Bahá’í News/Issue 78/Text

Bahá’í News
Issue 78

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. 78

OCTOBER, 1933

“THE SEAL OF FINAL AND COMPLETE VICTORY”[edit]

Temple Progress[edit]

The illustration contained in this issue shows, for the first time, how the Temple dome will appear when the external decoration is entirely completed. Here at last is the picture which the friends had hoped to see in reality when they came to the Convention on June first.

The beauty of this completed portion is indescribable. The perfection of Mr. Bourgeois’ design, unique and indeed inevitable in its effect, combining a stimulating intricacy with a satisfying simplicity; the soft and delicate brilliance of the texture wrought by Mr. Earley and his skilled craftsmen; the impressive strength and endurance of the units when closely inspected; the play of light upon the rounded surface of the magnificent dome, surmounting the House of Worship dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh—here, at last, all Bahá’ís may rejoice in a true symbol of our beloved Faith, an inspired expression of its results upon the hearts of its devoted servants.

As the time is short in which to fulfil the Guardian’s highest hopes, the National Spiritual Assembly takes this occasion to report on the present status of the Temple work in some detail, culminating this statement with the most recent words written by Shoghi Effendi.

First, we quote from the report of Research Service for September:—

“During the month, the casting of the field and rib sections has proceeded with the efficiency and economy established during the two preceding months of July and August. During September a total of 67 concrete sections of ornamentation were cast. Of this amount, 21 were rib sections and 46 were field sections. It will be recalled that the original estimate of the average labor cost per cast was

TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPH (New Series) No. 12

Nearing Completion of the Dome Unit—Photograph taken September 21, 1933.

$80.00. During the past two months this average cost has been reduced to about $70.00, and this lower average has been maintained in September.

“Of the units shipped, 76 were in place on the dome on September 30, 1933. Additional shipments are being made at this time and Mr. Taylor, Mr. Earley’s associate, plans to return to the Temple about October 10 to continue with the erection of the ornamentation, which can be carried on at the rate of about 70 or 80 sections per week.

“To summarize: the total number of sectional units is 387. Of these, 260 have been made, leaving 127 sections still to be cast.”

On September 26, after prayer in the Temple, the members of the National Assembly issued a social letter to all Local Assemblies, from which the following paragraphs are quoted:—

[Page 2] “The flow of funds into the National Treasury this months has not indicated our ability to meet the expenses of carrying on the Temple dome ornamentation program necessary to comply with the Guardian’s instructions; nevertheless the National Spiritual Assembly has been unable to believe that the friends will permit any failure in this the greatest of all present Bahá’í obligations. Therefore, work has proceeded at the degree of efficiency required to complete the dome ornamentation during November.

“As you know, this requires contributions of $18,000 for September, $18,000 for October, and $10,000 for November. For the month of September we are still short $7,500, due to be paid by October first. No credence should be attached to a rumor that seems to have been circulated to the effect that any deficit in the fund has been guaranteed by certain individuals.

“Your National Spiritual Assembly has offered fervent supplications in the Temple, united under the now partially decorated dome, that the increased and sustained sacrifices and united efforts of the friends may achieve the divine goal.”

Since that letter was issued, $5,500 has been received. But the sum of $2,000 is still in deficit for construction in September, and the schedule calls for $18,000 additional in October. To maintain the Temple schedule, therefore, the National Fund must receive $20,000 this month.

One point of vital importance should be made clear.

The monthly schedule of work must be determined before the month begins, while payment is made for work done at the end of the month. Thus, the Temple Trustees authorized for September work in the amount of $18,000, although only about $5,000 was actually on hand on September first. If the Trustees had authorized only the work that could be done for $5,000, the Temple schedule would have been fatally interrupted.

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes every believer to take this situation to heart: that the members are called upon to assume responsibility for a decision creating liability at the rate of $18,000 for September and now for October also. If the National Assembly lacked faith, it would only authorize work to the extent of cash in hand, and such a procedure would have two bad results—first, greatly increasing the final cost, and second, delaying the completion of the dome unit far beyond November—perhaps until spring. Under the circumstances, only one decision was possible: namely, to continue Temple construction and have absolute faith that this decision will be vindicated by the unity and sacrifice of the American Bahá’ís.

