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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
PROGRESS OF WORK ON CLERESTORY SECTION.
A LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
Explanation of Passages in “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”[edit]
“With reference to the first of the two questions raised by the San Francisco Spiritual Assembly in connection with ‘The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,’ he wishes me to explain that although ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s station is not that of a Manifestation of God, nevertheless supplications may be addressed to Him. It is essential, however, that every believer should realize that while doing so he is directing his thoughts towards the Master as an intermediary between him and the Manifestation, and not as the Source of Divine Revelation and Spiritual Guidance. Provided this distinction is clearly established there can be no harm or objection in addressing prayers to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
“As to the meaning of the quotation, ‘My fears are for Him who will be sent down unto you after Me,’ this refers to the Manifestation who is to come after a thousand or more years, who like all previous Messengers of God will be subjected to persecutions, but will eventually triumph over them. For men of ill-will have been and will always continue to be in this world, unless mankind reaches a state of complete and absolute perfection—a condition which is not only improbable but actually impossible to attain. The fundamental difference, however, between this Dispensation and all previous ones is this, that in this Revelation the possibility of permanent schism between the followers of the Prophet has been prevented through the direct and explicit instructions providing for the necessary instruments designed to maintain the organic unity of the body of the faithful.
The Use of Ringstones and Burial Stones[edit]
“In regard to the use of ringstones and burial stones, the Guardian leaves this matter at present entirely to the discretion of the believers, and has no objection if your Assembly provides facilities for their purchase by the friends. When the ‘Kita’b-i-Aqdas’ is published the necessary instructions will be given regarding this matter.
Legal Constitution of National and Local Assemblies[edit]
“In this connection he wishes me to inform you that at his repeated directions the National Assemblies of Egypt, ‘Iraq and Persia are adopting the exact text of your Assembly’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, as well as the local By-Laws, and are taking the necessary steps for incorporating their Assemblies as duly recognized bodies empowered to administer the national and local affairs of the Faith in their respective countries. The Indian N. S. A., as well as the Bombay Spiritual Assembly, have already set the example in this respect, both in the matter of incorporation, and in the adoption of the text of the constitutions of the American Bahá’í Assemblies.
Magazine Union[edit]
“Concerning the union of the two Magazines (THE BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE and the WORLD UNITY MAGAZINE) the Guardian hopes that the N. S. A. will proceed quickly in this matter. He fully approves the action which you contemplate, and any details in this connection he leaves entirely to your discretion.
Explanation of Passage in “Bahá’í Administration”[edit]
“In regard to the question submitted to your Assembly by the Bahá’í group at Maui, Hawaii, concerning the passage on page 88 of the book ‘Bahá’í Administration,’ the Guardian wishes me to inform you that the festivals of the Declaration of the Báb and the birthday of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá referred to in that passage as having been celebrated on the twenty-second of November, 1925, by the Bahá’ís of the Orient, are based on the lunar calendar. For this reason the date of the celebration is not fixed, but shifts every year. Eventually, as the Master has explicitly stated, a uniform system will have to be established by the In-national House of Justice.*
Memorial of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s American Visit[edit]
“Concerning the West Englewood Memorial, Shoghi Effendi’s idea has always been that this memorial should be in the form of a monument and not of a building.
National Assembly’s Statement Approved[edit]
“He also wishes me to express his
______
* The Anniversary and Feast dates to be observed at this time by Occidental Bahá’ís will be found in “The Bahá’í World.”—Editor.
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approval of your statement in the November issue of the BAHÁ’Í NEWS to
the effect of creating within the Assemblies and individual believers a
more positive and active attitude
towards the Administration. The
need for positive action seems, indeed, to be one of the most urgent
needs of the Cause at present.
Appreciation of Sacrifices for Temple Construction[edit]
“In closing may I convey to you and to the American community of the believers as well the Guardian’s abiding appreciation and gratitude for the striking manner in which the American friends, under the leadership of your Assembly, have each and all arisen to meet the emergency which the lack of sufficient funds had created in connection with the work of the Temple. This constitutes, indeed, an added victory in the series of triumphs which the American believers have, ever since the ascension of the Master, been winning in the field of service to the Faith. Their collective, united and sustained labors in this connection are surely bound to hasten the realization of the Master’s promises concerning the ultimate triumph of the Cause throughout the American continent. May this sublime vision disclosed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá intensify their zeal and stimulate their ardor in bringing their sacred and mighty task to a speedy consummation.
Dr. Moody’s Passing[edit]
“The Guardian wishes me also to extend his heart-felt condolences and loving sympathy to you and to all the bereaved members of the community of the American friends for the new loss they have sustained in the passing away of their indefatigable and pioneer fellow-believer Dr. Susan Moody. The work she had so successfully initiated in Persia, particularly in connection with the founding and development of the Tarbiat School in Tihrán is an abiding monument to her memory, and constitutes a fresh and indissoluble link which will unite forever the believers in East and West in their triumphs as well as sufferings in the path of service to our beloved Faith.”
- To the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly.
- Dated Haifa, Palestine,
- December 1, 1934.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
| “THE FIRST STAGE IN THE FORMATIVE PERIOD OF HIS FAITH”
It would be impossible for me to refrain from adding these words in person as a token of my increasing admiration for the recent, the marvelous accomplishments of the American believers. Despite the perils and uncertainties with which their country is now beset, and in the face of the financial reverses they have suffered and the unfortunate controversies that have perplexed and agitated them, they have forged ahead and are fast approaching the termination of the first stage in the ornamentation of their consecrate Edifice. Undaunted by the magnitude of this colossal enterprise, undismayed by the smallness of their numbers, the scantiness of their resources and the scorn of their enemies, they have carried triumphantly the banner of Bahá’u’lláh and brought to a successful issue the first stage in the formative period of His Faith. At this stage of their development they can neither halt nor hesitate. Whatever the future may have in store for them, they will, I feel more than ever confident, allow nothing whatsoever to dim their vision or to deflect them from their high purpose.
December 1, 1934. |
The friends are requested to invoke divine protection for these departed believers:
- Samuel Angus Roberts, Kelvin, Arizona.
- Fay Swain, Portland, Oregon.
- Mme. Frida Stjerna, Portland, Oregon.
- Mrs. Mabel F. Geary, Seattle, Washington.
- Mrs. Evora Ella Jones, Worcester, Massachusetts.
- Mrs. Emma Hanson, Racine, Wisconsin.
- Christ Jensen, Racine, Wisconsin.
- Owen Mead Snyder, Seattle, Washington.
- Mrs. Bertha Bruss, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Mrs. Sophie Wagner, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Mrs. Mada Longmeyer, Chicago, Illinois.
DIVINE CONFIRMATION[edit]
A Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved friends:
The Cause of God is destined to encounter and overcome obstacles that by the standard of human capacity would be insurmountable. Human movements and organizations follow programs conforming to their own measures of possibility, but the Bahá’í Faith is constantly confronted by what is truly impossible. Until tasks that by ordinary standards are impossible have been brought to fulfilment, the believers cannot reflect the powers of the higher world nor be chosen instruments for the expression of the divine Will. Therefore the destiny of the true believers compels them to move forward from test to test, from trial to trial, from sacrifice to sacrifice, that progressively their courage, their resolution, their insight and their collective unity may be established more firmly as the social foundation of the new age.
