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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: Evergreen Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey
EXPLANATION OF PASSAGES IN “THE DISPENSATION OF BAHA’U’LLAH”[edit]
The following explanations have been made by the Guardian in reply to answers sent him by the National Assembly. These passages are quoted from a letter dated August 7, 1934:
“Concerning the passage in ‘The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh’ in which the Guardian quotes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s interpretation of the prophecy referring to the times when the sun would stand still in the heavens, he wishes me to explain that the days referred to in this prophecy have to be reckoned differently. In the Sacred Scriptures of various religions there are to be found frequent references to days, but these have to be considered as indicating different periods of time, as for instance in the Qur’an a day is reckoned as one thousand years. The first ten days in the above mentioned prophecy represent each a century, making thus a total of one thousand lunar years. As to the twenty days referring to the Bábi Dispensation, each of them represents only one lunar year, the total of twenty years marking the duration of the Revelation of the Báb. The thirty days in the last Dispensation should not be reckoned numerically, but should be considered as symbolizing the incomparable greatness of the Bahá’í Revelation which, though not the final, is none the less thus far the fullest revelation of God to man. From a physical point of view, the thirty days represent the maximum time taken by the sun to pass through a sign of the zodiac. They thus represent a culminating point in the evolution of this star (i. e., the earth). So also from a spiritual standpoint these thirty days should be viewed as indicating the highest, though not the final, stage in the spiritual evolution of mankind.
“As to the list of the prophets with whom Bahá’u’lláh identified Himself in the passage found on pages 26 and 27 of ‘The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,’ their names are as follows: Abraham, Moses, Joseph, John the Baptist, Jesus, Imam Husayn, on whom Bahá’u’lláh has conferred an exceptionally exalted station, (and) the Báb.”
LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
To the Local Spiritual Assemblies of the United States and Canada.
Beloved Friends:
In this letter the Assembly will endeavor to make a few useful suggestions on the subject of teaching.
This subject has become uppermost in our minds on account of the great emphasis which the Guardian has been giving it in his recent general communications.
For example, in “The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh,” Shoghi Effendi wrote: “Who, contemplating the helplessness, the fears and miseries of humanity in this day, can any longer question the necessity for a fresh revelation of the quickening power of God’s redemptive love and guidance? Who, witnessing on one hand the stupendous advance achieved in the realm of human knowledge, of power, of skill and inventiveness, and viewing on the other the unprecedented character of the sufferings that afflict, and the dangers that beset, present-day society, can be so blind as to doubt that the hour has at last struck for the advent of a new Revelation, for a re-statement of the Divine Purpose, and for the consequent revival of those spiritual forces that have, at fixed intervals, rehabilitated the fortunes of human society?”
And in “America and the Most Great Peace”: “Would it seem extravagant, in the light of so sublime an utterance, to expect that in the midst of so enviable a region of the earth and out of the agony and wreckage of an unprecedented crisis there should burst forth a spiritual renaissance which, as it propagates itself through the instrumentality of the American believers, will rehabilitate the fortunes of a decadent age?”
Such words reveal to us the measure of our opportunity, and remind us likewise of the degree of our sacred obligation. Every well-conceived and unified teaching effort put forth at this time is hound to bear fruit. The day of indifference and the condition of pride and superiority in the world about us has completely gone. Now it is for the Bahá’ís, bearing the Greatest Name in their hearts, to kindle that flame which can “burn away all things that are not of God.”
As for effective teaching methods, these are as many as we require to meet the various circumstances of our local community. Among them may be enumerated:
- The home meeting, at which a small number of inquirers may be invited to a series of discussions and readings. How many Bahá’í homes, never before consecrated to this supreme purpose, can be opened up for teaching this year?
- The public teaching class, under the direct supervision of the local Spiritual Assembly, which carries on the work begun by the home or “fireside” meetings, and brings the students to the point of enrolling as members of the Bahá’í community. This more formal teaching class need not be continuous, but arranged for a series of consecutive weeks at different intervals throughout the year, depending upon the number of students who are made available by the combined efforts of the entire Bahá’í community.
- The occasional public meeting of special character, such as those devoted to Race Amity, World Peace or some other Bahá’í principle of special public importance at this time.
- The regular series of public ad-
- dresses such as are carried on more particularly by those Assemblies which have public meeting places. The vital point to be considered in this connection is that the public meetings have little value unless they produce serious inquirers who are prepared to enter a study class.
- While the home meetings for the most part attract those people who can be reached through personal acquaintance, there is need always of presenting the Faith to local leaders of opinion and persons of some distinct capacity. The suggestion is therefore made that each Assembly proceed to appoint a committee for the special purpose of drawing up a mailing list of such people in the community. This list has great value and once started should be kept always complete and up to date. It may be used as follows:
- For sending invitations to the occasional public meetings of special character, described under No. 3 above.
