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CONVENTION NUMBER
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey
THE SPIRIT OF THE CONVENTION[edit]
Reported by Louis G. Gregory[edit]
The Twenty-sixth Annual Convention, held in the foundation hall of the Bahá’í Temple at Wilmette, covered the period from May 31 to June 3 and assembled the largest and most representative gathering ever assembled for such a purpose. Two-thirds of the accredited delegates, representing communities over a vast area, attended in person. The others registered their voting wills by mail. The visiting friends, all intensely interested, swelled the numbers so as to fill the hall at every session.
The great magnet of attraction was the completed dome of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, a work which crowned the loving sacrifices of earnest souls over a long period of time. This wonderful architectural triumph is beautiful beyond description. No picture does it justice. Its almost etherial loveliness must be seen to be fully prized. While charming from every angle of observation, one of its most wonderful effects and open to the gaze of thousands daily, is the approach from the north side of Sheridan Road. At a late afternoon hour, reflecting the mellow glow of the sunshine, the undecorated parts hidden by a great tree at the head of the thoroughfare, it seemed as if the great shining orb of the moon had descended upon earth. The artistic decorations so unique and striking, the ridges of the dome meeting so gracefully and prayerfully, the perfect curvature which greets the landscape, the color effect which so brightly and harmoniously reflects the light, combine to impress the beholder with joyous veneration. It is not to be wondered at that this noble fane challenges the admiration of a great and ever-widening circle. Many beautiful temples of course can be found in all parts of the civilized world. But where, save
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at Ishqabad, is one that compares with this? Where such striking originality of design or perfection of detail? Where such symbols of spiritual realities as here? Where a purpose so sublime? Where a power so effective? Where significances so subtle? Where a faith so universal? Here embodied is a charm that delights the eye; a spiritual magnetism that wins the heart. Who can gaze upon it and not be moved? It is God’s very own Temple of Light, built after His own revealed pattern. It is to all the world the glorious object lesson of unity. It stands as a visible sign of the True One’s Greatest Manifestation. It reflects the Perfection and Beauty of His Holiness. Happy are the workers whose toil uprears it. Blessed are those spirits whose collective wisdom directs it. Victorious are those servants whose sustained sacrifices make them channels for the descent of so heavenly a bounty to mankind. It is the gift of the Ancient Beauty, the Most High, Hazrat-i-Bahá’u’lláh. It is built to facilitate the knowledge of God.
The convention was opened by the reading of the Tablet of Ahmad by the Vice Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. Mr. Carl Scheffler, who in the absence of the chairman called the convention to order. He extended a cordial welcome to delegates and friends and read most impressive extracts from recent utterances of our Guardian, commending the American friends for various activities which are the means of creating a new epoch. The National Spiritual Assembly presented the agenda and with it a statement of procedure intended to clarify the order of business and facilitate its dispatch. A happy feature of the sessions were the messages of greeting and cheer that came from friends in various parts of country who could not attend, but in this wise expressed their loyalty and devotion in many a cheering phrase. Mr. Allen B. McDaniel, detained by illness, was one of these. Many were the references to our noble Guardian throughout the sessions and the convention sent him its greetings by cable. The longing of many a heart was eased when his reply finally came, although not during the sessions of this body.
The outstanding feature of the first day’s session was the report of the National secretary, Mr. Horace Holley, who led up to the body of his report by reviewing the progress of the past decade. This developed among other things the BAHÁ’Í NEWS, The Plan of Unified Action and the progress in Temple construction, with spiritual enlightenment and progress on a scale even wider. There are now fifty-nine Spiritual Assemblies in various parts of America and from one to two hundred isolated believers who are the nuclei of future Assemblies. Among other things mentioned was the Bahá’í Magazine which, under instructions from Haifa, has become a very effective teaching instrument;
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the real estate holdings of the Cause,
probably soon to be increased by the
addition of the estate of the late Mrs.
Agnes S. Parsons at Dublin, N. H.,
and swelling the total assets to more
than one million dollars valuation;
mention of the three summer schools;
the Guardian’s recent letter on the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, also showing
how exalted is the station of every
true believer, a great incentive to meet
and overcome present problems; the
Guardian’s explanation of the standards required for membership in each
Bahá’í community; elucidation of the
relationship between the National Spiritual Assembly and the Annual Convention with the clearly defined jurisdiction of each; the acquirement of additional land near the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel; relief extended Bahá’ís in other lands by the American friends; the holding of memorial
meetings for the late Mrs. Keith
Ransom-Kehler and the late Mrs.
Agnes S. Parsons; the placing of the
activities of all traveling teachers while
in any Bahá’í community under the
supervision of the local Spiritual Assembly, or in the absence of such an
assembly under the National Teaching
Committee; special emphasis upon the
study of our Guardian’s New World
Order letters; commitment against any
institution of salaried teachers with a
view to making teaching work the responsibility of all as far as possible
instead of a few; the right of individuals from time to time to aid the
expenses of teachers without any claim
of the said teachers upon such aid and
assistance; the duty of all to help and
encourage the teachers in whatever
way may be possible; the translation
by Mirza Ali-Kuli Khan of the Seven Valleys and of the Four Valleys of
Bahá’u’lláh; the index of the BAHÁ’Í NEWS by Mrs. Doris Holley; the awarding of the new contract for the
completion of the Clerestory section
of the Temple dome; these and other
statements and elucidations of the attitude of the National Spiritual Assembly and of work done made up the
most comprehensive report of the national secretary ever given to a Bahá’í
convention. It was put in a concise
and lucid style and was impressive of
the growth of the activities of the
Faith.
Finances[edit]
The report of finances, submitted by the treasurer and assistant treasurer, showed that approximately $150,000 from all sources has been raised during the current year, this being more than $65,000 more than the previous year, eloquent testimony of consecration to God, especially considering the few believers and the financial stringency. About $2,580 is now urgently needed each month to meet the current obligations of the Cause, or about $100 per day, this for contracts, maintenance and current activities.
Green Acre[edit]
The report of the Green Acre Trustees showed how the activities of the summer colony have been scaled down to the lowest minimum of expense so as to save funds for the Temple. This activity ought to be self-supporting, without drawing upon the national funds. The passing of Mrs. Lucas has restored the studio used by her to the general use of Green Acre. Green Acre is considered a unique asset of the Bahá’í Cause in America. It is greater than is our capacity to use its resources with full effectiveness. Its future development is along educational and cultural lines. It is not yet impressed upon all the believers as their responsibility, each Bahá’í being a part of three summer schools.
Archives[edit]
In the rear of the Convention Hall the Archives Committee placed on display a number of sacred relics, among them an outer garment, or aba, formerly worn by Bahá’u’lláh. The collection was viewed with deep interest by the friends. The committee reported having in their possession two large cases containing archives and original records of the Temple, large volumes of correspondence, printed matter and clippings from magazines and newspapers. Eventually all such records will be placed in a room especially prepared in the Temple foundation. Local Assembly corresponding secretaries are asked to send in Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with photostatic copies and other interesting sacred relics. One of our Oriental brothers present described the archives on Mount Carmel and the other urged the exhibition of sacred relics in such a way as to inspire only the deepest reverence.
Necrology[edit]
The Convention received the sad news of the passing of Mr. Chris Jansen of Racine, one of the old and steadfast friends. He was killed in an automobile accident which also injured several members of his family. Prayers for the progress of the departed and his acceptance at the Threshold of Abha were read by direction of the Convention. Our prayers and hopes also go out for the speedy recovery of his loved ones.
Bahá’í Youth[edit]
One of the most touching and beautiful incidents of the four days was the tributes paid the older believers by three representatives of the youth group. It so happened that each of these three representatives was the second generation of believers in her family. Each showed the result of Bahá’í training. But the tribute was not one influenced by filial love but rather by their sense of justice and spiritual values. It was the frank admission of their inability to attract their fellow youth to the Faith without the aid of their elders. They believed in their own greater preparation and efficiency, doubtless due to the more exacting culture and higher educational standards of today; yet despite all this their need of the cooperation of their elders in the teaching work was naively and charmingly expressed. The older generation of Bahá’ís is proud of the youth in the Faith and view with great satisfaction their signs of increasing power. A closer cooperation between youth and age will perhaps be the means of regeneration to the former and vitality to the latter, all the better to stimulate service and round out the circle of unity. The work of this committee in making national and international contacts, the technique of speaking, articles written by young Bahá’ís, letters written embodying peace plans, presentation of a bibliography of economics, praise of maturity and reports of activities from various cities, accounts of the unusual successes of the youth of Montreal in their teaching activities, an eloquent tribute to the youthful martyrs of Persia, were some of the high lights of this admirable report.