More than once in these transitional years would the National Spiritual Assembly have faltered and retreated from overwhelming responsibility had it not relied entirely upon the power of Bahá’u’lláh to accomplish what no human community by itself could dare even to consider. Throughout the period from 1892 to 1921 that power maintained itself upon earth in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. From 1921 throughout the cycle that power will continue to maintain itself upon earth in the Guardianship and in the institutions given sacred potency in the text of the Revelation and definite form and significance in the Master’s Testament. In this Formative Era since the Master’s ascension the believers have received a unique privilege, a sacred responsibility, in the task of perfecting, under Shoghi Effendi’s guidance and leadership, the Bahá’í institutions which represent the conscious cooperation and response of mankind in the Divine plan.
We have accepted the Teachings which ordain an end to war, to strife, to separation, to ignorance and prejudice. These Teachings set each believer upon the path which when followed faithfully to the end transmute selfishness into selflessness and endow him with capacity to express the new law of the oneness of mankind. But that path is no longer the path of solitary experience and individual attainment alone. The path of spiritual progress conducts us to the Bahá’í community where the founda-
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tion of the Most Great Peace is being firmly laid in the collective unity
of the friends of God. If we choose
another path we live outside the illumined area of divine confirmation, we
draw no more from the well of universal love. The step of supreme sacrifice is to abandon the old right of private conscience for the sake of the
new reality of oneness and consultation.
The tasks and problems which the National Spiritual Assembly is compelled to assume, for and on behalf of the entire Bahá’í community, are inevitable and therefore to be met with radiant acquiescence, for in their performance alone can the entire community realize the true character of its mission, attain the organic unity sought by the Guardian, and become imbued with that capacity for spiritual action which Bahá’u’lláh made the Providential mission of America in this age.
Apart from that radiant acquiescence, that profound faith in the power of divine confirmation to inspire each local community, the National Spiritual Assembly could never have the heart to pledge funds for Temple construction nor undertake other duties and responsibilities demanded for the progress of the Cause. Only God can ask for utter sacrifice, since only God can give the spiritual bounty the attainment of which requires human beings to rise from the natural to the heavenly world.
Therefore without fear or hesitation the Assembly Constantly reminds all the friends of both the spiritual and material needs of the Cause. These needs are not arbitrary, human policies; they are the very windings and ascents of the path that leads from the world’s failure to the refuge of the Most Great Peace. In meeting present and future needs we prove ourselves collectively worthy of conscious collaboration in the basic principles of the World Religion.
The essential facts have all been set forth again and again. There is no occasion now to repeat them. Each local Spiritual Assembly is well aware of the needs of the National Fund.
What the members of the National Spiritual Assembly would now emphasize is rather this vital principle, that a collective task in the Cause demands a collective and organic solution. In requiring what is humanly difficult or even impossible, Bahá’u’lláh has given us the means and methods for successfully solving every problem encountered by His Cause. The beginning of the all-potent resources
ORNAMENTATION OF CLERESTORY SECTION.
(COMPLETED UNITS).
of His Faith is the institution of the Nineteen Day Feast. As the local Assemblies and communities appreciate this divine ordinance and participate unitedly in whole-hearted response to it, so they will be forging the capacity and firmly establishing the instruments through which our human weakness can receive reinforcement from the very Source of victory.
An explanation of the Nineteen Day Feast published in July, 1933, and approved by the Guardian, is now repeated:
“This institution, established by Bahá’u’lláh, has been described by the Guardian as the foundation of the new World Order. The National Spiritual Assembly understands that it is incumbent upon every believer, unless ill or absent from the city, to attend each of these Feasts.
“In a general letter issued to local Spiritual Assemblies several years ago, it was pointed out that the Guardian instructs that the Nineteen Day Feast be held according to the following program: the first part, entirely spiritual in character, is devoted to readings from Bahá’í Sacred Writings; the second part consists of general consultation on the affairs of the Cause, at which time the local Spiritual Assembly reports its activities to the community, asks for suggestions and consultation, and also delivers messages received from the Guardian and the National Assembly. The third part is the material feast and social meeting of all the friends. Only voting believers are invited to attend the Nineteen Day Feasts, but young people of less than twenty-one years of age, who are declared believers, especially when members of a Bahá’í family can also be present.
“These meetings may be regarded as the very heart of our Bahá’í community life. When properly conducted, and attended by a Bahá’í community which fully appreciates their importance, the Nineteen Day Feasts serve to renew and deepen our spirit of faith, increase our capacity for united action, remove misunderstandings and keep us fully informed of all important Bahá’í activities, local, national and international in scope.”
This is the divine foundation. Against it all the assaults of the world will strike in vain. One by one every believer could be overcome, diverted or his activities made ineffective, but when united the believers can realize Reality itself upon this troubled earth. The most essential need confronting the entire American Bahá’í community at this time is to bring the Temple clerestory contract to an early and successful conclusion.
ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS[edit]
1933-1934[edit]
10. Bahá’í Youth[edit]
An important phase in the development of the American teaching program was inaugurated with the appointment of the Bahá’í Youth Committee for 1933-34. In naming this new National Committee, the N. S. A. did so “realizing the important position youth can fill in rounding out our Administration activities, and in the profound hope this appointment may open a new point of teaching contact with the capable and universally minded youth of the world.”
In a statement issued in the November BAHÁ’Í NEWS the functions of the Committee were defined as, first, “the deepening and broadening of the knowledge of the Faith ... of our younger members ...; second, establishing sympathetic contact with non-Bahá’í youth ...; and third, intensifying this field of teaching service by outlining methods of establishing Introductory Forums, Discussion Groups, Study Groups, etc.” The N. S. A. also called the attention of the American friends to the instruction of the Guardian, received August 10, 1933, that the Youth Committee should not confine its activities to the national sphere, but “should strive to create ... an international body of active young Bahá’í men and women who, conscious of their manifold and sacred responsibilities, will unanimously arise to spread the Holy Word.”
The first action of the Committee was to call upon the local Spiritual Assemblies to appoint local youth committees, “consisting of confirmed Bahá’ís, not over 25 years of age.” At the same time a letter was addressed in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS for November “To the Young Bahá’ís Throughout the U. S. and Canada,” informing them of this new program with its superb and solemn opportunities.
Meantime, contact had been established with some fifteen international Bahá’í youth groups and seventeen local groups, in connection with the preparation of a survey of youth activities for the Bahá’í World, Volume V. Through two of its members who were on the Editorial Board, the Youth Committee cooperated in writing this survey, and also in securing three articles for the volume from young Bahá’í authors.
In December a Platform of Work for the winter was outlined and approved by the N . S. A. Practically all of its objectives have since been fulfilled.
The international aspect was officially inaugurated with a letter addressed to international Bahá’í youth groups, published in the January BAHÁ’Í NEWS, inviting our friends throughout the world to join us in carrying forward the Guardian’s hopes.
The first real opportunity for collective action came with the request of the National Teaching Committee that we aid in “a vigorous national public effort ... to carry the Cause forward to the extent contemplated by the splendor of the Temple.” The Youth Committee heartily accepted.
On January 13, it sent to each local youth group in every Bahá’í community a letter embodying the general plan, with specific suggestions for the organization and conduct of both direct and indirect discussion groups, enumerating as well other methods for publicizing the Cause. The campaign was set for a period of six weeks, during which time we hoped for an emphasis of the public aspect, “in order to widen our contacts, to bring the Cause into public notice.”