- For sending the public teaching bulletins issued by the National Spiritual Assembly about once every two months, entitled “A New World Order.” Copies may be obtained direct from the National Assembly at the rate of 50 copies for 75c.
- For sending the Outline and Summary of the Bahá’í Faith prepared by the National Assembly a few months ago. These can be purchased from the Publishing Committee in the usual way.
- As for study and teaching material, the Teaching Outlines obtainable from the Publishing Committee are ideal, and the variety of subjects is sufficient to meet every requirement.
- Inseparable from any well-conceived teaching program is the factor of publicity, and the Publicity Committee stands ready to cooperate by means of practical advice as well as finished material suitable for giving to the press.
- The Library Committee also should be consulted, since it is very important to have authentic literature on hand in Public and University Libraries.
- It is of course the Teaching Committee which stands most ready to give assistance to local Assemblies, groups and isolated believers in their efforts to promote the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The National Assembly at this time seeks merely to remind the friends of some of the many ways in which even the smallest community or group, when filled with the true spirit, can render service to the beloved Cause.
Can we any longer resist the mighty
spirit outpoured to us in such communications as “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh?”
- Yours faithfully,
- THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
- September 10, 1934.
SYMBOL OF THE GREATEST NAME[edit]
The friends will be happy to learn that the use of this Symbol is now legally protected for proper Bahá’í use under the trademark registration recently made by the National Spiritual Assembly through the U. S. Patent Office.
After careful consideration of the significance of this sacred Symbol, the Assembly has voted that its use should be confined to books and pamphlets containing the words of Bahá’u’lláh.
THE INSTITUTION OF THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
For a period of more than ten years, a large portion of our collective effort has been devoted to the task of developing the institutions described in the Master’s Will and Testament and the subject matter of most of the general communications issued by the Guardian of the Faith.
ADDRESS FOR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CORRESPONDENCE
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada,
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At our present state of development there appears to be a need for a more definite and widespread understanding of the institution of a Spiritual Assembly as it affects its own members—as it calls for a new and unique loyalty on the part of its nine members to the Assembly itself.
The National Spiritual Assembly therefore takes the occasion to offer a few remarks on this phase of the subject, in the hope that they will clarify this important matter and assist the believers to appreciate the firm basis on which every local and National Assembly must rest if it is to fulfil its responsibility to the Cause.
It is necessary to bear in mind the fact that the Spiritual Assembly is not a body created by the believers, even though by their votes at elections they determine its membership. The institution itself was created by Bahá’u’lláh. Unlike the institutions set up by a democracy, whose functions and powers are strictly defined by the people, with a definite reservation of certain rights to the body of the citizens—including the right to annul the constitutions and adopt an entirely new political charter—a Spiritual Assembly rests upon sanctions higher than that of the voting community. Its functions and powers are unalterable. The responsibility of its members is not to the electorate but to the higher authority resident in the Cause.
This general principle has brought into being the necessity for a definite loyalty on the part of all Assembly members to the institution which collectively they compose. They are trustees of its duties, responsibilities, rights and powers, and not merely representatives of the community nor of any party or faction thereof. In meeting this obligation to the Assembly itself, the members can have utmost confidence that they are rendering the fullest and truest service to the body of the believers concerned.
It is important to note that upon the Bahá’í electors themselves there rests a special responsibility in relation to the election. Thus, in describing the functions of Convention delegates, Shoghi Effendi declared that they should cast their ballots for none save those whom prayer and meditation inspire them to believe are possessed of certain qualities: “unquestioned loyalty, selfless devotion, a well trained mind, recognized ability, mature experience.”1 The efficiency and integrity of a Spiritual Assembly, therefore, depends upon the degree to which, in every Bahá’í election, the believers conscientiously meet the Guardian’s standard.
The Declaration of Trust and By-Laws afford a procedure controlling to a certain extent the methods which should be carried out by members of a Spiritual Assembly in performing their duties at meetings. It is clear,
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1 See “Bahá’í Administration,” page 79.
[Page 3]
for example, that decisions are made
by unanimous vote, but unanimity
lacking, by vote of the majority. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed a Tablet, quoted by
the Guardian2 in one of his earliest
general letters, emphatically commanding every member of an Assembly to
abide by its decisions. The Teachings
recognize no minority rights whatsoever within the body of an Assembly.
Every decision made by a Spiritual
Assembly is binding upon each and
all its members alike, whatever their
personal views, prior to the final vote,
may have been.
Two observations should be made in connection with the process of consultation leading up to the decision. First, that during the consultation it is not merely the right but the sacred duty of each member to express his or her opinion fully and freely, for only through a true consensus of opinion can all aspects of a question be thoroughly explored. Secondly, that the termination of the period of consultation and the taking of the vote, is a matter which the majority can decide. The right to express one’s view fully and freely does not imply the power to prolong the consultation indefinitely and to the point of stubbornness. The majority can direct the chairman to bring the matter to vote whenever it is conscientiously felt that all views have been presented and further discussion would be useless repetition or one-sided argument. Without this clear right vested in the majority, the capacity of a Spiritual Assembly to transact the business before it would be fatally limited.
