail, he said to me very earnestly: “I have no money. All my salary goes to the support and education of my family. The only thing I have of any value is my watch. We are told of the vital importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár to the world of humanity, therefore we Bahá’ís must strain every nerve for its completion.” Unstrapping his watch—ordinarily considered a necessity to any business man—he handed it to me with a radiant smile. “Sell this for whatever it will bring and give the proceeds to the Temple,” he requested.

I was deeply moved. “As soon as I dispose of it I will ask the Treasurer to send you a receipt for it,” I said.

“It isn’t necessary,” was his answer, “the only important thing is to have our gifts, great or tiny, reach the Temple Fund in time to comply with the Guardian’s desire.”

Several Mashriqu’l-Adhkár meetings were held last fall in Tihran before I left for Tabriz. One woman gave a new chuddar (outer wrap) belonging to her recently deceased mother, as the only article of worth that she possessed. It was valued at forty tumans which, in spite of unfavorable exchange with America, is still forty dollars to the Persian.

Arriving at Mashhad, a devoted woman came one day to see me. To Mr. Alai, the special representative of the National Spiritual Assembly who traveled with me, she gave her only[Page 7] winter suit, with profuse apologies that she had nothing more to give to the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Chicago.

Three ardent friends in the villages of Mazindaran gave their gold earrings to be contributed to the Temple Fund. These are only a few of many similar instances.

One very poor servant brings small coins from week to week, too small to have any equivalent in our American currency, and has thus amassed several tumans as her contribution.

In far away, Adelaide, Australia, the zealous and loving friends have offered through me an ancient gold coin, all, all working to the same great end, that in the midmost heart of the world may appear the unanswerable argument of human love and brotherhood —a Temple of universal worship.

Courage, my beloved Friends! The far-off places of the globe are not mere locations on a map; for round this pulsating world are faithful hearts beating in unison with yours, loving devotees willing to sacrifice to the full, that your joy may be complete, loyal companions in the pathway of God who see no difference between your great aims and their own.

May the glorious blessings of Bahá’u’lláh encircle forever in the Temple of men’s hearts the shining hosts of those who toiled and suffered to animate with His Beauty the “Dawning Place of His Praises.”

Your sister in El-Abhá,

KEITH.

Tihran, Persia,

January 21, 1933.

“IN ITS FULL SPLENDOR”[edit]

Mrs. Clara Weir of Hollywood has received a letter from the Guardian which carries an inspiring message to all believers.

Last spring Mrs. Weir staged a “Pageant of Nations” at her school which attracted widespread attention. Most of the lines spoken in the Pageant were selected by Mrs. Weir from “The Promulgation of Universal Peace.” A copy was sent to Shoghi Effendi, whose reply, written through his secretary, follows:

“Shoghi Effendi was very much interested to learn of the success of the ‘Pageant of Nations’ which you produced. He sincerely hopes that all those who attended it were inspired by the same spirit that animated you while arranging it.

“It is through such presentations that we can arouse the interest of the greatest number of people in the spirit of the Cause. That day will the

“Shoghi Effendi read the admirable report on the construction of the dome . . . He believes that it is miraculous for the friends to have done so much in such difficult days. It reveals their inflexible determination to serve the Cause and their readiness to sacrifice their all in that path. The Guardian hopes, however, that they will persevere on this road and attain their final goal. Their faith should never fail them, and their vision of the future and its victories must never grow dim. The Master’s spirit will guide them and, through their instrumentality, will perform astounding miracles.” (A letter to the National Spiritual Assembly from the Guardian, written through Ruhi Afnan, dated Haifa, March 16, 1933.)

Cause spread like wildfire when its spirit and teachings are presented on the stage or in art and literature as a whole. Art can better awaken such noble sentiments than cold rationalizing, especially among the mass of the people.

“We have to wait only a few years to see how the spirit breathed by Bahá’u’lláh will find expression in the work of the artists. What you and some other Bahá’ís are attempting, are only faint rays that precede the effulgent light of a glorious morn. We cannot yet estimate the part the Cause is destined to play in the life of society. We have to give it time. The material this spirit has to mould is too crude and unworthy, but it will at last give way and the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh will reveal itself in its full splendor.”