We now quote the most recent message from the Guardian on the subject of the Temple, written to the National Assembly in his own hand:—

“The magnificent achievement of the American believers, the stupendous efforts they have exerted in the month of August on behalf of the Temple Fund cannot be allowed to pass unnoticed. A fresh record of service, an unexampled standard of self-sacrifice has been attained and established through their concerted, their persistent and heroic efforts. The entire Bahá’í world cannot but feel thrilled as it contemplates such striking evidences of Bahá’í solidarity, of spiritual fervor, of self-abnegation. ‘Abdul-Bahá, from the realms above, looks down upon those responsible for such deeds with feelings of unmitigated pride, joy and satisfaction. The concluding stages of this stirring episode in the history of the Faith in that land must witness still greater triumphs, must establish a still more excellent standard of Bahá’í stewardship. The remaining months of September and October must set the seal of final and complete victory to an enterprise that stands unparalleled in the annals of the Cause in the West. Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.” (September 6, 1933).

With these ringing words before us, the National Spiritual Assembly is confident that the American believers will accomplish the full task which the Guardian has given us as our highest privilege in the Cause of God.

NON-PARTICIPATION OF BAHA’IS IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS[edit]

The delicate question of the non-political character of the Bahá’í Faith has further clarification in the following words written by the Guardian in a letter dated March 16, 1933. In quoting these words, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to inform the friends that a special committee has been appointed to draft a statement which is intended to present this subject to American believers in final form.

“The handling of this delicate and vital problem regarding non-participation 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 is to guard, promote and administer the activities of a world-wide, ever-advancing Cause. The misgivings and apprehensions of individual Bahá’ís should be allayed 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 aim, 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, divers 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.”

IN MEMORIAM[edit]

The friends are requested to remember in prayer the believers who have passed into the Kingdom:

Mrs. Mae Warrick Hughes, Glendale, Calif.

Miss Lena Geib, Bloomfield, N. J.

Mrs. Rachel O. North, Chicago, Ill.

Mr. Charles T. Kerin, Pittsburgh, Pa.

PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]

The small prayer book issued a few years ago to sell at ten cents, having gone out of print, a committee of the National Assembly has compiled a new prayer book to take its place. It contains representative prayers selected from writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, all taken from accurate and recognized sources.

This new prayer book is now on the press and will be ready during October.

Twenty-five thousand copies of a new booklet on the Temple are also on the press. This was prepared by the Temple Program Committee in order to meet the need of free literature at the Temple, and the material prepared by that committee was amplified by material selected from The Bahá’í World, Vol. IV, at the request of the National ‎Suiritual Spiritual‎ Assembly.

Of the 25,000 copies ordered, 15,000 are to be given to the Temple Program Committee, and the balance of 10,000

[Page 3] copies held by the Publishing Committee for sale to Assemblies in lots of 100 or more copies. It is suggested that Local Assemblies purchase copies for local free distribution—a most timely teaching aid. Price, $2.00 per 100. (No discount allowed on free literature.)

Copies of the Swedish translation of the Esslemont book are now available, $1.50 each.

The Publishing Committee has established a Western Division at San Francisco, for the more efficient service to Assemblies in the following States: Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, British Columbia, Hawaii.

Believers in those States and Provinces should in future send orders direct to Western Division, Bahá’í Publishing Committee, Mrs. Emma F. Smith, Manager, 1245 Broderick Street, San Francisco, Calif. Both time and shipping expense will be saved through the organization of this Western Division. The Committee is grateful to Mrs. Smith for this important undertaking.

TEMPLE MODEL EXHIBITED AT CENTURY OF PROGRESS EXPOSITION[edit]

At the suggestion of the Chicago Spiritual Assembly, a beautiful model of the Bahá’í House of Worship was, early in September, placed on display in the Hall of Religions at the Fair. Two believers are at all times stationed near the model to answer questions and give out literature. A special edition of 50,0000 copies of Dr. Esslemont’s leaflet. “What is the Baha’i Faith?” has been provided for this purpose. The exhibit will remain until the termination of the Fair.

The Spiritual Assembly of Chicago reports that the model is making a great impression upon the throng which every day passes through the Hall of Religions.

BAHA’I REPRESENTATION AT WORLD FELLOWSHIP OF FAITHS[edit]

Following receipt of the Guardian’s statement (published in the August, 1933 issue) that Bahá’í speakers might take part in the program of the World Fellowship of Faiths, conducted at Chicago coincidently with the Century of Progress Exposition, the National Spiritual Assembly requested Mr. Albert Vail, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford and Mr. Allen B. McDaniel to represent the Cause.

