Bahá’í World/Volume 3/Green Acre and the Bahá’í Ideal of Inter-racial Amity
GREEN ACRE AND THE BAHÁ'I IDEAL OF INTER—RACIAL AMITY
FOREWORD
THE rapid rise of the United States to a position of world leadership among the nations only accentuates, according to members of the Bahá’í Cause, the importance of those racial factors within the nation itself upon which its enduring leadership and progress depends. Providence, in making this country practically immune to external dangers, has balanced this tremendous advantage with an internal race problem the solution of which lies beyond the realm of practical politics, in the sphere of human relationships where spiritual realities hold sway.
Since 1912, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spent nearly nine months promulgating the cause of universal peace throughout the United States and Canada, American Bahá’ís have realized the supreme significance of the race question in the evolution of civilization on this continent. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá made it clear to them that increase in the spirit of prejudice between whites and negroes could eventually bring about civil strife of such magnitude that any foreign enemies could readily seize the opportunity to crush America. This view he emphasized more than ever during the period following the European war, when an unfriendly attitude toward the United States grew more and more manifest. On the other hand, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá', pointed out the fact that the establishment of just and harmonious relations between white and colored peoples would give America world eminence in leading the nations forward into the new age of universal peace. Speaking at Howard University, Washington, D. C., on April 23, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “The accomplishment of unity between the colored and whites will be an assurance of the world’s peace. Then racial prejudice, national prejudice, limited patriotism and religious bias will pass away and remain no more.”
The principle of inter-racial amity in the United States ‘Abdu’l-Bahá defined in that same public address as the expression of gratitude and appreciation on the part of colored people for the white, and of kindness and recognition of equality on the part of whites for the colored. More important than the sufferings undergone by negroes during and since the days of slavery, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá declared, is the fact that in American civilization the colored people have made an evolutionary advance scarcely duplicated in human history.
Trained in this view, the American Bahá’ís have organized a National Inter-Racial Amity Committee, with local branches, under whose auspices public amity meetings are held regularly in about fifty cities of the United States and Canada. Particularly successful meetings have been held in Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Springfield (Mass.), Boston, Chicago, Dayton (Ohio), Montreal, Green Acre (Maine), Seattle, Washington (D. C.), and Portland (Oregon).
The Guardian of the Bahá’í Cause, Shoghi
Effendi, great-grandson of its founder
Bahá’u’lláh, in a letter to American believers
again called attention to the importance
of inter-racial amity. “I direct my appeal
with all the earnestness and urgency that
this pressing problem calls for to every
conscientious upholder of the universal
principles of Bahá’u’lláh to face this extremely
delicate situation with the boldness,
the decisiveness and wisdom it demands. I
cannot believe that those whose hearts
have[Page 171]
been touched by the
regenerating influence
of God’s creative faith in His day will find
it difficult to cleanse their souls from every
lingering trace of racial animosity so subversive
of the Faith they profess. How
can hearts that throb with the love of God
fail to respond to all the implications of
this supreme injunction of Bahá’u’lláh, the
unreserved acceptance of which, under the
circumstances now prevailing in America,
constitutes the hall-mark of a true Bahá’í
character?”
In the membership and functioning of the Bahá’í Cause, no racial distinctions are recognized. Its world-wide community embraces numerous adherents drawn from the various races, classes and creeds.—HORACE HOLLEY.
AT BEAUTIFUL GREEN ACRE
THERE is not a more delightful or more interesting spot anywhere in New England than Green Acre on the Piscataqua, Eliot, Me. Citizens in this section have known its aims and its accomplishments in the direction that its founder, Miss Sarah J. Farmer, intended it to be.
“Green Acre,” Miss Farmer declared some years before her death, "was established for the purpose of bringing together all who were looking earnestly toward the New Day which seemed to be breaking over the entire world. The motive was to find the truth, the reality, underlying all religious forms and to make points of contact in order to promote the unity necessary for the ushering in of the coming Day of God.”
And for thirty—four years friends and associates of the late Miss Farmer have been carrying on this work and from a small beginning the investment in lands and buildings has expanded until the grounds now represent more than 100 acres with an investment in buildings of approximately $100,000.
Some people have had the feeling that Green Acre was a settlement of “high brows” and that its object was for the purpose of cultivating ideals entirely foreign to what the facts disclose. Every American citizen regardless of color or creed can join in this work of bringing about a better international understanding with the people of the world, and with Miss Farmer’s ideals fully co-operating in the upbuilding of a unified religious understanding.