The National Teaching Committee[edit]
The National Teaching Committee with the direction of the most dynamic of all Bahá’í activities and fulfilling in its plans the very purpose of divine revelation, presented an elaborate report of a range of activities in all parts of America and the fine successes of teachers everywhere. This report was a most impressive document and set the Convention aflame with enthusiasm. It was read with great earnestness by one of the most devoted teachers. It sketched briefly the work and plans at home and abroad. The psychology of teaching; the method of approach; the awakening of the world
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as shown by frequent inquiries; the
groups that enter the Faith following
the classes of Orcella Rexford; the
services rendered by radio talks; the
need of teachers avoiding back-biting or even listening to those who thus
waste their time; emphasis on the New
World Order; severance and utter dependence upon Bahá’u’lláh as the motivating principle; attraction of souls
by deeds of service as well as words
of love; the overcoming of difficulties
by faith and assurance; and the victory that will inevitably crown the efforts of every sincere protagonist of
Truth were some of the gems of reality that adorned this fine report. This
led to one of the most constructive
and heartening consultations of the
convention as delegate after delegate
arose and told of various methods of
approach and victories in the field of
teaching. The teaching committee is
now engaged in making a card index
of the different Bahá’í communities.
Isolated Bahá’ís if they live near
enough may join nearby communities.
Teachers should report their work with
some degree of detail so as to lay a
foundation for future contacts and service. It is our hope that the nine recommendations of this committee will be circulated so as to reach every Bahá’í in the world.
The N. S. A. Answers Questions[edit]
Explanations offered in answer to questions are that the members of the National Spiritual Assembly are not building experts, for which reason they must connect with some reputable builder, such an expert as Mr. Earley who is unique in his special line of construction. They must also employ supervising engineers, such as the Research Service, to overlook and keep tab on the work. It was through the Research Service that the Trustees found that it would be far less expensive to build the entire structure first, later adding decorations, rather than to build and decorate each section with a temporary roof afterward to be removed. What was saved through this departure from the original plan was more than the fees of the said Research Service. With this service we have also the high standards, experience and enthusiasm of a Bahá’í. Fees do not pay for this quality of service.
The chairman stated that the believers are attaining to a very great spiritual privilege. Persian believers entered the Cause giving everything that they possessed. They thus proved their love for God above everything else. This is a demonstration of the power and efficiency that is to save the
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPH
(New Series) No. 15. Dome Unit Completed March 3, 1934.
world. Do we arise to give all we
possess? Anything that detracts from
such a will to do is not in the minds of
the National Spiritual Assembly.
It was further stated that when the local Spiritual Assemblies begin to function more efficiently, they will lift much of the burden of details which now largely engross the time and energies of the National Spiritual Assembly, which would not find it necessary to meet so frequently. At such meetings also they would have time for more mature consultation in shaping the general policies and plans of the Cause. The election of members according to Bahá’í Administration called for the Choice of those alone who embody the standards set in the Guardian’s letters. The Guardian was quoted as saying that the time was not remote when the Cause would have believers enough with the qualifications needed for such distinction in service.
Lighten the Guardian’s Labors[edit]
A word came from a former member of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mr. Mountfort Mills, saying that Shoghi Effendi is thoroughly tired out. It can hardly be otherwise in Haifa, when all matters from the details of repairing a pump up to those of world importance are referred to him. The bulk of his work is correspondence, letters coming mostly from the United States and Canada. Advise friends not to send him letters during the summer months, thus giving him more time on his vacation for reflection and meditation. It was stated that this letter of Mr. Mills was not official, but was written with the full knowledge and approval of the Guardian.
A Convention delegate shared with the friends a letter written by a young Bahá’í on a pilgrimage who gave a vivid picture of the very dynamic life
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and services of the Guardian and of
the most impersonal way in which the
greatest of living personalities reaches
conclusions about people and things,
without coloring a single conclusion
with his own likes or dislikes. What
a sign of severance is this and what
a proof of “unerring guidance.”
Open Feast: Mr. Earley’s Address[edit]
Mr. Earley, the contractor of the dome, a very pleasing personality, addressed the friends in an open feast in the Temple foundation. He was introduced as an artist, sculptor, architect and engineer in the realm of the concrete, both brain and heart in it. He said in part:
“My dear friends: just as you are the representatives of the people ordering it, so I am the representative of the craftsmen building it. Mr. Taylor and I have brought with us some of the work of the Temple in order that you may see it and feel it, put your hands upon it and see its reality. They are stones, almost precious stones. In planning the work there was a choice between two methods: Ornament united with structure or ornament separated from structure. The latter was chosen. The construction was steel ribs with straight members tying them all together. In this it has been necessary to fit each separate piece in and impose over the steel structure another upon which the weight of the outer envelope would rest. Additional steel has been added to strengthen the dome, but it is done at the lowest cost at which a dome can be built. It is the first time this plan has been tried with any building. The elements have been made from a noncorroding compound of metal, steel and chromium. It exists now for the first time and thus could not have been used had this building been constructed even ten years ago. This dome does not consist in just the spherical part. It is dome, ribs and base. The clerestory is the base of the dome. Estimates of the dome and ribs are separate. This dome is made in such a way that it can be taken apart. Materials will not endure forever. Great cathedrals show deterioration. In this plan of construction any deteriorating part can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the structure. These technical questions have been presented to the American Institute.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
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“The Temple is attracting universal attention. It is casting a spell over the world. In the building of the hemispherical structure it is necessary for all work to go on at the same time, thus avoiding an unequal pressure upon the steel structure. It is in lesser pieces and constitutes a flexible structure to be built in parts. It involves much labor and sacrifices. The special equipment necessary for this work should not be lost. It would be hard to replace and would involve loss to both builders and workers. Plans and ways are both new. The old and natural method of expression is as the language of childhood. The workers are responding to the spirit of the architect. They love their work as a real asset. Their organization must be kept intact. The dome will not be a unit without the lower part. Completed it will be an expression both of the ideal and of your culture and selection. Look at and touch those pieces that have been assembled upon the ground. They are a credit and a joy to you. The spell of the Temple enthralls us all. We feel it not only in our work studios but everywhere. Its material is plastic and new for a new age, when there shall be a new architecture and a new religion. It is the beginning of a new epoch in construction. I plan to use it in many homes in the United States. This means the acceptance by the world of your plans and methods. The workers cannot now go further forward until they receive more definite wishes from you. This enterprise must go forward so that the spell of the Temple may not be broken.”
Appreciating the significance of the above remarks, the chairman of the feast, Mr. Albert Windust, considered them the outstanding event of the Convention. Among the other speakers at this feast was Miss Agnes Alexander of Honolulu and Japan. She carried the great message to Japan and has there held aloft the banner of the Greatest Name. She was one of the most interesting visitors and speakers during the Convention period. It was her first convention in fifteen years.
The Election[edit]
After a long period of consultation followed by meditation and prayer, the new National Spiritual Assembly the personnel of which proved to be a renewal of the old, was elected, which may be regarded as endorsement of constructive services during the past year. The election tellers observed that each member elected received a majority of the entire electorate, unlike the pluralities that have elected some members in recent years and which of course are entirely allowable.
Reports of Teachers[edit]
The National Teaching Committee asked that some of the teachers in various parts of the country be permitted to present their work. This proved to be one of the most exhilarating and pleasing features of those stirring days.
Orcella Rexford reported her last stirring campaign in Duluth, Minn., urging upon the believers to do effective follow-up work so as to increase their numbers. She also suggested the study of some accepted manual of parliamentary law as a means of helping consultation.
Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, who spent the winter in the far South, reported a ripe harvest and told how conditions have changed. People are now longing for light. Let us all make ourselves teachers wherever we go, was her exhortation.
Mrs. Ruth Moffatt felt that organizing many study classes was now our manifest duty. People may come and ask for the message. Radio broadcasts of the teachings are now bringing astonishing results.
Mr. Howard Ives spoke of the principles of teaching, with special mention of the Instructions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mrs. Lua Getsinger when sent to teach in India. He mentioned full dedication of the teacher to the Word of God. A good tree will yield good fruit even to those who throw stones at it!
Mrs. Mabel Ives who with her husband is now located at Knoxville, Tenn., reported on conditions in that stronghold of orthodoxy. She felt that there were great hopes for the youth and pleaded for greater emphasis upon the importance of their training in summer schools.
Miss Alma Knobloch unfolded the Instructions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the increase of the Cause in Stuttgart. It is to train a few thoroughly. If one tree is set afire the forest will become ablaze. One or two or three well trained can make ten Bahá’ís in a year through divine favor. If these in turn are well trained they will become the
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cause of guidance to many more.
Miss Knobloch went to Germany alone, but as a result of her labors there were three hundred believers to greet the Master on his arrival there.
Miss Agnes Alexander went to Japan at the request of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, after she had discovered the great Truth from a returning pilgrim while in Rome. She is the grand-daughter of Christian missionaries who went from Kentucky to the Sandwich Island many years ago. Her home is Honolulu, but for years she has labored for the Faith in Japan where she expects to return. She believes that arguments and loving faith open the doors of all hearts. Japan is illumined through her work and Korea, the Hermit Nation, has been penetrated by the great message. An eminent Japanese gave her letters of introduction in Korea when he was assured that her mission was not political.
Miss Fanny Knobloch laid stress upon happiness and enthusiasm in teaching. She related many amusing stories, one of them about a group whose spokesman considered her mission silly because she was not following the usual plans of tourists, but afterwards remained for hours listening to the teachings when better informed of her real mission. She approved frankness of statement in reply to questions whether about what the teacher knows or knows not. This inspires the confidence of hearers. In all past outpourings of truth no such supreme blessings have appeared as those of today. Miss Knobloch is one of three sisters, all of whom have done great service in teaching. The baby sister, Mrs. Pauline Hannen, is the spiritual mother of the whole family, and of many others.