A special committee was appointed two years ago to arrange for Bahá’í representation in the Parliament of Religions which it was believed the Century of Progress Exposition would surely hold in commemoration of the Parliament held in 1893. This committee learned that the Hall of Religions would not involve any plan for a Parliament of Religions but would merely provide space for religious exhibits on a paid basis. The sessions of the World Fellowship of Faiths have been arranged outside the Fair by a national committee which hopes to continue the tradition of the famous Parliament of 1893.

A LETTER FROM MRS. KEITH RANSOM-KEHLER[edit]

With the utmost enthusiasm I have read every word of the July NEWS containing Miss Linfoot’s vivid and refreshing report of the Convention.

The profound social, economic and political changes that have transpired in our dear land since my departure more than two years ago have, perhaps unconsciously, found their echo in the tone, conduct, dedication and determination of the Twenty-fifth Convention.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá exhorts us to make of this world another world but we find that after near a century of the power and authority of this Revelation it is still the world that changes the Bahá’ís, not the Bahá’ís the world.

Shoghi Effendi, the beloved of our hearts, said: “The progress of the Cause depends upon two factors: one is the effort of the believers; the other is God’s own ways that are independent of our efforts.” And then he continued that according to the words and warnings of the Master God’s way was through a quotidian of suffering that would force humanity to the healing and redemptive laws of Bahá’u’lláh.

Well is it with him who, in that “great and very terrible” day has found shelter under the “shade that overshadoweth all mankind.”

My heart is pierced and my spirit uplifted by the new note of profound responsibility, utter dedication, universal vision and indomitable courage displayed by the friends of America under such discouraging conditions.

What does it mean to us whether we, or some other nation carry to their triumphal issue the plans and purposes of Bahá’u’lláh? But one clear and simple task lies before us: not emulation, not competition, though it be a competition in virtue, strength and courage, but that continually renewed effort that lays at every moment before the feet of God the furthest extent of our capacity, the final attenuation of our superhuman endeavor. When the Bahá’ís of America have attained to that station, let who will lead the Bahá’í world; with humility, joy and gratitude we can then acclaim their leadership.

Having, between 1925 and 1931, visited the great majority of our Bahá’í communities I was particularly gratified to find so many unfamiliar faces in the Convention photograph—I mean, of course, that most of the Bahá’í faces of a few years ago are familiar to me. May this new growth in the Cause speed the day of its ascendency.

With warm Bahá’í love to all the friends.

Your sister in His service.

KEITH.

Tihran, Persia,
August 17, 1933.
Permanent address:
Vassar Club,
New York City.

LETTER FROM COMMITTEE ON HISTORY OF THE CAUSE IN AMERICA[edit]

Dear Friends:

Shoghi Effendi has expressed the desire that a history be published of the first forty years of the Bahá’í Cause in America. The National Spiritual Assembly has, therefore, appointed a committee to gather together the necessary material for this history and to prepare it for publication.

The first work of the ‎commitee committee‎ will be to collect all historical data regarding the founding in the early days and the growth and development of the Bahá’í Cause in this country. For this we need historical information which, for the most part, only the old Bahá’ís are able to give, but which many of the younger Bahá’ís are also able to give because of their association with the older friends. We, therefore, ask each individual Bahá’í who can make any contribution to write out his or her reminiscences and facts and send these to the committee. The original documents sent to us will eventually, in their entirety, be turned in to the National Bahá’í Archives, our committee using the material needed for the printed history.

It is hoped that each individual Bahá’í will lose no time in assisting us in our work by writing out his or her reminiscences and recollections and

[Page 4] sending them to us. These should be written or typed on a good quality of permanent paper. Since these papers will eventually be placed in the Archives to be preserved, we would caution the friends against using ordinary cheap pulp paper which lasts at the most but a few years. Only the very best quality of paper should be used and in order that all of these documents be uniform in size, we ask that all contributions be written on standard sheets, 8½ x 11 inches, which is the standard size of paper for typewriting, and signed by the contributor. We emphasize the need of making these statements accurate and factual, as becomes a historical record.

Please send all contributions of recorded data to Charles Mason Remey, 2440 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Signed.

CHARLES MASON REMEY, Chairman.

REPORT OF CENTRAL STATES SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]

The third session of the Summer School was held at Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan from June 25 to July 3, inclusive. The committee feel happy and encouraged about it and believe a new high point was reached. More were present than in either of the previous summers; the average was about seventy and there were 140 different souls who attended for a longer or shorter time. There was a great eagerness for spiritual food and a desire for knowledge of the teachings. A spirit of love and unity prevailed that words cannot express. All felt it and spoke of it.

