Bahá’í News/Issue 107/Text
| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 107 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee. I testify, at this moment, to my powerlessness and to Thy might, to my poverty and to Thy wealth.
There is none other God but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.—Bahá’u’lláh. (Translated by Shoghi Effendi.)
“TRUTHS WHICH LIE AT THE BASIS OF OUR FAITH”[edit]
Note: A section of BAHÁ’Í NEWS will hereafter be devoted to excerpts from the Guardian’s interpretation of the fundamental Teachings.
Let no one meditating, in the light of the afore-quoted passages, on the nature of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, mistake its character or misconstrue the intent of its Author. The divinity attributed to so great a Being and the complete incarnation of the names and attributes of God in so exalted a Person should, under no circumstances, be misconceived or misinterpreted. The human temple that has been made the vehicle of so overpowering a Revelation must, if we be faithful to the tenets of our Faith, ever remain entirely distinguished from that “innermost Spirit of Spirits” and “eternal Essence of Essences”—that invisible yet rational God Who, however much we extol the divinity of His Manifestations on earth, can in no wise incarnate His infinite, His unknowable, His incorruptible and all-embracing Reality in the concrete and limited frame of a mortal being. Indeed, the God Who could so incarnate His own reality would, in the light of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, cease immediately to be God. So crude and fantastic a theory of Divine incarnation is as removed from, and incompatible with, the essentials of Bahá’í belief as are the no less inadmissible pantheistic and anthropomorphic conceptions of God—both of which the utterances of Bahá’u’lláh emphatically repudiate and the fallacy of which they expose....
| MOTHER OF THE GUARDIAN ANNOUNCES HIS MARRIAGE
Cablegram “Announce Assemblies celebration marriage beloved Guardian stop Inestimable honor conferred upon handmaid of Bahá’u’lláh Ruhíyyíh Khanum Miss Mary Maxwell stop Union of East and West proclaimed by Bahá’í Faith cemented. (Signed) Ziaíyyíh, mother of the Guardian.” |
That Bahá’u’lláh should, notwithstanding the overwhelming intensity of His Revelation, be regarded as essentially one of these Manifestations of God, never to be identified with that invisible Reality, the Essence of Divinity itself, is one of the major beliefs of our Faith—a belief which should never be obscured and the integrity of which no one of its followers should allow to be compromised.
Nor does the Bahá’í Revelation, claiming as it does to be the culmination of a prophetic cycle and the fulfilment of the promise of all ages, attempt, under any circumstances, to invalidate those first and everlasting principles that animate and underlie the Religions that have preceded it. The God-given authority, vested in each one of them, it admits and establishes as its firmest and ultimate basis. It regards them in no other light except as different stages in the eternal history and constant evolution of one religion, Divine and indivisible, of which it itself forms but an integral part. It neither seeks to obscure their Divine origin, nor to dwarf the admitted magnitude of their colossal achievements. It can countenance no attempt that seeks to distort their features or to stultify the truths which they instil. Its teachings do not deviate a hairbreadth from the verities they enshrine, nor does the weight of its message detract one jot or one tittle from the influence they exert or the loyalty they inspire. Far from aiming at the overthrow of the spiritual foundation of the world’s religious systems, its avowed, its unalterable purpose is to widen their basis, to restate their fundamentals, to reconcile their aims, to reinvigorate their life, to demonstrate their oneness, to restore the pristine purity of their teachings, to coordinate their functions and to assist in their realization of their highest aspirations. These divinely-revealed religions, as a close observer has graphically expressed it, “are doomed not to die, but to be reborn ... ‘Does not the child succumb in the youth and the youth in the man; yet neither child nor youth perishes?’ ”
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
- Mrs. Cecile Hill, Toledo, Ohio.
LOCAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Dorothy Stotts, 1008 Superior Street, has been elected Secretary to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mrs. Cecile Hill.
[Page 2]
South Bend, Indiana. Mrs. Sarah
M. Russell, 1031 Lincoln Way, West,
is Acting Corresponding Secretary
during the temporary absence from the
city of Miss Nayan Hartfield.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Since the publication of BAHÁ’Í NEWS No. 106, local Assemblies have reported on memberships as follows:
South Bend, one. Winnetka, one. Philadelphia, one. Chicago, one.
LIMA ASSEMBLY GIVES RADIO SERIES[edit]
The Lima Assembly received an invitation to give a series of five radio talks for the daily devotional hour of the new Lima station, February 8 to 12, inclusive. Four of the friends were chosen to participate, and a soloist added much by singing hymns. Bahá’í hymns and well known old hymns were used at the beginning of each program and the Bahá’í benediction closed each service. A Bahá’í prayer and a passage of Bible reading opened the service, and lent a truly devotional aspect to the program. The series included the following talks:
- Objectives of the Bahá’í Faith.
- Prayer.
- Unity in the World of Religion.
- The Spiritual Life of Man.
- The New World Order.
The talks are all direct, though designed to be informal and of general
interest.
The Public Library arranged a special exhibit of Bahá’í literature during the radio program, and calls for the books were greatly stimulated. A new acceleration in the progress of the Cause is definitely noticeable in Lima, the Assembly reports.
EASTERN YOUTH CONVENE IN NEW YORK[edit]
On Saturday, December 26, 1936, at the Bahá’í Center in New York, the Bahá’í Youth of eastern United States and Canada met for their second annual mid-winter conference. Representatives attended from Albany, Baltimore, Binghamton, Boston, Philadelphia, Teaneck, Washington, Montreal, and New York.
The general program for the conference was: Saturday, a luncheon, conference meeting at the Center, dinner, informal party at Philip Sprague’s apartment; Sunday, luncheon, and a youth symposium at the Public Meeting at the Center.
The conference meeting Saturday afternoon was presided over by the chairman of the National Youth Committee.
The Guardian sent the following cable which was read: “Praying ardently for Conference. Abiding gratitude, love.”—Shoghi. A letter of greeting was also read from the Montreal Youth Group.
| ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF ANNOUNCEMENT
“Ziaíyyíh Khanum Assemblies will rejoice your heart stirring announcement. Beseech divine blessings.” “Shoghi Effendi Joyously acclaim historic event so auspiciously uniting in eternal bond the destiny of East and West.” |
The 1937 plans for youth activities were presented by the chairman and discussed, principal emphasis being placed upon the International Series of Youth Symposiums planned for March 7. The individual responsibility of youth was discussed. The importance of prayers and meditation was brought out. A clear understanding of individual responsibility will result in closer cooperation with national committees, with local and national Assemblies, and in constant financial support to Bahá’í funds and publications.
The remainder of the conference period was devoted to a discussion of Group Consciousness, Teachings, and the Place of Youth Activities in the Bahá’í Community. Perhaps the trend of thought can be best expressed by a few extracts from the long report prepared for the N.S.A. and the Guardian. “Bahá’u’lláh has given us the cohesive principle of Love to be used!” “Learn to recognize prayer as a positive force.” “In working with a group, the individual is able to lose some of his ego, one of the first steps toward group consciousness.” “Youth activities are not separate from other community activities.” “The duty of the Youth Group in each community is to see that the group activities do in no way separate them from the rest of the community, but tend to make the youth group an integral part of every Bahá’í community’s life.”
At the delightful party at Mr. Sprague’s apartment movies of the Youth Week at Green Acre last summer were shown. Pictures of the assembled youth were taken.
Mr. Quigley, chairman of the New York Youth Group, was chairman of the public meeting at the Center Sunday afternoon. Betty Shook of Boston spoke on Philosophy Or Religion? Emeric Sala of Montreal spoke on the subject What of Tomorrow?
The National Youth Committee owes its thanks for all the conference arrangements to a committee of the New York Youth Group headed by Dorothea Morrell.
- YOUTH COMMITTEE.
MRS. LOROL SCHOPFLOCHER IN EUROPE[edit]
Since her departure for Europe in the autumn of 1936, Mrs. Schopflocher has carried on teaching work in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, England, France and Geneva, Switzerland.
Original newspaper clippings, with translations into English, have been received which show that thirteen articles about the Cause were published in Norway, eleven in Sweden, and one in Denmark. Some of these articles, in the form of interviews, filled several newspaper columns. These carried the direct message of the Faith, as indicated by such headlines as “Bahá’í—A Remarkable World Movement.”
Besides this great service, Mrs. Schopflocher arranged with an English publisher to issue her book of travel and presentation of the Faith, obtained tributes to the Cause for the Guardian’s use in The Bahá’í World from Countess Marie Levenhaubt and Count Claes-Eric, of Stockholm, and from Mr. Paul Peroff, scientist, of Berlin, held large public meetings in London, met with the Bahá’ís in a number of cities, attended the Bahá’í Youth Conference in Paris on December 31, and has sent the editors of World Order a very interesting article by Mr. Peroff which he prepared for The Bahá’í World.
GREEN ACRE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
1937[edit]
The Green Acre Summer School program covers the period July 30 to September 3, but Green Acre will be open from July 3, and a separate program is being arranged for the period July 3 to July 30.
The following School program is corrected to date, though one or two of the courses may later on exchange their dates. At present, however, the Committee is prepared to announce that all the study courses will be given.
- Youth Week, August 1 to 7. The
Green Acre Youth Committee has prepared
[Page 3]
its own Study Course, details of which will be announced.
- Rise and Fall of Civilizations, morning and afternoon sessions, August 9, 10, 11. Leader, Bishop Brown.
- Teaching Conference, morning and afternoon sessions, August 12, 13, 14.
- The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, morning sessions, August 16 to 20. Leader, Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg.
- Islam, afternoon sessions, August 16 to 20. Leader, Marzieh Carpenter.
- Essentials of World Religion, morning sessions, August 23 to 27. Leader, Kenneth Christian.
- Public Speaking, afternoon sessions, August 23 to 27. Leader, Helen Campbell.
- Human Qualities in the New Age, morning sessions, August 30 to September 3. Leader, Genevieve L. Coy.
- Course on Writing, afternoon sessions, August 30 to September 3. Leader, Doris McKay.
Morning sessions, 10:30 to 12:00 noon. Afternoon sessions, 1:30 to 3:00.
Meetings: Devotional meeting, Sunday A.M. Public Bahá’í lecture, Sunday evening. Bahá’í discussion, Friday evening.
| THE GUARDIAN’S MESSAGE
Cablegram Received March 30 “Deeply moved your message. Institution (of) Guardianship, head cornerstone (of the) Administrative Order (of the) Cause (of) Bahá’u’lláh, already ennobled through its organic connection with (the) Persons of Twin Founders (of the) Bahá’í Faith, is now further reinforced through direct association with West and particularly with (the) American believers, whose spiritual destiny is to usher in (the) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh. For my part (I) desire (to) congratulate community (of) American believers on acquisition (of) tie vitally binding them to so weighty an organ of their Faith.” |
Rates and Reservations: The minimum rate at Inn and cottages, $15.00 per week, for top floor of Inn and of cottages. Second floor of Inn, $18.50 and up. First floor, $25.00 and up. The large rooms in cottages with fireplaces, $25.00. During Youth Week, a rate of $12.50 will be given to the young people. The cottage formerly belonging to Mrs. McKinney has been purchased by the Green Acre Trustees and will be rented by the Maintenance Committee. Bahá’ís who desire to lease land at Green Acre in order to erect their own cottage can arrange leases for tracts between the pines and the highway at $1.00 per front foot per year, with minimum of fifty feet. For those who wish to camp out, the river lot adjoining the town park is available. Some clearing has been done and there is a spring for water.
For reservations, write to Harold M. Bowman, Salmon Falls, N. H. After July 3, write to Manager, Green Acre Inn, Eliot, Maine.
Note: Cottages adjoining the Inn are being enlarged, and a new Bahá’í Hall is being presented to Green Acre for use as an auditorium and meeting place for study classes. Detailed reports will be made before the season begins.
ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
Thursday, April 29, to Saturday, May 1, Inclusive[edit]
The business sessions of the Convention begin at 9.45 A. M., Thursday, and conclude at 5.30 P. M., Saturday. Daily schedule: Devotional Service daily in Temple Auditorium, 9.15 to 9.30 A. M. Convention sessions: 9.45 A. M. to 1.00 P. M., 2.00 P. M. to 5.30 P. M., 7.30 P. M. to 9.30 P. M. The Ridvan Feast will be held Saturday evening. A Public Bahá’í Congress will be held at 3.30 P. M., Sunday, May 2.
ORDER OF BUSINESS[edit]
- Opening of Convention by Presiding Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly.
- Roll Call of Delegates.
- Election of Convention Officers.
- Message of Guardian.
- Report of National Secretary.
- Report of National Treasurer.
- Report of Trusteeships, George O. Latimer.
- America’s Spiritual Mission.
- National Teaching Program and Activities. Leader of discussion, Leroy C. Ioas.
- Regional Teaching Plans.
- Assembly Teaching Plans.
- Group and Circuit Teaching
- Introducing Faith into New Centers.
- Radio Teaching.
- International Teaching Activities. Leader of discussion, Siegfried Schopflocher.
- Summer Schools: Preparation of Bahá’í Teachers. Leader of discussion, Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick.
- National Teaching Program and Activities. Leader of discussion, Leroy C. Ioas.
- Publicity Plans and Methods. Leader of discussion, Nina Matthisen.
- Teaching and Training Children. Leader of discussion, Viola Tuttle.
- Bahá’í Citizenship. Leader of discussion, Albert Windust.
- Preparation for.
- Admission to.
- Responsibilities of.
- Bahá’í Youth. Leader of discussion, Florence Mattoon.
Annual election: The election of
members to the National Spiritual
Assembly will be held at 2:00 P. M.,
Friday, April 30.
Hotels in Evanston, at which the friends may make their own reservations: The Orrington, 1710 Orrington Avenue; The Georgian, 422 Davis Street; Evanston Hotel, 840 Forest Avenue; North Shore Hotel, 1611 Chicago Avenue; The Homestead, 1625 Hinman Avenue.
Participating Communities Delegates[edit]
Phoenix, Arizona | 1 |
Berkeley, California | 1 |
Geyserville, California | 1 |
Glendale, California | 1 |
Los Angeles, California | 4 |
Oakland, California | 1 |
Pasadena, California | 1 |
San Francisco, California | 2 |
Santa Barbara, California | 1 |
Montreal, Canada | 1 |
Vancouver, B. C., Canada | 1 |
Colorado Springs, Colorado | 1 |
Denver, Colorado | 1 |
New Haven, Connecticut | 1 |
Washington, D. C. | 2 |
Jacksonville, Florida | 1 |
Miami, Florida | 1 |
St. Augustine, Florida | 1 |
Augusta, Georgia | 1 |
Maui, Hawaii | 1 |
Honolulu, Hawaii | 1 |
Chicago, Illinois | 8 |
Evanston, Illinois | 1 |
Park Ridge, Illinois | 1 |
Peoria, Illinois | 1 |
Rockford, Illinois | 1 |
Springfield, Illinois | 1 |
Urbana, Illinois | 1 |
Wilmette, Illinois | 1 |
Winnetka, Illinois | 1 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | 1 |
South Bend, Indiana | 1 |
Eliot, Maine | 1 |
Baltimore, Maryland | 1 |
Cabin John, Maryland | 1 |
Boston, Massachusetts | 2 |
Springfield, Massachusetts | 1 |
Worcester, Massachusetts | 1 |
Detroit, Michigan | 1 |
Flint, Michigan | 1 |
Lansing, Michigan* | 1 |
Muskegon, Michigan | 1 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | 1 |
St. Paul, Minnesota | 1 |
Kansas City, Missouri | 1 |
Montclair, New Jersey | 1 |
Newark, New Jersey | 1 |
Teaneck, New Jersey | 2 |
Binghamton, New York | 1 |
Buffalo, New York | 1 |
Geneva, New York | 1 |
New York, New York | 7 |
Rochester, New York | 1 |
Yonkers, New York | 1 |
Akron, Ohio | 1 |
Cincinnati, Ohio | 1 |
Cleveland, Ohio | 2 |
Columbus, Ohio | 1 |
Dayton, Ohio | 1 |
Lima, Ohio | 1 |
Toledo, Ohio | 1 |
Portland, Oregon | 1 |
Philadelphia, Pa. | 1 |
Pittsburgh, Pa. | 1 |
Nashville, Tennessee | 1 |
Monroe, Washington | 1 |
Seattle, Washington | 1 |
Spokane, Washington | 1 |
Kenosha, Wisconsin | 1 |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 5 |
Racine, Wisconsin | 1 |
| ___ | |
Total | 95 |
* Convention application not received.
ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS[edit]
1936-1937[edit]
ANNUAL SOUVENIR OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA[edit]
A clouded sky and some occasional drizzling rain did not prevent some 300 people assembling to participate in this 1936 commemoration of the visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Teaneck in 1912.
The afternoon program began with Mr. William de Forge, West Englewood, introducing Mr. George Needham who directed the W. P. A. Bergen County Orchestra in the following program:
- March and Chorus from “Tannhauser” ..... Wagner
- “Egmont” overture ..... Beethoven
- Tenor solo sung by Harold Taft Wright “Total Eclipse” Samson ... Handel
- Tone poem “Finlandia”..... Sibelius
- Waltzes from “Die Fledermaus” ..... Strauss
- “Lan O’ Dreams”, Frank A. Fredericks
After this one hour of music,
Edward B. Kinney of New York, took
over the meeting. As the afternoon
chairman, he welcomed the many
guests from Teaneck, Montclair, Newark, Yonkers, New Haven, New York
and even more distant points.
Mrs. Shirley Warde, West Englewood, read the address made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at West Englewood, in 1912.
Mr. Kinney spoke of the purpose and significance of the Bahá’í world movement for the unification of mankind.
The first principal speaker of the afternoon part was: Elsa Russell Blakely, who spoke of the continuity of the prophets.
Horace Holley of New York, the other principal speaker of the afternoon said: “Among the tremendous changes going on in the world today, the most fundamental is that taking place in the realm of religion. Bahá’u’lláh has not merely revived the highest ideals of the great religions which relate human beings to their Divine Creator, but has enlarged the realm of Spiritual truth to apply directly to civilization.”
Other speakers giving short addresses were:
- Dr. Walter B. Guy, St. Augustine, Fla.
- Mrs. Florian Krug, Chester, N. Y.
- Mason Remey, Washington, D. C.
- James P. Morton, Paterson, N. J.
- Roy Wilhelm, West Englewood, N. J.
Supper was served under the pinegrove, east of the Bahá’í Evergreen Cabin.
The evening part of the meeting was begun by:
- Mrs. Lulu Lux, chairman, Ridgefield Park, N. J.
- A baritone soloist, Mr. Clyde Barrie, sang: “Deep River”; “For You Alone”.
- A piano soloist, Sidney Raphael, played: “Andalusia”, by Lecuono.
- Mr. Barrie sang: “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” and “Land of Degradation”.
Mountfort Mills was the principal speaker for the evening.
There were about 400 people attended the evening meeting. The New Haven Bahá’ís came 100 per cent strong, in chartered buses.
- WILLIAM DE FORGE, Chairman
- CURTIS KELSEY
- DR. WILBUR
- OPHELIA B. CRUM
- GRACE KRUG
- CARRIE KINNEY
- BERTHA L. HERKLOTZ
ARCHIVES AND HISTORY[edit]
The Founder of our Faith has enunciated the principle that religion and science must be in harmony. To the degree that we as individuals and as national and local communities approach this ideal, to that degree will we be anxious to make a careful record of our progress and to preserve in the minutest detail a clear picture of the outstanding events in Bahá’í history.
Most important of all, since this is the only Faith which possesses the original record of the Revealers of the Divine Word, will we make an arduous effort to preserve this Word and its interpretation, in authentic, original manuscripts, as handed down to us by the Center of the Covenant and by the Guardian.
In his Letter, “America and the Most Great Peace”, the Guardian emphasizes again and again, either directly or indirectly, his desire that a careful and detailed record of the growth of the Cause in America be preserved. In one instance he indicates that it does not seem to be “... within the competence of anyone of the present generation to trace the exact and full history of the rise and gradual consolidation of this invincible arm, this mighty organ, of a continually advancing Cause. It would be premature at this early stage of its evolution to attempt an exhaustive analysis, or to arrive at a just estimate, of the impelling forces that have urged it forward ...” His statement continues, that future historians will prepare “... a masterly exposition of the origins of those forces which, through a remarkable swing of the pendulum, have caused the administrative center of the Faith to gravitate, away from its
[Page 5]
cradle, to the shores of the American
continent and towards its very heart—the present mainspring and chief
bulwark of its fast evolving institutions. ... Theirs will be the opportunity to
extol the virtues and to immortalize
the memory of those men and women
who have participated in its accomplishment”. In another part of this
Letter, the Guardian, referring to the
visit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America, says,
“... the significant episodes to which
His words and deeds continually gave
rise—these future generations will, no
doubt, minutely and befittingly register”.
Clearly, we should draw this conclusion from the above statements,—that the “exhaustive” and “minute” record which future historians and biographers will prepare will be dependent for the degree of its completeness upon the self-sacrificing efforts and the personal donations of Bahá’í manuscripts to national and local Bahá’í Archives by the believers of this generation. Otherwise, many original records and relics of great significance, particularly in the history of the first two decades* of the Cause in America, will be lost.
It is also unquestionably true that historical and biographical source materials will not be complete if they consist only of minutes, correspondence, Bahá’í historical record cards, and other administrative records of both National and local Spiritual Assemblies. A very significant portion of such source material must consist of collections of Bahá’í papers saved by individual believers and presented by them or their descendants for preservation in the Archives. Such collections would include Bahá’í correspondence, early publications, diary notes, memoirs, photographs, et cetera.
During the current year the National Spiritual Assembly has asked the Archives and History Committee to collect and organize material on the History of the Cause under the following headings:
- A history of each local Bahá’í community prepared under the direction of the local Spiritual Assembly.
- A history of important national institutions, such as Bahá’í Temple Unity, the Temple, Green Acre, Geyserville, Louhelen Ranch, the Malden House, and Evergreen Cabin.
- The history of the pioneer teachers.
- Pilgrimages and the work of Americans in other lands.
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s journey in America.
The friends will be interested in learning that two copies of an English translation of Mahmood’s Diary were received recently for the Archives. This Diary gives a day-by-day description of the Master’s journey from the time of His departure from Egypt until He left New York.
A draft of a questionnaire, calling for detailed information with reference to local Bahá’í history, has been prepared and presented to the National Spiritual Assembly. The Committee is now engaged in correspondence with a number of friends in different parts of the Country in an effort to obtain needed assistance in compiling certain phases of the history. Needless to say, any history which may be written at present will not be of the detailed and interpretive nature to which the Guardian refers in quotations cited above.
Speaking for the National Spiritual Assembly, it is again this year with the deepest thanks and gratitude that we address those friends who have so bountifully presented their priceless Tablets and Sacred Relics to the National Archives since the last Convention.
- EDWIN W. MATTOON, Chairman
- Mrs. MAY T. SCHEFFLER, Secretary
- 1821 Lincoln Street
- Evanston, Illinois
- Mrs. R. D. PETTIT
_____
* See p. 12, “America and the Most Great Peace.”
BRAILLE TRANSCRIPTION FOR THE BLIND[edit]
The Braille Committee is happy to report an increasing demand for Braille-Bahá’í literature. In some instances where Bahá’í books are already placed, librarians have written appreciatively of Braille transcriptions.