Further teaching suggestions were offered in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS for February, consisting of practical techniques to be observed in speaking. “Make a broad outline, have a clear and definite idea of the salient points to be developed, turn to Bahá’u’lláh, then speak spontaneously with full confidence in His power.”
On February 26, the N.S.A. brought to the Committee’s notice a matter which is still pending, and which must certainly demand the wisest and most careful attention of the incoming Youth Committee. “The local Spiritual Assemblies have been requested to report the names and addresses of all Bahá’í young people between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one years, the purpose of this request being to have on file a list of those who might be subjected to direct or indirect military duty in the event of another war.” In order that the list may carry only names of those who “meet a fair standard of Bahá’í qualifications,” the Youth Committee was asked “to work out some form of class by which children of Bahá’ís and other young people attracted to the Cause can be given sufficient information to allow local Assemblies to pass upon their status.” At the present writing, the Committee is submitting to the N. S. A. an outline for the conduct of such a class, with further suggestions for local Spiritual Assemblies.
One other objective of the year’s work is still to be completed. This is the preparation of a bulletin to be sent to all local and international youth groups, carrying editorials, an extensive teaching section, and current events. It is hoped the bulletin will appear in May.
The Committee has also undertaken responsibility for the program of the Bahá’í Youth Conference at Green Acre, July 27-29, while its members are assisting individually with the Central States and Geyserville Summer Schools. It is worthy of note that the young Bahá’ís of the Central States School are planning a Youth Conference to precede the regular session, June 25-27.
In pursuance of the policy to encourage literary activity among young Bahá’ís, the Committee has actively cooperated with Mr. Bertram Dewing, Editor of the Youth Section of the Herald of the South. Recently an invitation has been received to assist Mr. Charles Kenn, a Bahá’í who is editing Hawaii’s Youth. The Committee hopes to develop the scope of this service: to encourage young writers and to supply material to the Bahá’í magazines throughout the world.
Unquestionably the appointment of a Bahá’í Youth Committee has emphasized a phase of teaching hitherto neglected. It is creating a ferment in the minds and hearts of young Bahá’ís throughout America. Already they are stepping out of immaturity, undertaking their rightful responsibilities, experimenting with the complex science of presenting the Cause, and winning certainty and ambition in the struggle.
To be sure, several groups suffered a setback with the inauguration of this work when, pruned by the age limit, they were forced to retrench and reform upon a basis more conducive to the general unity of the community. Their losses were temporary and were more than offset by innumerable and thrilling proofs that young Bahá’ís aroused to the supreme adventure of this age, are fully qualified to render mature and splendid service. The complete assimilation of the Montreal youth group into the body of the Cause in that city is an outstanding example.
Indeed, whether we look at the work of the local Assemblies with their ad-
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ministration and teaching, or to the activities of the Summer Schools, or to
the various literary enterprises of the
Faith, or to those personal but far-reaching relationships of one individual with another—in every field of endeavor the young Bahá’ís of America
are penetrating and laboring. By constantly cherishing this process, by renewing the vision of urgent opportunities, by consolidating efforts, above
all by ardent service to the needs and
wishes of Bahá’í youth, the Youth
Committee can fulfill an undoubted
function in the furtherance of the
Guardian’s objectives.
But it cannot succeed alone. It requires the faithful cooperation of every local youth committee and group. It depends for its news, its ideas, and its effective planning upon frequent correspondence, upon the efficient functioning of an individual appointed for this duty. This is the chief emphasis the National Committee would make. We in America do not lack for ability or energy or honest devotion. But we do lack that integration which results from action within the Administration. Our mutual success waits upon our mutual endeavor. May we not take new resolution from this message sent by the Guardian to a member of the Youth Committee:
“He is supplicating for the development and success of your youth activities, and he wishes me to reiterate his wish that you should try to create a new spirit of service, and of common devotion to the Cause among young and intelligent Bahá’ís in your country, and to consolidate and widen the ties of friendship and of fellowship which must needs bind them with their fellow-laborers in other lands.”
- Faithfully submitted,
- BAHIYYIH LINDSTROM, Chairman.
- MARION HOLLEY, Secretary.
- GERTRUDE GEWERTZ,
- ROSEMARY GILLIES,
- PAUL HANEY,
- SYLVIA PAINE.
11. Temple Program[edit]
The National Program Committee of the Bahá’í House of Worship submits the following report for your consideration:
The purpose of this committee is to supervise the presentation of the Bahá’í Message at the Bahá’í House of Worship. The members meet once a month and the very first thing of importance to be done is the arranging of the Sunday afternoon programs. Speakers and chairmen for the following month are appointed. We endeavor as much as possible in arranging the programs to always have an equal number of men and women speakers and have made it a practice when we have a man speaker to have a woman act as chairman and vice versa.
| AN ADMINISTRATIVE PRINCIPLE
“This administrative principle which the Guardian is now restating and emphasizing is so clear, so comprehensive and simple that no misunderstanding as to its application, he feels, can possibly arise. There are no exceptions whatever to this rule, and the Guardian would deprecate any attempt to elaborate or dwell any further upon this fundamental and clearly-enunciated principle.” — Shoghi Effendi, in letter to N. S. A., September 16, 1934. |
The speakers whom we are fortunate enough to have here permanently and who are always happy to serve are as follows:
- Dr. Zia Bagdadi
- Mrs. Ruth Moffett
- Mr. Carl Scheffler
- Mrs. Corinne True
- Mrs. Sarah Walrath
- Mr. Albert Windust
We have also had the assistance of the following speakers who have come from a distance:
- Mrs. Dorothy Baker
- Mrs. Charles Bishop
- Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford
- Miss Marion Holley
- Dr. E. Lenore Morris
- Mrs. Howard Ives
- Miss Beatrice Irwin
- Dr. Ali Kuli Khan
- Miss Fanny Knobloch
- Mrs. Shahnaz Waite
The attendance at the Sunday afternoon meetings during the past year has generally been quite large, depending somewhat upon weather conditions. During the World’s Fair, the Foundation Hall was always comfortably filled. There were exceptionally good crowds during the winter although the Hall was not always full.
We have noticed an increasing number of visitors who are attending meetings frequently. People are attracted to the Bahá’í Faith through the addresses made at the Bahá’í House of Worship, and then they join one of the many neighborhood classes which are being held in the surrounding areas, where they go into a more serious study of the teachings.
Special meetings to which the public is invited, such as the great Feast of Nawruz and Ridvan, also are under the jurisdiction of this committee by whom the programs are arranged. The serving of the material part of the Feast is usually handled by the different Assemblies hereabout.
Another thing of great importance, although not handled directly by this committee, but which is under their supervision, was the taking care of the immense crowds of people who visited the Bahá’í House of Worship during the past year, especially the months in which the World’s Fair was open in Chicago. Mrs. True, the chairman of the Daily Hospitality Committee, was in charge of all the guides used to conduct visitors through the building and it was necessary to have a great many of them to take care of the people who thronged here. Many of the people evinced keen interest and we were happy to see visitors from all parts of the world, even some from Haifa, who had known and had met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and who said they would call upon Shoghi Effendi when they returned.
Classes are now being formed in Chicago, Evanston and Wilmette for people who wish to serve as guides at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Questions which it is thought likely the public will ask and answers to them will be discussed at these classes and a thorough study will be made of the new letter from our Guardian, Shoghi Effendi “The Dispensation of Bahá’-
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u’lláh.”