The outstretched hand of fellowship is the only password to Green Acre and you are as welcome there as you are in your own home. There is no more beautiful spot than this settlement overlooking the waters of the Piscataqua and Great Bay and with the Green Acre Inn and cottages, the Fellowship house, the historic tea room house and other buildings, it is well worth one’s while to visit.
Some of the ablest men and women of America are to be heard there during the season and among those who have been associated with this institution are John Greenleaf Whittier, Edward Everett Hale, Edwin H. Markham, Ralph Waldo Trine, Helen Campbell, William Dean Howells, William Lloyd Garrison, John Fiske, Lester A. Ward, Paul Carus, Booker T. Washington, Edward Martin, Ali Kuli Khan, Edwin Ginn, Myron H. Phelps, Thornton Chase, Edwin D. Mead, C. H. A. Bjerregaard, Jacob Riis, Horatio Dresser, Joseph Jefferson, Anagarika H. Dharmapala, P. Ramanathan, Rabbi Silverman and Abu’l Fadl.
The people of this section of New Hampshire and Maine will find it a treat and a benefit to visit Green Acre. One cannot stay there without coming away with a better understanding of the world and additional knowledge gathered through contact with many fine representative people. -—Editorial, Portsmouth Herald, August 2, 1928.
Portsmouth Day at Green Acre
THE friendly bonds existing between this city and Green Acre were further cemented yesterday, when the first annual
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Fellowship House, Green Acre, Maine. Owned by Trustees for the Benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada.
Interior of Green Acre Fellowship House.
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Portsmouth Day was observed
at the beautiful spot on the Piscataqua which
is known throughout the world.
Following a fine luncheon in the dining room of the Green Acre Inn, at which Mayor and Mrs. F. W. Hartford were guests of honor, the group adjourned to the Fellowship House, where a fine program had been arranged for the Portsmouth Day observance. Mrs. Harlan Ober, hostess at the Fellowship House, acted as chairman for the afternoon and her charming manner conveyed to all the welcome which the Green Acre people always extend.
Mrs. Margaret Corey of this city opened the program with “The Old Refrain.” Mrs. Corey rendered the beautiful song in an excellent manner and, as Mrs. Ober said at the conclusion of the song, "There is nothing so soothing to the heart as music.”
Mayor Hartford was next called upon and as he was introduced every member of the gathering arose and applauded.
Mayor Hartford expressed his delight in being with the gathering, as Eliot was always like home. “Portsmouth and this town,” said Mr. Hartford, “are inseparable, they have worked and labored together for the upbuilding of the community of the gateway to the state of Maine and to the mountain region of New Hampshire. The charm of this historic town has spread all over the world and this has been largely due to the international reputation of Green Acre.”
Mayor Hartford said that in the past Portsmouth has never been known to “butt in” and did not want to in this case, but since the kind invitation had been extended was glad to further the acquaintance between the city and Eliot. Due to a misconception on the part of many people, he stated, Green Acre was regarded as a sort of closed and exclusive community, open only to those with certain religious beliefs, but now that the welcome which is given to all who are interested, regardless of color or creed, has been noticed the word will be spread about and Green Acre will be further opened to all. "Portsmouth,” he declared, “has never fully gotten in touch with the foundations of Green Acre and when it does grasp them and "see the really fine work which is being done, there is no doubt but many supporters from this city will visit the conferences and enter the fellowship.”
Mayor Hartford paid a fine tribute to Miss Sarah Farmer, founder of the Green Acre community. He spoke of the wonderful work which she had done and what it had meant to hundreds of people. “A monument is due her,” the speaker said.
Going back into history, the speaker told how Martin Pring had sailed up the river, taken a look at Portsmouth, then Kittery, then Eliot and then had returned to Portsmouth to settle. The fact that Eliot was across the river, so that it could be seen from Portsmouth, was probably the reason of his choice of Portsmouth as a place to settle, he said, for no doubt Martin Pring was captivated by the beauties of Eliot. “However,” he said, “Eliot and Portsmouth have always been very close together and they should be still closer together and he pledged the support of Portsmouth for the good of the Green Acre community. Portsmouth is ready to cooperate with Eliot and the fine international movement for world peace. The Portsmouth response has always been generous and the citizens there are a fine example of loyalty. They stand for the right, clean living and for a proper religious background,” he said.