The outstanding achievement for this year is the Braille handtooled copy by Miss Ella Quant of the Esperanto translation of the “No. 9” (“La Bahaa Revelacio”) in response to a request from Mr. Vuk Echtner for a blind Bahá’í student in Jugoslavia, who, unable to read English, can only in Braille-Esperanto study the Bahá’í teachings. Miss Quant has also transcribed “The Hidden Words” and “Words of Wisdom” (Bahá’u’lláh) and “Observations of a Traveler” (Chas. Mason Remey).
A second member of your Committee, Miss Hilda Stauss, in a very short time, in order to transcribe the Revealed Words for the Blind, has learned the Braille system and is now completing “Excerpts from the Gleanings.”
A friend and co-worker in California, Miss Mabel Menn, has transcribed “The Hidden Words”—also a collection of Bahá’í Prayers. These books have been sent to two devoted Bahá’ís in Austria, together with “The Hidden Words” and “Words of Wisdom” done by Miss Quant. These friends in Austria are blind, afflicted and persecuted, for them the Sacred Books are inaccessible.
Endorsing the transcribing of the Esperanto translation of Dr. Esslemont’s book, “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” the Guardian’s secretary writes: “As regards the Braille Esperanto edition of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” Shoghi Effendi would certainly advise you to undertake this work which will considerably enrich the literature of the Cause in Braille.
“You will rejoice to learn that thanks to the combined efforts of Miss Agnes Alexander and Mr. Torii, a good friend and sympathizer of the Faith in Japan, the Braille Japanese edition of this same book of Dr. Esslemont’s has just been completed.”
In a footnote to this letter in his own handwriting, Shoghi Effendi says—“Persevere, nay redouble your efforts. I am planning to establish in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahji a special section wholly and exclusively devoted to Bahá’í literature in Braille.”
The works completed by this servant within the year are: “The Hidden Words” and the “Wisdom of Abdu’l-Bahá”, sent to the Guardian at Bahji. Also “The Hidden Words” and a collection of Bahá’í Prayers for blind Bahá’í friends of Mrs. Bishop in England.
The reports of Mrs. Nellie French concerning the metal plate editions of the “Iqan” and “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” form inspiring reading. These two editions constitute a wonderful gift of generosity and devotion. The friends will remember that these plates are a permanent asset, from which more editions can always be reproduced. May an opening for the making of other plates of the creative words soon be revealed. In the meantime the handwork will continue.
The need for more workers is earnestly urged. The joy in transcribing the Revealed Word is the reward for such service.
An important sign of the growth of the Braille-Bahá’í movement is the establishing of an International Correspondence. When organized and operative it is hoped there will be much of interest to report, for undoubtedly such a correspondence must be productive of fine results in promoting
[Page 6]
Braille Bahá’í activity throughout the
world and enlarging this field of endeavor for the Great Cause.
- Susanne Rodman, Chairman.
- Ella Quant
- Hilda Stauss
- Nellie S. French
CONTACTS[edit]
A statistical summary of the Contacts work accompanies this report, and while it is no doubt interesting, a mere statement of the number of letters written, the number of favorable and unfavorable replies, etc., can never truly convey the real spirit that animates endeavor of this kind. Something a little more personal than figures is needed.
The members of the Committee this year were instructed to bend their efforts toward engaging in correspondence with receptive individuals with the aim of confirming new believers. With this objective in view, the Committee members have put forth their efforts, and while we unfortunately cannot report having accomplished our end in any specific instance, we do feel that ground has been prepared which in time may yield a harvest.
Since the friends might be interested in some of the responses that have been called forth by letters and literature that have been sent out, we should like to quote from a few. After all, the reactions of these people, from all over the country, serve as a barometer of the state of mind of the people as a whole.
The Librarian of a Mid-western University, thanking first for a supply of literature sent for the library, writes: “We shall have the material you sent made available for anyone who is interested in the philosophical and religious movements of the present.”
An Eastern Editor wrote to one of the Committee members as follows: “... I have been familiar with this movement for many years. My old friend and professor in the University of Toronto, the late James M. Mavor, called my attention to the works of Abbas Effendi. It must be nearly thirty years ago when little concerning him or his ideals was at that time known. My own religion has been that of a very simple Christianity in which the doctrines of love and peace were so strongly emphasized that I have felt little need of sustenance from any other quarter, though I have rejoiced in every manifestation and movement of religion anywhere that has in any way embodied, or emphasized these great ideals. I have not thought of the Bahá’í movement in terms of separate religion, but as a great religious experience, with much the same roots and emphasizing the same deep facts and principles as the teaching of Jesus.”
A Southern college professor wrote: “Thank you for the literature you sent. My acceptance of the above leaflet (A New World Order) may be a form of sponging on your movement, for I cannot definitely think of joining it at present, but I can learn more myself and can teach more to my class in college on various religions.”
A writer living in one of our far eastern states made the following very interesting comment: “I have for some years had a profound respect for the Bahá’í Faith. So had my friend, the Sheikh Shefieh el Mileivi, Governor of the Monastery at Tripoli.”
Without a doubt the friends will be happy to know that the distinguished arctic explorer, Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, expressed an interest in the Cause and asked to have the bimonthly Teaching Bulletin, A New World Order, sent to him regularly.
With intelligent interest expressed from such widely divergent sources we cannot but feel that humanity is becoming conscious of the need that exists in the world and of the source from which it may be supplied.
- Sophie Loeding, Chairman,
- Mrs. M. B. Trotman
- Louise Boyle
- Doris McKay
- Mrs. Stanley Kemp
- Marion Little
- Mrs. G. A. Kent, Jr.
- Bahiyyih Lindstrom
- Alfred E. Lunt
- Marion Holley
GREEN ACRE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
| JULY PROGRAM AT GREEN ACRE
Public meetings will be held over the week-ends, as follows:—July 3 and 4, “World Crises and World Needs,” Mountfort Mills; July 10 and 11, “A Universal World Education”, Stanwood Cobb; July 17 and 18, “Church Organization in World Religions”, Glenn A. Shook; and July 24 and 25, “A New World Order”, Horace Holley. Readings from “Gleanings”, illustrated lectures by Nancy Bowditch and other activities will be reported later. |
In planning the Green Acre Program for the summer of 1936, this Committee decided that it would be wise to try the experiment of concentrating the major courses in two weeks. As a result two courses were given each morning, for five days each week. A discussion group was held each evening, and was led by the two leaders of the morning courses. As a result, the morning courses tended to become lectures, and the evening discussion was not always closely related to the subject-matter of the morning. This Committee has therefore recommended that in the 1937 Summer School one course be given in the morning and one in the afternoon, so that more time may be given each, and discussion may thus follow immediately on the course-leader’s presentation.
The program of courses was as follows:—
| August 10-14. | The Bahá’í Life—Leader, Dorothy Baker. Introduction to the Study of Islam—Leader, Hishmat Ala’i |
| August 17-21 | Bahá’í Administration—Leader, Mary Collison. The Nature of the Manifestation—Leader,Mamie Seto. |
Mrs. Baker’s course consisted of a series of stimulating and helpful talks, which included a discussion of such topics as:—the power of thought in active life; Bahá’í prayer; the Bahá’í ideals of human relationships; the part faith plays in the Bahá’í life.
Mr. Ala’i presented a scholarly series of talks on Islam, which gave us much-needed knowledge about this great religious faith. He discussed the life and teachings of Muhammad, the Qu’rán, the Caliphate and Imamate, and the causes producing the present disintegration of Islam.
Mrs. Collison used the published outline on Bahá’í Administration, and led a lively discussion on some of the less well-known points of administrative procedure. One of the most valuable parts of this was a presentation of specific instances which might come before a Spiritual Assembly, in connection with the principles which should direct the treatment of each situation.
Mrs. Seto gave five dynamic lectures on the Nature of the Manifesta-
[Page 7]
tion. She discussed the relation of the
Manifestation to the Unknown Essence, the power and influence of the
Manifestation, His relation to man, and
the proofs of the divinity of the Spiritual Educator. Mrs. Seto’s talks were
especially valuable because of the number of unusual illustrations she used.
The average daily attendance for these four courses ranged from 37 to 53.
In the week preceding the opening of the Summer School proper, Mr. Glenn Shook gave a five days’ course on Mysticism and the Bahá’í Revelation. Those who attended found this course very helpful in clarifying some more abstruse points of the Bahá’í teachings. Each talk was followed by a lively period of question and discussion.
During the week of August 24-28, Mrs. Doris McKay gave a series of lessons on Public Speaking. Members of the class practiced giving short Bahá’í talks, and they found this practice and Mrs. McKay’s talks most valuable.
The committee arranged the programs of the Sunday morning devotional meetings and selected the speakers for the Sunday evening public meeting, during the month of August. The speakers included Martha Root, Mountfort Mills, Horace Holley, Mamie Seto, Louis Gregory and Dorothy Baker. All of these meetings were well attended.
An unusual number of friends from the Middle West attended the 1936 Summer School. We were especially happy to learn to know these Bahá’ís and to hear what Bahá’í communities in other parts of the country are doing. One of the ideals of Green Acre is the development of true Bahá’í fellowship, and we believe that the students who attended the 1936 Summer School made true progress toward the attainment of this ideal.
- Horace Holley, Chairman,
- Genevieve L. Coy, Secretary
- Philip Sprague
INDEX[edit]
The work of the Index Committee this year has been a continuation of the indexing of last year. The authentic writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which have been translated into English were assigned to those especially well trained for this task, though some manuscripts were mailed to us because of the solicitation made by the committee in the BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
In addition to those doing the indexing several have volunteered to do typing. Typing is a necessary part of the preparation of the final manuscript so we were very pleased with this loving spirit of cooperation.
The index manuscripts sent in have shown careful and painstaking labor on the part of the indexers. We are all most grateful to them.
It was the aim of this committee to complete the sacred index this year. There remains many volumes about the Bahá’í Faith which also need to be indexed. This is the new task.
- Mr. H. A. Harding, Chairman
- Mrs. Joel Steffins
- Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick
- Mabel Paine
- Mary Rabb
- Elizabeth Collum
LEGAL[edit]
The Legal Committee submits the following report of its activities for the current Bahá’í year:
I. Incorporation of Local Assemblies.[edit]
It was found necessary for the Legal Committee this year to impress upon all local Assemblies contemplating local incorporation the necessity of forwarding to the National Spiritual Assembly a copy of the State statute under which the incorporation is being set up with the proposed incorporation papers and by-laws. Consideration and approval of any local incorporation papers cannot be completed without such copies of the State law, as it is essential that local incorporations conform as closely as possible to that of the National Spiritual Assembly.
The incorporation of the Detroit Assembly has been completed and approved this year. The By-laws of the Washington Assembly, which filed its incorporation certificate some years ago, were approved as conforming as closely as possible to Bahá’í administrative principles under the civil statutes of the District of Columbia.
The incorporation papers of the Milwaukee, San Francisco and Cleveland Assemblies are being considered by the Committee which is awaiting copies of the State statutes before rendering its final decision.
II. Form of Bequest.[edit]
A new form of bequest was prepared this year and published in the August BAHÁ’Í NEWS No. 102, page 2 for the use of believers who plan to include a legacy to the National Spiritual Assembly in their Will. It is recommended that believers consult an attorney in using this form, to be assured that it shall be adapted to meet the needs and requirements of the laws of the State in which they reside. The friends are reminded that Bahá’u’lláh has declared that “It is incumbent upon every person to write (his) Will.”
III. Rights of Way.[edit]
The use of certain rights of way on the Green Acre and the Malden properties have made it necessary to place the determination of the Bahá’í rights in the hands of competent attorneys and the conclusion of these matters is expected at an early date.