A committee was appointed to investigate the advisability of having a Sunday school at the same time the afternoon program is in session at the Bahá’í House of Worship, in order to take care of children whose parents might wish to listen to the lecture. As yet, no definite decision or plans have been made in regard to this.
Each Saturday an announcement of the speaker at the Bahá’í House of Worship and the subject for the following Sunday, has appeared in one of the leading Chicago newspapers, as well as notices in three North Shore papers.
The Folder “A Temple of Light” which was used for free distribution at the Bahá’í House of Worship, was revised by a sub-committee of this committee and submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly for their correction and to be printed, which they did.
A letter was drawn up by one of the members of this committee and approved by the committee, which is sent out to all people who are asked to speak at the Bahá’í House of Worship, stating just what the policies of this committee are in regard to the type of public lectures in this building, the time to start and close the meeting, etc. The following is a paragraph from this letter:
“Your audience is composed principally of strangers present to learn of the Bahá’í Message. We ask you to use the names of our Founders in a free and unrestrained manner. Every talk, no matter what the subject, is to include a clear, concise statement of the Bahá’í Message. It is preferable that some such statement be brought in near the climax of your talk, as the greater part of the audience usually arrives after the opening reading and when the lecture is well along.”
We hope that our services have been satisfactory.
- Respectfully submitted,
- NATIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE
- of the Bahá’í House of Worship.
- By: MARGARITE ULLRICH, Sec.
- MR. CARL SCHEFFLER, Chairman.
- MRS. A. W. BARTHOLOMEW,
- MRS. E. EDWARDS,
- MR. MONROE IOAS,
- MRS. SHELLEY N. PARKER,
- DR. R. D. PETTET,
- MR. A. F. MATTHISEN,
- MRS. SARAH WALRATH.
12. Teaching Committee—(Supplementary)[edit]
On the 9th of January the “Franconia” began a world cruise around the Southern Hemisphere. Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews was making this trip as far as Penang. She discovered that a good deal of publicity attended this kind of a trip and was most anxious to get some of this publicity for the Cause. It was, however, a favor that could not be asked for, and one may imagine her joy when she found that she was one of four women out of nearly three hundred passengers, destined to be photographed and interviewed at the important cities that we passed, thus in Auchland, Sidney, Sinapore and Penang the word “Bahá’í” appeared beneath her name and she was often accorded a second interview in which the Bahá’í Principles were enlarged upon. In Wellington, unfortunately the reporters had not caught the spelling and substituted interracial, international movement in place of the word Bahá’í but even there the Principles were outlined.
Due to the fact that a full length photograph appeared in the morning editions when she landed, and as Mrs. Mathews always wore the same dress ashore, she was easily recognized, and could not walk a block on the principal street of the town without being stopped and asked questions about the Cause. She had the same experience in the shops, so that everywhere she went she was able to collect strangers for the Bahá’í meetings. The friends had arranged to have Mrs. Mathews speak at several clubs, they showered her with loving hospitality, and by a spiritual enthusiasm that made her work much more valuable than it would have otherwise been. On the last night in Auchland, Mrs. Mathews asked permission to hold a public Bahá’í meeting on the deck of the “Franconia.” Not only was this permission given, but refreshments were served by the purser to the seventy-eight strangers that came. Mrs. Mathews was able to read from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the people evinced a profound interest. The friends again brought such a spiritualizing atmosphere that it helped greatly.
In Sidney, Mrs. Mathews received the same overflowing hospitality, and found meetings arranged. Although there are but four Bahá’ís in Wellington, they held a public meeting at one of the best clubs and about twenty-eight people were present.
By this time, the publicity that Mrs. Mathews had received and the large public meeting which had been held on the deck, had excited great interest and enabled her to form a teaching class on the ship, giving three lessons a week. Mrs. Mathews had people from many different countries and often the questions kept the class for an extra hour or two after the lesson. She distributed the literature and placed four volumes in the circulating library and saw them listed in the permanent catalogue.
The friends will be immensely encouraged by the success of the whole trip, which far exceeded her hopes, and great credit must be given to the believers who by their energy and by their spirituality made these meetings possible. Everywhere the teachings were received with intelligent attention and we may all rejoice at the reception given the Bahá’í Faith throughout these widely separated countries.
“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.
4.[edit]
“Dear friends: Clear and emphatic as are the instructions which our departed Master has reiterated in countless Tablets bequeathed by Him to His followers throughout the world, a few, owing to the restricted influence of the Cause in the West, have been purposely withheld from the body of His occidental disciples, who, despite their numerical inferiority, are now exercising such a preponderating influence in the direction and administration of its affairs. I feel it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, now that the time is ripe, the importance of an instruction which, at the present stage of the evolution of our Faith, should be increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its application to the East or to the West. And this principle is no other than that which involves the non-participation by the adherents of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, whether in their individual capacities or collectively as local or national Assemblies, in any form of activity that might be interpreted, either directly or indirectly, as an interference in the political affairs of any particular government. Whether it be in the publications which they initiate and supervise; or in their official and public deliberations; or in
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the posts they occupy and the services
they render; or in the communications
they address to their fellow-disciples;
or in their dealings with men of eminence and authority; or in their affiliations with kindred societies and organizations, it is, I am firmly convinced,
their first and sacred obligation to abstain from any word or deed that
might be construed as a violation of
this vital principle. Theirs is the duty
to demonstrate, on one hand, their unqualified loyalty and obedience to
whatever is the considered judgment
of their respective governments.
“Let them refrain from associating themselves, whether by word or by deed, with the political pursuits of their respective nations, with the policies of their governments and the schemes and programs of parties and factions. In such controversies they should assign no blame, take no side, further no design, and identify themselves with no system prejudicial to the best interests of that world-wide Fellowship which it is their aim to guard and foster. Let them beware lest they allow themselves to become the tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be entrapped by the treacherous devices of the plotters and the perfidious among their countrymen. Let them so shape their lives and regulate their conduct that no charge of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of intimidation may, however ill-founded, be brought against them. Let them rise above all particularism and partisanship, above the vain disputes, the petty calculations, the transient passions that agitate the face, and engage the attention, of a changing world. It is their duty to strive to distinguish, as clearly as they possibly can, and if needed with the aid of their elected representatives, such posts and functions as are either diplomatic or political from those that are purely administrative in character, and which under no circumstances are affected by the changes and chances that political activities and party government, in every land, must necessarily involve. Let them affirm their unyielding determination to stand, firmly and unreservedly, for the way of Bahá’u’lláh, to avoid the entanglements and bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of the politician, and to become worthy agencies of that Divine Polity which incarnates God’s immutable Purpose for all men.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI. (The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, pages 15, 16 and 17.)
BAHA’I ACTIVITIES IN ABYSSINIA[edit]
The following reference to the advance of teaching activities in Abyssinia is made in a letter from the Guardian, written through his secretary, dated November 20, 1934.
“Mr. Sabri Elias, our beloved pioneer teacher in Abyssinia, has just written the Guardian informing him of his intention to have the ‘Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era’, which has already been translated, published in the Abyssinian language ...
“You will certainly be pleased and interested to know that a number of Bahá’í families from Alexandria and Isma’Ilyyih (Egypt) have recently, and of their own accord, made arrangements to leave for Addis-Ababa to assist dear Mr. Elias in his teaching work. This is, indeed, a very striking and touching instance in which the believers are cooperating for the spread of the Message and for the establishment and extension of the Cause in far-off lands. The Guardian is hopeful that through the self-sacrificing efforts of the Egyptian friends the Faith will make steady headway throughout Abyssinia.”
