Bahá’í World/Volume 4/Short History of the International Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva, Switzerland
SHORT HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BAHÁ’Í BUREAU
AT GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
BY H. EMOGENE HOAGG
IT was in the spring of 1925 that the International Bahá’í Bureau had its birth, and now after six years we might say it is still in an adolescent stage with many possibilities in view.
In February of 1925, Mrs. Stannard visited Haifa. As she intended to leave the East where she has been for some years, and work in the Occident, she went to Haifa for instructions. When she consulted Shoghi Effendi concerning the work to be done in Europe, and as to where she should best put forth her efforts for the Cause, she was thinking that Lausanne, Switzerland, might be a fertile ground in which to sow the seeds of the New Day. However when Shoghi Effendi was asked which he regarded as the most important place to inaugurate work in the Cause, he answered “Geneva.” This was rather a surprise to Mrs. Stannard, but nothing daunted she immediately made all arrangements for a stay in Geneva.
As Geneva is the universal seat of international movements, it seemed to her most natural that this Bureau should be the international center for linking up the national centers of the Bahá’í Cause.
At that time the international associations in Geneva were endeavoring to form a group; they were meeting under the leadership of the Secretary of the group of "Friends” (Quakers) here, who gave much time and energy to the advancement of this federation of the international interests, and were discussing the rights of this or that “association” to membership. The question as to whether or not the “Bahá’í International Bureau” was eligible to membership was given much deliberation, but Mrs. Stannard was able to settle definitely in their minds the question as to its being an inter national center, and was admitted to their counsels with that understanding.
The Bureau rooms were taken in June 1925 and thenceforth called the “International Bahá’í Bureau.”
Shoghi Effendi was much pleased with the success that attended Mrs. Stannard’s efforts, and constantly wrote her most encouragingly, urging her to greater attempts toward firmly establishing this center and enlarging the scope of the work of the Bureau. He often mentioned the “International Bureau” in his letters which indicated his entire satisfaction regarding the title, and its significance.
Soon after Mrs. Stannard’s arrival in Geneva, Martha Root came to help with the work, and Mrs. Nourse of America also gave assistance at this initial stage. The Bureau rooms were pleasantly fitted out, lectures were arranged and many guests were entertained. Besides addresses given by Mrs. Stannard, Martha Root and Lady Blomfield, outside speakers were invited to talk on different international subjects. Bahá’ís coming to Geneva found this a most convenient center for meeting and visiting together.
Through the encouragement and energy of Martha Root for two consecutive years—1925 and 1926–the Esperanto Congresses were held in the Bureau Rooms. Miss Lydja Zamenhof attended these conferences and then it was that she first became interested in the Bahá’í Cause.
Mrs. Stannard found in Mr. Combs of the Tribune de Genève a friend and well-wisher, and some good articles were accepted by his paper.
In 1926 Mrs. Stannard started a publication
she called Messager Bahá’í that
was[Page 258]
printed in three
languages (English, French
and German). The first issue appeared in
July of 1926. Four numbers were brought
out between July of that year and September 1927.
Shoghi Effendi was delighted with this publication and urged Mrs. Stannard to continue, and let nothing interfere with the development of this branch of her work.
During her stay in Geneva Mrs. Stannard emphasized the propaganda work through the publication of the Messager and the talks given at the Bureau; but found it impossible to keep up the correspondence with the Assemblies and individuals, as she had no secretarial help.
In the spring of 1927 Mrs. Stannard’s health failed and feeling that she could no longer bear alone the burden of the work and the financial output, she begged Miss Julia Culver to come to Geneva and assist her. Miss Culver immediately responded, arriving early in 1927. From that time on, excepting the regular monthly donation from the Guardian, and a few subscriptions, Miss Culver has unselfishly carried on the expenses of the Bureau. Various kind friends have sent, from time to time, donations, showing their interest and good will in furthering a work established by the desire of the Guardian, and encouraged and supported by him, and in 1930 the National Spiritual Assembly of America and Canada donated $300.00 to the International Bureau.
In August and September of 1927 Martha Root again came to Geneva and assisted with the Bureau work, so that many lectures were given, entertaining of guests was frequent, and an interesting summer’s program arranged. But Mrs. Stannard’s health and financial reverses finally made her feel it necessary to leave Geneva. Up to the spring of 1927 Mrs. Stannard had largely supported the expenses of the Bureau.
In October of 1927 a meeting of nine people was held to consult regarding the furtherance of the activities of the Bureau and the possibility of carrying on the work. This group of nine, after discussing the situation and taking into consideration the fervent desire of the Guardian, that this Center should be kept active, framed a letter putting forth certain ideas as to the carrying on of the Bureau and asked the advice of Shoghi Effendi.
Shoghi Effendi replying to this letter said that he would subscribe a monthly sum of £6, half of which was to be placed toward the expenses of the Bureau and half to go toward the continued publication of the Messager, if the others would subscribe the remaining sum necessary.
After further consultation, the majority did not feel disposed for one reason or another, to subscribe the sum, and advised that the Bureau be closed. Then Miss Culver offered to take the responsibility alone, acting on advice from Shoghi Effendi. From this time on until the summer of 1928 the Bureau was kept open but with reduced activities.