IV. Temple Property.[edit]
In view of the fact that the former Marshall property which adjoins the triangular piece of Temple property across Sheridan Road has recently been sold, it has been decided to ask the Village of Wilmette to vacate the stub-end of Sheridan Road and our attorney has been authorized to work out an agreement of equitable division of this vacated piece of property with the present owners of the Marshall tract. Our attorney has been further instructed to take all immediate and necessary steps to protect this parcel of Temple land from adverse possession and use.
V. Palestine Branch of N.S.A.[edit]
Deeds transferring a number of parcels of land in Haifa to the Palestine Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly have been received from the Guardian this past year. If any of the American believers still own property in Palestine they are reminded of the Ottoman law which prevents a foreigner from disposing of his property after death in accordance with his wishes as embodied in a Will. Such property passes to a special class of heirs. The friends are therefore urged to complete their plans for transferring their property to the Palestine Branch as soon as possible. The property now owned by the Palestine Branch of the N.S.A. is approximately 58,800 square pics. The Guardian has recently written the following: “It is significant that most of these title deeds that are now in the possession of your Assembly bear the signature of the son of Mohammed-Ali, the Arch-breaker of the Covenant, who in his capacity as head of the land Registry in Haifa, bears through his signature, testimony to the validity of these transactions.”
- George Latimer, Chairman.
- Munroe Ioas
- Alfred E. Lunt
LIBRARY[edit]
From March, 1936 through November, 1936 books then authorized for donation by the Library Committee were sent to 12 colleges and universities and to 23 public libraries, amounting to 144 books.
In December, when the National
[Page 8]
Spiritual Assembly approved the following set (Bahá’í World, 5, Foundations of World Unity, Some Answered
Questions, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era
by Esslemont***), the Committee was
given a book budget of 75 sets. Of
these, 8 sets have been sent to colleges
and universities, and 20 sets to public
libraries. These, together with other
single book donations, amounted to 132
books.
The total number of books sent during the past year is 276; that is 98 to 23 colleges; 178 to 46 public libraries (6 of these books to the Oslo, Norway Public Library). The books are listed below:
Books sent to university and college libraries.
Bahá’í World, volume 5 | 15 |
Foundations of World Unity | 12 |
Some Answered Questions | 14 |
Gleanings | 9 |
Security for a Failing World** | 13 |
Promise of All Ages* | 1 |
Bahá’í Revelation* | 4 |
Book of Assurance* | 7 |
Bahá’í: Spirit of the Age* | 5 |
Bahá’í World, volume 2* | 5 |
Bahá’í World, volume 3* | 5 |
Bahá’í World, volume 4* | 8 |
| __ | |
Total | 98 |
Books sent to public libraries.
Bahá’í World, volume 5 | 32 |
Foundations of World Unity | 27 |
Some Answered Questions | 29 |
Gleanings | 16 |
Security for a Failing World** | 2 |
Bahá’í Revelation* | 12 |
Book of Assurance* | 9 |
Bahá’í: Spirit of the Age* | 10 |
Bahá’í World, volume 2* | 9 |
Bahá’í World, volume 3* | 10 |
Bahá’í World, volume 4* | 16 |
Scriptures | 6 |
| __ | |
Total | 178 |
| __ | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 276 |
Of the $50 requested for expenses for the year, only $1.28 has been used. Our letterheads and stamped envelopes were obtained from the Publishing Committee.
The Committee in the last News Letter of the current year would like to express its gratitude to those who have been active in placing the books in libraries near them. In this new year, it is hoped that the Bahá’ís in the eastern and southern sections of the country will meet the fine record turned in by the West and the Middle West.
- Martha Woodsum, Chairman
- Grace Prevost Bastedo, Secretary
_____
* Books used before new set was authorized for donation.
** Through the kindness of Dr. Cobb, the Committee had 50 Security for a Failing World on hand in March, 1936.
*** New Era in process of being reprinted; none available for donation.
LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
Programs were carried out at three different sessions last summer. First came the youth over 80 strong in a four-day session, June 22-25 inclusive, with the following daily morning program: Devotions, conducted by youth; Comparison of Religious Administrative Orders, Professor Glen Shook; The Bahá’í Life, Dorothy Baker; Security for a Failing World, Professor Stanwood Cobb.
The Chicago youth made up the committee of youth who had charge of sports in the afternoon and varied entertainment in the evening. This committee also put up the question of conduct while at the school to the whole group. After thoughtful discussion the group asked to be allowed to try the honor system of self-government. Accordingly a few simple rules in regard to retirement, quiet and leaving the grounds were drawn up by the committee (youth) and agreed to by the group. With two or three exceptions which caused no serious trouble these rules were well observed.
The prevailing spirit was most earnest. In the afternoon a voluntary and self-conducted forum was held by a few at which such problems as the place of a young Bahá’í in the community, his attitude toward war, toward other ecclesiastical organizations, etc., were discussed. Other small groups gathered for serious discussion. Early in the evening a limited number enjoyed a class in public speaking conducted by Garreta Busey. There was evident a greater desire than ever to regulate their lives in accordance with Bahá’í Teachings. And as they separated for home, many expressed a firm intent to serve the great Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. One boy was sure it was the happiest vacation he had ever had.
Immediately following the youth session was an eight-day general session (June 28-July 5) with the following program: Devotions; Foundations of the New World Order, Forum conducted by Dorothy Baker; The Bahá’í Teachings and Mysticism, Professor Glenn Shook; The Qurán and Islamic Culture, Professor Stanwood Cobb.
While most of the afternoon was free there was each afternoon and evening a program or lecture designed to attract and instruct the non-Bahá’í world.
The second general session (August 2-9) carried out this program: Devotions; Life and Spiritual Laws, Mamie Seto; The Qurán and Islamic Culture, Marzieh Carpenter; The Bahá’í Administrative Order, Willard McKay (forum method).
Greater publicity than before in nearby weekly papers was obtained through the efforts of Clarissa Bean of Flint and results of this publicity were evident in the increased number of inquirers who stopped at the Ranch. Special invitations were sent to individuals to spend a day at the school with gratifying results. Some of these spoke of the unusual spirit which seemed to prevade the atmosphere. Everyone there contributed to this spirit and we cannot say too much of the loving service and cooperation of those who conduct classes at the school. They not only give the course but they unceasingly give themselves,—in discussion, private interviews, public talks and in countless other ways. We feel that their services at the school should be even more widely used. How fine it would be if every community and every group could have at least one representative at some summer school. Might it not be a legitimate use of community funds to send to a summer school some one who could not otherwise come? It is the wish of the Guardian that the Summer Schools reach more and more people both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. The committee is working and planning throughout the year to make the program valuable and the grounds and buildings comfortable and attractive. What are you and your community doing to help and make use of these developing institutions of Bahá’í education?
- L. W. EGGLESTON, Chairman
- BERTHA KIRKPATRICK, Secretary
- DOROTHY BAKER
- E. J. MIESSLER
- GARRETA BUSEY, Youth Advisor
- BISHOP BROWN
PUBLICITY[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh says: “Newspapers are as a mirror which is endowed with hearing, sight, and speech. They are a wonderful phenomenon and a great matter.”
The Publicity Committee begin this report with a feeling of sincere gratitude for the privilege of serving the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in this capacity, hoping that in a small measure we have succeeded—with the help of work done by previous committees, and the splendid cooperation of local publicity committees—in bringing to the attention
[Page 9]
of many newspaper readers, the news
and Teachings of our Faith.
In October a Publicity Bulletin was issued covering important features of the work. We would remind present publicity chairmen that all bulletins and file copies of releases be passed on to the next committee chairman, to avoid needless repetition and expense.
Three News Releases have been issued to date, the most important work of the committee being in the process of preparation, which is, releases for the 25th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to this country; a series of short articles on the Faith, which will be especially valuable to teachers doing pioneer work; a monthly release of a review of some article in the “World Order” magazine. Mailing of a National News Bulletin to papers. Much work has been done by meeting the needs of individual communities. A newspaper set-up for publishing the “Goal of the New World Order” as a series, was sent out to many who wished it. Gradually we are contacting more and more isolated believers and groups, giving them suggestions how they may interest their papers. A lively correspondence has been kept up with publicity chairmen and acknowledgement made of all articles received for the Press Books.
To review accurately the results of the work is something impossible to do, but we know that all seeds planted will eventually bear fruit. For us to say which has been the most important work done is another impossibility as we have no measuring rod for that, but we do say that all through the country there has been more of the Bahá’í activities and teachings published than ever before. Magazine publicity is on the increase. The Summer Schools received unprecedented prominence in the newspapers and the N. S. A. meetings held in San Francisco and Nashville, Tennessee, brought additional publicity this year. Reports published in Bahá’í News about the contents of the Press Books make further mention unnecessary. A Press Book will be on display at the Convention and we hope the friends will take time to carefully examine it. Out of the 71 organized Bahá’í Communities, 57 have sent in newspaper clippings since April of 1936. Clippings have also been received from between 35 and 45 cities where there are groups, isolated believers and where pioneer work has been done.
The value of photographs is increasingly evident in the amount of publicity obtained through this medium, especially photographs of action. The committee is endeavoring to gather together “glossies” and mats of speakers as well as historical pictures of interest. Many speakers are timid about using their photographs, to these friends we say that if your photograph is the channel which brings publicity for the Cause, do not hesitate to use it. At this writing we are prepared to furnish photographs of Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Dr. Stanwood Cobb, Mrs. Stuart French, the 1936-7 N. S. A. members in a group, Lydia Zamenhof, mats of Madame Orlova and Miss Martha Root, and of course “glossies” as well as mats of the Temple. We will shortly have mats of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s pictures. This is only a very small beginning, but it is sure to grow steadily. A survey is now being made to find out the quantity of mats and glossies needed in each community.
The committee hopes that there will be many new ideas presented on publicity work, at the Convention this year.
- Nina Matthisen, Chairman
- Mabel Ives
- Edna Eastman
PUBLISHING[edit]
There are many ways of giving to a spiritually hungry world the message of the Bahá’í Faith; direct teachings, talks at local Centers, talks over the radio, fireside groups, etc. But the one basic factor in all these efforts is the Bahá’í literature; the authentic words of the Founders and of the Guardian of the Faith. The Publishing Committee, acting as the manufacturing and selling agency of the National Spiritual Assembly, and publishing only the books and pamphlets as approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, serves in this way to promote the Cause. We are deeply appreciative of the cooperation given by the Assemblies and by individuals in this splendid work of distributing the books and pamphlets.
We have sold and distributed for the year ending March 1, 1937:
- 13,267 books
- 93,368 pamphlets
- 1,436 outlines
and in addition to above
- 6 copies The Dawn-Breakers, Limited edition
- 57 copies The Dawn-Breakers, Standard edition
bringing total sales to date—
- Standard 1392 copies
- Limited 139 copies
also have sold and distributed 429 copies of the books donated by World Unity to World Order, (Seven Great Bibles, Nationalism and Internationalism and A World Community).
From above totals must be deducted the relatively small inventory on hand at Western Division, San Francisco, California.
These figures are encouraging but let us do more and more. We should take advantage of every opportunity to bring Bahá’í books to the attention of all the world; to sow the seeds for making the united Bahá’í world.
New Publications[edit]
April, 1936, Bahá’í House of Worship; reprint of article in Bahá’í World V by Genevieve L. Coy. Second printing, February, 1937.
May, 1936, The Unfoldment of World Civilization, by Shoghi Effendi. Second printing, February, 1937.
June, 1936, Seven Valleys and Four Valleys, translated by Ali-Kuli Khan. Second printing, February, 1937.
July, 1936, Foundations of World Unity: new edition bound in cloth.
June, 1936, The Path to God, by Dorothy Baker. Pamphlet for teaching.
November, 1936, A World Faith: reprint of ten articles contributed to World Order. In ordering a quantity of this pamphlet recently the Guardian wrote through his secretary “He wishes these booklets for teaching purposes as he thinks they are quite suitable for presentation to inquirers.”
