Bahá’í News/Issue 110/Text

Bahá’í News
Issue 110

BAHA’I NEWS

Published by
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey

No. 110

SEPTEMBER, 1937

Say: O ye lovers of the One true God! Strive, that ye may truly recognize and know Him, and observe befittingly His precepts. This is a Revelation, under which, if a man shed for its sake one drop of blood, myriads of oceans will be his recompense. Take heed, O friends, that ye forfeit not so inestimable a benefit, or disregard its transcendent station.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.

“REDIRECT WITH ADDED FORCE NATIONWIDE APPEAL TO ENTIRE COMMUNITY”[edit]

Since the publication in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for June of the Guardian’s Call to undertake the Seven-Year Plan, Shoghi Effendi has cabled the following: “Immeasurably gratified National Assembly’s initial step presentation seven-year plan ... redirect with added force nationwide appeal to entire community ensure uninterrupted completion first unit (of new Temple construction) and accumulation sufficient funds enable placing without delay final contract.”

This means, First of all, an immediate, full-hearted response to the budget outlined in the statement published in June. Upon each Assembly, each group and every individual Bahá’í rests a direct responsibility, the fulfilment of which represents the measure of our service to the universal Faith revealed in the Day of God. Whatever the distractions that may arise, there is in true faith a simplicity, a concentration of purpose which will enable us to center our efforts upon the essential goal.

These are the swiftly-passing days which, once gone, can never be recalled. This is the sacred task which the prophets and holy saints of old longed to share. May each of us become inwardly united in our inflexible resolve to play a noble part in the epochal undertaking, and from that deep level of intention will surely emanate a unity of collective forces that no earthly power can ever shake.

The Guardian himself has given us the added force with which the appeal can be redirected throughout the entire area of the American Bahá’í community. His cablegram of August fourth, quoted in full in this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, contains these overwhelming words “In a world perilously near cataclysmic convulsions destined experience, at a time when forces of repression are launching their assaults and conspiring (to) undermine foundations (of) most powerful strongholds (of) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh in land of its birth and in heart of both Asiatic (and) European continents, an inescapable, well-nigh staggering responsibility rests on America, its one chief remaining citadel.”

Thus he points out the implications for us here in America of the dissolution of the Bahá’í community in Germany by action of the government, of the difficulties confronting believers in so many other regions, of the swiftly increasing social disruptions prevailing everywhere on earth today. Even as this is written, our International Teacher, the revered Martha L. Root, is in Shanghai, surrounded by the flame and smoke of war.

To build the Temple ... to teach ... this is our daily and hourly task, privilege, duty and Bahá’í life. Now, if ever, the lesser things are to be thrust aside and forgotten, and only the profound truths of action and of sacrifice can animate the followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the American continent.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.

Beseech ye the one true God to grant that ye may taste the savor of such deeds as are performed in His path, and partake of the sweetness of such humility and submissiveness as are shown for His sake.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.

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.

Lloyd C. Hawley, San Francisco.

Miss Esther Davis, La Jolla.

Alfred E. Lunt, Beverly.

Mrs. Lucy A. Northrop, Oakland, Calif.

Mrs. Abbie Campbell, Los Angeles.

ASSEMBLY ROLL[edit]

Rochester, N. Y. The election of a new Secretary has been reported. Correspondence should now be addressed to Mrs. P. R. Meinhard, 335 Wilmot Road.

ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]

Washington, two and one youth. Lima, eleven. New York, six. Augusta, nine. Philadelphia, one. Pasadena, two. San Francisco, one. Miami, two. Urbana, one. Boston, one.

[Page 2] Park Ridge, two. Chicago, two. Peoria, one. Kansas City, one. Los Angeles, one youth. Eliot, two. Columbus, one youth.

NATIONAL BAHA’I FUND[edit]

The following statement is based on the remarks made by Mrs. Mamie L. Seto at the Convention, which the delegates wished reproduced for the information of the friends.

“As the matter of contributions to the National Fund is of such vital importance in furthering the progress of the Faith, we must likewise, as believers, give it the same important place in our lives.

“And we could give it the vital place it holds by making it one of the subjects of consultation at the Nineteen Day Feast.

“First, by reading and dwelling upon the words written by our Guardian on this subject, as given in Bahá’í Administration and the BAHÁ‘Í NEWS; second, by informing the Bahá’í community of the regular monthly expenses of the Cause, which must be met by the contributions of the believers; and third, by educating the body of the believers in this matter of supporting their Faith by their money offerings, which is definitely a part of their religious life, so they will be ready and willing to meet in a generous and spontaneous manner the increased cost of promoting the Faith, which will naturally follow, as it expands and goes forward to its ordained destiny.”