Children’s Education[edit]
The Committee on Teaching and Training Children presented a very illuminating report. It traced the steps beginning with the small child, and with prayers, memorizing the creative Word, instructions in Bahá’í history, the principles of the Cause; up to the clubs and other circles formed for adolescents. The bounty of the Holy Spirit is showered upon these meetings and they show much gladness. Them matter of transportations for the children and other problems are met and overcome. Teaching material, made up of a compilation especially adapted to youth, Bahá’í stories, Bible stories, stories of the other great religions, can be used in this course. Material for distribution, prepared by this committee, will be available soon.
Race Amity Report[edit]
The Race Amity Report reviewing the work of the year, the authoritative utterances of the Manifestation and of the Master, the powerful enthusiasm created by the messages of the Guardian, problems confronting amity workers through the disturbed conditions of the times, analysis of the social order, receptivity of minds and hearts, and recommendations of methods new and old, brought to the convention a most spirited period of consultation. So many wished to express the overflow of their hearts that the time set was voted extended. The Convention adopted the Committee’s report and also the following resolution presented by Mr. Philip Sprague of New York:
“We recommend that the National Spiritual Assembly directly or through the Amity Committee, send a circular letter to the Assemblies on the magnitude of the amity work, preferably substantiating their references from the teachings.”
Mr. Sprague felt that it was unfortunate that some of the friends felt that their stand in this matter should reflect public opinion rather than the Divine Teachings. The Guardian had in his talks to himself while at Haifa as a pilgrim, stressed the importance of being firm and outstanding in race relations; both in our homes, pleasures and social life, we should include the colored race. Stands and attitudes that cause criticism of the Bahá’ís are really good! He felt that a recent circular sent out by one of the friends was good, but would be far stronger if sent out by the N. S. A. To Miss Pumpelly the Guardian has said similar things about the friends being firm and courageous in their stand in race relations.
Mr. Lunt said that the friends should never adopt a policy of “Safety First!” Had the Persian believers in the early days adopted such a policy the Cause would have never spread. When we open our arms to our colored brethren we truly reflect the teachings. The Orientals stood up against the combined attacks of both church and state.
The secretary of this committee, in a brief summing up for the committee, expressed gratitude and appreciation for all those in any section and to any degree who were aiding this vital service to the Cause and humanity. It is quite amazing to think, however, how much more afraid people are of human institutions and power than of the might of God. When a government issues an order people at once obey. Should we feel less confident and obedient when the King of Kings issues His Decree? The only true safety and protection lie in obedience, not evasion and retreat. The Most High, Bahá’u’lláh, is wise in ordering and powerful in protecting His own.
Mr. Abbott’s Address[edit]
A touching and impressive incident was the appearance of Mr. Robert S. Abbott, editor and proprietor of the Chicago Defender, the largest newspaper of the colored race anywhere on earth. Mr. Abbott recently announced through his paper and to the Chicago friends his acceptance of the Bahá’í Faith. His remarks follow:
“Dear friends: Sorry I am hoarse and do not want to find it necessary to speak all over again. Happy am I to see people whom I have been praying to God all my life to see, those who recognize me as a man. Everywhere I have travelled I have been received as a man save in my own country. Here my people have been cruelly treated and even burned at the stake! I hope to acquire more power, power to fight for the unity of humanity. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when in America put His hand on my head and told me that He would get from me some day a service for the benefit of humanity. I am identifying myself with this Cause and I go up with you or down with you. Anything for this Cause! Let it go out and remove the darkness everywhere. Save my people! Save America from herself!”
Mr. Abbott has been watching with more than the eyes of an Argus, the Bahá’í Faith for many years. He is typical of many other great souls today who are ready to welcome the Great Dawn. May the friends be very tender and wise in their guidance of all such and thus speed the time of universal acceptance of the only remedy that heals.
Publicity Report[edit]
This report brought out the fact that although there is recently and distinctly a development of the teaching work it is not yet beyond the pioneer stage. Its advance necessitates an evolved technique of publicity sharing the same privileges and successes. The friends should acquire the use of newspaper terms, the easier to make an approach so that the rank and file of people may be informed. Faithful and wise publicity results in a wonderful attraction of people to the Cause. This was illustrated by various interesting stories.
General Survey[edit]
The Convention had its difficulties due to the intensive work of four days of ceaseless concentration and occasional clashes of personalities, all of which it met in a devoted, dignified and healing way. It was glorious in bringing out the hidden powers of the Cause as well as the latent capacities of many individuals. The extremes of sacrifice now beginning to appear in the west are doubtless a reflection of “that fierce and crimson Light” which in the early days made the east so shining and glorious. The ideal of devotion to the Administration upheld by one of the most influential delegates was nothing less than the standard raised in the Dawnbreakers, one which if upheld will soon enable the divine Faith to overpower mankind. Our noble and tireless workers are worthy of support. Also it is worthy of mention that the delegates rose to a height, above personalities, when in a dignified yet genial way they maintained their rights as a deliberative as well as an elective body. All were refreshed by the fine constructive reports of work done and it was regrettable that due to limit of time all the workers could not be heard.
A bright feature of consultation was the flow of wit and humor for which the delegates from St. Paul, Oakland and one of the Chicago group were the chief fountains. This enlivened the proceedings, made serious things less onerous, was not carried to excess and demonstrated that joy as well as love lightens labor. Many came under great difficulties. Illustrating this is the story of one who travelled with his helpmeet two thousand miles in a car whose appraised value was twenty-five dollars. Is it to be wondered at that his speech was as a flame and that he shone as a bright star in all the gatherings of the friends?
THE ANNUAL ELECTION
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The obligation which still challenges the loyalty of the friends and which the elected representatives must still hold before us, was thus eloquently stated by the delegate from San Francisco, Mrs. Seto: “Bahá’u’lláh says that every one of the revealed commands is for the happiness of the nations. It is both a privilege and responsibility to support the Cause, both in a material and spiritual way. Legions of chosen and favored angels surround those who respond. Diffusing the fragrance of God is the most vital matter. Our contributions should not be our leavings. We should ‘Honor God with the first fruits of our increase.’ God is independent of the creatures, but such gifts are for the spread of the divine teachings and they bring honor and prosperity to the givers. Let us put the rights and prosperity of humanity first. All that we wish to give is in the Storehouse of Bahá’u’lláh. We must be like the fountain of which Shoghi Effendi speaks. Since the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is first, our enthusiasm must also be first. Thus we prove for ourselves the gift of the divine image and likeness.”
The spiritual atmosphere of the Convention was maintained through the attitude of prayers, chantings, music, service, giving and loving kindness among the many friends. Exceptions were rare. The holy services of devotion in the upper chambers every morning was like unto a bond connecting the two worlds of hearts. The meeting among delegates of the mystical wisdom of the Orient with the practical sagacity of the west; of men and women upon the plane of equality in the new order which is the music of life; of Yankee land and Dixie land without sectional bias; of the rational school of thought and the more subtle heart appeal; of modernist and fundamentalist in complete reconciliation; of Christian and Jew with the scars of centuries all healed; of Seattle and Miami, California and Maine; of the wealthy and the wage earner, the busy and unemployed; of the simple and the learned and the colored and the white, these and many other signs of reconciliation were indicative of the sway of that Supreme Sovereign whose Identity all worlds adore.
Grand Finale[edit]
The great object of all these gatherings is spreading the knowledge of God. While the Convention was not held behind closed doors and various visitors attended,—one inquirer coming several hundred miles to learn about so great a Cause—yet the one great plan of the Convention for special contact with the public was the meeting for teaching at the end. This was held in the Temple foundation under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly. There were floral decorations and music with instrument and voice. There came an eager crowd of inquirers which made extra seats necessary and placed even standing room at a premium. Less than an hour and a half in duration, it was planned so as to refresh without weariness to so fine an audience. The speakers were Mr. Bishop Brown of Pittsburgh and Mr. Hooper Harris of New York. Mr. Gregory was asked to serve as chairman.
The first speaker, introduced as a man of affairs and student of modern trends, presented the Divine Cause as a means of illumination, life, and unity to all mankind. The spirit and scholarly polish of this address held the complete attention of the audience as it shed light on the mysteries of the ages and removed the clouds of today.
The second speaker, Mr. Harris, a veteran teacher experienced in service east and west, clarified the meaning of ancient prophecies and their fulfillment in this the Day of God. He traced the signs which indicated the appearance of the Divine Manifestation, proving their logic with irresistible arguments. The close attention which this meeting, especially the inquirers, gave to the messages was one more indication of the capacity of hearts nowadays. It is the train of the Manifested Glory of God, Bahá’u’lláh, which fills His Holy Temple. Peace be to His sincere servants and worshippers. His blessings are complete.
Delegates, Twenty-sixth Annual Convention[edit]
Phoenix, Arizona, Paul Schoeny, Mathew A. White.
Berkeley, Calif., Mrs. Laura Kelsey Allen.
Geyserville, Calif., John Bosch.