The mayor referred to the history of Eliot and its incorporation as a town on Aug. 7, 1910, saying before that it was known as the second parish of Kittery. He referred to names of natives of Eliot, the Shapleighs, Frosts, Leightons, Downings, Spinneys and Staples and also told of its discovery by Martin Pring and his party who sailed the Piscataqua in 1603.
Prof. Herbert Adams Gibbons of Princeton
University, and one of the most popular
lecturers ever to come to Green Acre, was
the next speaker on the program. His
genuine wit and spontaneous remarks
make him a great favorite with all, and
his talk yesterday afternoon was mixed with
humor and seriousness, forming an impressive address in which much real food for
thought was found. He spoke of the dependence of Eliot on Portsmouth, yet a
state[Page 174]
line separates the two communities. He
then spoke of the folly of some of the
state lines in this country and told of the
simple ways in which state lines were
changed when the early surveyors were laying them out.
“The great welcome which Eliot and Green Acre extends to all cannot be described,” Professor Gibbons said and stated that in his brief connection with Green Acre he had come to the conclusion that the community was made up of a group of people who had communed for the purpose of solving problems and studying that which makes problems. In his observation, he said, that, as far as he could see, no barriers existed. Through education the groups which gathered were trying to see what could be done with the problems of others and also those of our own so that world peace and concord may be realized universally. "All who love world peace and desire to arrive at it in a sound way,” he said, “are welcome at Green Acre.”
At this point Mrs. Ober, the chairman, paid a fine tribute to Professor Gibbons, saying that he was an ace with his heart in the sky. She then introduced William H. Randall, of Boston, a devoted supporter of Green Acre for many years.
“Green Acre,” he said, “is founded on historical ground. The Indians called the river which flows by it the ‘River of Light’ and the ground where this house stands was called the ground of Eternal Peace. Green Acre has always tried to bring peace into problems and the flag of peace has floated over this spot since it was founded by Miss Sarah J. Farmer. Green Acre is an attempt to bring peace-loving people, who work for peace, into sound religious relationship and in harmony with the work which is being done.
“We are proud to have Mayor Hartford of Portsmouth with us and I know he is sincere in saying that Portsmouth will cooperate,” Mr. Randall said. “We want that personal relationship and touch of the people here and elsewhere, and if they are encouraged by the new relations which concern Green Acre it will grow as the River of Light flows and a center so important and fundamentally established on universal peace will be heard from, like the shot which was ‘heard around the world.’
"A wrong impression is gained of Green Acre by many people, who think that it is built up by people of a peculiar religious cult which is exclusive except for a certain few. This belief is erroneous. The people here are of every religious faith and color and are striving for the universal. Green Acre has a heart and that heart is open,” he said in conclusion.
Mrs. Margaret Corey was again called upon and sang in a charming manner “My Gift for You” and "My Desire.”
Louis G. Gregory of Washington was the next speaker. “Green Acre is dependant on Portsmouth,” he said, “and now Green Acre is showing the city across the river that it has something also of which to be proud. There are three barriers to universal peace,” he said, “which are rapidly being broken down, namely: race, nationality and religion. There is to be only one religion in times to come,” he said, “and some bond of universal conciliation and peace will dispel national lines. There is a great inter-racial movement started, with a fine council of colored and white people meeting in the South for the solution of some of the color problems there. Peace and true happiness for all is soon to be realized,” he said in conclusion.
Following the interesting talks tea was served in the Fellowship House, where the meeting was held. Mrs. William H. Randall of Boston poured tea and Miss Edith Gerrish of Portsmouth served punch. The members of Portsmouth Bahá’í Assembly were on the committee for the afternoon tea.
The members of the Portsmouth Bahá’í Assembly committee were Mrs. Henry L. Green, chairman, Mrs. Jennie F. Crockett and Mrs. Clarence Pike. The program committee consists of Louis G. Gregory, chairman, Prof. Stanwood Cobb and Mrs. Harlan Ober. The Green Acre committee is headed by William H. Randall, George Spendlove, Henry L. Green, Siegfried Schopflocher and Mrs. Harlan Ober.—PortsmouthHerald, August 2, 1928.
A SIGNIFICANT INTER-RACIAL CONFERENCE
BY LOUIS G. GREGORY
GREEN ACRE, center of Bahá’í activity in summer, pursuing in many practical ways its ideal of universal peace, under the direction of the Bahá’í National Committee on Inter-racial Amity, held its second annual conferences August 24 to 26, 1928. This event came at the height of the season and was a gain over the congress of last season whose standards were high. was to some who saw the beginning of this branch of service seven years ago, a reminder of the first Amity Convention held under the direction and guidance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Success was attained through the cooperation of the Green Acre community and the nearby Bahá’í Assemblies of Eliot and Portsmouth, the attraction of friends from a distance, the presentation of a program of unusual value and charm, and above and through all, the dynamo of the Spirit which meets and removes all hindrances.