August, 1936, America’s Spiritual Mission: reprint of Teaching Tablets revealed to American Bahá’ís by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during 1916-1917.
September, 1936, The Future World Commonwealth, compilation from letters written by Shoghi Effendi.
Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, revised edition, work now in process.
The Bahá’í World, VI. Work now in process. It has been decided to make selling price $3.00 net as increase in size and consequent increase in manufacturing costs, necessitates an increase in price. Volume V. was distributed at a heavy loss.
Life Eternal, compilation by Mary R. Movius, printed by The Roycrofters.
Portals to Freedom, by Howard C. Ives, being published by E. P. Dutton Co. Copies expected by end of March, 1937.
Reprints[edit]
Some Answered Questions. Price now reduced to $1.50.
Kitáb-i-Íqán. Second edition with revised glossary.
Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.
Principles of the Bahá’í Faith.
[Page 10]
What is the Bahá’í Faith?
Bahá’í Administration (without World Order letters).
Bahá’í Study Course.
Study Guide for Kitáb-i-Íqán.
Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sheets bound. Cloth binding reduced to .75c. Paper binding reduced to .25c.
With the March issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, a new idea for catalog is being tried out. The catalog corrected to March 1, 1937 is being printed as an insert with the NEWS. Extra copies will be available for the Assemblies. We hope in this way to keep the catalog up to date as insert may be repeated in six months as changes or additions warrant and will be a more economical method of issuing the catalog. We trust that the Assemblies will make good use of the catalog, distributing it whenever possible, and above all, referring to it when ordering books. Order only books included in the latest catalog. In this new catalog we have not included reference to discounts allowed as so often catalogs are given to individuals not entitled to discounts. The present discounts allowed are as follows:
- 10% to Assemblies on orders of less than $10.00.
- 25% to Assemblies on orders of $10.00 or over.
- 25% to individuals on orders of $25.00 or over.
Net items must not be included.
We urge the local Assemblies to keep a representative stock on hand always, and where space permits to order a large supply of books so that individual orders may be filled with a minimum of time and effort. The Publishing Committee is glad to allow credit on these quantity orders; books to be paid for as sold. This is not on consignment as books must not be returned.
The International Bahá’í Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland has recently put in a large stock of literature that they may be able to supply the friends in Europe.
We must remind the friends that one of the Spiritual Assemblies arranged a very attractive exhibit of Bahá’í literature at one of the large public meetings and it proved most interesting to non-believers. Two Assemblies have arranged for the local Public Library to hold an exhibit.
Arrangements are being made now for an exhibit at the World’s Fair, to be held in New York in 1939, when we hope to have a large display of books.
- The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh: The publication of the recent general letters of the Guardian in one volume has been approved by Shoghi Effendi and this work will probably be started shortly after the Convention.
- Divine Philosophy: The Publishing Committee was informed by the National Spiritual Assembly that in a letter written by Shoghi Effendi recently to one of the friends in Paris, and reported to the National Spiritual Assembly by the Paris Assembly, he says that he does not wish this title translated again or reprinted as this book has in large part been taken from notes recorded at the time but which do not constitute an authentic text of the Master’s words. The Publishing Committee have therefore omitted this title from current catalog.
World Order[edit]
The subscription list of World Order should increase more rapidly. We need cooperation in building up this list. Through the generosity of subscribers, we distribute the magazine monthly to over 600 University and College libraries, Public libraries, Y.M.C.A.’s and Y.W.C.A.’s in the most distant parts of the world. We know from the response that the magazine is read and interest in the Cause is awakened. The magazine is a splendid teaching medium, especially for reaching non-believers.
Back numbers of the Star of the West and The Bahá’í Magazine are now all assembled, properly sorted and stored in one place. We will be able to supply bound volumes with possibly a few exceptions from No. 4 to 25. We hope that the friends will take advantage of the opportunity to add these volumes, so necessary as historical records to their library of Bahá’í literature.
- Horace Holley, Chairman
- Clara R. Wood, Secretary
- Bertha Herklotz
- Roy C. Wilhelm
- Wesley Bastedo
- Emma F. Smith
STUDY OUTLINES[edit]
Our active attention has been centered on an outline for the study of The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh adapted to individual, group, or class study. It is divided into a series of lessons which cover the main theses of the book. Study references will include other Bahá’í books. We hope to turn this over to the Reviewing Committee by summer.
Future work calls for the revision of two outlines now out-of-print: Material and Divine Civilization and The Bahá’í Teachings Concerning Christ. These will probably be our next undertaking.
There have been some requests and offers of assistance on study outlines to cover (1) all the World Order letters and (2) Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. We should like to know how generally these are desired before working on them.
Since the members of the committee are widely scattered, part of our energy has gone to evolving methods of organization and consultation that will make for effective work.
The Study Outline Committee acknowledged with gratitude the suggestions and materials that have come from Horace Holley, Mrs. Robert Lee Moffett, and Ethel Neall-Furbush.
- Gretchen Westervelt, Chairman
- June Miller
- Imogene Talbott
- Elizabeth Hackley
- Doris McKay
- Mrs. J. W. Gift
REGIONAL TEACHING[edit]
New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey[edit]
The Committee thought it wise to allocate different territories to each of the regional members, and it was decided that Mr. Kelsey would handle New Jersey, Mrs. Collison the Western part of New York State, Miss Revell, Pennsylvania, and Dr. Coy and Mr. Sprague, New York and vicinity.
In Western New York a group of circuits was organized similar to the plan used last year and many Assemblies, such as Buffalo, Rochester, Geneva, Binghamton and Syracuse, participated in this circuit work having teachers each month. These circuit meetings were followed up closely, and inquirers were asked to join Fireside Groups. The attendance has been good, the publicity excellent, and the Assemblies feel that much good work has been done. Also all isolated believers were contacted in this vicinity, and asked to participate in opening new teaching fields.
In Philadelphia the work has grown tremendously this year, and members of the community have visited isolated believers and many new fireside groups have been opened. The work in Atlantic City has grown tremendously this year, and we understand that it will not be long before an Assembly is formed here.
In New Jersey nine new fireside meetings have been developed in the State with a good deal of success. The Teaching Committee developed an outline covering nine lectures, this outline to give a complete picture of what
[Page 11]
the Bahá’í Faith stands for. Nineteen
new believers joined the community
through this type of teaching work,
also Round Table Discussion were developed, and all isolated believers contacted.
In New York there have been this year four or five Regional Teaching Conferences in which all the nearby Assemblies and Groups participated. Miss Martha Root spoke at one of these meetings. There have been two Youth Conferences during the last year, two groups of Fireside Circuits have been developed both covering a definite outline which gives a complete picture of the Bahá’í Teachings.
New groups have been opened in Portchester, West Hempstead and Amityville. All isolated believers were contacted, and efforts were made to open up new fireside groups through Bahá’í contacts of this type. Although the work has not been outstanding, we think a great deal of very profitable ground work has been covered, work that will reap good results this coming year.
- P. G. Sprague, Secretary
- Mary Collison
- Genevieve L. Coy
- Curtis Kelsey
- Jessie E. Revell
Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky,[edit]
The teaching work in this region has been organized and carried on diligently since July. Progress has been reported by the Regional Committee in a series of four bulletins, with one more to be issued. The greatest accomplishment is not in actual, tangible results but in a general quickening of interest and the sincere effort on the part of all to carry out the tremendous teaching plan.
The Cause has been introduced into a number of new towns and cities among them: Grand Rapids, Cheboygan, Bay City, Kalamazoo, Marysville, Niles, an d Buchanan, Michigan; Noblesville, Bloomington, and Mishawaka, Indiana; Celina, Freemont, Circleville, Defiance and Oberlin, Ohio. No progress has been made in Kentucky.
Practically all of the established communities have weekly study classes. There are also groups at Ann Arbor, Port Huron, Michigan; and at Freemont and Bexley, Ohio. All of the circuit teachers and many local ones have assisted.
No pioneer teachers have gone from this territory to live elsewhere and no groups of believers have been formed in new places.
It is believed that the best method of opening new cities is for a nearby established community to hold initial meetings there and then follow up constantly. Most communities find small group work most effective.
Mrs. Blakely, of Bloomfield Hills, and Mrs. Kirkpatrick of Olivet, Mich., are the only two isolated believers actively engaged in teaching in the region.
Among the circuit teachers covering the region have been: Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan and family, Frank Warner, Mountfort Mills, Dorothy Baker, Prof. Ward, Dr. Cobb, Carl Scheffler, Mrs. Moffet, and Mrs. Carpenter. Miss Easterbrook is to come in March and April.
One monthly teaching circuit was conducted during the year with regularity and effectiveness. It was financed by contributions from participating communities. This circuit was managed by the Lima Spiritual Assembly as a committee. It included Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lima, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and South Bend. Detroit was also included on some schedules.
The radio was used in Cincinnati and Lima, also in northern Michigan but results have not been reported.
One inter-Assembly meeting was held at Louhelen Ranch for the Michigan communities and one organization meeting for Ohio and Indiana at Lima. Ohio and Indiana communities voted not to expend time, energy or resources in conferences among themselves but to go out into the field and work.
It is believed that the Lima, Ohio community has carried out the best and most effective program in the region.
Books have been placed in a number of Libraries, Indianapolis and South Bend leading in this activity.
The Temple Model was displayed for three months at the Great Lakes Exposition in Cleveland by Dr. Kahn, and it aroused much interest, leading people to the Cleveland Center.
Details of all activities are contained in the Regional Bulletins mentioned previously, these serving as periodic reports. A summary, statistical report is being compiled. This report, a bound copy of the Regional Bulletins, and maps will be available for inspection at the Convention.
- Dale S. Cole, Secretary
- Dr. Lillian Sielken
- Elsie Austin
- Charlotte Lindenburg
- Elsa Blakeley
Toronto[edit]
This Committee was created only on January 25, 1937. If it reports on the teaching activities which have been carried on in the Province of Ontario during the entire past Bahá’í year, it must be understood that these activities have been initiated and executed mainly by the old Regional Teaching Committee for Eastern Canada, and by the Toronto Group.
The outstanding accomplishments during the past year are: the formation of a Bahá’í Group in Toronto, consisting of eight recognized believers, six of whom are active Bahá’ís; regular observance of the Unity Feasts by these six Bahá’ís, the holding of public meetings every Sunday afternoon in a Bahá’í Hall, centrally located and comfortably furnished, offering a seating capacity of 50 persons, the rent being paid entirely by the Toronto Group; the establishment of a Bahá’í Loan Library in Toronto; credit arrangements with the Bahá’í Publishing Committee which will enable the Toronto Group to put in a complete stock of all Bahá’í literature for sale; and the holding of weekly study-classes.
Following an invitation of the Regional Teaching Committee, Lorol Schopflocher of Montreal gave a public address in Toronto in September. The Hall of the Theosophical Society was used for this purpose. Follow-up work led to a Bahá’í talk by St. George Spendlove on “Unity of Truth” which he delivered in February on the platform and under the auspices of the Theosophical Society in Toronto. Subsequently, the Theosophical Society in Kitchener, Ont., invited Mr. Spendlove to speak there. A subscription to the World Order magazine and several Bahá’í books were dedicated to the Library of the Theosophical Society in Toronto. The Committee was able to secure good newspaper publicity for Mrs. Schopflocher’s address.
Public addresses at the Bahá’í Hall and study classes were held by St. George Spendlove, William Suter, and Gerrard Sluter, and, on March 14th, by Mrs. and Mr. Harlan Ober who were visiting us for a day.
For the rest, the Committee is concentrating its efforts on Toronto for the time being, so that others may soon be able to undertake teaching and administrative work and thus relieve the members of the Regional Committee from local work.