Glendale, Calif., Mrs. Harriet Cline.
Los Angeles, Calif., Shanaz Waite, Willard P. Hatch, Oni Finks, Elmore Duckett, Doris Goodrick.
Oakland, Calif., J. V. Matteson.
Pasadena, Calif., Nellie S. French.
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San Francisco, Calif., Leroy C. Ioas, Mayme Seto, Ella G. Cooper.
Santa Barbara, Calif., Marie Lowell.
Montreal, Can., May Maxwell, Ernest V. Harrison.
Vancouver, B. C., Evelyn Kemp.
Colorado Springs, Colo., Loulie Mathews.
Denver, Colo., Josephine H. Clark.
New Haven, Conn., Jeanne Bolles.
Washington, D. C., Allen B. McDaniel, Ali-Kuli Khan, Mariam Haney, George Spendlove.
Miami, Florida, Hiram James.
St. Augustine, Fla., Nellie Heath.
Honolulu, T. H., Agnes Alexander.
Chicago, Albert Windust, Zia Bagdadi, Mrs. E. Edwards, A. F. Matthisen, Monroe Ioas, H. E. Walrath, Sarah S. Walrath, Sophie Loeding, Julia Sobel, Nina B. Matthisen.
Evanston, Ill., Carl Scheffler.
Peoria, Ill., Florence Rolfe, Imogene Talbott.
Springfield, Ill., Russell Elsmore Jurgens.
Urbana, Ill., Mrs. H. A. Harding.
Wilmette, Mrs. Corinne True.
Indianapolis, Ind., Lillian K. Sielken.
Eliot, Me., Harlan Ober.
Baltimore, Md., Mrs. Morton Langrall.
Cabin John, Md., Wm. Burns Patzer.
Boston, Mass., Alfred E. Lunt, Sadie E. Oglesby.
Worcester, Mass., Florence Morton.
Fruitport-Grand Haven, Mich., Mary Frazer.
Detroit, Mich., L. W. Eggleston.
Lansing, Mich., Mrs. Cora Reed.
Muskegon, Mich., Iva Smack.
Minneapolis, Minn., Jean Stapleton.
St. Paul, Minn., Clement Woolson.
Montclair, N. J., Leonora Edsall.
Newark, N. J., Walter Goodfellow.
Teaneck, N. J., Curtis Kelsey, Edward Wilber.
Binghamton, N. Y., Mrs. Bert Edgecombe.
Buffalo, N. Y., Mary R. Movius.
New York City, N. Y., Horace Holley, Ophelia Crum, Bertha Herklotz, Philip Sprague, Hooper Harris, Edward Kinney, Marie Moore, Martha Woodsum, R. Y. Mottahedeh.
Yonkers, N. Y., Maud Gaudreaux.
Akron, Ohio, Mrs. R. L. Brooker.
Cincinnati, Ohio, Benjamin Taylor.
Cleveland, Ohio, Myrta P. Sandoz, Katherine Cole.
Columbus, Ohio, Lulu Alexander.
Toledo, Ohio, Cecile Hill.
Portland, Oregon, George O. Latimer, Louise Caswell.
Philadelphia, Pa., Jessie E. Revell.
Pittsburgh, Pa., Doris McKay.
Monroe, Wash., Chrisella Newell.
Seattle, Wash., Laura Luther.
Spokane, Wash., Isabelle M. Campbell.
Kenosha, Wis., Louis J. Voelz.
Milwaukee, Wis., Charles Reimer, H. R. Suhm, C. F. Suhm.
Racine, Wis., Carolyn Dary, E. Lenore Morris, A. Lawrence Morris.
ANNUAL REPORT[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
the United States and Canada 1933-1934[edit]
To the Delegates, Twenty-sixth Annual Convention.
Beloved friends:
Ten years ago the affairs of the Bahá’í Faith in America began conscientiously and vigorously to reflect the laws of the new era released from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá through the spirit of the Guardian. Regular and frequent correspondence with local Assemblies was initiated after the 1924 Convention. In December of that year the Bahá’í News Letter was established in order to convey full information, and especially the general letters received from the Guardian, to every recognized believer in the United Stats and Canada. It is significant to note at this time that in that first number of the News Letter the National Treasurer reported that during the period of six and one-half months ending October 16, 1924, the donations received amounted to $12,167.22. In that number also the National Spiritual Assembly announced that it had voted $7,075 upon improvements in the Temple Foundation Hall, so that it might be usable for Bahá’í meetings. The Convention held in 1925 was the first Convention composed of ninety-five delegates in accordance with the Guardian’s plan conveyed in the letter dated March 12, 1923. At that Convention, also, was presented the first written report ever delivered by the National Bahá’í representatives. Within a few months, the first Plan of Unified Action was adopted and issued to the American believers, and the gathering of the spiritual forces necessary for constructing the Temple of Bahá’u’lláh in the Western World had definitely begun. The Convention held in 1926 was composed of delegates from forty-two local Bahá’í communities; this year delegates have been elected in fifty-seven communities. Since that modest sum of a little over $7,000 was spent upon the Foundation Hall, within less than eight years well-nigh $600,000 has been contributed and spent upon Temple construction. During 1924, the Guardian approved the idea of an international Bahá’í year book.
This brief glance back over the path traversed in ten years reveals the first indications of that mighty and irresistible momentum which shall continue unchecked until the whole world of humanity is embraced in one Faith and one Order. It should be more then sufficient evidence that any momentary doubt in the heart of any believer is but shadow lacking substance—it is in truth more than sufficient to confirm our collective courage, clarify our vision and redouble our efforts to render real and enduring services to the glorious Kingdom.
For far greater than any material gain achieved in this decade has been the spiritual progress. In 1924, it can be asserted without fear of contradiction, the American Bahá’ís had no clear standard to uphold even in the fundamentally important matter of passing upon the qualifications of members in the Bahá’í community. The doors were held open for the entrance of applicants entertaining views and opinions of extreme variety and contradiction and not compelled to show evidences that they possessed the spirit of unity. From that darkened twilight of half-truth and divided loyalty, the American Bahá’í community has now, thanks to the Guardian’s wisdom, forever emerged. The standard of reality has been created on the field of human action and intercourse as it had been created in the field of the spirit by Bahá’u’lláh.
But that progress has not been achieved without some degree of confusion, of perplexity, and of grief. The law of motion, which the Master declared to be the law of life itself, cannot be applied to a great community of human beings without some suffering caused by the need of individuals to readjust, some to the very fact of motion and progress, others to the direction, the goal, to which the movement is aimed. The spiritual history of this decade can be written in these few, simple words: We have moved forward from individualism to the organic community, from personality to the unified body of the Cause. The very basis of that confidence in the superiority of individual “inspiration” and “guidance” which in the past has prevented the attainment of true unity, has now been destroyed by these remarkable words written by the Guardian in his recent general com-
[Page 8]
munication published as “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”—“They (referring to the Universal House of Justice)—They, and not the body of those
who either directly or indirectly elect
them, have thus been made the recipients of the divine guidance which is at
once the life-blood and ultimate safeguard of this Revelation.” These
words make it perfectly clear that the
blessings of the heavenly world are,
in this cycle, to be released for the
community of the believers and not
granted as separate and distinct gifts
to individuals. The individual who
seeks to receive his share of this divine
outpouring must be devoted, mind,
soul and spirit, to the needs of the
community and wholly consecrated to
general ends raised high above the
plane of selfish ambition. This conception of divine law is what, in essence, differentiates the Dispensation
of Bahá’u’lláh from all previous Revelations. That we have attained to its
understanding within the present year
means surely that the time has come
when we must cease being “Christian-Bahá’ís,” or “Muhammadan-Bahá’ís,” or any other kind of divided Bahá’í,
and become Bahá’ís in the true meaning of that word. As the Guardian
declared in that same Communication:
“It should be noted ... that this Administrative Order is fundamentally
different from anything that any
Prophet has previously established.”
Now let us visualize the present area and resources of the American Bahá’í community. When all reports have been received and passed on concerning local elections held on April 21, 1934, it is probable that the number of existing organized Bahá’í communities in the United States and Canada will be fifty-nine. In addition there are more than ten local groups which can elect a Spiritual Assembly, in all likelihood, within a few years. The task of properly registering the isolated believers is not yet completed, but among them we can count in addition one or two hundred believers any or all of whom, with assistance, may become the nucleus of Bahá’í communities in the future.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The monthly general letters to local Spiritual Assemblies will this year be published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, that the information may be shared by all members of the local communities. The friends are urged to give individual and also collective attention to each issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, as their means of contact with the American Bahá’í community and also with the Guardian. Committee plans and announcements, and important activities of the Cause throughout the Bahá’í world, will be published in these pages at regular intervals. Address for correspondence with the National Spiritual Assembly: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, N. J. |
The properties held in trust for the American Bahá’ís now consist of the House of Worship with its surrounding land and also land at Muskegon, Michigan; the assets of the Publishing Committee and of the BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE; and the Green Acre properties. When details have been completed, to these will be added the property donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch at Geyserville, by Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm at West Englewood, the house and land at Malden, Massachusetts left to Shoghi Effendi by the late Maria P. Wilson, and property at Dublin, New Hampshire which Mrs. Parsons expressly wished to donate as a memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in letters written shortly before her recent lamentable death. While no arbitrary value can be set upon these Bahá’í properties, they represent more than a million dollars of assets to the Cause. Who would attempt to fix a price for the spiritual treasures deposited in the Archives?