“If the question of the colored and the white should not be solved, it will be productive of great dangers in the future for America. Therefore, the Confirmations of the Kingdom of 'Abhá shall constantly reach any person who strives after the conciliation of the colored and the white.”
The above statement found in a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the organizer of the first Amity Convention, is a bed-rock of assurance to those who by their patient labors would erect a palace of peace that is more enduring than bronze in the hearts of their fellow beings. Ancient records show the seventh as the year of jubilee among the chosen of Israel. A similar period in the evolution of amity, although the minimum of human strength and resources is always applied to the maximum among human problems, reveals unbroken victory, increasing in volume with the years. Here in truth is a call to service for each and all, an opening to move in the direction of the Divine Will and perchance an opportunity to discover, through the Favor of God, that Mysterious Power to which the universe bows.
The conferences were opened by Horace Holley, presiding, who reviewed, with clear insight and classic grace of diction, these activities from their inception at Washington and later. He proved the value of inter-racial understanding to this nation and the world, especially urging America, by improving the means of linking all races together, to become the channel for the flow of that Mighty Power, the Holy Spirit of God, which creates the highest culture. He hailed the day of endless perfections and felt that no ancient customs should be allowed to check the growth of true civilization.
Another salient feature was the Community Four of Boston: Ethel Hardy Smith, soprano; Dorothy Richardson, contralto; Eleanor Trent Wallace, reader; Dorothy Wood, accompanist. These devoted friends, popular among the musical fraternity of Greater Boston, bestowed generous portions of their talents at all sessions, enriched minds and hearts by their artistic skill, sweet melodies and spiritual attraction and had great drawing powers. Their fine interpretation of the great masters of composition was admirable and showed high attainment in an art which combines intellect and emotion. But their incarnation of the genius of the colored race in singing those simple melodies sometimes plaintive, anon humorous, born “in days that are no more,” brought even greater delight. The universal love revealed through song is one of the best teachers of inter-racial harmony. More than most companies of such singers has resembled the original jubilee singers who started out on a tour from Fisk University in 1871 and made this music, then strange, become famous in Europe and America, causing the erection of Jubilee Hall, not unknown to travelers in
A group of Bahá’ís and their friends in attendance at the Third Annual Amity Conference, August 1929, at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, the Bahá’í Summer Colony.
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the sunny South. One of those
who here sang, Mrs. Richardson, is related to a
member of the original cast.
William H. Randall sounded the note of welcome to the fine audience which taxed the capacity of the hall. He quoted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as saying that if a man finds happiness in a place he returns to that place. “If he finds gold, he returns in search of more gold. Green Acre has a gold mine of fellowship. I hope that here you will seek for more gold and take with you the precious spirit which is the soul of Green Acre. We cannot unify the world by the power of intellect alone. The spiritual bond is that which is truly effective. The beautiful story of Ruth and Naomi has a larger application today than in times past. Thy people and my people shall be the people of the whole world. This is the hour of universal consciousness and the spirit of good will among all peoples. We have passed from the Mosaic Age with its law of ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ We have also left the Victorian Age in which men fancied that the law of evolution would, without effort on their part, ultimately bring them perfection. We now realize the marvellous Cycle of Bahá’u’lláh with its new creation of the heart and social consciousness to make us one, striving and abiding as brothers in love.”
Mrs. Shirley Graham McCanns of Portland, Oregon, was the next speaker, her subject being “The Message of the Negro Spiritual.” Her contribution was a rich medley of the history and philosophy of what is distinctly Negro music. It was beautifully phrased and illustrated at intervals by vocal or piano strains. The occasion for her, she declared, was one of joy and humility, the one over the wonderful spirit found at Green Acre, the other in the presence of what suggested the highest culture. She described the conditions under which Negro music was born, the agony of soul which made the colored people in days gone by seek refuge in God, thereby evolving out of their mass consciousness such songs as "Steal away to Jesus,” “Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home,” and “Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.” As illustrating the simple faith of the primitive folk in prayer and the justice of God she quoted the lines of a familiar lay:
“You may talk about me as much as you please,
I will talk about you when I get on my knees!”