The National Spiritual Assembly has voted to request Mrs. Weir to bring the Pageant to the particular attention of the three Bahá’í Summer Schools, and if the use of the Pageant by believers becomes an important matter, the Pageant can be approved by the Reviewing Committee and copies made available to Local Assemblies.

TURKISH BELIEVERS RELEASED[edit]

A cablegram received from the Guardian on April 2 brought the important news that the believers imprisoned at Adana, Turkey, on charges of belonging to a radical political movement, have been released.

The National Assembly, at the Guardian’s request, has conveyed appreciation to the Turkish Ambassador at Washington.

ON BAHA’I ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES[edit]

The Guardian’s instruction concerning the activities of the Economics Committee, conveyed in a letter written through his secretary to Mr. Dale S. Cole, Secretary, on January 11, 1933, has great importance at this time:

“As regards the activities of the economic committee of the National Assembly; Shoghi Effendi fully sympathizes with the desire of some of the members to see the committee find ways and means to put into practice the economic teachings of the Cause, as explained in some of the recorded writings and sayings of Bahá’u’lláh and the Master. But he believes that the time is not yet ripe for such activities. First we have to study the economic teachings in the light of modern problems more thoroughly so that we may advocate what the founders of the Faith say and not what we conjecture from their writings. There is great difference between sounding a great general principle and finding its application to actual prevailing conditions.

“Secondly, the Cause is not financially in a position to launch itself in such undertakings at present. Such plans need great financial backing to be worked out in a permanent form. In time, Shoghi Effendi hopes all these things will come to pass. For the present we have to consolidate our basic institutions and spread the teachings and spirit of the Faith among the public.

“This is, in short, the attitude of the Guardian; but as you are a committee of the National Assembly he wishes you to follow its directions. In creating your committee the N. S. A. had undoubtedly some definite purpose in mind for which they asked you to labor and it is your task to work for that purpose.

“In his moments of prayer at the Blessed Shrine the Guardian will think of you as well as the members of the Committee and ask God to guide and assist you in the service of His Faith.”

LETTER FROM VIENNA ASSEMBLY[edit]

“In reporting the activity of the Vienna Assembly we are glad to say that our work is constantly increasing. Our weekly meetings are without[Page 8] exception well attended and during the year we have had the privilege of receiving several prominent Bahá’ís. Among these were Mrs. Schopflocher and Mr. Loveday, who visited us on their return from Haifa and told us many things concerning the Cause. To keep up the great interest which resulted was the task of Mrs. Anne-Marie Schweizer, who arrived a few days afterwards, and presided over three meetings a week during a period of six weeks; these meetings were advertised in the newspapers and attracted a great many people. Mrs. Schweizer began each session by reading from the Bahá’í writings and devoted all the rest of the time to answering questions, and her success revealed her love and self-sacrifice. During the summer Mrs. Louise Gregory at the Guardian’s direction visited Austrian provincial towns, as well as Czechoslovakia and Hungary, in order to do preliminary work there, and was especially interested in the Esperantists. Mr. Kluss, an American citizen born in Czechoslovakia and well known in Vienna, also visited us recently and was enabled to work in an effective way. Dr. and Mrs. Howard Carpenter of San Francisco are now with us, giving English lectures and also a course in the Dawn-Breakers, which last is proving of tremendous importance in our understanding of the Faith.

“As for our methods of teaching, we advertise our meetings in the newspapers, and have a statement of the Bahá’í principles posted on our street door; numerous people have become acquainted with the Cause in these two ways. We keep a register of interested visitors. At the present time there are fifty Bahá’ís in Vienna. The city authorities here are fully aware that we have nothing to do with politics, and so do not interfere with our activities. There is very little official inter-religious work here, of the type that exists in America: that is, religious leaders do not usually come together to discuss their views. To supply this lack, we have recently inaugurated a series of lectures by distinguished representatives of other Faiths, and presided over by a Bahá’í chairman.

“In closing, we send loving greetings to our co-workers everywhere.”

In the Guardian's service,

VIENNA SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.

January 12, 1933.