The national Bahá’í activities are conducted through about thirty committees appointed annually by the National Spiritual Assembly. Taking into consideration the local Assemblies, the groups and the national Committees, there are at present more than one hundred different Bahá’í bodies with which the National Assembly conducts correspondence and whose activities it endeavors to supervise within this country alone. Besides such purely Bahá’í activities of a spiritual character, its responsibility includes three summer schools, the publication and sale of books, pamphlets and magazines, and the construction and use of the House of Worship. To trace the ramifications of all these Bahá’í activities, it is necessary to follow with close attention the committee reports as submitted and published at the conclusion of each Bahá’í year.
The particular branch of activity maintained by each committee is capable of indefinite expansion. Teaching, publishing, publicity—to name only three activities — vigorously though they are now being promoted, will in the future, and perhaps in the near future, assume the proportions of tremendous national enterprises.
The records of the National Spiritual Assembly are complete for at least twelve years. It would be difficult to imagine any type of situation which has not been encountered in the deliberations of the National Assembly during those years.
For the coordination of all these activities and the maintenance of conscious unity, the News Letter was established and has been continued without interruption. It may well be regarded in the light of constant reports of progress made to the believers, their source of information on general Bahá’í affairs, and above all, their medium of contact with the Guardian of the Faith. Its expansion and development, especially in the regular reporting of local Bahá’í news, is entirely a question of financial capacity on the part of the National Fund. When the resources are made available, that expansion will undoubtedly be undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly then in office. The conviction freely expressed at the Convention last year, that local communities and individual believers should give more attention to Bahá’í News, is an indication that a new and more profound feeling of responsibility has arisen.
The American National Assembly has one international Bahá’í function given by the Guardian himself, the preparation of material, through a Committee, for The Bahá’í World, and the publication and sale of this biennial record.
Three Major Events[edit]
Turning now to the Bahá’í year which closes with this Annual Meeting.
The current year has been characterized with three events of major importance. In their chronological order they were: the martyrdom of Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler during the performance of her important mission in Persia—a martyrdom not physically inflicted by enemies but voluntarily accepted by that noble spirit, whose efforts to remove the disabilities suf-
[Page 9]
fered by our Persian co-workers depleted her energies and opened the
door to fatal disease; the completion
of the external decoration of the Temple dome unit on March 3, 1934; and
the receipt of the Guardian’s extraordinary letter on “The Dispensation of
Bahá’u’lláh” written at Haifa on February 8, 1934, and distributed to the
friends in pamphlet form a number
of weeks ago. The completion of the
dome unit also synchronized with the
adoption of a new contract under
which the clerestory section of the
Temple is to be decorated during 1934.
An article commemorating Mrs. Ransom-Kehler’s mission and martyrdom in Persia was published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of January, 1934. That statement culminated in the Guardian’s words, conveyed in a cablegram dated October 30, 1933: “Keith’s precious life offered up in sacrifice to beloved Cause in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land. On Persian soil, for Persia’s sake, she encountered, challenged and fought the forces of darkness with high distinction, indomitable will, unswerving, exemplary loyalty. The mass of her helpless Persian brethren mourns the sudden loss of their valiant emancipator. American believers grateful and proud of the memory of their first and distinguished martyr. Sorrow stricken, I lament my earthly separation from an invaluable collaborator, an unfailing counsellor, an esteemed and faithful friend. I urge the local Assemblies befittingly to organize memorial gatherings in memory of one whose international services entitled her to an eminent rank among the Hands of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”
As to the aim of her services in Persia—the removal of the disabilities laid upon the Faith in that country—more detailed reference is made farther on in this report.
The Guardian’s frequent and impressive statements on the subject of the continuance of Temple construction have quickened us all to a profounder understanding of the many significances attached to this tremendous enterprise. We know today that the collective responsibilities borne by the American Bahá’ís, since a resumption of Temple construction was undertaken about nine years ago, have had incalculable results in uniting the believers on the plane of sacrifice and action and in opening the door to a greater influx of spirit, for the strengthening and inspiration of the entire Bahá’í body. We behold clearly, furthermore, that the Bahá’í House of Worship, rising in the very heart of the Western World, has created a visible evidence of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh which has astonishing influence upon the public. Last of all, we are beginning to realize that, step by step with the successful prosecution of this mighty task, the Temple has the significance of increasing Shoghi Effendi’s capacity to exemplify his station of Guardian and Interpreter of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh not merely for the little present company of Bahá’ís but for the entire world. By this concentration of effort, by this surpassing sacrifice, the believers are given the glorious privilege of hastening that consummation most to be desired in these days of suffering and confusion—the recognition by all mankind of the divine foundation which has been laid for Universal Peace in the Bahá’í institutions of the Guardianship and the House of Justice.
Touched by such thoughts, the National Spiritual Assembly several months ago inquired of Shoghi Effendi whether he would advise a continuance of Temple construction under a new contract calling for the decoration of the clerestory section this year. It was only after his sanction and complete approval had been received that the Assembly felt justified in bidding the Temple Trustees proceed with a new contract which prolongs the period of rigorous economy and sacrifice another year.
What now can be said of the third great event of this Bahá’í year—the Guardian’s communication on “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”? Is this not, in itself, a spiritual blessing far outweighing the extent of our collective sacrifices to the National Fund? Is it not a source of inspiration, of insight, of spiritual knowledge, of calm courage, more than sufficient to enable us to face and overcome the greater problems that lie ahead? Shoghi Effendi’s letter has already penetrated the hearts and minds of the friends in every community, but let us recall at this time at least two quotations: “The world’s equilibrium,” (words of Bahá’u’lláh) “hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed.” And these words, also of Bahá’u’lláh: “By the sorrows which afflict the beauty of the All-Glorious! Such is the station ordained for the true believers that if to an extent smaller than a needle’s eye the glory of that station were to be unveiled to mankind, every beholder would be, consumed away in his longing to attain it. For this reason it hath been decreed that in this earthly life the full measure of the glory of his own station should remain concealed from the eyes of such a believer.” With this quotation is parallelled these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “The station which he who hath truly recognized this Revelation will attain is the same as the one ordained for such prophets of the house of Israel as are not regarded as Manifestations ‘endowed with constancy.’ ”
Within this ocean of mystery, dear friends, we swim as fish ignorant of its nature; in such a Household we dwell as children unaware of the blessings it contains!
One important remark, however, the National Spiritual Assembly feels it is incumbent to express in relation to the Guardian’s letter: namely, that it constitutes our standard of reality in understanding and in giving the true Message. It is our standard of truth in determining the qualifications of those who apply for membership in any Bahá’í community.
Underlying Trends[edit]
Each succeeding Bahá’í year is not only a sequence of external events but also the working out of certain underlying trends, often glimpsed but obscurely, which reflect the collective feelings and thoughts of the friends at the time.
Three underlying trends seem to emerge as careful study is given to the period traversed since the last Convention.
One of these trends was a poignant conviction that the believers, the Temple dome not having been completed by June 1, 1933, and the Guardian’s appeal cabled to that Convention having no visible or rather perceptible response in action commensurate with its vital importance, had somehow failed in their Bahá’í mission and in this failure had become responsible for the possibility of general disaster to the country itself.
Such a conviction requires most careful consideration, because if deepened and prolonged it can weaken and divert the collective forces by which the entire Bahá’í community is sustained.
The direct outcome of that attitude was a suggestion received by the National Assembly soon after the Convention from a number of local Assemblies, urging on the one hand that the Guardian be invited to America, and on the other hand that a great public meeting be arranged in the
[Page 10]
House of Worship at which the rulers
of all nations were to have their attention called to Bahá’u’lláh’s World
Plan. This striking, courageous and
heart-felt suggestion was studied, with
the result that the National Assembly
became convinced that the hopes and
thoughts of the friends should be rallied around the unfinished task of
Temple construction, in which task
our highest hopes can alone be fulfilled, and that no such impressive
teaching effort could attain success if
based upon failure in our Temple
work given us by the Guardian himself.
These words, written to the Assembly by the Guardian on June 17, 1933, seemed to confirm that view: “The thing that is most urgent and of supreme importance is to insure ... the uninterrupted progress of the ornamentation work of the Temple.” On July 26, the Assembly received this cablegram: “On early completion this mighty enterprise must chiefly depend satisfactory solution grave issues confronting Faith throughout East.” On October 7, another cablegram was received as follows: “Maintenance full construction schedule indispensable agency (to) enhance worldwide prestige (of) American Bahá’í community, (to) further its aims, enrich its life, cement its unity and consecrate its outstanding achievements. Praying incessantly fulfilment its high destiny.” Finally, the cablegram dated November 18, 1933: “Bahá’í communities East and West acclaim with one voice the stupendous achievements of those responsible for this latest manifestation of America’s superb, sustained self-sacrifice. Supreme Concourse echo praises of those whose shining deeds are shedding on the Bahá’í name a great, imperishable lustre. My heart swells with admiration and gratitude as I contemplate the increasing evidences of American believers’ well-deserved, steadily advancing fame. The hour of Victory is at hand—America’s invincible heroism must and will achieve it.”