She journeyed to Africa and described the technique by which messages, serious or humorous, are conveyed by drum-beat from tribe to tribe, playing an adaptation of African music arranged by the noted composer, Nathaniel R. Dett. There is more than rhythm, melody and harmony, as well, in these beautiful themes, she said. The crucible of suffering in the lives of this people in America produced “a love that was long-suffering and kind.” This she unfolded with depth of feeling, also the way in which Bible stories were selected as themes. She defined philosophy as the love of wisdom and interpreted this music as the philosophy of love.
The chairman said that with such demonstrations of power as expressed by the evening’s entertainment he hoped that such a people would never be considered as a weak, struggling race, but rather as a race ennobled by divine inspiration and capable of the highest attainment.
Here the chairman, without calling for a speech, introduced Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, as the one chosen by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to begin the Amity Convention Movement in America. She is now chairman of the National Committee on Inter-racial Amity of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, under whose direction these conferences were held. High approval of her work was expressed by the audience.
By the chairman: Prejudices grow out of what each race suggests to the other upon the basis of what is past. In order to have a clear vision we must rise above the past. Not what man has done but what God wills is the foundation upon which we must build a new civilization in which all men are brothers. He read in conclusion an extract from the Montclair address of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“The sun is one sun, the light one
light[Page 178]
178which shines
upon all phenomenal beings.
Every creature has a portion thereof, but
the pure mirror can reveal the story of its
beauty more fully and completely. Therefore
we must adore the light of the sun
no matter through what mirror it may be
revealed. We must not entertain prejudice,
for prejudice is an obstacle to realization.
In as much as the effulgence is one effulgence,
the human realities must all become
recipients of the same light, recognizing in
it the compelling force that unites them
in its illumination.”
The second session, a round table, brought a fine audience despite copious rain throughout the day. It was evident from their reception the night before that all were anxious to hear again the Community Four and so it was deemed wise by the chairman, in view of the wish to combine instruction with entertainment, to exchange, in order, one of their selections alternately for a speech. The addresses, introduced by remarks from the chairman, were contributions to a symposium on the oneness of humanity, in which Mabry C. Oglesby, Mesdames Keith Ransom-Kehler and Agnes S. Parsons and Miss Mary Maxwell appeared. The Tablet on the origin of color among human beings, making it so clear that the only race is the human race, a conclusion which eminent thinkers in the realm of biology and the social sciences are reaching; the duty of all races to abandon superstition and bigotry which form the basis of prejudices, the mighty spiritual forces that are released to aid those who labor in the field of better race relations; the far-reaching influence and power of Amity Conventions as indicated by the message of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the first one; stories in race relations, illustrating the sacrifices of workers in obedience to Divine Law; pleas for the justice, peace and righteousness that exalt and hopes for the glorious future, may in a way of brief mention convey the spirit of this session. Augmenting this was the tea and dainties served by the Eliot Bahá’í Assembly, the aroma of many beautiful ferns and flowers and the cordial friendliness and joyousness of all, combining to make a scene which those in attendance are not likely to forget. This prophecy of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was read as a benediction:
“This period of time is the Promised Age, the assembling of the human race to the Resurrection Day and now is the great Day of Judgment. Soon the whole world, as in springtime, will change its garb. The turning and falling of the autumn leaves is passed; the bleakness of the winter time is done. The New Year hath appeared and the spiritual springtime is at hand. The black earth is becoming a verdant garden; the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers; while the birds are singing among the rose branches like the angels of the highest heavens, announcing the glad tidings of that spiritual spring and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to vibrate and quiver.
"O my spiritual friend! Dost thou know from what airs emanate the notes sung by these birds? They are from the melodies of peace and reconciliation, of love and unity, of justice and security, of concord and agreement. In a short time this heavenly singing will intoxicate all humanity. The foundations of enmity will be destroyed; unity and affection will be witnessed in every assembly; and the lovers of the love of God at these great festivals shall behold their splendor.
“Therefore contemplate what a spirit of life God has given that the whole world may attain life everlasting! The Paradise of El ‘Abhá will soon spread a pavilion from the pole-star of the world under whose canopy the beloved shall rejoice and pure hearts will repose in peace.”
The final session came Sunday morning, a time always devoted at Green Acre to worship and praise. Mrs. May Maxwell of Montreal as chairman read from the sacred writings and expressed the wish that all parts might blend into that perfect whole which signifies the love of God.
On either side of the chairman sat two
distinguished clergymen, identified with two
races, both of whom were charged with
inspiration and radiated the spirit of
perpetual youth. In Archbishop Reginald G.