The opinion is sometimes expressed that Spiritual Assemblies are too prone to maintain an attitude of secrecy and aloofness, in violation of the sacred unity of the Cause.
This opinion requires clear analysis, if Assemblies are to avoid going from one extreme attitude to the other, in each case failing to attain the true balance.
CABLEGRAM FROM
SHOGHI EFFENDI
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What is and must be preserved inviolate from mere gossip and rumor are the personal views expressed by the members on any matter before the vote is taken. If any member of an Assembly leaves a meeting and expresses criticism of the attitude expressed by any other member in the period of full and free consultation, this is destructive of the spirit of mutual confidence and trust which must be maintained by every Assembly, and can but lead to disunity and a weakening of its capacity for service to the Cause. So long as a member who had expressed one opinion is willing to abide by the result of unanimous or majority vote, there is no ground of criticism in that his opinion, prior to the vote, was different from that established by the vote.
A Spiritual Assembly is an institution and not merely nine believers who happen to hold office. The great obligations and duties laid upon that institution are superior to any rights assumed by some of its members. Within its sphere of jurisdiction, as the Guardian has said, a Spiritual Assembly has undivided authority.
The difference between secrecy and trustworthiness is again exemplied when we consider the important subject of conferences held by a Spiritual Assembly with individual members of the community. If the believers find by experience that they cannot bring personal matters to an Assembly without having rumor and gossip immediately circulate throughout the community, such a condition is a serious charge for which that Assembly cannot escape responsibility. As the Cause develops, each Assembly will increasingly be called upon to deal with certain matters of a personal and confidential nature, and the time has surely come when a firm foundation of trustworthiness should be laid.
Matters of a general nature coming before a Spiritual Assembly should be reported to the community at each Nineteen Day Feast. It should be readily possible for an Assembly to determine what matters are confidential, and of the nature of a trust, and what matters concern the Cause and are of interest and importance to the entire Bahá’í community. When a matter is recorded as confidential each member should scrupulously preserve it as such. When a matter is recorded otherwise, it should be reported in the form recorded in the minutes and by whatever officer is designated to make the report. Frank discussion of these points, and full agreement as to the conditions under which Assembly business is to be reported outside the meeting, are obvious requisites to the proper functioning of the institution.
Shoghi Effendi has written that the administrative order of the Faith is still in a condition of infancy.
This may be fully recognized and admitted, but the condition of infancy is not intended to be perpetual. Great blessings will, we are assured, be released when the Bahá’í institutions develop to the point of internal unity and of harmonious relations to the community. The privilege of contributing to the steady evolution of those institutions which are the “pattern and nucleus” of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh is granted to every believer, but more especially to those to whom have been given positions of responsibility and trust. If members of Spiritual Assemblies will attain trustworthiness, and exhibit an individual and collective attitude showing forth both knowledge of the Teachings and scrupulous obedience to them, the long-awaited and long prayed-for renaissance of public teaching, and vital growth in the Cause, will surely follow, as day follows night.
The fact that a Spiritual Assembly is an institution independent of the will of the electoral body does not in any way sanction the spirit of aloofness and separation from the community. On the contrary, it means that the Assembly is left entirely free to seek divine guidance for all its deliberations
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2 “If after discussion, a decision be carried unanimously, well and good; but if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion should
arise, a majority of voices must prevail ... It is again not permitted that any one of
the honored members object to or censure,
whether in or out of the meeting, any decision arrived at previously, though that decision be not right, for such criticism would
prevent any decision from being enforced.”
See “Bahá’í Administration,” pages 21, 22, 23
[Page 4]
and decisions, and has been given a
truly Providential opportunity to serve
the community as a whole. An Assembly, it must be repeated again and
again, is not the creature or servant of
any limited group or faction. Quite
irrespective of how the various members of the community might have cast
their ballots for members of the Assembly, the Assembly once elected has
an impartial relationship of service to
the welfare of the Cause in its city or
nation. No institution in human history has ever rested upon a foundation
so impregnable to the assaults of ambition, pride, self-interest, envy and malice, whether from without or within.
A Spiritual Assembly, raised above personal emotion and touched with a vision of divine justice, becomes an indestructible link in the chain of peace, economic stability and progress which the Supreme Manifestation has forged for the protection of mankind. Much has been offered to, much will be required from, all who are elected to membership in such an institution.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee announces a series of public lectures on The New World Order, at Milwaukee Auditorium, September 9 to 18. The program begins with an address on The New Civilization by Mme. Gita Orlova of the New York Bahá’í community, and continues with lectures twice daily on subjects of vital general importance. Other speakers are: Dr. E. Leanore Morris of Racine; Mrs. Shahnaz Waite of Los Angeles; Dr. Ali Kuli Khan of Washington; Mrs. Ruth Moffett of Chicago and Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher of the Bahá’í community of Eliot, Maine.