Mrs. Greenleaf opened the morning session with a meditation period using a prayer and then developing passages from the Iqan. Mr. Harlan Ober, assisted by Mrs. Greenleaf, gave a most illuminating course in Bahá’í Administration. This course awakened many to the true significance and urgent importance of Bahá’í Administration. This course was to have been given by Mr. McDaniel but sickness prevented him from coming. Mrs. Dorothy Baker lifted us into the world of the spirit en she gave her daily talks based on incidents and stories from the Dawn-Breakers linked with and illustrating Bahá’í truths. These talks were of an inspirational nature as well as such as to acquaint us with the early history of the Cause. It is impossible to say what they meant to many. Mr. Ober’s course on the Influence of Religion on Society was scholarly and fitted in with the course on administration helping to see the place of the latter in developing the New World Order.

Each afternoon there were talks for the general public. While these meetings do not attract many outsiders since Louhelen Ranch is a number of miles from any large center, yet there was no afternoon when there were not a few strangers present or some who knew little of the Cause.

The planning of the evenings was given over to the young people who made excellent use of the opportunity. These evenings were joyous occasions which brought fellowship and understanding between young and old. The young people were a most vital and hopeful part of the school. Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Greenleaf served as directors and advisors to this group. Of this work Mrs. Baker writes: “They attended regularly many of the lectures and in addition carried on a forum for discussion of Bahá’í subjects from the point of view of youth problems. Wishing to be of service to all they took entire charge of evening social gatherings and devoted them to music, poetry, stories, talk and sometimes to good wholesome fun, enjoyed alike by young and old. And beneath the jollity ran always the definite, purposeful undercurrent of Bahá’í feeling. Twenty-six young people, some non-Bahá’í on arrival, went away confirmed in the Faith and with the deep blessing of true spiritual fervor in their hearts. One, an avowed atheist when he came, went away with the love of Bahá’u’lláh with him and looks forward to a life of devoted service in His Cause. Dear, gay, courageous, young Bahá’ís, all setting out to work in His vineyard. I have heard of three youth groups begun by them in just this intervening month, and God grant that much more will come out of their happy contacts at this true Bahá’í center. The intensified work, the play, the inspiration and spirit of unity created an extraordinary atmosphere rare and beautiful. The gift of such a nine days will go with us always.

One of these enthusiastic young people who has attended this summer school for two summers declares that she has been to paradise twice and pictures in bright colors the material aspects of this paradise. Then she adds, “We know that all good things are accomplished through prayer. Here, the day is begun with meditation and prayers. ... The young people meet together and talk over problems which seem to them of great importance. At every meeting a fine leader presents the material for discussion. If you have the great opportunity of coming to this paradise put a notebook and pen at the head of the list of things not to forget.”

These young people inspire each other with their numbers and their deep interest. Two young people from one of the eastern states who had not before come in touch with Central States Youth Group expressed surprise that there was such a large group.

Toward the end of the week a number of newcomers arrived bringing fresh inspiration. With the arrival of Philip Sprague special Temple meetings were held though the Temple had already been emphasized and a collection begun. The three hundred dollars already raised was swelled to nearly five hundred. Ruth Moffett’s talks with her chart gave us an opportunity to see the value of charts in teaching. They make a strong appeal to the visually minded. Mary Maxwell thrilled us in two talks which revealed the power of devoted and inspired young people. These were based on the Dawn-Breakers and made plain the work that is being done with this book in Montreal.

We are beginning to think and plan for next summer. We are hoping to try the experiment of having a short school just for the young people alone, with teachers and counsellors to guide them.

For the committee,

BERTHA HYDE KIRKPATRICK, Sec’y.

POONA BAHA’IS SET STANDARD OF SACRIFICE FOR TEMPLE[edit]

On October 4, 1933, the following cablegram was received from the believers of Poona, India: “Cabled 1800 dollars. Though exhausted, Poona friends wont rest until beloved Temple rises or they fall.”

This noble and heroic devotion corresponds entirely to the Guardian’s statement that the Temple, when completed, will have an influence proportioned to the amount of sacrifice that has gone into its construction.

The American believers appreciate beyond our power of expression such a remarkable and indeed historic evidence of the oneness of the worldwide Bahá’í community, and accept this contribution as a challenge to our own capacity to serve the Cause in like measure.