Barrow was represented the African Orthodox
Church, tracing its descent from
the[Page 179]
ancient Coptic Church of
Egypt, jealously guarding its traditions and
ceremonies, its mazes of ritual and dazzling
vestments, apotheosizing the Trinity. In Albert Vail
one saw a product of the Unitarian Society,
traditions of ascetic simplicity, banishing all forms, pleased with the high mental powers of its fraternity wherever found, stressing the Divine Unity.
It is remarkable that both should acknowledge that
the real, intimate knowledge of the Christ
came to them through the Bahá’í teachings;
not less so, that trained in schools
so different, they should be one in service
and purpose and that each through the
differing veils and shadows should discern
clearly the station of Bahá’u’lláh, the
Manifestation of God, and be devoted to His
Cause. The meeting and co-operation of
two such men was a sign of God.
The address of Archbishop Barrow on “The Practice of the Heavenly Virtues” was a compendium of the teachings found in two Bahá’í books, the Divine Philosophy and the Wisdom Talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with emphasis laid upon love, harmony, justice and freedom, the most stupendous values of the age, he averred. “We the Bahá’ís,” he said, “must work to make all races one race and all nations one nation. If action takes the place of words the whole world will soon become a Paradise.”
Mr. Vail followed with an impressive tribute to the colored race in which persecutions had produced such a speaker and such music, saying that he felt as he listened that it was the greatest blessing to be persecuted. Through trials and afflictions the glory of Israel had shone forth and other peoples had attained the heights. “The calamity of God has ever been His Providence!” He praised the virtue of humility which he had found in many of the colored people and expressed the conviction that if each and all would prostrate themselves before the Countenance of God that they would become the lights of America. He then addressed himself to his subject: "The Temple of God: Its Light of Unity,” and with a wealth of imagery he presented the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár with its varied symbolism and architectural beauty, its light of science, its all—inclusiveness and spiritual power to dissolve the differences between races, nations and religions, its fulfillment of Christ’s promises of One Shepherd and One Fold and its marvelous expression of the Splendor of God.
RACIAL AMITY AT GREEN ACRE
BY LOUIS G. GREGORY
AT Green Acre, in Maine, where the Bahá’ís have their summer colony, King Amity the Third* reigned in August. Do you know this monarch? Have you ever attended his court? A kindly despot is he, genial and wise. His courage is high. His borders ever widen. His wit scintillates; his humor flows; his joyousness is radiant. His knowledge illumines the minds. His spiritual wine exhilarates the hearts. His courtiers are picturesque, and vary from the love-lit faces of childhood to the frost of honored age and include all races. He imposes upon them the obligation of true knighthood. Each and all from the good
*Third Annual Racial Amity Conference at Green Acre.
they say and do, appear to adopt as an
emblem that fine old motto, noblesse oblige.
Perhaps some day Dame Ether, from whom
naught is hid, will surrender the full life
story of this sovereign and thus reveal a
most fascinating book. An influence so
potent and subtle, ever invading new fields,
always calling into being that which is fine
and rare, summons the noblest treasures of
minds and hearts. Hearts and minds are
oft surprised by their own responses! The
sorrowing forget their woes; the proud
become humble; the estranged are again
friendly. Superstitions flee; prejudices melt;
that which is selfish seems to vanish! On
the other hand, principles loom, ideals are
realized and noble deeds are done under
the[Page 180]
mystic sway of this
king of service. The
rain of bounty and the sunshine of love
meet in this court; for amity between
races is one of the names and attributes of
the eternal King. Happy are those who
meet and greet Him!
Those who met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. during the years of His service recall what joy He gave to those about Him. Amity is His creation and one of His marvelous signs in the world. Herein lies the mystery of life, light and power to those who reflect. It is through the universal spirit of service that the earth is illumined by the knowledge of God. Existence smiles as the Light of God, Bahá’u’lláh, is manifest in the world.
The truth that makes men free was freely spoken at the third Amity Conferences at Green Acre. Miss Mary Maxwell, the chairman, opened the first session by reading the address of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the points of unity between the races in America, delivered at Hull House, Chicago, in 1912. The points mentioned include their common material origin, the powers of the senses and of intelligence. Besides these he included patriotism, a common language and civilization as well as religion. The one point of difference is color which is thus far outweighed by the points of unity. The chairman referred to the tragic results of prejudice and misunderstandings and with simplicity and directness pointed the better way.