COMMUNICATIONS FROM NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
Publicity[edit]
We are deeply grateful to those Assemblies who have so faithfully carried on and gone forward with their publicity during the summer and fall.
We assume that your programs for the winter are by this time organized and in action. We are particularly interested in the announced public meetings and would appreciate a list of these that we may consult together as to publicity possibilities. These meetings are your best opportunity at present for sustained teaching through the press.
Before Convention we suggested to you the idea of creating a project which while teaching the Cause would supply the necessary news interest to make it acceptable to the editors. We cannot stress this point too strongly—the response of your Assembly to this practical approach to the Newspapers will be the determining factor in the expansion of publicity this year.
We wish you would refer again to the bulletin “The Fundamental Principles of News Writing,” issued by us last May. This Bulletin suggests projects and methods of handling the publicity for them.
The Bulletin was intended to form the basis from which the next step in Publicity is to be taken. Until the material in the Bulletin is applied more generally and Newspapers become better acquainted with our activities and projects little advance in methods can be expected.
We feel that the next move must be taken by your Publicity Committee in consultation with your Local Spiritual Assembly, and we are relying upon you to make a concentrated effort in this field of teaching work.
Extra copies of the above mentioned Bulletin may be obtained from the Secretary, Mrs. Doris McKay, 833 Prendergast Ave., Jamestown, N. Y.
We still have several hundred copies of “The Bahá’í Faith.” A summary printed by the National Spiritual Assembly. These are available for your use or we will send them to local or nearby, weekly or daily, newspapers at your request.
- RUTH RANDALL BROWN, Chairman.
Publicity—(Second Letter)[edit]
From time to time we plan to call to your attention publicity work that is being done in various centers with, if possible, an analysis of the methods by which it was obtained. For example Vancouver. To quote from a letter received from Mr. Austin Collin, publicity chairman of the Vancouver Assembly, “when we took over the publicity at the beginning of the year we had our chairman make personal calls on the chief editor, the city editor and the religious editor of each paper, the calls being for the purpose of acquaintance, discussion in a general way of the aims of the Faith and letting the editors know that we relied on their assistance and help. Then followed news items about the Cause which were personally handed to the editor. Then the chairman took the Bahá’í World around to each editor explaining the interesting features. We gave ‘The Goal of the New World Order’ to each editor as a personal gift—later we took certain portions of that pamphlet and used them as articles. We gave the Bahá’í Magazine to the editors of the religious page, and the ‘Hidden Words.’ ”
“We generally find that if the religious editor has not space for our article the city editor may have—then there is the editor of the Sunday Magazine sections. In a few words, results are obtained by making personal friends of the newspaper staff and using every means possible to reach
[Page 8]
the right editor with the right type of
article.”
Generous space has been obtained by the above methods. The Vancouver clippings include statements from the recent “Summary of the Bahá’í Faith,” quoted words of the Guardian relating to the New World Order, references to Bahá’í history, reviews of the Bahá’í Scriptures and the Dawnbreakers, Bahá’í economic solution—in short, they present to the public a true picture of our Faith as it is today. For a quality known as “Bahá’í”—dignity, timeliness, scope, we certainly uphold this type of publicity as a standard for us all to follow.
Now, what about your publicity experience? If you have not already done so, we urge you to share with us your successful methods.
- DORIS MCKAY, Secretary.
Braille[edit]
The National Committee for the Transcription of Braille reports that a fine service has been rendered by Mrs. Samuel J. Rodman of Batavia, New York, and Miss Ella Quant of Schenectady. Mrs. Rodman has just completed “The Goal of a New World Order” and Miss Quant has tooled “The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.” Both of these Braille transcriptions were sent to the Library of Congress Braille department where they were bound, and by Miss Adelia Hoyt, the Director of the Department, forwarded to Mr. Harald Thilander at Stockshund, Sweden, editor and owner of several Braille publications, who is deeply attracted to the Cause. Mr. Thilander has expressed his desire to quote from these works in his various magazines and we are assured of his deep gratitude and appreciation. It will be remembered that Mr. Thilander requested these writings so that he might make use of them.
The Guardian has requested a copy of the Iqán (Book of Certitude) in Braille and the work has been assigned to Mrs. Samuel Rodman, of Batavia, N. Y. When completed the book will be bound and forwarded at once to the Guardian. In the letter of the secretary he says that the Iqán has now been translated and published in Russian, English, French, German, Chinese, Albanian, Urdu and Braille and that steps have been taken for its rendering and publication into four additional languages, i. e., Arabic, Danish, Armenian and Swedish.
Library[edit]
The Library Committee has received an interesting suggestion which it wishes to present to all local Assemblies in order to stimulate further circulation of Bahá’í Literature through Public Libraries.
The suggestion is that local Assemblies consider the desirability of having individual believers inform all their acquaintances who have some knowledge of the Faith that the local Public Library has a selection of Bahá’í Literature. This information could be conveyed orally or by postcard.
Since the Bahá’ís themselves either have their own books or can obtain them at local Bahá’í headquarters, it seems evident that the Public Library will only be consulted by non-Bahá’ís, and therefore the more outside friends and students of the Teaching who can be directed to Public Libraries, the greater the interest of Librarians will be. Perhaps in some cities the believers who have classes could advise a considerable number of people in the course of a year to call for books at the Public Library.
The Library Committee also recommends that local Assemblies arrange to donate to the local Public Library as soon as possible a copy of Dr. Cobb’s new book entitled “Security for a Failing World.” The title alone should attract great attention, and the approach to the Cause developed in this work has extensive teaching possibilities at this time. A copy should be in every Library, but the Library Committee has no appropriation enabling it to distribute them on a national scale. Local action, however, can accomplish the same result.
Publishing[edit]
The believers are reminded of the following works which have particular interest at the present time:
A Traveler’s Narrative: The Episode of the Báb, translated by the late Prof. Edward G. Browne of Cambridge University from a Persian manuscript given him by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This is one of the important Bahá’í historical works ....... $2.50
The Bahá’í Peace Program, containing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablet to the Committee on Durable Peace which presents the most detailed statement of the Bahá’í social principles, and the Tablet revealed to the late Dr. Forel of Switzerland, which presents the spiritual science of man’s relation to the universe and the relation of the universe to God. Bound in leather ..$1.50. Paper covers ..$0.50.
Mysticism and the Bahá’í Revelation: A Contrast, by Ruhi Afnán, a scholarly discussion of the “path to God” as expounded by Christian and Muslim mystics, with an exposition of the spiritual teaching of Bahá’u’lláh. The contrast is between doctrines which would make man independent of the Manifestation and the Bahá’í doctrine of the Manifestation as source of Reality. Paper covers ..... $0.50
The Promise of All Ages, by “Christophil,” (described in BAHAI NEWS No. 88) the ideal presentation of the Cause for people of religious and devotional spirit. Bound in cloth ..$1.50
Security for a Failing World, by Stanwood Cobb, an analysis of the current social problem in its clear menace of a civilization unable to save itself from war and strife, with the Bahá’í solution of a new world order. This work will attract and convince many who have turned away from traditional religion. Bound in cloth ....... $2.00
Teaching[edit]
“The Temple has already awakened wide and intense interest in the Teachings and Principles of the Cause. The friends should therefore avail themselves of this opportunity for launching a well-organized teaching campaign.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI, through his secretary.