BAHA’I PROCEDURE[edit]

A Correction[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly is grateful to Mrs. S. E. J. Oglesby for pointing out an error in the new publication entitled Bahá’í Procedure.

On Sheet 5, Section Two, fifth line under caption, “Conduct of Business,” the word “imitating” should be changed to “initiating.” Will the believers kindly make this correction in their own copies.

TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION RESUMED[edit]

External Decoration of Gallery Section To Be Carried Out by John J. Earley Under Recommendation of Technical Committee[edit]

“AN INESCAPABLE ... RESPONSIBILITY”

Cablegram from the Guardian

Much heartened (by) compelling evidences accelerated speed with which teaching campaign inaugurated throughout Americas (is) now progressing. Greatly cheered (by) realization no more than five States and three Canadian Provinces remain still deprived (of) radiant Light which unfolding, divinely conceived Plan is rapidly diffusing. In a world perilously near cataclysmic convulsions destined experience, at a time when forces of repression are launching their assaults and conspiring (to) undermine foundations (of) most powerful strongholds (of) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh in land of its birth and in heart of both Asiatic (and) European continents, an inescapable, well-nigh staggering responsibility rests on America, its one chief remaining citadel. Who among its stalwart defenders will arise, untrammelled (and), unafraid, to implant its banner in those States, Provinces (and) Countries where its standard is still unhoisted? Entreat afresh American community heed vital urgency (of) my impassioned plea (and) spur efforts bring speedy termination (of) first Stage in evolution (of) so important (a) phase of dual task they have so enthusiastically shouldered.

SHOGHI.

Received, August 4, 1937.

The Seven-Year Plan formulated by Shoghi Effendi for the American believers is now under way and has entered the arena of spiritual accomplishment through the awarding of contract for the external ornamentation of the Temple gallery section to John J. Earley, who produced the ornamentation of the dome and clerestory units.

In accordance with the Guardian’s instruction, reported at the Convention by Siegfried Schopflocher, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed a Technical Committee to study the entire field, investigate the possibilities of competitive bids, and make definite recommendations concerning the best manner and conditions under which Temple construction should be resumed.

The Guardian’s reference to the function of this committee appears in a letter received by the N. S. A. dated June 4, 1937: “... The appointment of a technical committee by the N. S. A. to advise the trustees regarding the most efficient, economical and satisfactory methods to be adopted in connection with the completion of the external ornamentation is absolutely essential. The Committee must dispassionately and carefully consider the matter in all its aspects, and advise the N. S. A. as to how they should proceed, to whom they should give the contract, and in what terms to formulate its provisions. Should any technical difficulties and problems arise in the future, the trustees would be well advised to seek the help of that Committee.”

Technical Committee Appointed[edit]

In the light of the above instruction, the National Spiritual Assembly appointed a Technical Committee with the following membership: L. W. Eggleston, Chairman, Stuart W. French, Frank R. MacMillan, E. Roger Boyle, C. Herrick Hammond and Frank A. Baker. This membership included Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, business men, an architect, an engineer and builder, and the head of the research department of the Portland Cement industry. All but two members who have been traveling abroad met for a conference after individual study of the problem, and unanimously agreed that only Mr. Earley was competent to undertake the work.

The Committee then held a conference with Mr. Earley, and with him went into the matter of costs and the form of contract or agreement best adapted to this type of construction.

Finally, three members of the Committee met with the National Spiritual Assembly and presented their findings and advice.

The result is that Mr. Earley is to begin work on the gallery section immediately.

Estimate of Cost[edit]

The Committee’s careful investigation has convinced them that the gallery unit can be completed within an estimate of $145,000, the time required being eighteen to twenty months.

It will be evident to every Bahá’í after turning to a photograph of the House of Worship that the external decoration of the gallery unit will have a tremendous effect upon the appearance of the edifice. After this work is finished there remains only the first story and the surrounding steps, and with the cooperation and unceasing effort of every American believer the Guardian’s Seven-Year Plan, as far as

[Page 3] the Temple is concerned, can and must be fulfilled.

“Immeasurably Gratified”[edit]

Shoghi Effendi once more conveyed his instructions to the N. S. A. and reinforced his appeal to the American Bahá’í community through the following cablegram received July 4, 1937:—

“APPROVE COMMITTEES DECISION”

Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi

After cabling the Guardian the result of the conference with the Technical Committee, and also concerning newly-adopted teaching plans, Shoghi Effendi replied as follows:

“Approve Committee’s decision. Place contract immediately. Delighted teaching progress. Praying further success.” (Received September 2, 1937).