Letters of regret from Rev. Dr. Samuel McComb, one of the founders of the Emanuel Movement in Boston, and Mr. George DeForest Brush, the noted artist, were read. Each expressed warm appreciation and hearty accord with the spirit and purposes of the conferences.
Dr. Leslie Pinckney Hill, poet, educator and chairman of the Inter-racial Peace Committee of Philadelphia, opened his masterly address with a warm tribute to the workers of Green Acre, those of the past whose hands are now still, those of the present who still valiantly struggle. He drew an impressive picture of world depression due to class tyranny and prejudice, but turned soon to the bright side as he traced the recent trend toward inter-racial understanding. Perhaps, commented the speaker, these new signs may be but straws in the wind, yet they indicate a power that increases in volume and effectiveness. He appraised highly the gift of tact in handling dificult situations and felt that all who would share the good things of life must possess this treasure. The removal of difficulties between the races is not impossible today. It becomes in fact only an incident to those who think in cosmic terms. Sensitized natures are turning more and more away from the blight of prejudice and in agony of soul are asking how long must it last.
As signs of progress Dr. Hill noted the increase of books on race relations and also the number of organizations that create favorable publicity. He praised the interracial work in the Southern states so gallantly led by Dr. James H. Dillard, who reflects, with his associates in the former slave states, the increase in the number of those who reason together. The concessions of the white world to the black world are amazing to those who have been long used to oppression. This is leading to a new attitude on the part of black men shown by many spiritual signs. The absence of “reds” and violent agitators among the colored race and the ability of blacks to smile were among the chief assets of their collective life. Another asset is the enlarging contribution of the Negro race to the nation’s literature and art. The universities of the South are now studying race relations sympathetically and constructively. Yale University, one of the great institutions of the North, has recently established a course in human relations. In conclusion he exhorted patience, suggesting that black men should use oppression as wings to fly heavenward.
Mr. Allen B. McDaniel, chairman of the
Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly, was
the second speaker. He declared that such
conferences as this to be a source of real
inspiration and help. He defined a human
engineer as one capable of studying causes
of intricate and dangerous situations in
human relationships and getting results. He
deplored any lack of full justice for any
human being, but felt that the time is
not distant that will bring the full
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ure of justice
to all. This will mean
free and equal opportunity to develop the
God-given powers with which every person
is endowed. The literature, art and music
of the colored race indicate progress. All
human beings must have equality of
opportunity. All are children of the
same parents, all signs of the same love.
We must show mercy and kindness to
all our fellow beings. Infinite patience
is needed; but we must also have faith
in the Day of God when the decree is
peace and harmony among all the peoples
of the world without distinction of race,
class, color or creed. He told of the
happiness of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in seeing in
each face the face of His Father.
Dr. Glenn A. Shook of the department of physics, Wheaton College, presided at the forum on race relations. The Community Four of Boston, Dorothy Richardson, contralto, Eleanor Wallace, reader, Dorothy Wood, accompanist, and Inez Braithwaite, violinist, supplied the music for all sessions with fine artistic skill.
Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, organizer of the first Amity Congress under the instructions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and held at the nation’s capital, in May, 1921, for the first time publicly told the story, one replete with human and divine interest. Difficulties were very great at the time of this pioneer service. Many of her most influential friends were heedless and indifferent. But trials were overcome when an effort was made and worker after worker became attracted to the cause. One of these was the Honorable Moses E. Clapp, a former United States Senator, a lifelong friend of the Negro, who counselled her to enlist the aid of conservative people, as the radicals were already won. Lift it up into the spiritual realm, he advised, and work for high ideals and wider sympathies on a plane above mere political agitation. On the recommendation of California friends, Senator Samuel E. Shortridge, who took the same view, was obtained as a helper. Mrs. Parsons concluded her interesting narrative, which told of success through sage advice and spiritual guidance, by reciting a poem written by Countee Cullen.
Mr. M. C. Oglesby quoted Shoghi Effendi as saying that so difficult a problem could be settled only by concessions on both sides. The speaker felt that the gravity of the problem was increased by the disparity of numbers of the two races. Because of this he thought it wise for the colored people, who are numerically at a disadvantage, to move with such wisdom as to win over at least half of the whites.
