Bahá’í News Bulletin/Issue 14/Text
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BAHÁ’Í NEWS BULLETIN
Haziratu’l-Quds, Sydney.
Published by NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. 2 LANG ROAD, CENTENNIAL PARK, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA.
NO. 14. MAY, 1949 YEAR 106 BAHÁ’Í ERA
OBEDIENCE[edit]
To none is given the right to act in any manner that would run counter to the considered views of those who are in authority.
What mankind needeth in this day is obedience unto them that are in authority, and faithful adherence to the cord of wisdom.
Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for any one the things ye would not desire for yourselves.
BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
The law must reign and not the individual; thus will the world become a place of beauty and true brotherhood will be realised.
‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
"O army of God!" writes ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, "Through the protection and help vouchsafed by the Blessed Beauty - may my life be a sacrifice to His loved ones - ye must conduct yourselves in such a manner that ye may stand out distinguished and brilliant as the sun among other souls. Should any one of you enter a city, he should become a center of attraction by reason of his sincerity, his faithfulness and love, his honesty and fidelity, his truthfulness and loving-kindness towards all the peoples of the world, so that the people of that city may cry out and say: 'This man is unquestionably a Bahá’í, for his manners, his behaviour, his conduct, his morals, his nature, and disposition reflect the attributes of the Bahá’ís.' Not until ye attain this station can ye be said to have been faithful to the Covenant and Testament of God."
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CONVENTION CABLES[edit]
Sent to the Guardian from the Convention:—
"DELEGATES FRIENDS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ANIMATED LOVING DECISIVE SPIRIT UNITEDLY SUPPLICATE YOUR PRAYERS SPIRITUAL ACCELERATION FULFIL BLESSED TASKS ELECTION CONSULTATION BESEEMING MAJESTY CAUSE OF GOD."
Received from the Guardian to the Convention:—
"ASSURE DELEGATES FRIENDS DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION NOBLE SENTIMENTS STOP ARDENTLY PRAYING BEFITTING DISCHARGE SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES STEADY EXTENSION CONTINUED CONSOLIDATION MAGNIFICENT LABOURS AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITIES STOP DEEPLY GRATEFUL HISTORIC SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH" - SHOGHI -
The National Spiritual Assembly extends a welcome to the newly enrolled Believers:—
| Bridge, Miss L. M. | Newstead, | Queensland |
| Farley, Mrs. D. M. | Moorooka, | " |
| Farley, Mr. F. T. | Moorooka, | " |
| Squelch, Miss M. | Brisbane, | " |
| Lyle, Mrs. F. W. | Coniston, | New South Wales |
| Squelch, Mr. A. H. | Brisbane, | Queensland |
| Squelch, Mrs. G. | Brisbane, | " |
| Cussions, Mrs. E. | St.Peters, | South Australia |
| Cussions, Mr. J. | St.Peters, | " |
| Roe, Mr. Wm.A.E. | Albert Park, | " |
THEME — Teaching, more Teaching
OBJECTIVE — More Assemblies, more Groups
FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
The N.S.A. wishes to share with the Australian and New Zealand Believers a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
"Acting under the direction of the Guardian, the American believers for two years will concentrate their resources on the interior ornamentation of the House of Worship, on the teaching work in Latin America and Europe, and on stimulating small..."
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"communities and groups in the United States.
"In order to accomplish these purposes, it is necessary, as the Guardian has directed, to suspend the Bahá’í Schools in 1949 and 1950, suspend publication of World Order Magazine and The Bahá’í World, abandon our public advertising campaign, and make drastic reductions in many committee budgets."
This, indeed, is an important decision and may serve to bring to the attention of the Australian and New Zealand believers the urgent necessity demanding the completion of the House of Worship and the vast teaching undertakings of the American community.
We know that the American community will rise to these challenging requirements as they have done so meritoriously in the past.
It may also serve as a stimulus and encouragement to the Australian and New Zealand believers in the tasks immediately ahead of this small yet flourishing Community, and urge every believer to pursue more vigorously the requirements of its Six Year Plan.
The N.S.A. is rejoicing in the formation of three new local Assemblies on April 21st, 1949, in three goal cities - Hobart, Perth, and Brisbane. The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has now bridged the vast Australian Continent, but our work must and will continue to expand, as never before, in striving to bring to successful fruition the first collective endeavour of the Australian and New Zealand Bahá’ís.
HOLY DAYS[edit]
The N.S.A. would like to draw to the attention of the believers that special leave on full pay has been granted Mr. Ron Cover, a teacher in the employ of the Education Department of Victoria to a request directed in that State for recognition of the Bahá’í Holy Days.