It is surely helpful to trace an important Bahá’í attitude or conviction throughout its whole cycle of influence. We see from this brief record that a goal once established by the Guardian cannot be abandoned, cannot be replaced with any other objective, but remains the end of collective effort until completely attained. The power of service is surely given us in order to assist in the achievement of such universal goals as those which Shoghi Effendi from time to time sets up for the Bahá’í community, and not for the promotion of any temporary or local plan we ourselves may wish to adopt. This thought is greatly confirmed by those words of the Guardian quoted in the special Temple letter issued by the National Assembly from Evanston on September 26, 1933: “Great as has been the measure of their self-sacrifice, yet unless they redouble their efforts and concentrate all their resources to bring the whole work to a successful completion, their energies will have been spent in vain.”
The second underlying trend this year has been to clarify the important subject of the Annual Convention. The final result is that the Guardian has again explained this subject, and a compilation of all his references to this matter was published in November BAHÁ’Í NEWS and continued in the issue of February, 1934. The understanding which the National Assembly has of the nature of the Annual Meeting has been made the subject of a separate statement and therefore need not be duplicated in this report. It may well be remarked, however, that such trends are bound to develop from time to time as the Bahá’í community receives a new influx of vital power. The steady evolution from the dominance of personality to the dominance of institutions, which is the history of the era which began with the Guardianship, makes it inevitable, and exceedingly desirable, that each and all the permanent Bahá’í institutions—the Convention, the local Spiritual Assembly, etc.,—become the subject of vigorous discussion to the end that its full scope and proper operation be clearly comprehended by the entire community. Such discussion stimulates thought, enlarges the vision and confirms the true believers in the spirit of loyalty and devotion. It is not merely lack of knowledge but also confusion of motives which holds back our collective development from that degree of unity and power required for the full unfoldment of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
The third important trend this year may be termed the increasing importance of America in the international Bahá’í community, a trend whose spiritual source lies in the Guardian’s letter entitled “America and the Most Great Peace,” the text of which was read at the Convention last year. Before that Convention closed, as the friends will recall, the delegates adopted a powerful resolution pledging support to the National Assembly in its effort to alleviate the sufferings and remove the injustices still endured by the Persian Bahá’ís. That effort, reported in part in the article commemorating Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler’s services, published in the January, 1934 issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, has continued and cannot be relaxed until fully victorious.
The continuance of Temple construction, as already noted, is in itself of direct international Bahá’í significance. The National Spiritual Assembly, furthermore, has this year been requested by the Guardian to exert influence for the solution of other important international Bahá’í problems, but these actions, in accordance with Shoghi Effendi’s instructions, cannot at present be discussed.
There are, on the other hand, a number of other international Bahá’í matters consideration of which is important: the purchase of additional land in the vicinity of the Shrine of the Báb, the transfer of title to the Palestine Branch of the American N. S. A. of lands purchased by individual believers, and the special donation of $500 made a few months ago to the Bahá’í community at Ishqabad for the relief of extreme suffering made known by the Guardian.
In connection with the important subject of Bahá’í land on Mount Carmel, it should be pointed out that Palestine, and especially the port of Haifa, has recently been undergoing vigorous development as result of a considerable strengthening of the Jewish Palestine movement caused by anti-Jewish activities in Europe. This development has not only brought about a great rise in property values, but is producing a condition which makes it increasingly difficult to secure land on Mount Carmel at any price. The very heart of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh must today compete with a commercial demand for private residences which, once established, can with difficulty be brought under Bahá’í ownership and control.
Decisions of the N . S. A.[edit]
In general letters and also in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, the National Assembly during the past year has discussed with the local Assemblies a number of important subjects. Among these were:
- The election of new Assemblies at Indianapolis, Cabin John, Toledo, Spokane, Monroe and Colorado Springs.
- The recommendation by local Assemblies of names of believers to be considered in the appointment of National Committees.
- The reminder that traveling teachers are under the jurisdiction of the local Assembly in each city, and, where no Assembly exists, they are under the jurisdiction of the National
- Teaching Committee.
- The decision that all literature, charts and other material used in Bahá’í teaching should be confined to that which has been approved by the Reviewing Committee or has the recorded sanction of the N. S. A.
- An invitation that local Assemblies send monthly reports outlining their activities.
- The recommendation that each local Assembly keep a full and accurate file of BAHÁ’Í NEWS and of general letters issued by the National Assembly, which file to be made available to all members of the community.
- The decision that the National Treasurer has been instructed to receive only donations made in cash or negotiable securities, not in merchandise which must be sold.
- The continuous report of the progress of Temple construction, with all the Guardian’s messages on this subject.
- The suggestion that local Assemblies arrange for the study by the entire community of the Guardian’s World Order letters.
- The appeal that at three successive Nineteen Day Feasts the believers join in the Master’s Prayer for the Bahá’í Community.
- The suggestion that local Assemblies bring up for discussion at Nineteen Day Feasts the articles and statements in BAHÁ’Í NEWS which call for cooperative effort.
- An explanation of the threefold character of the Nineteen Day Feast.
- The reminder of the vital importance of the local Spiritual Assembly in creating the conditions essential to the success of every national Bahá’í undertaking.
- The hope that matters of local importance can be settled locally, to free the National Assembly from petty questions and enable it to consider larger questions of national policy.
- The decision that the removal of believers from the voting list by local Assemblies be made conditional upon prior report to and recommendation by the National Assembly.
- The calling of a Memorial Meeting to commemorate Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler; the calling of a Memorial Meeting to commemorate Mrs. Agnes Parsons.
- The appointment of an Assistant Treasurer in order to assist the Treasurer in keeping the believers informed concerning national financial matters, and the subsequent publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of special articles explaining the relation of the National Fund to the establishment of World Order.
- The issuing of monthly Financial Reports prepared by Mr. Mathisen as Accountant.
- The establishment of a teaching medium—the bulletin entitled “A New World Order”—to enable the National Assembly to supplement and extend the teaching activities of all local Assemblies, and its distribution to a special list of 2,000 people throughout the United States and Canada.
- An appeal to Bahá’í architects to submit designs for a Memorial to Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, to be constructed at Isfahan, Persia.
- An appeal for contributions to purchase land on Mount Carmel, now owned by enemies of the Cause, after the receipt of a cablegram on this subject from Shoghi Effendi.
- The decision to hold a national Bahá’í meeting of thanksgiving and consecration in the House of Worship when the dome unit is completed and its cost entirely paid.
- The decision that anonymous communications are not in conformity with the spirit or letter of the Teachings, and furthermore that the general distribution of any letter by an individual believer is an improper method of Bahá’í consultation.
- The issuing of the Convention call on March 9, 1934.
- The recommendation that each unincorporated local Assembly study carefully and follow the procedures and guiding principles defined in the local By-Laws approved by the Guardian.
- The distribution to the entire body of believers of the Guardian’s letter, “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” with the suggestion that it be made the subject of special consultation and that in preparing new believers for entrance into the community, the final teaching given them consist of this letter.
- The preparation of an Outline and Summary by the National Assembly as material to be filed in newspaper offices and other organizations where it is important that accurate information about the Cause be available.
- The information that the Guardian does not wish us to pay attention to the erroneous publicity emanating from the New History Society.
- The explanation that the circular letter issued by the Boston Assembly in April, 1934, was an improper method of Bahá’í consultation.
- The issuing to all local Assemblies of a photograph illustrating the completed Temple dome.
- The reminder that traveling believers should carry Bahá’í credentials.
- The publication of Bahá’í Directory.
- The publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of a statement summarizing the Guardian’s instructions on the subject of the non-political character of the Bahá’í Faith.
- Continuance of the effort to make an accurate and complete registry of isolated believers and the members of local groups, by means of an enrollment card to be signed by each believer desiring recognition as a Bahá’í.
- The publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS of a statement defining the rights of individual Bahá’ís.
- The similar publication of a statement on the spiritual character of Bahá’í elections.
- The decision that local Assemblies can hold Bahá’í meetings at any convenient time, without regard to the customs and practices of the churches.
- The decision that local Assemblies are to submit to the National Assembly for final approval their plans for local incorporation before the legal action is consummated.
- The decision that Bahá’í contact with Federal and State officials should be made through the National Spiritual Assembly.
- The adoption of a list of topics to be discussed by individual members of the National Assembly in visiting local Assemblies:
- How is the BAHÁ’Í NEWS distributed to all local believers and what steps are taken to discuss its contents?
- How are the Nineteen Day Feasts carried on and are they attended by all members of the community?
- How often does the Spiritual Assembly hold its meetings?
- How large a proportion of the local community is active in Bahá’í service?
- Does the entire community thoroughly understand the importance of meeting the Guardian’s wishes for the immediate completion of the Temple Dome?
- How can the local teaching activities be expanded?
- How is Bahá’í literature distributed to non-Bahá’ís, and how does the community handle the distribution of literature to believers?
- How large a proportion of the believers support the Bahá’í Fund?