Mr. Robert W. Bagnall spoke of the desirability of the two races mingling for cultural and spiritual reasons. Once during a pastorate which he held in Detroit, the pastor of the great cathedral requested him to invite two of the former’s members who had long been parishioners but were colored, to abandon their membership in the cathedral for the colored church. Mr. Bagnall replied that they were more needed as members where they were. “But why,” questioned the rector, “seeing that they are poor people, while my membership is wealthy and yours poor; would they not feel more at home among their own people?” "Not so,” replied Mr. Bagnall, “for as members of the cathedral they give your membership a wonderful opportunity to practice the all-embracing law of love which they profess.” He expressed regret that prejudiced people are so often vociferous with their viewpoints, while those who are personally free from prejudice are yet either passive or even acquiescent with the prejudices of others.
Prof. Stanwood Cobb seconded this regret, which he illustrated by the story of how a worthy colored man was once debarred from membership in an alumni association in deference to a minority of prejudiced folk, although the majority, free from prejudice, favored his admission.
Dr. Shook mentioned the good will sincerely extended the colored people by the best families of the South.
Dr. Edna M. Tibbetts illustrated the ties which bind all men together by the analogy of the atoms and their interdependence. Human interdependence is not a mere sentiment, it is a scientific and spiritual law. It is inescapable. We best commune with God when we love our fellow beings.
Mr. F. St. George Spendlove presided at the closing session. He set forth the need of building civilization upon a solid
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Green Acre, Maine, a gift from Sarah Farmer to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada.
Bahá’ís attending Summer Camp at Geyserville, Cailfornia, on the estate of John D. Bosch.
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foundation. Nothing can be stable
if so great a problem as that of harmony between
the races be neglected. Reading from
the London City Temple address of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
he hailed the day when all men
should live as brothers. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with
clear vision saw the need and prescribed
the remedy. This is indeed the most important thing,
for which even important
things should be neglected. Prophets appear to
tell people the simple things, not
the things they can know for themselves.
The right treatment of our fellow beings
belongs to this category. When we are
able to put our principles into practice the
Divine Cause makes progress.
Mr. Robert W. Bagnall, Director of Branches, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, took for his subject, “Race Prejudice and Civilization,” and gave his hearers many a thrill. In beginning he related the well known parable of the several blind men who went to see an elephant, each being deluded by his partial conception as to the reality of the whole. H. G. Wells was quoted as saying that the worst of human ills is prejudice as it causes more war and distress than any other. Although it has caused great suffering here in America, it must be conceded that conditions here are not so terrible as in other countries.
Many people think that prejudice is innate, but this is untrue and only a misconception. So-called races are only the result of temporary and geographic conditions. A race integrity bill introduced into the legislature of Virginia recently developed some startling disclosures when it was found that many persons who were proud of their admixture of Indian blood had also Negro blood, this through the admixture of the blood of the said two races which has gone on for centuries. The questions arise, What is a Negro? What is a white man? Every definition of race breaks down. All people have pigment and are therefore more or less colored. In the mingling of races the light people are growing darker and the dark people lighter. This causes many amusing incidents, as when people traditionally of one race are mistaken for those of another. The millions and billions of ancestors which each person can claim proves mathematically that in the past all races have mingled their blood. The delusion that one race is inferior to another vanishes in the light of scientific inquiry. This is well, for as long as one race feels that another is inferior it is impossible to be just. Racial purity is pure fiction. The human race is tending more and more toward unity and an olive complexion. Inter-racial conferences are now multiplied. Organizations galore are now working to bring about happier conditions. People of the same attainments, regardless of color, work side by side. By all means get such groups enlarged. Always be ready to acknowledge that the other fellow is also a human being. Rebuke those who fall away from truth and be assured of victory in a noble cause.
In conclusion the speaker paid a glowing tribute to the Bahá’ís, many of whose spiritual centers he has visited in his extensive travels. As the Bahá’ís, despite the exaltation of their aims and ideals are misunderstood by people, doubtless they can understand the difficulties and adversities of other groups that struggle to abolish prejudices in the world.
Mr. Albert Vail, the last speaker, said in part: A few friends are with us. Surrounding us are many foes. It is much like the problem of war. Great is the danger! Colossal perils need colossal remedies. Five hours a day of study have made Mr. Bagnall the walking encyclopedia that he is. He is a combination of work and love. As a Christian minister he embodies these ideals.
Christ has educated America in tolerance and freedom of speech. Where is now the power that can remove prejudices of all kinds. Turning to the past we find that the gentle Buddha brought India a thousand years of unity and peace. Such was the power of a real educator. Muhammad likewise destroyed the caste system over a large part of India and also united the Arabian nation. The old religions have all become stratified today. Yet there is a mighty Force at work. This is the Creative Power of Divine Love which is descending to the world in this, the Day of God.