A similar case has been reported by Mr. C. J. Easey, of Melbourne, Victoria, with a private firm.
The N.S.A. would stress that, wherever possible, the believers should observe the Bahá’í Holy Days.
LOVE OF GOD[edit]
For every one of you his paramount duty is to choose for himself that on which no others may infringe and none usurp from him. Such a thing . . . is the love of God, could ye but perceive it.
BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY[edit]
The Bahá’í International Community, which comprises the nine National Spiritual Assemblies throughout the world, is represented by the N.S.A. of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh of New York is the accredited representative of the Bahá’ís to the United Nations.
From a recent communication of the Bahá’í International Community, the following extract is taken -
"Bahá’í representatives have served at conferences of international non-governmental organizations under UN auspices in Paris, France and Lawrence, Kansas, and delegates will represent the Bahá’í International Community at conferences to be held at Lake Success, New York, during April.
Reports of these successive meetings will appear in Bahá’í News for the information and encouragement of all believers.
We regret to advise you that the Bahá’í application for consultative status has not been approved, the reason being the lack of information about the Faith among the various UN personnel from the member countries. This condition is now being remedied by regular distribution of Bahá’í literature. We hope that the consultative status can be granted next year, or very soon thereafter."
The N.S.A. would appreciate any suggestions which would make this UN connection helpful in our Bahá’í work.
THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY of the BAHÁ’ÍS of EGYPT and SUDAN[edit]
has acknowledged the receipt of our News Bulletins and wishes to share with Bahá’ís throughout the world the glad tidings of the fulfilment of the first year's programme of their Five Year Plan.
Four new Bahá’í centres have been formed in different districts of Egypt.
The Spiritual Assembly of Khartoum plans to establish a Spiritual Assembly in Port Sudan and three Bahá’í centres within the period of their Five Year Plan for Sudan.
Efforts to acquire burial grounds in Port Said and Alexandria are gaining success. Land for this purpose has been allotted in Port Said, but some formalities still have
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to be completed before final acquisition. In Alexandria, there are some differences between the Assembly and the Municipality as to which body is responsible for the payment of the land.
There is still some difficulty in printing Bahá’í literature in Egypt due to Martial Law.
This year, Ethiopia is aiming at increasing the number of believers in Addis Abeba.
The believers of Egypt and Sudan are still unable to communicate with our Beloved Guardian, and ask for the prayers of the believers all over the world.
Let us, especially, remember in our prayers all the believers in the world who do not enjoy the Freedom of Worship which we have in Australia and New Zealand.
FORMAL RECOGNITION OF LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
In accordance with the instructions of the Guardian, and provisions of By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly, the N.S.A. has afforded formal recognition to the L.S.A.’s of CARINGBAH, N.S.W., YERRINBOOL, N.S.W., WOODVILLE, S.A., MELBOURNE, Vic., ADELAIDE, S.A., SYDNEY, N.S.W., HOBART, Tas., PERTH, W.A., & BRISBANE, Q’ld. and has made the appropriate entries in the Enrolment Register of L.S.A.’s under the jurisdiction of the N.S.A.
This formal recognition has been recorded by Certificate, under the Seal of the N.S.A., which has been forwarded to each Spiritual Assembly.
The Register of Enrolments of Local Spiritual Assemblies, drawn up by the Legal Committee and approved by the N.S.A., is a register in which entries are made by the Secretary of the N.S.A. at the appropriate time, these entries being checked periodically by the Chairman.
ORDERING OF PAMPHLETS[edit]
An order has been placed with George Ronald, England, for more copies of the excellent teaching pamphlets -
"HEADLINES TOMORROW" and "A PATTERN FOR FUTURE SOCIETY."
These pamphlets will soon be available. "THE BRILLIANT PROOF" reprinted by the N.S.A., is now available and on sale.
Price 1s.3d. ea.
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INTERVIEW WITH NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
The N.S.A. met in consultation with the N.T.C. at its recent meeting to discuss the teaching plan as submitted by the N.T.C.
This plan, which will be reported in detail in the next Bulletin, was endorsed by the N.S.A. as a necessity in extending teaching work under the Six Year Plan and in consolidating the work already accomplished.
CONSULTATION WITH SYDNEY COMMUNITY[edit]
The N.S.A. met in consultation with the Sydney Bahá’í Community at 8. pm, Monday, April 25th, 1949.
After a welcome by the Chairman, on behalf of the N.S.A., the meeting was opened with a prayer by Mother Dunn.
The whole discussion centred around ways and means of teaching. A very profitable hour was spent.
VISUAL AIDS[edit]
Various slides, pictures, etc., available for local communities, are in the process of being prepared and catalogued.