With the progress of Temple construction, the public attitude toward the Bahá’í Faith has changed from indifference to passive interest, from passive interest to active response. The influence of our House of Worship gathers force as confidence in the old social order steadily diminishes. Now it is surely for the believers to realize their responsibility, and in every community to adopt vigorous measures to assert the spirit of the new day.
The Teaching Committee quotes the following passage from a letter recently written by the Guardian, through his secretary:
“It is his firm conviction that now that the construction work on the Temple is progressing so rapidly and so well, it is the duty and responsibility of every Assembly to bring to the attention of the friends the necessity of intensifying and of coordinating their teaching activities. The Temple has already awakened wide and intense interest in the Teachings and Principles of the Cause. The friends should therefore avail themselves of this opportunity for launching a well-organized teaching campaign. Their efforts in this connection are bound to bear fruit.
[Page 9]
“But the essential is to persevere,
and to toil patiently and confidently.
For Bahá’u’lláh’s blessings will surely
crown our efforts with success only if
we remain faithful to His command to
teach, and teach unceasingly. Ours is,
indeed, the privilege and the responsibility to perform this sacred and
mighty task.”
Under this positive assurance, which is likewise a call to far more vigorous effort, every local Assembly is urged to plan immediately for an intensive and continuous teaching campaign, every aspect of which should culminate in the formation of study classes intended to bring more people into the community as declared believers. The time has gone by when we can be satisfied with that kind of “Bahá’í teaching” which does not produce active and loyal enrolled Bahá’ís.
The Teaching Committee desires to call attention to the various matters which will have to be considered in adopting definite plans.
- Make a complete program to cover a definite period, and complete the program well in advance of the opening meeting.
- Select topics and subjects related to the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, rather than such abstract and general subjects as most Assemblies have used in the past. Our teaching methods today have their perfect model in the general letters written by the Guardian, and the public responds most actively to spiritual ideals which connect directly with social problems.
- When printed, send the program to a carefully selected list of local people who are known to be liberal and progressive, with an invitation to attend. Every member of the community should also have copies to hand on to his or her personal acquaintances.
- In the selection of public speakers, the Assembly should uphold a high standard but make a sincere endeavor to employ all available Bahá’í capacity.
- Teachers who are better qualified for conducting intimate groups than public meetings should be encouraged to hold Fireside Meetings as additional sources of candidates for the final study class.
- Newspaper publicity should be planned carefully in advance. The National Publicity Committee will provide valuable material and advice, on request.
- A public hall can be obtained for this special series of meetings in most towns and cities at a cost which will not interfere with the Assembly’s responsibility to the National Fund.
- The objective of all this effort is the formation of a study class, directly under the local Spiritual Assembly, whose members are to be brought to the full acceptance of the Faith and enrollment as Bahá’ís. Let each Assembly consider carefully its responsibility in arranging to have such classes conducted under the best available leadership and imbued with loyalty to the Bahá’í world order as well as with knowledge of the fundamental Bahá’í teachings.
- From the very first, endeavor to arouse devotion and enthusiasm throughout the entire Bahá’í community. The great degree of unity which has already been established by sacrifice to the Temple can be consummated only by consecration to the task of confirming new souls.
- When this intensive effort is finished, study every detail with a view to improvement next time. The goal to be achieved is collective capacity to carry on periodic public programs, steadily augmenting in power from year to year. The Temple construction has perfected the administrative order; let teaching effort inspire that order with the flame of a regenerated spiritual life. As new believers enter the Cause, find work for them to do.
Some Assemblies have already
conducted active teaching programs with remarkable confirmation
and success. For instance,—
Milwaukee opened its program with a series of nine lectures. The interest was so marked, a second series was arranged, and finally, a third series became necessary. A study class of 250 members is being conducted, out of which over 60 have already become voting members of the Milwaukee community.
The Chicago Assembly is conducting a public program at present. The opening meeting in the Temple was so well attended, it was impossible for some to gain entrance. Subsequent meetings have found the Temple filled to capacity.
The Montreal Assembly has arranged a teaching campaign entirely in French, to attract some of the large French population. Montreal has the second largest French population of any city in the world, Paris being first.
The responses to public work in Lima and Cleveland have been most reassuring.
The most successful program, however, reported thus far, has been that of Milwaukee. This was due to a large extent to the carefully worked out plan of procedure. For such help as it may be to other Assemblies we are briefly outlining the steps taken by them:
Four weeks before the campaign opened, the entire program was arranged; plans fully developed for publicity, halls, literature sale, etc.
Two weeks in advance publicity in newspapers was commenced.
One week in advance, 5000 copies of the program were sent to a selected list.
Large signs were placed outside the hall, announcing the lectures and subjects.
To increase interest, addresses for Bahá’í speakers were arranged before clubs, organizations, radio, etc.
All the Bahá’ís joined actively in the work, inviting their friends to the meetings, and publicizing the campaign in every way possible.
Most important, the program of study classes was adopted in advance—the classes were started during the public lectures, and continuously announced at the public meetings.
The Teaching Committee will hold itself in readiness to assist in the successful conduct of these teaching campaigns in every way possible. Assemblies can secure prompt cooperation by addressing the nearest Regional Member of the Teaching Committee. Particular help may be given in arranging for Bahá’í speakers, if any Assembly feels it requires outside assistance.
DECISIONS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
Local Assemblies to Study and Comment on Recommendations to the N. S. A.[edit]
In transmitting to the National Spiritual Assembly reports and recommendations emanating from the local community, a local Spiritual Assembly should not be merely a passive medium used by believers to bring matters to the attention of the N. S. A. but should make its own independent study of such reports and recommendations and forward them with a statement of its own attitude and comment. Such a procedure will not only save the National Assembly much valuable time, but will also enable local Assemblies to develop necessary experience and capacity.
The Nature of Bahá’í Administration[edit]
Believers, and especially local Assemblies, are urged to bring to the
[Page 10]
fixed principles of Bahá’í Administration a larger spirit of understanding
and insight. The administrative principles are not ends in themselves but
are instruments for the creation of
unity based upon justice. They are
procedures—that is, ideal methods for
handling problems and situations—and not judgments. The administrative principles are not to be altered or
waived for the sake of any personality,
but on the other hand their correct application means that final decisions are
arrived at only when the procedure has
been correctly followed. The National Assembly feels that by now all
believers realize that the Bahá’í administrative principles have been created
for our mutual protection, and that
without them we would be thrown into
grievous confusion.
Correction of Erroneous Statement About the Temple Architecture[edit]
From time to time American believers repeat the statement attributed to Mr. Magonigal, the Architect, that the Bahá’í Temple design “represents the first new note in architecture since the Thirteenth Century.” As Mr. Magonigal has denied having made this statement, the friends are requested not to attribute it to him. The Bahá’í House of Worship has no need, in fact, of depending upon any human beliefs for its vital significance in the eyes of the world.
Interpretation of the By-Law on Residential Qualification of Voting Believers[edit]
First, that when a member or officer of a local Spiritual Assembly cannot function for an indefinite period, and there is no certainty of return to service, the Assembly should recognize the vacancy and arrange a meeting of the community to elect a new member; and second, that the requirements of residence as one of the qualifications of a voting believer should be based upon definite proof of capacity to associate with the Bahá’í community.