- Gerrard Sluter, Secretary
- George Spendlove
- William Suter
Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota[edit]
In summarizing the work of the Central States branch of the Regional Teaching Committee, much must be omitted because of lack of space, but we will endeavor to include the most important results of the year’s activities.
The Guardian has repeatedly stressed the urgent need for carrying on teaching work in cities lying close to established Bahá’í Centers, and we are happy to be able to report that Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul have established such teaching activities in four different localities. In addition to this, through the efforts of the Regional Teaching Committee, ten new territories have been opened for the dissemination of the Bahá’í Teachings. Nine study classes have been organized, which are being visited regularly by teachers, and one pioneer teacher has taken up her residence in a city where the Cause has hitherto been quite unknown.
Of the isolated believers residing in this region, only one is holding meetings, and we hope that this branch of the work will be greatly stimulated in the coming year.
During the year four traveling teachers have visited this region and the inspiration of their work has been of inestimable value to the groups contacted by them as well as to the members of the Committee. We hope that the number of traveling teachers may be greatly increased in the future.
The teaching circuits which have been established in several neighborhood localities are proving helpful in more ways than one. They are instrumental, primarily, in spreading the Message, and secondly they afford practice opportunity to speakers lacking experience in making public addresses.
Needless to say, the radio is one of the most important publicizing mediums that exists today, and constant effort is being put forth to increase the number of broadcasts on the Bahá’í Faith. Anyone who has had experience with broadcasting stations knows how very difficult this is, but we are happy to announce progress along this line.
During the year but one Inter-Assembly Conference was held. This gathering took place in the Foundation Hall of the Temple in October 1936, and those in attendance derived much benefit and inspiration from the stimulating discussions and interchange of ideas. These Inter-Assembly Conferences and Inter-Community meetings play an important part in the teaching work by keeping the friends informed of the activities outside of their own small spheres, thus bringing about a greater unanimity of action than would otherwise be possible.
We feel that in the main there has been an increase in teaching activities, particularly among the newly organized Bahá’í Groups, and we hope that during the coming year the teaching work will be carried forward with such vigor that the heart of the Guardian will be rejoiced thereby.
- Sarah S. Walrath, Secretary.
- Charles Reimer
- Robert Theiss
- Mabel Ives
- Mrs. B. L. Rolfe
California, Arizona and Nevada[edit]
This Committee reports the great loss it sustained by the death of Elmer Duckett, one of its members.
The regional teaching work began in this section with an Inter-Community conference held in Los Angeles, California, with five Communities, three groups and a few isolated believers participating.
Later in the year a similar conference was held in Phoenix, Arizona, and the surrounding territory was invited to attend.
The greatest results from these meetings was the enthusiasm aroused in the teaching field and the new endeavors started.
Many group consultations have been held in Riverside, Covina, La Jolla, San Diego, Long Beach, San Bernardino, Pine Knot, Chula Vista, Santa Paula, Santa Barbara, and Long Beach, and Los Angeles has assisted greatly in sending teachers to some of these cities, also to Glendale, Pasadena and Van Nuys.
Phoenix, Arizona, has sponsored a group in Glendale, Arizona, and is endeavoring to open up other towns in its vicinity.
The new cities opened to the teaching this year, through the assistance of the regional work are, San Bernardino, Redlands, Covina and Pine Knot—Big Bear district.
Regular classes, with a symposium of teachers, have been formed to include Riverside, Redlands, San Bernardino and Pine Knot. This is not exactly the planned circuit teaching but similar in results. A course of lessons is designated and two or three teachers take part in each lesson—not the same teachers every time.
The following teachers have assisted in this work:
Marion Holley, Emmalu Wever, Virginia Orbison, Beatrice Irwin, Marzieh Carpenter, Margaret Campbell, Oni A. Finks and P. W. Howard.
This group method of opening up new territory has proven very good—that is, where several teachers and as many friends as can, go to an isolated believer’s home or the home of some acquaintance of one of the group, and from this contact form classes. Later it is hoped that more public meetings may be planned and a circuit arranged.
Many friends have been visitors in this section but not for long enough time to do much teaching. Among those who either gave a lecture or talked to Assemblies are the following:
Leroy Ioas, Alfred Lunt, Elizabeth Greenleaf, Corinne True, Dr. Catherine True, Laura Dreyfus-Barney, Charlotte Linfoot, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Bugbee, Clarence Iverson and Mother, Loyd Schoeney, and Florence Khan.
Corinne True has been in La Jolla for the winter and with the help of her daughters and Miss Lillian Fenn have been conducting classes in both La Jolla and San Diego. A public meeting in San Diego, followed by a tea at the home of Mrs. True, is the latest activity and much interest was aroused.
Ruth Westgate has been handling the Northern portion of this territory and her report has gone in to the National Teaching Committee direct, owing to the short time she has been on the Committee and the direct connection she has with the National Teaching Committee.
Mary Burland of San Francisco is now located in Santa Barbara and is ready to help the friends there and later will go to other places as the committee wishes.
The outstanding accomplishment, the committee believes, is the interest in new territory and the adding of two new names to the membership of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
- Oni A. Finks, Secretary
- Mrs. C. H. Bugbee
- Ruth Westgate
- Marion Holley
British Columbia, Oregon, Washington and Idaho[edit]
Several Assemblies have opened up new territory the past year: Portland, Oregon has been working in Oregon City; Seattle has opened Tacoma; Vancouver has been working in Victoria; Monroe has been working in Everett, Sultan and Marysville where a large public meeting was held with
[Page 13]
Rowland Estall of Vancouver, B. C.
as speaker. Mrs. Lorrol Luther has
been assisting the Monroe Bahá’ís in
these centers. Louise Caswell spent
six weeks in Boise, Idaho in February
and January, 1937, as well as March,
April and May 1936.
The Cause was introduced publicly in Oregon City and Marysville, Wash. for the first time. In addition several new contacts have been made in small towns in British Columbia. Austin Collin spent three weeks in Victoria last fall and made several good contacts. Now he is travelling in Frazier Valley.
Regular study classes are being held in the following places: Spokane, one class in administration, one in Esperanto, teacher, Lorrol Jackson; Seattle, one class in administration, one series of lectures by various members of the community, one Sunday school class, teacher, Helen Wilkes, Esperanto, teacher, Frederick Laws; Boise, Bahá’í study class, one Esperanto class, no teacher; Portland held a forum in the fall which has furnished students for a study class to be formed soon; Vancouver held a series of classes resulting in the addition of 10 Bahá’ís in one year. Seattle reports 5 new members and two transfers.
The Northwest region enjoyed visits from the following Bahá’ís this year: Mariam Haney; Charlotte Linfoot, Fred Schopflocher, Clara Weir, Florence Liliendahl. These paid us short visits of not more than three days. Sylvia Matteson spent several months in the Northwest territory. She helped in radio and publicity very materially.
Two Inter-Assembly meetings were held, one in Monroe, the other in Seattle. They were successful in arousing a determination to awaken the Northwest to the New Teachings.
Interest in the Faith becomes more general and I firmly believe a study class could be formed in any city where a Bahá’í goes with this intention. What we need is more pioneers in the West, Mrs. Lorrol Jackson and Louise Caswell are the only ones in this territory who are free to travel about. Mr. Rowland, George Latimer, Doris Foye and Austin Collin have taken short teaching trips but we need teachers to go to cities and towns to reside. Louise Caswell plans to spend three months in Victoria, B. C. this spring. Seattle sends a monthly bulletin to all Bahá’ís in Seattle.
In regard to study outlines, I enclose the one being used by Vancouver, B. C. It only requires two outlines and one book and this is a point in its favor for beginners.
Louise Caswell has given a lecture with temple slides to many interested groups. The slides, beginning with ancient American and Egyptian temples, show a wide variety of temples and the lecture concludes with Bahá’í Temple slides.
- Louise Caswell, Secretary
- Doris Foye
- Rowland Estall
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut [edit]
During the summer months our teaching activities revolved about Green Acre Summer School. An enthusiastic and well-attended teaching conference in August inspired the friends to greatly increased effort and brought forth many helpful suggestions as to best teaching methods and procedures. This conference was followed by six others during the year, each attended by members of Bahá’í Communities and isolated believers, and each resulting in new enthusiasm and opportunity to exchange helpful experience and advice.
As a result of increased teaching effort on the part of all individuals many new study groups have been formed both in existent Bahá’í Communities and in several new towns. Many fine young people of great capacity have been attracted and new members have been added to the rolls of all Assemblies.
The teaching circuit plan has also been tried out with great success, three speakers having covered the communities included in the circuit. Attendance at all the circuit meetings has been excellent and a particularly encouraging result of the plan is the number of civic and service clubs, women’s organizations and other groups that have welcomed the speakers to their platforms. Two churches have invited our speakers and valuable contacts have been made for future openings.
Among the outstanding events was the visit to the Region of Miss Martha Root whose address on “Principles of Peace,” to 250 members of the Federated Women’s Clubs of Eastern Maine brought the Faith to the attention of many leading women for the first time. Follow-up work has been carried on with a number of them who asked for further information and literature.
Another interesting and valuable feature of our teaching work this year has been the social get-togethers of the friends and attracted ones. Informal suppers in connection with the regional teaching conferences have provided opportunity for the friends to know each other better and to discuss their Bahá’í experiences informally. Worcester Community has made these fellowship dinners a monthly event during the fall and winter and they have not only added much to the happiness of the Bahá’ís but have demonstrated the warmth of Bahá’í fellowship to many seekers.
The State of Maine surpasses the other New England States in newly awakened interest; from many towns and cities people are writing for literature and information, and attending the meetings in large numbers.
The New England region is glad to have had a share in making it possible for Elizabeth Greenleaf to carry on teaching work in Arizona and Southern California this year.
As a culmination of the year’s work, several communities and many isolated believers will unite for the celebration of Nawruz with the Hartford friends who will serve as hosts.
Although our accomplishments are not outstanding, nevertheless our teaching work has been greatly accelerated during the present Bahá’í year and our success inspires us to go forward with greater assurance and perseverance in the task which lies before us.
- FLORENCE MORTON, Secretary
- AMELIA BOWMAN
- MRS. VICTOR ARCHAMBAULT
- MRS. WENDELL E. BACON
Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island[edit]
The best work that our committee has done in the past year is in assisting the Montreal Assembly to arrange Sunday afternoon musicals. These have been advertised and we have tried to invite as many out of town speakers as possible. Meetings of this kind have drawn the best attendance.
We have had Mr. Spendlove from Toronto speak on this program and Mr. Kenneth Christian from Malone.
During the month of October we arranged several meetings for Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher here in Montreal and another in Toronto. We have not been included in any of the travelling circuits and so far have not been able to organize any of our own because of the distances involved.
Our outstanding work along teaching lines has been in the fire-side groups, such as teas, musicals and parties, to which the Bahá’ís have invited their friends.
We have corresponded with the few isolated believers in this section of the
[Page 14]
country and have aided one with teaching material.
The Regional Committee has met with a fair amount of success in getting publicity in the local newspapers. We have not had opportunity to make use of the radio.
Early in the fall we sent books and material to Toronto for teaching work where a Bahá’í Group is now functioning under a Regional Committee for the Province of Ontario.
As means of travel in Canada during the winter months is limited and we do not seem to have any teachers free to travel, we have not been able to open up any new fields. We feel that our work has not been particularly fruitful this year but we are striving toward that end.
- SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER, Secretary
- RUTH LEE, Acting Secretary
- ERNEST HARRISON
- ANNE SAVAGE
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama[edit]
Several of the local Spiritual Assemblies with the cooperation of traveling teachers have opened up several new cities to the Faith during the past Bahá’í year and in several of these cities there are flourishing study classes. Correspondence has been carried on with isolated believers and teachers going into new places, furnishing names and addresses of nearby interested people and contacts with the hope that additional study groups might be formed.