[Page 5]

NEWS OF THE CAUSE[edit]

Mr. C. G. Nordquist makes a correction in that part of the Convention report (published in July BAHÁ’Í NEWS) referring to the story told about the young man who perished as the result of the caving in of the walls of a well. After his body was recovered, his mother found $1.40 in the pockets of his clothing, and this she gave to the Temple Fund as one of her most treasured possessions in remembrance of her son.

The Spiritual Assembly of West Englewood held a Public Conference on The New World Order, in commemoration of the twenty-first anniversary of the Unity Feast given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Bahá’ís of the New York metropolitan district in June, 1912. The meeting had two sessions, 3:30 and 8‎. :‎30 P. M., June 23, 1933. Mr. Hooper Harris spoke on “The Bahá’í Message for the New Day” and Mirza Ali Kuli Khan spoke on “The Solution to the World Problems.” Mr. Ray C. Wilhelm acted as chairman. Several hundred people attended this Conference, which has become an important annual event.

Frequent letters have been received from the Chicago Spiritual Assembly during recent months reporting new members added to the community. Monthly teaching reports have also been received for June and July, 1933, which convey details of many interesting and constructive activities. Among those which might be considered by other Assemblies are: the establishing of Branch Reading Libraries in Bahá’í homes in various parts of the city; the appointment of a committee to establish a Dramatic Department, the first achievement of which was “An Evening of the Fine Arts” held at the Bahá’í Headquarters on July 7, with about 150 people present; a Contact Department, to write to the various clubs, inviting them to call upon the Assembly for speakers and making it clear that there are no charges for Bahá’í speakers. Members of the clubs are also invited to visit the Chicago Bahá’í Reading Room and attend Bahá’í lectures. Fireside groups are conducted at the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Edwards and of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Matthisen. During June, Wednesday noon Lectures were delivered at the Headquarters by Mirza Ali Kuli ‎Kahn Khan‎, and Mrs. Shahnaz Waite. Friday evening lectures were delivered by Mrs. Waite and Mr. Louis Gregory.

Among the more important activities reported by the Philadelphia Assembly for the period of several months preceding the Convention were: an inter-Assembly Teaching Conference combining the believers of Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia which brought out many suggestions for promoting the Cause; and important contacts made by four Philadelphia Bahá’ís who attended an inter-racial dinner held during Friendship Week, at the time of the anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Prominent educators of both races attended the dinner. The Philadelphia Assembly has also reported additions to the local membership list.

Following the Convention, Mrs. Shahnaz Waite carried out eight weeks of intensive teaching and lecturing in Chicago, making use of her manuscript of lessons which the Reviewing Committee approved a short while ago. After leaving Chicago, Mrs. Waite has taught in Racine and Milwaukee.

The Urbana Spiritual Assembly has written that Mirza Ali Kuli Khan addressed a public meeting at Urbana on July 9, the largest meeting the Assembly has held in several years. Mrs. Dorothy Baker spoke at the public meeting on July 30.

On October 1 the Bahá’ís of Binghamton will begin the third year of a class on Comparative Religion which they have found very helpful in attracting people of capacity to direct their attention to the Bahá’í Faith. Two members of the class have already joined the Binghamton Bahá’í community.

The Assembly of Vancouver were happy to receive visits from Mrs. Ella Cooper and Mrs. Katherine Baldwin in June, on their return from the Convention. After meeting with the Vancouver believers, Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Baldwin addressed a public meeting.

Mrs. Edwin L. Mattern has been broadcasting for the Peace Council of Erie County, Pa., and has prepared her addresses largely from Bahá’í literature. The broadcasts were to continue Monday mornings throughout September at 10.15, over station WLBW, at Erie.

The Montreal Spiritual Assembly plans a series of four lessons at a hotel salon during November. Mr. Roland Estall is to be the speaker. Fireside meetings will be held weekly at the home of Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher. The Montreal Assembly has been placing Bahá’í literature in a number of important Public Libraries.

The Kenosha Spiritual Assembly has sent a copy of a local newspaper article which appeared on June 8, under the headline “Miniature Temple Built by Kenosha Bahá’ís Is Marvel,” which describes the cardboard model constructed by Mr. Louis J. Voelz and exhibited in the window of the local Bahá’í Center.

The progress of Temple construction, awakening widespread interest in the meaning of such a beautiful structure, is producing some remarkable newspaper publicity. Among the articles appearing recently are: a full column in the Chicago Sunday Tribune of August 27; an illustrated story in Wilmette Life of September 14; and a striking allusion to the Temple in a feature story on the Chicago Fair published in the magazine Section of the Peoria Morning Star, of September 3.