The first interpretation deals with the problem which arises when a member or officer of a local Spiritual Assembly is absent and therefore unable to serve. The second interpretation means that a voting Bahá’í is not considered a resident of the local community merely through ownership of property or through paying rent, but solely by reason of actual ability to attend meetings in person.
Local Assemblies are requested to apply these interpretations when passing upon such cases.
MRS. GREENLEAF TEACHING IN FLORIDA[edit]
After a week of teaching activity in Worcester, Mrs. Greenleaf during December traveled to Miami, Florida, where she plans to remain for four months. Shoghi Effendi recently advised Mrs. Greenleaf to concentrate her teaching in Florida this winter.
Believers throughout the country who have acquaintances spending the winter in Florida might well advise them to attend Mrs. Greenleaf’s meetings.
Her address is General Delivery, Miami, Florida. Bahá’í Assemblies and groups throughout Florida will find in Mrs. Greenleaf a staunch and most sympathetic co-worker, well qualified to hold public meetings.
MR. LOUIS GREGORY AT NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE[edit]
Mr. Gregory is at present carrying on teaching activities in the important city of Nashville, and may be addressed in care of Fisk University in that city. The New York Assembly expresses grateful appreciation of the weeks of energetic and devoted teaching work which Mr. Gregory carried on in that city before proceeding to his winter headquarters.
It is hoped that as result of his present plans, Mr. Gregory can establish a strong and permanent Bahá’í group in Nashville, as well as bring the Faith to the attention of leading educators of the colored race.
NEW PURCHASES OF LANDS ON MT. CARMEL[edit]
The National Treasurer received a communication from the Guardian, written through his secretary on September 9, 1934, which emphasizes the importance of Shoghi Effendi’s plans for the Bahá’í area on Mt. Carmel.
“The Guardian is still engaged in making further transfers and purchasing new lands in the name of the American National Assembly, and he hopes to send to the National Secretary all the documents as soon as they are available. He feels that during the last few months a considerable progress has been achieved in safeguarding and in extending the area of the lands surrounding and dedicated to the Shrines on Mount Carmel. It is his hope that through the generous and self-sacrificing efforts of the believers still further steps will be taken towards the complete safeguard of the entire area surrounding these sacred spots.”
In this connection it is reported that a number of American believers who held title to land on Mount Carmel have transferred them to the Palestine Branch of the American N. S. A., as their valuable contribution to the Guardian’s vitally important task. Directions how to effect the transfer have been published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, but the National Assembly will be happy to send full information to any believer who has not yet taken this step.
MRS. CLAUDIA STUART COLE’S BAHA’I BOOK OFFERED FOR SALE[edit]
The National Assembly has been informed that a copy of Thornton Chase’s “Bahá’í Revelation” owned by the late Mrs. Claudia Stuart Cole is offered for sale, the amount received to be given to the National Fund.
PUBLIC REFERENCES TO THE CAUSE IN NEWSPAPERS AND CURRENT BOOKS[edit]
Six or seven favorable references to the Cause are made in a recently published book entitled “The Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries: Reminiscences,” by Mary Price Walstrum, published by Dorrance and Co.
The author’s attention was directed to the Bahá’í Faith by Miss Jean Anthony of the New York Bahá’í community.
The Hearst newspapers have published a syndicated article in the series known as “What’s the Answer—Library in Miniature,” consisting of detailed answers to ten questions about the Temple. The article was apparently prepared by a staff writer from material sent to all newspapers by the Publicity Committee last spring.
The Christian Community, a semi-monthly magazine representing the Community Churches, reproduced an illustration of the House of Worship on the front cover of its issue dated October 7, 1934. The editor in a special note expresses grateful thanks to the Chicago Bahá’í Assembly for the loan of the illustration.
The South Bend Tribune of October 4, 1934, published a photograph of Miss Fannie Knoblock, with an interesting interview given by this international Bahá’í teacher.
From Mrs. Nina Matthisen of the Chicago Bahá’í community has been re-
[Page 11]
ceived a copy of the Chicago Calendar (a weekly magazine giving current
news items), which contains a beautiful colored frontispiece illustrating the
Temple and a very favorable descriptive article.
Architectural Concrete, a new technical publication, contains in its first issue an article by Mr. John J. Earley, illustrated with a view of the Temple dome.
East Bay Reporter a community newspaper published in Oakland, Calif., carried in its issue of October 18, 1934, an article on the Temple by Allen B. McDaniel.
The Chicago Defender on December 15, 1934, contained a two-column article on the Cause by the Editor, Robert S. Abbott, member of the Chicago Bahá’í community.
The New York Amsterdam News of November 24, 1934, published a column entitled “The Bab’s Faith of Brotherhood” by J. A. Rogers which is syndicated among Negro papers.
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MEETINGS[edit]
A Notable Bahá’í Achievement[edit]
Reference has been made in the Teaching Committee’s communication, published above, to the remarkable results achieved by the Spiritual Assembly of Milwaukee during recent months. Further information is made available by the following excerpts taken from the Milwaukee Bahá’í News of November 4, 1934:
“During the past few months the Spiritual Assembly has conducted a series of lectures daily at the Milwaukee Auditorium. The following teachers have appeared on the program daily at 3 and 8 P. M. from September 9, to October 18, inclusive: Madame Gita Orlova, of New York, Mrs. Robert Lee Moffett of Chicago, Dr. Lenore Morris of Racine, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford of New York, Dr. Clement Woolson of St. Paul, Dr. Ali Kuli-Khan of Washington, D. C., Lorel Schopflocher of Eliot, Maine, and Mr. Albert Windust of Chicago. All of these meetings were enjoyed by a capacity attendance. At the termination of the public lecture series, 275 registered for class work, and at the present time, out of this number 60 have requested to be admitted as voting Bahá’ís, and the Spiritual Assembly has formulated plans for their acceptance.
“Madame Orlova has spoken before the following clubs: Junior Association of Commerce, the Exchange Club, the Co-operative Club, Tuesday Nite Club, Rotary Club, City Club, and was entertained by George Des Forges Book Shop, as well as speaking before congregation Emanuel B’Ne Jeshurum. She spoke over Radio Station WTMJ, at the beginning of this series.
“Mrs. Ford of New York spoke before the Protestant Home for the Aged at the termination of her part of the program which lasted three weeks.
“Study Groups—Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings a study class in the Administration of the Bahá’í Cause is conducted by Madame Gita Orlova and Dr. Leonore Morris. Bahá’í and non-Bahá’ís are invited to participate in this study class.
“Fireside Groups—A class will be conducted at 1454 N. Prospect Avenue under the supervision of Madame Gita Orlova.
“Children’s Garden—On Sunday, October 14th, we resumed our class for children at 10:30 A. M. This class is conducted by Mrs. Dessel Suhm, Mrs. George J. Jacobs, Jean Clark, Mr. T. Nabby, and Mrs. Anderson who assists in Bible work. The class is conducted every Sunday morning. Everyone is invited to come and bring their children.
“Publicity—During our intensive campaign we have appeared in press notices 57 different times in the leading newspapers of our city. The newspapers have been very kind in printing nearly verbatim the articles that were prepared for them.”
NEWS FROM AMERICAN COMMUNITIES[edit]
Detroit[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Detroit reports that two new believers have been enrolled. Teachers who have addressed local groups this year include: Miss Fanny Knoblock, Louis G. Gregory, and Miss Agnes Alexander. A series of public lectures by Mrs. Dorothy Baker at a leading hotel was arranged for the first week in November, with plans for a study class to follow.