- Does the Spiritual Assembly
- take up and explain national and international Bahá’í matters, as explained in the Guardian’s letters and as from time to time reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS?
- The decision that the sole function of the Reviewing Committee is to examine and pass upon manuscripts with respect to their accuracy in conformity to the established Teachings, and that when the Reviewing Committee has passed upon the manuscript, the manuscript is then to be handed to the Editorial Committee to report to the National Assembly whether the manuscript is a desirable and useful contribution to Bahá’í literature. When the National Assembly has given its approval to a manuscript, it must have opportunity to see the final proof before the manuscript is published in book or pamphlet form.
- The decision that the discount of 33⅓ per cent given by the Publishing Committee shall be extended only to local Assemblies and not to groups.
- The decision that the preparation of local groups for the election of a Spiritual Assembly shall be under the supervision of the National Teaching Committee.
- The following views were recorded after consideration of a number of questions raised by a local Assembly. They are reported here as they touch upon matters of general interest.
- Members of a local community have the right to the local membership list at local elections. The list can be prepared alphabetically, and copies handed out for use only during the period of balloting.
- When a believer is admitted into membership in a Bahá’í community, he thereby receives all the rights, privileges and duties of Bahá’í membership, and it is for the Spiritual Assembly to postpone the admission of applicants until they have familiarized each applicant with the members of the community. In other words, it is part of the teaching responsibility of a local Assembly to make applicants acquainted with their fellow believers. Otherwise a new believer is unable to use his voting right intelligently.
- The publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS November, 1933, of a statement emphasizing the spiritual basis of all teaching work.
- The publication in the same medium of a general statement on Plans and Policies for the Coming Bahá’í Year, to rally the forces and unite the activities of the friends.
As is apparent, the above list is very long and the details are easily forgotten unless some effort be made
to recapitulate such items at the end
of every Bahá’í year.
Communications from the Guardian[edit]
The Guardian’s communications. The past year, notable in that it marks the writing of “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” has been enriched with many other letters and cablegrams from Shoghi Effendi. As far as possible, these have been shared with the believers in BAHÁ’Í NEWS and also in the general letters issued to local Assemblies. A number of more important subjects are referred to here, that they may be more firmly held in mind.
- The conditions under which Bahá’ís may associate with the World Fellowship of Faiths and similar organizations. Published in August, 1933.
- The “magnificent achievement of the American believers” in promoting the Temple construction. Printed in September, 1933.
- The passionate appeal cabled on November 2, 1933, and at once shared with the local Assemblies:
“Appeal hard pressed American believers heed this, my last passionate entreaty, not to suffer slightest interruption in Temple construction to dim the magnificence of their epoch making enterprise. The fair name of our beloved Faith is at stake. Its American stalwart defenders will once again vindicate its triumphant glory. I promise one year’s respite upon successful conclusion first stage of the ornamentation of our glorious Temple.” - Explanations of a number of questions:—congregational prayer, the nature of the Nineteen Day Feasts, the instruction that prominent people should be approached by individual believers only with the assistance of the local or National Assembly, instructions on the conduct of Bahá’í Summer Schools. Published in October, 1933.
- Cablegram announcing “Hour of Victory.” Published in January, 1934.
- Letters to the National Assembly concerning the station of Keith Ransom-Kehler, requesting that a model of the Temple be sent for the International Archives, describing conditions in Persia and requesting further effort to bring about relief, and stating that any slackness in the energy and enthusiasm of the friends, at this critical and most decisive moment, will have severe repercussions on the Cause. Published in January, 1934.
- Explanations and comments made to individual believers, in reply to questions on a variety of subjects. Published in January, 1934.
- Cablegram heartily welcoming proposal that Temple construction be continued under a new contract. Published in February, 1934.
- Explanation of the nature of the Guardian’s letters to individual believers. Published in February, 1934.
- Approval of the teaching bulletin issued by the National Assembly. Published in February, 1934.
- Letter to Mr. Ioas, chairman of the Teaching Committee, March 5, 1934:
“Concerning the abolition of the institution of paid national teachers, the Guardian wishes to reaffirm his former statements on this matter, and to stress once more that great care be taken to avoid the difficulties and the misunderstandings Which in former days had caused so much trouble among the friends. The main point to be emphasized in this connection is that of making the teachings of the Cause not the work of a limited group but the chief duty and responsibility of every Bahá’í. This is why no salaried teachers should any longer exist. But occasionally to defray the expenses of a teaching trip of a certain Bahá’í, particularly when it is done spontaneously, can cause no harm to the Cause. Such an action, provided it is done with care and only when circumstances make it necessary, constitutes no violation of the principle already referred to. The danger in all activities of this nature is to give the impression that the teaching of the Cause is an institution, depending on the support of paid teachers. Those who willingly and with utmost detachment arise to promote the Cause should, undoubtedly, be helped in every way. But they have no claim whatever on the financial help which some friends may freely choose to extend to them.” - Explanation of passages in “America and the Most Great Peace.” Published in February, 1934.
- Cablegram conveying gratitude for completion of dome unit. Published in April, 1934.
- Letters to the National Assembly conveying advice on the use of Temple Foundation Hall, the best method of presenting the Master’s Will to newcomers, the attitude to take toward Ahmad Sohrab’s attacks, the immediate future here in America, the
- unauthentic character of the illustration of the Bab appearing in the work by Nicola, and the early signs of the spiritual renaissance, with a correction of a previous explanation of the teachers sent by the Master to America. Published in May, 1934.
- In several communications Shoghi Effendi has given instructions concerning the relation of local Assemblies to the National Assembly. Writing the San Francisco Assembly on February 19, 1934, the Guardian, through his secretary, in acknowledging receipt of a copy of San Francisco BAHÁ’Í NEWS, declared:
- “On behalf of the Guardian I wish to thank you for your welcome letter of Jan. 23d, as well as for the enclosed December and January issues of the San Francisco news letter, all of which gave him a clear account of the progress of the Cause in that centre.
- “He would greatly appreciate if you send him regularly two copies of your local news letter. He would also advise you to send to each of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assemblies a copy of that circular which will, undoubtedly, prove of great interest to them.
- “However, in view of the principle that local activities should always be subordinated to the national interests, needs and requirements of the Faith, he feels that your Assembly should be careful not to develop their local organ to the extent that would jeopardize the national activities of the Cause in their country. Just as all local institutions, whether administrative or otherwise, must under all circumstances be considered as subsidiary to national organizations, so also local circular letters should be viewed as secondary in importance compared to the national organ of Bahá’í activities. This principle, however, should not be interpreted as being detrimental to the local interests of the Bahá’í community, but as an essential, nay indispensable means, whereby the administrative system of the Cause can work with efficiency and order.”
On February 20, a similar letter was sent the New York Assembly, from which the following excerpt is quoted:
“Just as the local Bahá’í fund must under all circumstances be subordinated to the national fund, so also, every local circular letter should be considered as subsidiary to the national report of Bahá’í activities in every country. Such a coordination between local and national efforts is indispensable, not only because of its economic advantages, but essentially due to the fact that upon the application of the principle underlying this process must inevitably depend the effective working of the entire administrative machinery of the Faith. There is order, coordination and system in the Cause, and not a jungle of conflicting interests and of continually clashing wills.”
This question is decisively settled in a letter to the National Assembly dated May 10, 1934: “Concerning local Bahá’í news letters, the Guardian strongly feels that they should be primarily devoted to the spread of local news and activities, and should under no circumstances contain any statement implying criticism of or even interference with the policy of the N. S. A. They may occasionally refer to items of a national scope, but this should be done only with the view of assisting and not hindering the national body of the Cause to carry out effectively its program and decisions. There is thus a definite line of demarcation between correspondence initiated by local and National Assemblies. Local activities should always be subordinated to those of a national character and importance. This is intended not to minimize the rôle of the local Assembly in the administrative order, but to establish and insure a sane relationship between that body and the national organism of the Cause.”
Reference to other communications from Shoghi Effendi is made in other sections of this report.
Important Events of the Year[edit]
An effort will now be made to outline the more important events of this year.
Important donations have been made by Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch and Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm in the form of property. Mrs. Agnes Parsons made clear her intention to donate property at Dublin, New Hampshire, and her family will no doubt carry out this spiritual intention. A bequest in the amount of $1,000 has been received under the will and testament of the late Miss Elizabeth Sherman, and this donation was used in the form of a memorial to her by devoting it to the purchase of land on Mount Carmel.
The older believers throughout the United States and Canada have made an excellent beginning on the preparation of material for the history of the Bahá’í Faith in America. The National Assembly appeals for the immediate cooperation of all local Assemblies and older believers in the completion of this important task laid upon us by the Guardian in 1933.
Mr. Louis J. Voelz has prepared and shipped to the Guardian 21 beautiful model of the Bahá’í House of Worship.
The Archives Committee has begun to catalog the contents of the National Bahá’í Archives, preparatory to the transfer of these treasures to an Archives Room in the Temple foundation when funds permit its construction. Believers having original Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and other precious Bahá’í papers and documents are urged to send these to the Archives Committee.
Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan has at the Guardian’s request made a new translation of Seven Valleys and also Four Valleys which is to be published immediately.