“Immeasurably gratified National Assembly’s initial step presentation Seven-Year Plan. Successful operation Temple enterprise necessitates carrying out faithfully energetically following successive steps. First, expedite preliminary investigations. Second, utilize Fred’s historic munificent donation by immediate signature contract for next unit. Third, redirect with added force nationwide appeal to entire community insure uninterrupted completion first unit and accumulation sufficient funds enable placing without delay final contract. Fourth, place final contract as soon as half required sum available in National Treasury. Fifth, re-emphasize supreme obligation triumphant consummation so vital a part of American believers’ twofold task by May, 1944. Advise communicate above message all believers stimulate universal response Assembly’s future endeavors.”

The vital work, beloved friends, is in motion. By that movement, if we be worthy of our sacred task, the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will be carried forward at great distance, and the banner of the Most Great Peace will be unfurled for the entire world to behold in gratitude and supreme joy.

NEED FOR HEROIC SERVICE[edit]

“Who among its stalwart defenders will arise untrammeled (and) unafraid. ... Entreat afresh American community heed vital urgency (of) my impassioned plea.”

As we ponder these stirring entreaties in the Guardian’s most recent cablegram, are there any among us whose souls are not moved to the very depths by the realization that the American Bahá’í’s are being called to render a sacrifice and achieve a glory that in the days to come may perhaps be viewed in the same light as we today view the deeds of the early Dawn-Breakers?

How often have all of us wished that we might have played a part in the pioneer days of the Faith. Surely we must see that the need for heroic service has been renewed and that today we have not only the opportunity but the responsibility of displaying the same devotion and self-sacrifice in planting firmly the banner of Bahá’u’lláh in the twenty-four states of the United States and seven provinces of Canada which are still without the spiritual blessing of local Spiritual Assemblies or Bahá’í Groups.

As we have found inspiration in the lives and deeds of the early Dawn-Breakers, will the standard of teaching which we shall raise during the next seven years also be a gauge by which future generations may measure their sacrifices and devotion in ‎propogating propagating‎ the Faith?

The Guardian calls us to set in motion a new method of teaching—that of teaching by settlement. The immediate need is for pioneers in the virgin territory. Every believer not definitely bound to a certain location by technical business connections, should immediately consider the possibility of adjusting his own life and affairs so that he can move into some new territory to live and teach. The National Spiritual Assembly through its Teaching Committees is prepared to assist not only spiritually and morally those who arise to this need, but will also cooperate in temporary financial assistance where that is necessary.

In undertaking this type of pioneer work, three points should be kept in mind:

First, response to this call does not mean merely a new location, a new geographical field of service for an individual, but in its cumulative effect, as the activities increase, it means the broad expansion of our Faith throughout the American continent.

Second, the individual does not go out alone, but he carries with him the moral and spiritual support of all the American Bahá’ís.

Third, the individual, as a result of his service, becomes the direct recipient of the confirmations of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer is the power which can raise us and our services to the invincible realm of true spiritual life, and in that realm and that realm alone will the souls of crushed humanity find release into the open pathway to new life. Therefore, every Bahá’í, whether in the field or at home, should daily use the resuscitating teaching prayers for the teachers and for the success of this great united effort. It is recommended that special prayers for teachers and the teaching work be read at each of the Nineteen Day Feasts.

The Regional Teaching Committees and the National Teaching Committee hold themselves in readiness to aid in every possible way those “stalwart defenders” who, temporarily renouncing the joys and privileges of close Bahá’í association will go forth to deliver the gift of Bahá’í life to a new and virgin area.

NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.

Behold, how the divers peoples and kindreds of the earth have been waiting for the coming of the Promised One. No sooner had He, who is the Sun of Truth, been made manifest, than, lo, all turned away from Him, except them whom God was pleased to guide. We dare not, in this Day, lift the veil that concealeth the exalted station which every true believer can attain, for the joy which such a revelation must provoke might well cause a few to faint away and die.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.

WELL BELOVED LUNT[edit]

On August 16, 1937, was received this cabled message from the Guardian:

“Shocked distressed premature passing esteemed well-beloved Lunt. Future generations will appraise his manifold outstanding contributions to rise and establishment Faith Bahá’u’lláh American continent. Community his bereaved co-workers could ill afford lose such critical period so fearless champion their Cause. Request entire body their National representatives assemble his grave pay tribute my behalf to him who so long and since inception acted as pillar institution they represent. Convey Boston community assurance prayers deepest brotherly sympathy their cruel irreparable loss.” (Signed) Shoghi.

On Monday, August 30, the members of the Nation Spiritual Assembly

[Page 4] proceeded to the grave at Beverly, Massachusetts, and carried out the Guardian’s wish.

Great indeed is this Day! The allusions made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as the Day of God attest its greatness. The soul of every Prophet of God, of every Divine Messenger, hath thirsted for this wondrous Day. All the divers kindreds of the earth have, likewise, yearned to attain it. No sooner, however, had the Day Star of His Revelation manifested itself in the heaven of God’s Will, than all, except those whom the Almighty was pleased to guide, were found dumbfounded and heedless.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHA’S UNITY FEAST[edit]

The Annual Souvenir at West Englewood was held on Saturday, June 26, and carried out a program arranged by the National committee. The gathering of believers and friends of the Faith was most impressive in numbers and was animated by a deep spirit of devotion and gratitude.