New Haven[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of New Haven reports steady growth in numbers and in strength of effort. Louis G. Gregory held two meetings in November at the home of Mrs. Charles P. Hillhouse, Secretary of the Assembly. A recent Nineteen Day Feast was held at the home of Mrs. Jeanne Bolles at Washington, Conn., at which Saffa Kinney and Helen Campbell of the New York community were guests. Thirty believers were present. Seven new believers have been enrolled.
Pasadena[edit]
The November report from the Spiritual Assembly of Pasadena mentions: a new public teaching class to be held Tuesday morning at Hotel Vista del Arroyo; continuance of the weekly newspaper column in Pasadena Star containing selections from Bahá’í writings under the title, “Loom of Reality.” During the absence of Mrs. Nellie S. French in Europe last summer this column was maintained by Marion Holley. A new believer has recently been enrolled.
Vancouver[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Vancouver has reported its pleasure in the Visit from Mrs. May Maxwell last summer, who made contacts which the Assembly will endeavor to maintain. Mrs. Louise Caswell held a weekly meeting for Vancouver believers in September and October, and also gave the Message to various local groups during her stay.
Colorado Springs[edit]
Orcella Rexford Visited Colorado Springs last July, according to the local Assembly’s report, and delivered a lecture at the Y. W. C. A. on “The New World Order” preceded by a recitation on the Color Organ by Dr. Gregory. Leroy Ioas addressed the community at a special meeting held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Mathews in August. Six local believers are studying with the Esperanto Group. Mrs. Loulie Mathews conducted a series of lectures on International Relations, open to the public, during July and August, which were very successful.
Honolulu[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Honolulu issued a local news bulletin on September 26, 1934, from which the following items are taken: Three new believers were enrolled last year. The public headquarters was given up to help the Temple Fund, and the Bahá’ís have enjoyed the use of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Husted. Two radio talks have been given, one by Miss Agnes Alexander and one by Mrs. Florence Johnston. The Assembly is now planning a series of paid five-minute radio talks. The Honolulu Convention delegate, Agnes Alexander, visited a number of Bahá’í centers during her trip to the Convention, and in July attended the Bahá’í Summer School at Geyserville. On October
[Page 12]
12, 1934, a study class conducted in the
Japanese language was established.
Weekly meetings will be held in the
home of Mrs. Baldwin. The class
teacher is Miss From.
Lima, Ohio[edit]
“The Lima Bahá’í community has enjoyed a heavenly two weeks with Shahnaz Waite in our midst. On Monday, Sept. 24, a Spiritual Assembly meeting was held and her suggestions were most helpful. Especially did we enjoy the spiritual significance of the Feast Days as described by her, namely that of presenting readings pertaining to the attribute of God for which that month is named and making it part of ourselves during that month, thus characterizing ourselves with the divine attributes.
“Tuesday evening the entire Community met and she gave the lesson on the ‘Covenant of God’ which gave the believers a very clear conception of the Cause and the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Wednesday was reserved for the Young People and Thursday she presented a lesson on ‘The Greatest Name.’
“Friday the first open meeting was held and the topic was ‘Discover Your Bible.’ Sunday night another open meeting was enjoyed, the subject being ‘The Voice of Truth—How Are We to Know It.’ Monday evening the Community enjoyed ‘The Divine Reality of Man’ and on Tuesday night there was a question box for the newer inquirers. Wednesday night the Young People heard a delightful talk on the ‘Station of Christ’ and on Thursday evening the Bahá’í Community gathered for their Nineteen Day Feast with Mrs. Waite. On the farewell meeting on Friday she gave at an open meeting a beautiful talk on “The Holy Spirit and The Trinity.”
“Fire-side groups in Lima have become the order of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Allen Gorrell have opened their home to bi-weekly amity meetings which are attended by six different races and nationalities. A variety of speakers is invited and Bahá’í hymns sung. A beautiful spirit of good-fellowship prevails.
“Mr. and Mrs. Amos Hostettler are conducting a weekly class in direct Bahá’í study for a group of Rosecrucian students, numbering about sixteen. Interesting forums follow each Bahá’í talk.
“A Friday evening class for teachers is now being held at the Baker home. ‘The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh’ is being carefully studied. Four or five members each are assigned a page or two for each meeting. It is read aloud and discussed, this method of study proving most illuminating. Bahá’í Administration is also being studied.
“Mr. and Mrs. Frank Warner who recently returned from Haifa have brought with them a wave of love and unity and a fresh impetus for service. Mr. Warner has been invited to speak on World Peace in many of the clubs and churches and never fails to create a new spirit. The Lima believers feel that the decided increase in the attendance at our general Sunday evening meetings may be attributed in large measure to his untiring efforts.
“Four new believers were welcomed into the Lima Bahá’í Community at our last Nineteen Day Feast, and have already entered into our activities with joyous eagerness.”
Philadelphia[edit]
Recently three public Bahá’í meetings were held in Philadelphia, November 4, 11 and December 8, 1934.
On Nov. 4th Mr. Horace Holley spoke to a group of about 55 people (many of whom were recently interested), in a St. James Hotel lecture room. His subject was “Living Faith and Dying Creed.” He gave a very scientific and illuminating talk.
On Nov. 11th a second public meeting was held in the same room with Mr. McDaniel as the speaker: He spoke on “The New World Order,” his talk being based on the recent letters of Shoghi Effendi.
On Dec. 8th Mr. McDaniel again spoke in this city to a group of about 130 people giving an illustrated lecture on: “The Temple of Light,” presenting over 50 slides showing the different stages of the construction of the Temple. This was a very educational lecture and many remarked on Mr. McDaniel’s ability to convey to the layman the many points of interest in connection with the fabrication and construction of the Temple. Included among the listeners were architects, engineers, sculptors and lawyers. It was gratifying to note that the attendance was greater at each successive meeting. These meetings were advertised in two of the leading newspapers and also we circularized our mailing list. For Mr. McDaniel’s Meeting on Dec. 8th there was a notice printed in the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Lecture List which is mailed by them to 13,000 individuals (with no charge for this publicity). Cards of invitation were either taken or sent to a number of engineers and architects, as well as to clubs such as the engineer’s club, architectural and Art Clubs, etc.
Both directly and indirectly we feel this meeting will be a profitable one because of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement to the effect that the Temple will be the greatest teacher and those seeing the pictures of this edifice and hearing Mr. McDaniel’s illuminating and connected remarks in conjunction with each slide as it was shown, could not help but be deeply impressed and will not forget the beauty and significance of this building.
Inter-Assembly Meeting of New York Metropolitan Area[edit]
On Saturday, December 8, 1934, believers from West Englewood, Montclair, Newark, Yonkers and New York City attended an Inter-Assembly meeting arranged by the Newark Assembly, this meeting being one of a series of Inter-Assembly meetings held by these five Assemblies in rotation for two years.
From 4:30 to 6 P. M. the friends consulted on a number of specified topics, including What Is the Appeal to Youth?
Following a dinner the meeting reconvened for a public session, with addresses by Saffa Kinney and Horace Holley.
A CORRECTION[edit]
To Miss Clara Weir of the Los Angeles community we are indebted for the correction of an error in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 84 in the article listing American Bahá’ís who have served in other lands. That list included the name of Mrs. Anna Lynch, who in fact is neither American by birth or residence. Mrs. Lynch, is Russian and has for some years been a valued worker at the International Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva.