One of the greatest aids to our teaching work this year was the meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly in Nashville. Excellent publicity was given by the newspapers and several thousand invitations to the public meetings carried quotations from the Bahá’í Writings into many new homes and institutions. Three public meetings were arranged, one of which was open to white and colored races without restriction,—something which only the confirmations of the Spirit could accomplish in the heart of the south. As a result of these meetings a great many leaders have been attracted to the Teachings and a new study group has been formed.
A number of teachers have gone out in the pioneer spirit to live and teach in cities where the Cause has not previously been known. Palm Beach, through the teaching service of Orcella Rexford and cooperation of the Miami Assembly, has a flourishing study class. Mrs. Ethel Neall-Furbush is teaching in Atlanta, Georgia; the Misses Sarah and Lydia Martin are working in Raleigh, North Carolina; Miss Elizabeth Brooks and Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler in St. Petersburgh, while Dr. Zia Bagdadi has opened several new towns and stimulated the teaching work of a number of Bahá’í communities.
Our region has been fortunate in having had a number of visiting teachers during the fall and winter, some of them remaining several weeks to assist Assemblies with their teaching plans and to follow up and aid with new fields. To all these whom space does not permit us to name we are deeply grateful.
All of our Bahá’í communities have added several new members to their rolls during the year. There has been new interest in study classes and several new teachers have arisen to serve both in the home communities and farther afield. Bahá’í books have been placed in a number of leading libraries and everywhere we find a more sympathetic and receptive response than at any time in the past.
- GEORGIA BROWN WILES, Secretary
- MRS. WALTER B. GUY
- LUCILLE HOKE
- E. VOGT
- ALBERT JAMES, JR.
Kansas, Missouri[edit]
Immediately after the Convention last year, Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg performed a very valuable service by coming to Kansas City and assisting the Community in their study for a period of two months, dwelling especially upon the Administration.
Mrs. Hoagg returned to this Region in October, spending two months with the Topeka Community. At her suggestion and the suggestion of Mr. Holley, we requested Mr. Wilfrid C. Barton of Chicago to come and help with some of the fireside groups and in the Colleges and Universities in Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City. Addresses on the Cause were given before students in the University of Kansas City, Washburn College in Topeka, the University of Kansas in Lawrence, and the Kansas Vocational School in Topeka; two radio talks were given, one over WIBW in Topeka and one over KCMO in Kansas City.
The Regional Committee arranged for Mrs. Robert Lee Moffett to come in January. She spent twenty-four days in this Region, lecturing in Kansas City, Independence, Springfield, and Nixa, Missouri, and in Topeka, Kansas; also spent one day in St. Louis interviewing contacts preliminary to arranging a lecture series at a later date. Mrs. Moffett has been instrumental in increasing the attendance at our Kansas City public meetings; in Topeka there is a renewed interest and an effort to study more deeply, and fireside meetings are being held; in Springfield a study group has been started; in Independence contacts have been made which will be followed up by the Kansas City Assembly; several radio talks were given in Kansas City and Springfield, and one in Topeka, through which contacts have been made in other cities over the Region.
We have no isolated believers in this Region sufficiently interested to help with the teaching work, not even to the point of helping with arrangements for a teacher in the city. This being rather new territory, we have no one ready to go to new cities to live or to teach. We feel it is necessary to build up the Communities in Kansas City and Topeka before any of us may go to other cities to live, and the teaching work outside Topeka and Kansas City has been done by teachers from outside our Region. We have found it very difficult to arrange teaching work in other cities when no one in the city is interested.
We regret the necessity of the dissolution of the Topeka Assembly, but we are hopeful that through the teaching work that has been done this year and that which will be done in the future, an Assembly may again soon be elected.
No inter-community conferences were held during the year, it seemingly being impossible to arrange, although several of the Kansas City members visited in Topeka, and the Topeka members of the Regional Committee made two visits to Kansas City. The cities of Independence, Springfield and Nixa in Missouri, and Lawrence, Kansas, were opened to the Cause for the first time. We have more people interested in studying in Topeka and in Kansas City, especially in Kansas City, now than at the beginning of the year. We feel that no real outstanding work has been done, but progress has been made.
- OPAL HOWELL, Secretary
- PAUL BROWN
- MRS. GEORGE ASHWORTH
- J. B. BECKTEL
REVIEWING[edit]
The Reviewing Committee reports having approved the following manuscripts since March 1936:
- Portals to Freedom, by Howard C. Ives.
- The Dawn of True Civilization, by Willard P. Hatch.
- What Is Bahá’í? by David Hofman (article for Reader’s Digest contest).
- Eighth chapter of David Hofman’s book (second report).
- A Bahá’í Calendar, submitted by member of Glendale community.
- Temple Pamphlet submitted by Temple Program Committee.
- Life Eternal by Mary L. R. Movius (a compilation).
- A Compilation by Mary Collison.
- Revision of the Esslemont book.
- A Statement on publication of compilations by Publishing Committee.
- The New Moral Standard, by Georgy Fitzgerald.
- DORIS HOLLEY, Secretary
- DELLA QUINLAN
- GENEVIEVE L. COY
TEACHING LITERATURE[edit]
The Committee has not reported for review any new Teaching pamphlets this past year, feeling that the ones on hand filled the necessary requirements for the present teaching work. Since our last report the splendid article on “The Bahá’í House of Worship” by Genevieve L. Coy has been printed in pamphlet form and is now in its second edition. This pamphlet with its attractive pictures and general subject matter should receive wide distribution.
In view of the present dissatisfaction in the industrial world, with the problems of agriculture still unsolved, a short presentation of the fundamental Bahá’í teachings on the Social Economic teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, would be eagerly read by many thousands seeking a solution. We also feel that a treatment of the subject the Influence of Religion on society would be a welcome addition to the series of Teaching pamphlets. The committee has been unable so far to obtain a suitable presentation of this latter subject owing to some unforseen difficulties which have prevented several writers from completing the subject. We recommend, however, that both these subjects be worked up for pamphlet publication before the series is closed.
It might be of general interest to the friends to know all the Teaching Pamphlets that are now available and the approximate number that has been sold by the Publishing Committee this past year. The list follows:
Homoculture | 3,000 |
The Path to God | 6,100 |
The Most Great Peace | 1,800 |
Oneness of Mankind | 3,700 |
Bahá’í House of Worship | 6,300 |
Principles of the Bahá’í Faith | 11,875 |
The World Religion | 11,425 |
What is the Bahá’í Faith? | 8,000 |
| ______ | |
Total | 52,000 |
To this amount of pamphlets sold can be added 23,890 more that have been furnished the Temple Program, Contacts and Teaching Committees and the National Spiritual Assembly, making a grand total of over 76,000 pamphlets distributed for teaching work this year. This is a large number but we hope that the amount will be at least doubled this coming year.
It is hard to estimate the value of this form of teaching service, but these teaching pamphlets serve as an opening wedge to arouse greater interest in the Faith when coupled with a kindly word. One of the illumined writers on the Cause recently wrote to a member of this committee “indeed I think one of two or three pamphlets which arrived at my home in Dublin one day and started my interest in this Revelation was from your pen.” This word is quoted to show that even a brief pamphlet may be the illuminating spark that may enkindle a brilliant soul. We hope every believer will carry some teaching literature with them every day. Respectfully submitted,
- George Latimer, Chairman
- Louise Caswell
- Alice Robertson
TEMPLE PROGRAM[edit]
During the past Bahá’í year the attendance at public meetings held in the Bahá’í House of Worship has noticeably increased. The public programs presented on Sunday afternoons are attracting increasing numbers of non-Bahá’ís.
The Temple is proving to be a greater medium of teaching than ever before, as the number of individual visitors and clubs, organizations, and churches touring the Temple has greatly increased during the past year. The record kept by the guides shows that a total of 16,609 people visited the Temple from March 1, 1936 to March 1, 1937, an increase of 31% over the same period the previous year. The record also shows a total of 4125 groups of visitors, the smallest having 9 members in it and the two largest 550 and 600. This number indicates an increase of about 90% over last year. Many of these groups went through the building on Sunday and then remained for the public lecture. A group is always addressed by one of the Bahá’í guides or by an especially appointed speaker.
It has been noted by the guides that the public in general is evincing greater interest in the spiritual significance of the Temple. Naturally while the structure was new, people were more interested in the building itself, but we find that those who have visited the Temple once, if they live close enough to do so, come again in order to find out more about the spiritual Realities that underlie the structure. Often times it is found that they who come again and again bring their friends and frequently show themselves to be advocates of the purposes and principles of the Bahá’í Faith.
The Sunday meetings this year were addressed by the following speakers:
- Monroe Ioas
- Howard Ives
- Mabel Ives
- Fanny Knobloch
- Philip Marangella
- Lenore Morris
- Robert Pettet
- Carl Scheffler
- Corinne True
- Margarite Ullrich
- Sarah Walrath
- Mary Magdalene Wilkin
- Albert Windust
Four visitors who spoke at the Temple—Dorothy Baker, Stanwood Cobb, Pearle Easterbrook and Nellie S. French—added greatly to the public programs, as did the symposium presented by the Bahá’í Youth Committee at which Linda Taylor, Pari Zia Walrath, Clarence LaRocque and Joel Marangella spoke.
The Bahá’í Holy Days celebrated in the Temple were only fairly well attended, the distance from Chicago and environs, and weather conditions, preventing many from attending. However, the significance and power of these gatherings in the Temple is becoming increasingly evident. Programs for these meetings were arranged by the various communities surrounding the Bahá’í House of Worship and by the Temple Program Committee, and on the days when customary, refreshments were also provided.
The expense of advertising in the Chicago papers the public meetings held in the Bahá’í House of Worship and the meetings held in the Bahá’í Center in Chicago, is jointly shared by this committee and the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago.
Literature for free distribution at the Bahá’í House of Worship has been supplied to the Committee by the National Spiritual Assembly.
- Carl Scheffler, Chairman
- Margarite Ullrich, Secretary
- Mary R. Barton
- Anne Bartholomew
- Edris Carson
- Hilbert Dahl
- Monroe Ioas
- Robert Pettet
- Sarah Walrath
UNIVERSAL AUXILIARY LANGUAGE[edit]
The Universal Auxiliary Language Committee during the past year has unfortunately accomplished very little with regard to introducing the Cause to Esperantists and other groups interested in the subject of an international auxiliary language. But it has laid the foundation for some work during the coming year which, it is hoped, will bear fruit. Everything has been done through correspondence, all members of the committee showing a beautiful Bahá’í spirit in their cooperation.
Individual members of the committee have presented the Cause to Esperantists in such cities as New York and suburbs, Brooklyn, Washington, D. C., Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, either through teaching Esperanto classes or arranging occasional home meetings. There are no available statistics as to the number of persons so contacted.
The committee has made an Esperanto translation of an excerpt from the Master’s Tablet on the Seven Candles of Unity, which will probably be used for distribution to Esperantists.
Through an invitation of the National Spiritual Assembly, Miss Lidja Zamenhof, a daughter of the founder of Esperanto and an ardent Bahá’í, has been invited to visit America, and she will probably arrive in the early fall. The committee feels that through her activities the Cause will be most impressively presented to the Esperantists and others interested in the idea of an international auxiliary language.
Sometime in the near future a questionnaire will be sent to the various communities and groups with a view to preparing a directory of Bahá’í Esperantists.
- CHARLES R. WITT, Chairman
- SARA WITT
- A. E. REGAL
- LUCY MARSHALL
- DELLA QUINLAN
- LOTHAR SCHURGAST
- ELSA CHASLON
- JOSEPHINE KRUKA
WESTERN STATES SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
The Western States Bahá’í Summer School entered into a new phase of service with the beginning of the second nine-year cycle of its existence.