Information will be given at a later date, in the Bulletin, when this work has been completed.
IMMIGRANTS[edit]
Regarding the question of an official representation on behalf of the N.S.A. to immigrants arriving in Australia, the N.S.A. feels that it is not advisable to approach such matters on a collective scale, due to the political implications which may be involved but that individual contacts could be encouraged to advantage.
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HAZÍRATU’L-QUDS[edit]
At a recent N.S.A. meeting, the following motion was passed:-
"That in view of a number of trivial complaints from sections of the Bahá’í Community regarding the use and maintenance of the National Headquarters’ building, the N.S.A. feels that the attention of the friends should be drawn to the duties of the House Committee and/or resident Secretary or Hostess.
The N.S.A. is wholly satisfied at the efforts of the House Committee and resident Hostess in caring for the property, and invites the friends to make full use of the Headquarters through the medium of the House Committee."
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY ELECTION[edit]
The following members represent the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand for Bahá’í Year, 106. -
| Mr. S. W. Bolton | Chairman, Yerrinbool, N.S.W. |
| Mr. M. Appleton | Vice-Chairman, " " |
| Mrs. M. G. Bolton | Secretary, " " |
| Mr. A. Tunks | Treasurer, Sydney, N.S.W. |
| Miss G. Lamprill | Tasmania. |
| Mr. A. Blum | New Zealand |
| Mr. J. Heggie | Queensland |
| Mrs. B. Dobbins | South Australia |
| Mr. H. C. Featherstone | South Australia |
CONSULTATION WITH AUCKLAND DELEGATES[edit]
The N.S.A. consulted with the Auckland delegates at its meeting of April 26th, 1949, on the subjects of -
- (a) delegates fares
- (b) summer school
- (c) teaching funds and visiting teachers, and
- (d) legal technicalities with the legal representative.
CONVENTION REPORTS[edit]
An extremely successful Convention has just closed.
The Special Convention Brochure will be available shortly.
This publication will set out fully the National Spiritual Assembly’s Annual Report, Treasurer’s Statement and recommendations of the Delegates to the N.S.A., together with National Committee reports.
HOMEWARD BOUND from the Convention, Mr. & Mrs. Dobbins from Adelaide had a remarkable experience.
During dinner at the “Travellers’ Aid Depot” in Melbourne, they sat at a table occupied by a newly arrived immigrant, his wife, and three children. His name was Gottlieb Woerz (which means God’s Love) and his father was a gardener for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Mr. Woerz was born in Haifa and knew ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and all the Holy Family. He also knows Shoghi Effendi and his father, Fujita, and Effie Baker.
A number of the New Zealand delegates and visitors spent an enjoyable day at Yerrinbool after the Convention sessions had closed.
They were driven to the Summer School and shown the Hyde-Dunn Memorial Hall, the library, the annex, the gardens, and the proposed site for the first dormitory.
Here is another appreciation of the “Herald of the South” - from Mr. Joseph T. Kuperberg, 362 Gold Street, BROOKLYN 1, New York, USA., dated March 31st, 1949.
“Dear Bahá’í Friends,
- Allah’u’Abhá
Enclosed you will find my remittance for a renewal subscription to your Bahá’í Magazine. I appreciate the splendid way you get up each issue and in some ways you do even better than our American Bahá’ís. With every best wish for the success of our Cause in your part of the world,
- I remain - A Bahá’í.”
TRANSFERS[edit]
Miss Avilda Johansson from Yerrinbool, N.S.W. to Sydney, N.S.W.
Mr. Alá’í Manuchihr from Teheran, Iran, to Auckland, N.Z.
Mr. David Miller from Bathurst, N.S.W. to Bonegilla, Vic.
FEASTS[edit]
| MONTH | ARABIC NAME | TRANSLATION | FIRST DAYS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | ‘Aẓamat | Grandeur | May 17 |
| 5th | Núr | Light | June 5 |
ANNIVERSARIES[edit]
FEAST OF RIḌVÁN (Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh) April 21 – May 2, 1863.
DECLARATION of the BÁB, May 23, 1844.
ASCENSION of BAHÁ’U’LLÁH May 29, 1892.
MARTYRDOM of the BÁB July 9, 1850.
BIRTH of the BÁB October 20, 1819
BIRTH of BAHÁ’U’LLÁH November 12, 1817
DAY of the COVENANT November 26.
ASCENSION of ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ November 28, 1921
PERIOD of the FAST, nineteen days beginning March 2.
FEAST of NAW-RÚZ (Bahá’í New Year,) March 21.
IF YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE WITH YOUR FELLOW BELIEVERS, KINDLY SEND IT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT DELAY AND HELP US TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER.
Editor.