Study classes will follow the series of public lectures.
This program, broadly conceived and carefully developed, represents a bold effort to plant the teachings in the very heart of a large city. It will undoubtedly prove of immense service to the Cause, and its methods and results will be closely followed by the National Assembly.
The Twenty-third Annual “Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” at West Englewood, N. J., was held on Saturday, June 30, under the direction of a National Committee representing the five neighboring Bahá’í Assemblies. Addresses were delivered by Saffa Kinney and Hooper Harris, and brief informal remarks were given by a number of believers. This Bahá’í meeting marks a most important episode in the history of the Cause in America, the Unity Feast given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912; which He declared to be the real birth of the Cause in this country.
The Vancouver Assembly reports that during May Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher spoke to the community and also showed the pictures which she had taken in Haifa and other places visited during her travels. In June the community received a visit from Mrs. Louise Caswell, who spent two weeks teaching. Prof. and Mrs. Ward spoke at a public meeting on June 29. The visit of Paul Voelz was also very much enjoyed.
The New Haven Assembly reports that five members have been added to the local community since the Ridvan Feast.
From the Los Angeles Assembly we receive copies of The Los Angeles Bahá’í News, Nos. 1, 2 and 3, dated July, August and September, 1934. This local News Letter sets a very high standard of excellence in its thoroughness and its admirable arrangement. In the larger cities, where the friends are widely separated, such local News Letters are a great means of developing the necessary capacity for cooperation. They tend to keep all the friends mutually informed of the various activities, and where facts are available the power of mere idle rumor is minimized. On September 5 the Los Angeles Bahá’ís gathered to dedicate a new meeting place at 2523 7th Street.
The National Race Amity Committee carried out an important public program at Green Acre and Portsmouth on August 4 and 5, the speakers and chairmen being Mary Maxwell, Ali Kuli Khan, Carl Cartwright, Frank P. Dyar, Dr. Max Yergan, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Louis G. Gregory, Hiram James, Mrs. Harold Bowditch, Harlan F . Ober, Mrs. Annie K. Lewis.
The Spiritual Assembly of Montreal has issued a folder reprinting an article entitled “The Epidemic of the Persian Jews,” appearing originally in the Jewish paper, Canadian Adler, Montreal, and afterward published in The Bahá’í World, Vol. IV. This article is followed by a commentary by Edward Dewing, and excerpts from the address given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Temple Emmanuel, San Francisco. This folder appears to be the first piece of literature prepared under American Bahá’í auspices to appeal directly to members of the Jewish Faith.
From the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland the following items of interest have been received. Prior to the Convention, a public meeting was held which Ali Kuli Khan addressed. Louis G. Gregory visited Cleveland on his way to the Convention and conducted a number of meetings at which new people of capacity were attracted. Lother U. Schurgast visited Cleveland during the same month and addressed the local Bahá’í community. The Cleveland Assembly will welcome the cooperation of teachers who are qualified to give the Message at large public meetings.
An Inter-Racial Amity Evening was held by the Spiritual Assembly of Denver on May 12. The program, carried out at West Hotel, included a Prayer by Theresa Lillywhite, Address of Welcome by the chairman, Edgar R. Meyer, a talk on the Youth Movement in Italy by the Italian Consul, Count di San Marzano, on World Brotherhood, by Fritz Cansler, Secretary, Glenarm Y. M. C. A., on Current Japanese Views by Dr. Tadayuki Hirose, Where Are We Going? by Milton M. Schayer, Races of Old Mexico, by Sr. M. G. Calderon, Mexican Consul, and The Dominant Note of the Twentieth Century, by Edgar R. Meyer.
The Chicago Assembly has set aside four evenings during the year to receive applications for membership in the local community, an excellent arrangement for the larger Assemblies, where time is required in order to familiarize the new believers with their fellow-Bahá’ís. A number of Fireside groups were discontinued until autumn, but during the summer months such Groups met regularly at the home of Mrs. Fannie Lesch, Dr. and Mrs. Paton, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Matthisen and Mr. and Mrs. K. Smith, with the assistance of the following teachers: Howard Ives, Alfred E. Lunt, Mrs. Shahnaz Waite, Elahi Kalantar, Miss Mason, Mrs. Mabel Ives, Agnes Alexander, Ali Kuli Khan, Louis G. Gregory, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moffet. A new afternoon meeting has been started at the home of Mrs. Nettie Tobin, and a class has also been arranged in the home of Mrs. Agnes Kahlke, conducted by Mrs. Shahnaz Waite. On June 17, Mrs. Waite, assisted by Mrs. Ruth Moffet and Mrs. Nina Matthisen, presented before the National Colored Student Club a program in verse and song on the subject of The Message of the New Day. On July 31 Mrs. Shahnaz Waite spoke on The Temple Beautiful at the Illinois Host House at the Century of Progress Exposition.