Eleven years ago, when it was first realized that some special means were necessary to provide teachers for the Faith, and it was suggested that a summer school be established for the specific purpose of teaching and training Bahá’í teachers, little did the pioneers of this work dream of the success of the thought, and the rapidity with which the school would develop.
The school opened for its first session in 1926, with an attendance of approximately 40. It was thought the school would be successful, even if the attendance would have numbered only 9 or 10. The first years were those of pioneering work, in evolving courses of study, which would broaden and deepen the understanding of the friends in the implications of the Bahá’í Faith, and at the same time prepare them for public teaching service.
Each year the attendance was larger, the school grew in importance as a part of the Bahá’í life of the Pacific Coast, and the spirit of fellowship developed there, affected the unity of the friends in all Assemblies in the Western States.
1936, the year of the tenth annual session, and the beginning of the second nine-year cycle of the Summer School, was distinguished, because of the opening of the beautiful Bahá’í Auditorium, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Collins, of Pacific Palisades, California,
The first nine years, those of the evolvement of the school through the difficult days of pioneering, were consummated by the gift of the school property by John and Louise Bosch to Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada. Thus the school became, in spirit and form, a true institution of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in America.
Opening the new cycle of institutional life, the school moved forward in spiritual importance with the opening of the Bahá’í Auditorium, in which all its sessions were to be held, and permitting of full Bahá’í school activity on its own property.
The dedication of the Auditorium was simple, direct, and spiritually impressive. Opening with the words of Shoghi Effendi, received by cablegram: “Heartily join celebration opening Auditorium generously founded by well beloved distinguished friends Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Assure them profound abiding gratitude. Love assembled friends”, a short history of the development of the summer school was given by Leroy Ioas. This was followed by a beautiful presentation of the services of the School by Louise Bosch, and then the turning over of the property to the Trustees by the cousin of Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Robert Norton of San Francisco. Mr. Latimer on behalf of the Bosch Trustees, received the property for the National Assembly.
The meeting fittingly closed with the reading of a cablegram received from Mrs. Collins, who was in Bad Nauheim with Mr. Collins at the time: “Utmost gratitude for the Name that has taught us there is no separation.”—“Milly”.
The Summer School opened in accordance with its usual custom, with a Unity Feast under the Big Tree. There were present and served over two hundred seventy friends. This Feast sets the spiritual atmosphere of the school and releases the forces of unity and fellowship amongst those present. Suitable readings from the Holy Utterances are enjoyed, with words of greeting and inspiration from the various friends of far and near.
After the Feast under the Big Tree, all the friends repaired to the Bahá’í Auditorium, for the dedication services, which have been briefly outlined above.
The courses of study for the friends included the following:
- The Spirit, Teachings and Influence of Islam
- The Bahá’í Life
- The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
- The Nature of the Manifestation
- Seminar on Teaching the Bahá’í Faith
Each Course comprised six classes, the classes being conducted by those appointed in advance. In all twenty one people had classes. This is an important feature of the Western States Summer School; i. e., that the classes are conducted by a number of people, especially chosen, because of their knowledge of the subject matter in hand. The friends here do not follow the plan of other Summer Schools in America, where one person gives a course of lectures. Each of the classes is conducted on the seminar plan, with the presentation by the speaker, lasting not over 30 minutes, leaving 15 to 20 minutes for discussion and questions. Advance preparation is required on the part of those who conduct classes, and they must be prepared with reference in the Literature, covering the points made. Thus the individual is trained for important Bahá’í Teaching Work.
The Seminar on Teaching the Bahá’í Faith was very successful considering it was the first attempt to establish a direct seminar on the technique of
[Page 17]
Bahá’í Teaching. It laid the platform
for further development of this important aspect of Summer School work, at
the next session of the School.
Four public meetings were held; three in the Bahá’í Auditorium, and one in Santa Rosa, at the Griffith Grove. All of these meetings were well attended, and all the visitors learned more of the specific teachings of Faith. One item of great interest was the response made by one of the Bahá’í speakers, to an attack against the Faith, on the part of the local minister, in the one Church in Geyserville. This response, in part, was published in the Geyserville Paper, and the quotation from the Gleanings giving Bahá’u’lláh’s statement of the spiritual mission of Christ, was used.
The Bahá’í Youth were encouraged to take an even more active part in the conduct and life of the school, than previously. It should be understood that at Geyserville, the Bahá’í Youth are an integral part of the school life, and do not have a completely separate series of meetings or sessions. We feel this is important, as a true Bahá’í Community is made up of all Bahá’ís, of all ages, perfectly integrated as to activity, so the full spirit of Bahá’í life might show forth. The Youth themselves conducted a Round Table each day for discussion of various Bahá’í subjects. In addition to this, they attended the regular classes of the school. A great many youth were on the various Committees of the School, lending their enthusiasm to the development of the activities.
Separate classes were conducted for the children, who showed great enthusiasm in the study of the spiritual teachings. One of the public meetings was conducted by the Youth with the aid of these children. Perhaps one of the most stirring talks of the public meetings was that of nine-year old Claire Entzminger of Santa Rosa, on the “Life and Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.”
The school received more widespread publicity than ever before. In all, we received approximately 500 column inches of publicity, with publication in the Press of the entire program, and detailed quotations from the Holy Writings themselves. Copies were made available for distribution to the Assemblies of America by the Publicity Committee.
- JOHN D. BOSCH, Chairman
- LEROY C. IOAS, Secretary
- ELLA G. COOPER
- AMELIA COLLINS
- N. F. WARD
- IRWIN SOMERHALTER
- SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER
- CHARLOTTE LINFORT
- GEORGE O. LATIMER
YOUTH[edit]
In this fourth year of National Youth Committee endeavor in rearing a new civilization of active young Bahá’í men and women, throughout all the localities in America where youth have been reached, an ever-increasing effort has been witnessed in individuals as well as groups to acquaint young people with the pattern of life which youth will have to follow as indicated in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Even in the most remote sections where, as one youth reports, one “finds young people very satisfied in their churches,” constant effort is being made to teach by living the Bahá’í life knowing that this quiet work will yet bear fruit.
Our greatest united teaching effort was displayed in a second series of youth symposiums held internationally on Sunday, March 7, 1937, with twenty groups in this country, an increase of four over last year, and four abroad participating. This was a decrease in international groups, undoubtedly caused by the delay in publishing the January issue of BAHÁ’Í YOUTH which contained speech outlines on symposium topics to be presented on this date. Responses from many of last year’s participants were, therefore, we feel, withheld. In several communities symposium speeches were broadcast over local radio stations, and from all reports up to the present, Bahá’í Youth Day was a notable international success. In preparation of this Youth Day Celebration regional conferences were held in New York City for the Eastern area, in Urbana-Champaign for the Central area, and, it is believed, in other localities from which reports have not yet been received.
For greater efficiency in service an international secretary has been appointed, and in conjunction with this Committee expansion, nine associate members or correspondents have been appointed from other countries, one from England, India, Germany, Egypt, Iraq, France, Syria, Australia, and Persia.
Newly inaugurated monthly letters are being sent to Committee members to keep activities balanced and encourage a steady flow of communication. It is to be regretted that many Bahá’í youth have not sent in news reports or joined in the exchange of ideas. Sectional responsibility has therefore been further extended by the appointment of Committee members to be definitely responsible for certain groups in their area and to work with them in getting reports and assisting in the formation of new groups.
New youth between the ages of 15 and 21 who have recently registered with their Assembly, thus gaining the privilege of attending Feasts and of serving on local youth committees, have been reported as follows: Urbana eight, Montreal two, Pasadena two, Toledo one, Evanston two, Chicago four, Columbus three, Glendale two, and Binghamton two.
Youth sessions were conducted at two Summer Schools last year, at Green Acre with a Youth Week program, and at Louhelen Ranch with a four day session, while Geyserville youth continued to adapt “their activities to the life of the regular sessions” and “assumed an ever-increasing role and made a growing contribution to the program.” Each session was the most successful and best attended in the history of the Summer Schools.
The BAHÁ’Í YOUTH bulletin has been published quarterly, subscriptions have been increased, and the splendid response with manuscripts, news, and special bulletin material has indeed made BAHÁ’Í YOUTH “a conference ground where Bahá’í youth meet each other in print.” Teaching and study helps have been published, and the publication of a series of summaries of each of the Guardian’s great “World Order” letters is to begin in the next issue for the purpose of stimulating study of them and deepening our understanding and knowledge. One youth article was published in the HERALD OF THE SOUTH, and others have since been submitted. Symposium speeches of exceptional merit will appear in BAHÁ’Í YOUTH and possibly other publications.
A third survey of Bahá’í youth activities has been sent out to all the Assemblies and Groups of the U. S. and Canada. This when complete will indicate the present status of the Cause among youth and the actual development since 1935 in this country.
The steady emphasis of study, full participation in community life, active teaching and speaking, the development of youth teaching teams, and the integrating of the work of American youth groups both with the National Committee and with each other by a vigorous constructive communication from local groups has been continued throughout the year.
- KENNETH CHRISTIAN, Chairman
- ZEAH HOLDEN, Secretary
- TAHIRIH MANN, International Secretary
- FLORENCE MATTOON
- MARGUERITE REIMER
- DOROTHY WEVER
- WILFRID BARTON
- FARRUCK IOAS
- SAMUEL FOX
- CLARENCE LA ROCQUE
- FRED ASCAH
- GRACE SHEPARD
WORLD ORDER[edit]
Editorial[edit]
The Editors are pleased to report on the progress of the magazine during the year 1936-1937.
Two hundred and twenty-five different manuscripts have been received and considered. Each Editor reads the manuscripts, and then a conference is held at least monthly for exchange of views and mutual decision.
Volume Two has published the following featured material: Chapters from “Some Answered Questions”; extensive excerpts from “The Unfoldment of World Civilization”; the two concluding articles in the Symposium on “A World Faith”; five notable articles by Mamie L. Seto; the first six articles of the Symposium on “Seven Candles of Unity”; two articles on the Holy Muhammadan Empire in Transition, by Paul Simpson McElroy; the series of remarkable interviews conducted by Martha L. Root; a series of three deeply interesting articles by Rosa V. Winterburn; Mary Collison’s series on the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, prepared as a Green Acre study course; Glenn A. Shook’s scholarly study of Church Organization; Rev. George Townsend’s paper read at the Bahá’í session of the Fellowship of Faiths, London; Dorothy Baker’s “The Path to God”, prepared for the Committee on Teaching Literature; an article by the Governor of a Chinese Province; Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick’s department, “Signs of the Times”, and many other articles and poems.
Toward the end of the year were received, the manuscript of a book written by Hussein Rabbani on the Philosophy of Sorel, a thesis prepared in preparation for the title of Ph. D., a series of six articles by Alice Simmons Cox entitled “The New Creation”, a comprehensive survey of modern thought reflecting the Light of the New Day; and an article entitled “The Land of Four Faiths” sent from Haifa by Ruhiyyih Khanum.
A new Symposium is already under way for publication beginning October, 1937, on “The World Outlook”.
It is hoped that the new typographical arrangement used in the April, 1937 issue will be considered more attractive than the previous one. In the important matter of art work, the Editors request the advice and assistance of all believers possessing artistic training and experience. Norman MacGregor has drawn a new design for the front cover and inside title pages, which came too late for consideration this year but is being held for later use.
The friends are reminded that World Order bases its editorial policy on the Guardian’s “The Goal of a New World Order”, which seems most vividly to present the Message in terms of the non-Bahá’í as well as the confirmed believer.
In conclusion: Bahá’u’lláh in the “Gleanings” has revealed the Source of the creative power behind all human thought and feeling. The Cause is destined to reflect this power in its utmost radiance. The Magazine is both a teaching medium and a training school in which the friends may acquire greater responsiveness to the Source of the creative power.
HORACE HOLLEY