In May 1928 Miss Culver asked for help and suggested to Shoghi Effendi that Mrs. Emogene Hoagg come to Geneva; to which the Guardian agreed, and she arrived in June 1928.
The old Bureau at 19 Boulevard Georges Favon was closed in June 1928, and temporary rooms at 6 rue Charles Bonnet were taken for the summer months, awaiting the finding of a permanent locality. A very active summer’s work was accomplished. Martha Root was with us, and visitors were numerous. A new energy was infused into the life of the Bureau. Many interesting lectures were given, and many pleasant social and spiritual meetings were held.
On September 9th, 1928, another meeting was held to consult about the needs of the International Bureau, and to find workers and a working basis for same. The following were present: Ruhi Effendi Afnan, Haifa; Miss Benkard, New York; Mrs. Chanler, New York; Miss Carey, Bath, England; Miss Culver, Geneva; Mrs. S. W. French, Pasadena, Cal.; Mrs. M. H. Ford, New York; Mr. M. Mills, New York; Mr. Alfred E. Martin, New York; Martha Root; Mrs. J. Stannard, Paris; Miss E. Sanderson, Paris; Mrs. H. E. Hoagg, Florence, Italy.
A few facts concerning the past difficulties and the present, and a general report of the work, were given.
Many suggestions were offered: names of
[Page 259]
Interior of International Bahá’í
Bureau, Geneva, Switzerland, 1931.
The International Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva, Switzerland, and group of present workers.
[Page 260]
persons who might take
on the work; ways
and means to arrange for the finances;
appointing committees to carry on necessary
details; appealing to all National Assemblies
for financial support, etc.
The result of this meeting made no changes but left Miss Julia Culver and Mrs. H. E. Hoagg to carry on the work of the International Bureau at Geneva.
A French study class of the Bahá’í Teachings was inaugurated in August, Madame Rao taking charge of it. This class has continued and grown in importance and in number. Commencing with a few we now rarely have less than twenty, and often more.
As we could remain in rue Charles Bonnet only until October, an intensive search for quarters was made by Miss Culver, and finally found at 20 bis rue Général Dufour. In October, after the rooms were thoroughly renovated, we moved to this address.
The Bureau rooms are on the ground floor with the entrance on the street, in a very quiet but intellectual and artistic part of the city. The University and its beautiful grounds are seen from our door; the Conservatory of Music is across the street, an the Opera House is but a minute’s walk
In the winter of 1929, wishing to bring the people nearer together, a monthly "Social” was initiated, with music and recitations and a short discourse by Mme. Rao. These evenings have proved very successful and have attracted the young people who offer their talents quite joyfully.
The Bureau has been slowly gathering strength and forming a spiritual center as well as installing gradually an International Bureau Library, to which a few friends and Assemblies of different countries, have generously contributed books in their native languages. This Library besides being a loaning library has also become a circulating library.
Correspondence with all Assemblies is encouraged, and a Bulletin sent from the Bureau gives the general activities of the International Centers in Geneva as well as its own.
Our correspondence, and the distribution of literature have become quite a feature of the work. Not only regarding the Teachings do we have demands, but we are often consulted about international activities in Geneva, about educational advantages, employment possibilities, and asked to serve in various capacities. Through the Bureau, by Miss Culver’s efforts, Dr. Esslemont’s book has been translated into French by Mme. Rao.
The social side is no small part of the work, for it is in this way that new contacts are made. This could be greatly developed if more workers were here. The routine of the Bureau does not permit one or two persons to accomplish all that might be done.
The International Bahá’í Bureau is recognized by the League of Nations. Last year we were asked by the League Publishing Bureau for a short historical account which appeared in that year’s publication.
The Bureau is a member of the “Federation des Mouvements Internationaux” now duly organized and offering aid to its members in various useful ways.
In 1930 the Bureau was legally registered as an International working unit, governed by a local committee which is under the direct supervision of Shoghi Effendi.
At a meeting held February 26th, 1930, the statutes that were drawn up were discussed and adopted unanimously: an arrangement was also made with “Lloyds and National Provincial Foreign Bank, Ltd.,” whereby two persons would be selected by the Committee to receive and disburse funds placed in the Bank to the credit of the International Bureau. At a meeting held July 5th, 1930, the Committee elected Julia Culver and Emogene Hoagg as joint Treasurers.
Mrs. Ford of New York has aided much by giving five weeks, at least, of her precious time for the last two years, when public lectures in a hall have been arranged, as well as talks in the Bureau.
The Bureau is still waiting for the time
when it will be possible for all the National
Centers to unitedly cooperate in the interests
and work, both morally and financially, and
carry out the Guardian’s desire.
When the question was asked Shoghi Effendi
in March 1931 as to the function
of[Page 261]
the Bureau at Geneva,
and why it is “international” he answered:
“Geneva is auxiliary to the Center in Haifa. It does not assume the place of Haifa, but is auxiliary. It exercises no international authority; it does not try to impose, but helps and acts as intermediary between Haifa and other Bahá’í centers. It is ‘international’ because it links the different countries; it is like a distributing center.”