In reporting another new believer, the Portland Assembly expresses appreciation of the services rendered by
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visiting believers, including Mrs. May
Maxwell and Agnes Alexander.
The New York Assembly in the last issue of its local News Letter reported that during the Bahá’í year ending April 21, 1934, the community contributed a total of $14,934.75 to the National Fund and in addition expended on local activities the sum of $5,886.00. The Sunday afternoon program carried out in May was planned to reflect the four parts of the Guardian’s letter on “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.” Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford opened this series with an address on the Báb, Hooper Harris spoke on Bahá’u’lláh, Saffa Kinney on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Mrs. Elsa Russell Blakely on The Administrative Order. The Forum program for the same period was devoted to the subjects of Peace on Earth, Races and Religions, Education Looks Forward, Ethics in Industry, and Man’s International Tribunal. On four consecutive Wednesday evenings the community gave special study to “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.” Fireside Meetings have been conducted in the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Saffa Kinney, Winifred Richards, Miss R. Sunshine, Ethel Bellows, Mrs. Thurston Vaughn, Mr. and Mrs. Zeitlin.
San Francisco Bahá’í News, the first of the new type of local news letters to be established in recent years, records a number of interesting items in its May issue. Three believers were welcomed into the community at the Feast of Jalal. Visits have been received from Julia Culver, Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher and Mme. Gita Orlova. The public meetings that month consisted of addresses on The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh by Mrs. Schopflocher, The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh—Further Considerations, by Leroy Ioas, World Peace in the Eyes of Youth, by Charlotte M. Linfoot, and Practical Steps Toward Peace, by Ali Yazdi.
ILLINOIS-WISCONSIN TEACHING CONFERENCE[edit]
The Illinois-Wisconsin Inter-Assembly Teaching Committee, Robert Theiss, Chairman, Mrs. Nina Matthisen, 4612 Malden Street, Chicago, Secretary, announces an Inter-Assembly Teaching Conference to be held in the Foundation Hall of the Bahá’í House of Worship on October 6 and 7.
Three sessions will be held each day, ten to twelve-thirty, one-thirty to five P. M. and seven to ten P. M.
The subjects for discussion are: Personal Contacts in Teaching, Obligation of all Bahá’ís to Teach, Public Meetings, Public Contacts, Publicity, Children’s Gardens, Racial Amity. The discussion will be preceded by the presentation of a compilation on the Obligation of all Bahá’ís to Teach. The Conference will be open to Bahá’ís and their friends, and it is hoped that all communities in the Central States will be well represented. Those wishing assistance in securing accommodations may write to the Chairman of the Hospitality Committee, Mrs. Alma Russell, 2622 Prairie Avenue, Evanston, Ill.
LOCAL BY-LAWS[edit]
At the meeting held on August 11 and 12, the National Spiritual Assembly voted to publish in BAHÁ’Í NEWS the statement that local Assemblies are advised to engage expert legal assistance in adapting the local By-Laws to the Religious Statutes of their particular State; and also that meanwhile the National Assembly feels it advisable and necessary for all local Assemblies without exception to abide by the set of By-Laws approved by the Guardian (These are published in the new edition of “Bahá’í Administration” and also in a separate pamphlet obtainable from the Publishing Committee at 10c a copy.)
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Security for a Failing World, by Stanwood Cobb: Last year the Publishing Committee issued a circular letter requesting advance orders for this important new book, stating that when sufficient orders had been received at the special introductory price of $1.50 per copy, the book could be published.
The orders received being insufficient to enable the Committee to meet the printing cost, Dr. Cobb has now arranged to publish the book through Avalon Press. The regular price of the book will be $2.00, but the advance orders now on hand will be filled at the agreed price of $1.50.
Under the new arrangement, the discount of 33⅓ per cent usually allowed Assemblies cannot be granted on the advance orders, but after these have been filled the Publishing Committee will secure copies and fill all future orders from Assemblies in the usual way. The Guardian’s high opinion of this book has already been reported through BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
Youth Bulletin issued by the Bahá’í Youth Committee. Copies of this bulletin can now be obtained at 10c each, net. This bulletin launches the activities of the Bahá’í young people in America in response to the instructions and advice given by the Guardian last year, as made known through BAHÁ’Í NEWS. While intended particularly for all Bahá’í youth between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five years, the bulletin should also be studied by local Assemblies who wish to fulfil their responsibility in assisting the young people in their community, and will also be of great interest to all adult believers desiring to be informed of all branches of Bahá’í activity.