The believers of the newly constituted Bahá’í community of Cabin John, Maryland, have received this beautiful message from the Guardian, through his secretary: “Shoghi Effendi was very pleased to learn that you have formed an assembly and sincerely trusts that it will gradually develop into an important and active Bahá’í center. You have now gone one step farther in the administration of the Cause. Such a development carries with it both privileges and responsibilities that are immense. ... Shoghi Effendi will always be with you in spirit and will offer his prayers on behalf of each one of you, so that God may confirm your souls, deepen your vision of the Cause and enable you to render His Faith mighty and imperishable services.

The September program of the Los Angeles community announced a series of Monday evening lectures by Mr. Willard P. Hatch, Saturday and Sunday evening illustrated lectures by Mr. W. F. Kyle, Tuesday evening classes in public speaking conducted by Mr. Hatch, Thursday evening meetings on Bahá’í Administration conducted by Mrs. G. C. Finks, and a social evening with music on September 21.

The Portland, Oregon, Spiritual Assembly announced the following program for September: “The Secret of Life,” a book review by Miss June Addison; “Bahá’í, the Spirit of the Age,” by Mr. George O. Latimer; “The Basic Unity of Religions,” by Mrs. Pearl Young; “Immortality,” by Mrs. Rouhanieh Latimer; and “Temples, Ancient and Modern,” by Miss Ella Meissner. Two new believers were added to the voting list in August.

The Feast Committee of the New York Spiritual Assembly will this year serve supper preceding each Nineteen

[Page 6] Day Feast, the food being donated by various believers. This plan brings the friends together for the entire evening, allows more time for the period of community consultation and increases the spirit of fellowship. The New York Committee on Study and Discussion Class has planned a weekly meeting which will take up the following subjects: The World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi; Interpretation of Mystic Symbolism in Bahá’í Writings; The Tablet of Iqán, using the study outline recently published; and Methods of Approach in Presenting the Cause to Non-believers, based on study of the public addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America. Each meeting is to have a chairman who will briefly summarize the salient points of the subject, the meeting then being open for questions and general discussion.

The Toledo, Ohio, Spiritual Assembly reports that following an address by Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford of New York, a student of the teachings took the step of identifying himself with the Cause as member of the local community.

Thirteen believers from Phoenix, Arizona, attended the Summer School at Geyserville this year. A Wednesday afternoon study class is conducted by Miss Nina Ruppers. On July fourth an Amity dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ruppers. Thirty-one guests were present.

The Columbus, Ohio believers held summer meetings at the Willis High School and Rest Home. The last week-in August was devoted to study and training of Bahá’í teachers.

The Chicago Spiritual Assembly recommends that attention be once more called to the importance of traveling believers carrying credentials from their Local Assembly. This matter was presented in BAHÁ’Í NEWS about a year ago, but apparently has not been fully considered. The subject is again referred to here, for the reason that Spiritual Assemblies who receive visitors who announce themselves as Bahá’ís cannot be expected to have personal knowledge of all the friends. Since membership in the Cause has great privileges, it is our duty to respect and uphold these privileges by presenting proper credentials when we visit other Bahá’í communities. As trained and efficient public speakers are always doubly welcome, it is suggested that in issuing credentials, Local Assemblies add a statement explaining what the believer has done locally in public speaking.

The Spiritual Assembly of Glendale, Calif., reports that the Cause locally is not progressing as rapidly as is desired but the community has great love and unity. Recent visits made by Mr. Leroy Ioas and Mr. George Latimer were greatly appreciated.

The Esperantists of Washington, D. C., held a picnic on August 13 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Heman, members of the Cabin John Bahá’í community. Believers from Washington and Cabin John were present and gave the Esperantists Bahá’í literature. It is stated that the Washington Esperanto Chapter is very active, recruiting its members from high schools and colleges.

The Urbana, Illinois, Spiritual Assembly reports the following activities for September: The Junior Study Class and Young People’s group have been combined and their work reorganized. The group consists of high school and university students. Meetings are to be held twice weekly to study The Dawn-Breakers and Some Answered Questions. On Sunday, September 24, Dr. Zia Bagdadi of Chicago spoke at two public meetings. His subject Sunday evening was the Seven Valleys. The Urbana believers were delighted with the results of this visit. Of special interest is the fact that a group of Urbana public school teachers have expressed desire to study the Teachings, and plans are under way to invite these teachers to meet as a group for study and discussion.