Local Assemblies have reported a greater number of new voting believers this year than ever before. The general teaching effort has been greatly increased.
The Chicago Assembly, with the cooperation of many individual believers, and with the assistance of a special committee appointed by the National Assembly, conducted a display of the Temple model in the Hall of Religions during the 1933 session of the Century of Progress Exposition, in connection with which visitors were given an explanation of the Temple, of the teachings, and presented with free literature.
The House of Worship has become the center of spiritual attraction for people from all parts of the country. It is now recognized as one of the important features to be visited by all who come to Chicago.
The three Bahá’í Summer Schools have greatly improved their teaching classes and discussion groups, and are to be regarded as vitally important institutions in our national Bahá’í community.
Teaneck, New Jersey, Washington, D. C. and Montreal, Quebec, have prepared articles of incorporation, as reported in greater detail by the Legal Committee.
Mrs. Doris Holley has made an Index to BAHÁ’Í NEWS from December, 1924, to November, 1933, containing some two thousand references. This Index is now being mimeographed and copies will be sent local Assemblies and also offered for sale to individual believers.
Steps have been taken to secure legal protection to confine the use of the symbol of the Greatest Name to the Bahá’ís, preventing its misuse by non-believers.
A letter of appreciation has been written to Marie, Dowager Queen Of Rumania, at the Guardian’s request, expressing gratitude for her latest
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written tribute to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. This tribute will be reproduced in the next volume of The Bahá’í World.
Recent advices from Persia and also from Australia and New Zealand state that National Spiritual Assemblies have been elected in those lands. This is a matter of very great international Bahá’í importance.
Under the supervision of the Committee on Free Literature, a series of new Bahá’í pamphlets has been prepared and will be published in convenient size and uniform appearance. This new literature will be invaluable to local Assemblies and to all active teachers.
The national By-Laws have been amended by striking out Section 12 of Article VIII, which defined the delegates as a consultative body existing throughout the year, Shoghi Effendi having made it clear that the continuous consultation is to be conducted through the local Assemblies. Section 7 of Article VIII has been amended by adding the words “by ballot” to the sentence referring to the election of the Convention Chairman and Secretary.
The activities of American believers in other lands are a very important part of our current Bahá’í history.
To the great services rendered throughout so many years by Miss Martha Root, Miss Agnes Alexander, Mrs. Louis Gregory, Miss Leonora Holzapple, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Romer, Mme. Dreyfus-Barney, Miss Julia Culver, Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. Max Greeven, Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, Mrs. Lynch, Dr. Susan I. Moody, Mr. Mountfort Mills, Miss Edith Sanderson, Miss Marion Jack, Mrs. Edwin Scott, Miss Adelaide Sharp and Mrs. Sharp, Mr. Mark Tobey and Mrs. Marjorie Morten, we more recently have cause for profound gratitude in the sacrifices and accomplishments of Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler in Persia, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Carpenter in Tihran, Miss Louise Wright in Holland, Miss Julia Goldman in Paris, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop at Geneva, and Mrs. Loulie Mathews during her recent travels to Australia and the South Seas.
Matters for Special Consideration[edit]
In conclusion, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to express a few thoughts on subjects of permanent Bahá’í importance which seem to call for careful consideration not only by the delegates but by local Assemblies and the body of the American believers.
- The local Spiritual Assembly is a Bahá’í institution capable of expansion along many lines. Its power to render service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is limited only by our own degree of collective local unity and understanding. Within its sphere of local jurisdiction the Spiritual Assembly must assume more and more responsibility in fulfilling the duties laid upon it in the Guardian’s general letters. The maintenance of unity and capacity for community action, the solving of personal problems, the promotion of teaching plans, the explanation of national policies and plans which can be achieved only by the cooperation of every part of the American Bahá’í community, the continuous development of the true Bahá’í spirit and knowledge through the Nineteen Day Feasts and other local meetings,—these and other obligations create the opportunity for experience and capacity unequalled by membership in any other movement or organization in the world. Year by year more is demanded of every Spiritual Assembly, as the mysterious power of the Cause is released in greater abundance. The measure of service enlarges steadily as the needs of the world increase.
- One of the supreme blessings of American believers for many years was to receive individual Tablets from the Master, revealed in answer to communications sent Him by hundreds of the friends. The Guardian has maintained this blessing in his special station, never failing in his expression of loving wisdom to his personal correspondents. But a Faith destined to spread throughout the entire world must inevitably develop to a point where the sheer number of adherents will make it impossible for the Guardian to continue personal contact with all individual Bahá’ís. Has not the time come when, as individual believers, we should ponder this vital matter, and scrupulously weigh the importance of our individual wishes and desires against the importance of the Guardianship itself, with its vital and irreplaceable responsibility for the achievement of universal ends? Does any one believer really wish to add unnecessarily to the burden of that task? Shall we, through mere thoughtlessness, bring Shoghi Effendi to the point of complete fatigue? Can any letter received by an individual believer convey more than is conveyed to us all in the Guardian’s general communications? This is one of the most delicate and vitally important questions which American believers can consider at this time.
- The three Bahá’í Summer Schools are institutions which deserve the whole-hearted support of every local Assembly. The world is full of organized sources of knowledge which mislead the minds and hearts of the younger generation, and confirm the older generations in their present religious, economic and social prejudices. The Bahá’í Summer Schools, feeble by comparison, are today the firm beginnings of our most effective effort to educate people in the divine teachings. An appeal is made to every American Bahá’í to do his utmost to enroll in one of the three Schools, deepen his spiritual knowledge, enlarge his personal acquaintance with his fellow believers, and contribute to the development of the future Universities reflecting into the world the light of God’s holy Revelation.
- The basis and foundation of collective Bahá’í progress and achievement is right use of the universal principle of consultation. Let us banish all personal limitations in our Bahá’í consultation, all griefs, suspicions and fears, all dependence upon personal influence, and frankly and whole-heartedly participate in those general discussions devoted to purely Bahá’í ends. It is a pity that here and there the Nineteen Day Feast is not yet appreciated, but some of the friends appear still to feel that conversation in a little, intimate group is more interesting and important than those general meetings held for the entire community. It should be apparent by now that the life of the Holy Spirit sustains the Tree, and only as we form part of that Tree as leaves upon its branches and twigs can we receive any portion of that true life.
- The National Assembly believes sincerely that during the coming Bahá’í year two considerations should be kept uppermost—the completion of the new Temple contract for the external decoration of the clerestory section, including the repayment of the $10,000 borrowed in March to make up a deficit for the dome contract, and continuous study and discussion of the Guardian’s letter on “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” in order that we may be united in the inner reality of the teachings and regenerated for the greater duties and responsibilities which lie ahead.
This report concludes with the text
of two cablegrams recently received
from Shoghi Effendi.
The first is dated May 12, 1934: “Urge believers strictly adhere (to) National Assembly’s instructions regarding anonymous letters.” The sec-
[Page 15]
and is dated May 18, 1934: “Prolonged negotiations (with) Palestine
authorities (has) resulted (in) exemption from taxation (of the) entire area
surrounding dedicated Shrines (on)
Mount Carmel. Mountfort’s notable
share in securing implicit recognition
(of the) sacredness (of the) Faith’s
International Center heightens (the)
value (of) his services (to) Bahá’u’lláh’s House in Bagdad.”
May this note of spiritual victory sound throughout the coming Bahá’í year!
- Yours faithfully,
- National Spiritual Assembly of
- the Bahá’ís of the United States
- and Canada,
- By: HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary
- May 23, 1934.
LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
To the America Bahá’ís through the Local Spiritual Assemblies.
Beloved friends:—
Shoghi Effendi has sent the following cablegram to the Convention:
“American believers inspired leadership steadily unfolding to Bahá’ís world over potentialities majestic edifice heralding formative period Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Their unerring vision conceived its matchless design. ‘Abdul-Bahá’s own hands laid its corner stone. Their dynamic Faith reared its structure. Their sustained self-sacrifice crowned it with immortal glory. May flame their unconquerable enthusiasm continue glowing undimmed in their hearts till its naked frame is enveloped in its shining mantle.”
- (signed) SHOGHI.
The National Spiritual Assembly realizes the great responsibility laid upon us all in meeting Shoghi Effendi’s standard of achievement set for the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada.
The financial report submitted to the Convention makes it clear that we are collectively called upon to contribute a total of $11,500.00 by June 15th. This sum represents the amount due after deducting all contributions received during the Convention period. The various items entering into this amount were duly reported at the Convention.
We are happy to report that already one-third of the work to be done under the clerestory contract has been completed and the first carload of new sections had arrived by the Convention date.
The appeal is made to each Local Spiritual Assembly to do its utmost in response to the Guardian’s prayer by communicating the contents of this letter immediately to the entire membership of the local community and inspiring the believers to realize the sustained self-sacrifice and unconquerable enthusiasm which the Guardian expects.
The newly elected National Spiritual Assembly has received the following cablegram from Shoghi Effendi.
“Prayers, appreciation Assembly’s distinguished record of service. Love.”
- (signed) SHOGHI.
- Yours faithfully,
- National Spiritual Assembly.
- June 4, 1934.