The Dawn-Breakers, Special Autographed Edition. It will be remembered that when The Dawn-Breakers was published, the Committee issued, with the Guardian’s approval, a limited special edition of 150 copies at $35.00 per copy. Each copy in this edition bears the Guardian’s signature, and is printed on very expensive paper and bound in leather. At present, only 25 copies of this edition are available, and in all likelihood the autographed edition will never be repeated.
My Pilgrimage to the Land of Desire, by Marie A. Watson. This pamphlet, written by a devoted pilgrim who visited Haifa during the last years of the Master’s mission on earth, was published under a special fund which enables the Committee to devote the entire proceeds to the Temple Fund. Per copy, 50C.
NATIONAL AND LOCAL ARCHIVES[edit]
A Statement by the Archives Committee[edit]
Over a period of years the National Archives Committee has been receiving material for preservation in the Archives. Through the efforts of the servants of the Cause who have been carrying on this work, a veritable treasure house consisting of original Tablets and other manuscripts, sacred relics, and printed matter pertaining to the history of the Cause in America has been built up. While far the greater part of the material forwarded to the Committee has been suitable for preservation in the National Archives, some of the material received should, without doubt, have been retained for local Bahá’í archives or for individual preservation.
With the approval of the N. S. A., the Committee recommends that local Spiritual Assemblies lay plans for the founding of local archives, if they have not already done so, and that the following standards or distinctions between materials which should be contained in local and National Archives be observed by the friends in the future.
Local Archives[edit]
- Such records as the local Assembly may wish to make available, bearing upon the local activities, all records of importance in connection with the growth of the Cause locally.
- Accurate individual records of all members of the local Bahá’í community.*
- Relics, photographs, etc., associated with the experiences of individual Bahá’ís, unless gifts of the Master or the Guardian.
National Archives[edit]
- The “Real Bahá’í Archives,” i. e., the writings of the Founders of the Cause. These would include any original writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh that may come into the possession of the National Archives; also, photostatic copies and authoritative illuminated copies of Their original writings. Under this heading may also be classed the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed to American Assemblies and believers, and the letters of the Guardian to National and local Assemblies and to individual believers.
- Such National Spiritual Assembly records as from time to time may be turned over by that body, and copies of all National Bahá’í publications.
- Records, objects, and photographs of particular national interest, as those dealing with the Temple, the work of national and international teachers, and The Bahá’í World.
- Individual records and relics of any form only when touched by (directly associated with) the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, the Master, the Guardian, or the N. S. A.
The cooperation of local corresponding secretaries is requested in the collecting and forwarding of material which should be preserved in the National Archives. The attention and active interest of the friends should be encouraged in both local and National Archives through consultation in Spiritual Assemblies and at Nineteen Day Feasts.
Cost of Photostatic Copies of Tablets[edit]
The Archives Committee is glad to be able to inform Assemblies and individual believers who have deposited original Tablets from the Master and letters from the Guardian in the Archives that exact photostats or photographic copies of these Tablets and letters, 5 x 8 inches in size, and on permanent record stock, may be ordered through the Committee at a cost of 10c per copy of a single page. Photostats of Tablets addressed to Assemblies would form a foundation for the local Bahá’í Archives.
- EDWIN W. MATTOON, Chairman
- MRS. MAY SCHEFFLER, Secretary
- 1821 Lincoln St., Evanston, Ill.
- JULIA SOBEL
- ALBERT WINDUST
- GERTRUDE BUIKEMA
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH[edit]
“That Divine Civilization, the establishment of which is the primary mission of the Bahá’í Faith.”—Shoghi Effendi. (World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 3 and 4).
Throughout the present Bahá’í year, BAHÁ’Í NEWS will maintain this special department consisting of quotations from the Guardian’s writings on the subject of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
2.[edit]
Regarding the very delicate and complex question of ascertaining the qualifications of a true believer, I cannot in this connection emphasize too strongly the supreme necessity for the exercise of the utmost discretion, caution and tact, whether it be in deciding for ourselves as to who may be regarded as a true believer or in disclosing to the outside world such considerations as may serve as a basis for such a decision. I would only venture to state very briefly and as adequately as present circumstances permit the principal factors that must be taken into consideration before deciding whether a person may be regarded a true believer or not. Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the Author, and the True Exemplar of the Bahá’í Cause, as set forth in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Testament; unreserved acceptance of and submission, to, whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved’s sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present day Bahá’í administration throughout the world—these I conceive to be the fundamental and primary considerations that must be fairly, discreetly and thoughtfully ascertained before reaching such a vital decision. (Bahá’í Administration, pages 80, 81.)
We need but glance at the Words of Bahá’u’lláh and the Epistles of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to realize the great privilege of teaching the Cause, its vital necessity, its supreme urgency, and its wide-reaching effects. These are the very words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:—
“In these days, the Holy Ones of the Realm of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest Paradise, yearn to return unto this world, and be of some service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and prove their servitude to the Threshold of the Abhá Beauty.”
What a wondrous vision these words unfold to our eyes! How great our privilege to labor in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! Is it not incumbent upon us to arise and teach His Cause with such an ardor no worldly adversity can quell, nor any measure of success can satiate?
And now, that this all-important Work may suffer no neglect, but rather function vigorously and continuously in every part of the Bahá’í world; and the unity of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh may remain secure and inviolate, it is of the utmost importance that in accordance with the explicit text of the Kitáb-ul-Aqdás, the Most Holy Book, in every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above) declared believers exceeds nine, a local “Spiritual Assembly” be forthwith established. To it all local matters pertaining to the Cause must be directly and immediately referred for full consultation and decision. The importance, nay the absolute necessity of these local Assemblies is manifest when we realize that in the days to come they will evolve into the local House of Justice, and at present provide the firm foundation on which the structure of the Master’s Will is to be reared in future. (Bahá’í Administration, page 32.)
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
The friends are requested to remember in prayer these believers who have ascended to the Kingdom.
- Mrs. Julia McCormick, Everitt, Wash.
- Mrs. Sarah J. Swift-Hardy, Richmond Province, Quebec, Canada.
NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
Supplementary List—Additions and Corrections[edit]
Index Committee: Add Mrs. Joel Stebbins.
Bahá’í Magazine: Add Mrs. Margaret McDaniel, Business Manager.
________
* In view of the approaching political and
military disorder, it is very probable that
local Assemblies should be prepared to make
positive legal identification of each member
of local Bahá’í communities through individual data on record including such items
as birth, nativity, occupation, dependents,
photograph, finger prints, et cetera. Such
data would form a part of the permanent
record in the local archives.
[Page 7]
Braille Transcriptions: Correct
name of Mrs. Constance Rodman, incorrectly reported in previous list.
Teaching and Training Children: Secretary’s address changed to 2910 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, Calif.
Green Acre Bahá’í Summer School Program Committee (for 1935) : Genevieve Coy, Chairman, care New York Bahá’í Center, 119 West 57th St., Glenn A. Shook, Mrs. Mary Coristine.
Central States Bahá’í Summer School Program Committee (for 1935): L. W. Eggleston, Chairman, Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Secretary, 114 Ingalls St., Ann Arbor, Mich., Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Bishop Brown, Dale S. Cole.
Pacific Coast Bahá’í Summer School Program Committee (for 1935): John D. Bosch, chairman, Leroy Ioas, Secretary, 640 46th Ave., San Francisco, Calif., Mrs. Amelia Collins, Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, George O. Latimer.
Temple Program Committee: Remove name of Mrs. Shelley N. Parker, unable to serve.
Reviewing and Editing Committee: Change address of Mrs. Doris Holley, Secretary, to 119 Waverly Place, New York.
Race Amity Committee: Remove name of Hooper Harris, deceased.
LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
Supplementary List—Additions and Corrections[edit]
Lansing, Mich.: Robert A. Wood, Secretary, 114 Bingham St.
Peoria, Ill.: New Secretary, Evelyn Day Siefert, 512 Ravine Ave.
Colorado Springs, Colo.: Mrs. Gladys Roberts, Secretary, new address—1326 N. Wahsatch.
Miami, Fla.: Alice Halverson, Secretary, new address—44 Northwest 10th Ave.
Geneva, N. Y.: Miss Christine McKay, Secretary—new address, 22 De Lancey Drive.
Los Angeles, Calif.: Doris E. Goodrick, Secretary—new address, 455½ East Ave. 28.
Berkeley, Calif.: Miss Ella M. Bailey, Secretary, new address—1800 Monterey Ave.
Boston, Mass.: New Secretary, Mrs. Victor C. Archimbault, 38 Mansfield St., Everett, Mass.
ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS[edit]
1933-1934[edit]
6. Publicity Committee[edit]
The ultimate goal of Bahá’í publicity is to place before the reading public the pure teachings of Bahá’u’lláh with dignity and scrupulous accuracy. To realize that in the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the letters of Shoghi Effendi we have material for publicity which is the most important thought that can be given to the world at this time. We must visualize the Bahá’í publicity as being an arm of the teaching work. The time has come when the vast reading audience will be taught through the medium of the press as well as by word of mouth. Therefore the quality of the material is of paramount importance.
There must be many of our co-workers in the Local Spiritual Assemblies who share with us a new realization of the importance of the function of publicity in the promotion of the Bahá’í Faith. This distinctly modern development of Bahá’í teaching work is not far beyond its pioneer stage, still we cannot but feel that the forces liberated by the completion of Dome unit and the inexorable onward movement of world events have had their effect in the increase in the tempo of our national publicity output. To advance in step with our growing opportunities we shall need increasingly a carefully evolved technique and we shall have to rely increasingly upon the tact, skill and actual teaching ardor of the local committees who are handling the work at first hand. The sense of a working contact this year with local publicity chairmen has been the source of our chief joy in our work. To work together has been our aim, sharing the same problems and rejoicing in the same successes. Due to the patience and steadfastness of the local workers publicity this year has met with unparalleled expansion which we feel is a prelude to the greater future and thrilling possibilities in store for us.
As we have pointed out before, in press work we have, more than in any other field direct linking of the Bahá’í Cause with the public mind. (This is not our usual selective audience.) What has been our approach to this unique meeting place of our Faith and the rank and file of the general public? The National Publicity Committee has extended two arms in its activities—one to their co-workers in the local centers and the other to the newspapers.
Letters and Bulletins[edit]
Our purpose has been the further organizing of publicity work in Local Spiritual Assemblies and the development through correspondence of an increased skill in the handling and selection of material. Toward this end we have issued in every number of the BAHÁ’Í NEWS since January letters and bulletins with observations or practical suggestions pertaining to the work. In addition we have sent from month to month mimeographed letters dealing with special and timely applications and have carried on personal correspondence with fifty Assemblies and Groups.
Publicity File[edit]
An effort had been made to compile a file of the available speakers in the Bahá’í Cause in the United States and Canada. The cards in this file will have a short history of the speakers including material which will be usable as advance publicity and will be invaluable in showing the speakers available in your region. This file will be placed in every Assembly for reference.
Special Bulletin on News Writing[edit]
We have recently issued a bulletin on “The Fundamental Principles of News Writing” in which the following points compiled from reliable text books on journalism, are covered. Newspaper interest; the meaning of newspaper terms; taking notes during an address and how to approach the city editor. The bulletin contains the summing up of the past years suggestions which have grown out of correspondence between the national and local publicity committees. The bulletin is intended to become the basis from which the next step in Bahá’í publicity is to be taken. It is hoped that it will be placed in a permanent file for reference. We have sent out five national releases.
Accomplishments in the Local Assemblies[edit]
We wish we had sufficient space to tell in detail the accomplishments of the local publicity committees since last fall. The following types of publicity have been effective in various parts of the country.
- The placing of national news releases (some if not all) in 46 cities where there are Bahá’í Communities.
- The use of paid publicity. This has included an entire column in re-
- gard to the principles and history of the Cause. An unlimited opportunity is before us in this field.
- An outstanding piece of work has been done in a western Assembly where a column appears weekly giving the pure teachings and selections from current writings to emphasize the words of the Cause in relation to current events. An effort is being made to have this material available to every Assembly.
- The sending of news releases to a circle of small newspapers near the city where the Bahá’í Community is located. These are usually small town papers which are likely to have available space.
- Reporting talks by Bahá’í speakers. (In some cases this space has been paid for).
- Announcements of meetings.
- Letters to editors or magazines. For example, through a letter of appreciation to a newspaper ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statements on the press have recently appeared.
- Articles written for magazines (and several fine ones published.)
- Meetings to which outside interest has been added such as the suggested memorial for Edison and Lincoln in February. In some cases this opened doors to the press which have formerly been closed. Other project meetings included guest speakers, concerts and youth meetings.
We have clippings (on exhibit at the
Convention) from 60 cities in whose
papers publicity has appeared through
the efforts of the local Bahá’í workers.
Approach to Newspapers[edit]
On March second the National Publicity Committee sent a letter to one hundred leading newspapers in the United States and Canada enclosing a pamphlet entitled, “The Bahá’í House of Worship”. This release was for editorial files and to counteract erroneous publicity.
During the first week in May a brief statement with photograph of the Bahá’í House of Worship showing the completed Dome unit was sent to one hundred editors. This release also contained the splendid summary of the Bahá’í Faith which the National Spiritual Assembly has just published.
At the request of the National Teaching Committee advance publicity was sent to the cities where a travelling speaker was to present the Cause. In one case this was the first material ever to be accepted in the city.
Such is the present stage of Bahá’í publicity in the year of the completion of the Temple Dome. Our need, as we review it, is for a greater uniformity of success. We wish we might say that every center in the country was making full use of the several ways that publicity may be obtained. We commend those Assemblies who have done their utmost and urge all others seriously to consider the advantages and actual coming necessity of a highly developed press service. This as we have said in a recent letter is not merely the sphere of the publicity chairman—the whole Community should be on the alert for Bahá’í news and ways of creating it. Consultation in regard to publicity should be on the agenda of every Community meeting. Your town or city, its size, its location, has its own special problems and advantages to our work. You as a functioning unit can find the way to meet them. May we all be assisted in the year to come to penetrate into that unconquered country, “the world of humanity”.
- DORIS MCKAY, Secretary
- RUTH RANDALL BROWN, Chairman
- MRS. STUART FRENCH
- MRS. NINA MATTHISEN
- MISS ALICE PARKER
- MRS. ROLAND ESTALL
- MR. WILLARD MCKAY