The subject of “‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Spiritual Message to America” was developed by a number of speakers, including Mrs. Florian Krug, Saffa Kinney, Mrs. Grace Ober, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Mrs. Maud Gaudreaux, Roy C. Wilhelm, Mrs. E. B. Kinney.

A commemorative service was then conducted by Mountfort Mills in the grove where the Master gave the Unity Feast in 1912.

CONTACTS NEEDED IN NEW AREAS[edit]

In December BAHÁ’Í NEWS the National Teaching Committee appealed to all the American Bahá’ís to send to this Committee or the Regional Teaching Committees concerned, information and contacts which might be helpful in introducing the Faith in cities and states where it is not yet established. Several believers responded by sending in some very helpful lists of names and addresses of individuals whom they knew were, or might be interested in having literature or notices of meetings in those cities. One such list was the factor which determined to which of two cities in a certain state a pioneer teacher should be sent. Believing that many more friends can help in this important work of opening new cities and states, the National Teaching Committee wishes to repeat this appeal for:

Names and addresses of friends or acquaintances in all states and provinces of Canada where there are no local Spiritual Assemblies, so that literature may be sent or some contacts made for work there.
Names of cities where you have done some Bahá’í work or where you know someone else has made some contacts, with the names and addresses of interested individuals and whatever pertinent details are necessary to adequate follow-up.

It is very important to have this information centralized both for the use of teachers going into new cities and states to teach and also to insure adequate follow-up of all teaching opportunities. To sow the seed is the first step in teaching, but cultivation brings the seed to flower, and cultivation is impossible if the location of the seed is unknown.

NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.

NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]

July 1, 1937—June 30, 1938[edit]

Archives and History[edit]

Edwin W. Mattoon, Chairman.

Mrs. Carl Scheffler, Secretary, 1821 Lincoln St., Evanston, Illinois.

Mrs. R. D. Pettet.

Charles Mason Remey.

Julia Sobel.

Accountant[edit]

A. F. Matthisen, 4612 Malden St., Chicago, Illinois.

The Bahá’í World, Volume VII, Editorial[edit]

Horace Holley, Chairman.

Mrs. Nellie S. French, Secretary, 390 Grove St., Pasadena, California.

Mrs. Ruth Brandt.

Mrs. Alexander Morten.

Mrs. Dudley Blakely.

Mrs. Coralie Cook.

Marion Holley.

Mrs. Marzieh Carpenter.

Mrs. Victoria Bedikian, Assistant Photograph Editor.

Mrs. Charles Bishop.

Agnes Alexander.

Louis C. Gregory.

Braille Transcription[edit]

Mrs. Samuel Rodman, Chairman, 24 Ross Street, Batavia, New York.

Ella Quant.

Hilda Stauss.

Mrs. S. W. French.

Contacts[edit]

Lucy Marshall, Chairman, 20 Broderick Street, San Francisco, Calif.

Ethel Revell.

Mrs. Sarah Kenny.

Mrs. Jacob Kunz.

Mrs. Emeric Sala.

Mrs. Allen B. McDaniel.

Mrs. Stanley Kemp.

Marion Holley.

Index[edit]

Mrs. H. A. Harding, Chairman, 704 W. Nevada Street, Urbana, Illinois.

Mrs. Mabel Paine.

Mrs. Joel Stebbins.

Mrs. B. H. Kirkpatrick.

Mrs. Mary Rabb.

Legal[edit]

George O. Latimer, Chairman, 1927 N.E. 40th Avenue, Portland, Ore.

Mountfort Mills.

Carl Scheffler.

Library[edit]

Martha Woodsum, Chairman.

Mrs. Wesley Bastedo, Secretary, 1332 Riverside Drive, New York, N. Y.

Inter-America[edit]

Mrs. E. R. Mathews, Chairman, Box 1064, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Mrs. A. E. Stewart, Secretary.

Miguel Calderon.

E. R. Mathews.

Publicity[edit]

Mrs. A. F. Matthisen, Chairman, 4612 Malden St., Chicago, Illinois.

Mrs. Edna Eastman.

Clarence LaRocque.

Publicity Committee Reviewing[edit]

Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay, 833 Prendergast Avenue, Jamestown, New York.

Publishing[edit]

Horace Holley, Chairman.

Mrs. C. R. Wood, Secretary, 135 East 50th Street, New York, N. Y.

R. C. Wilhelm.

Mrs. Emma F. Smith.

Bertha Herklotz.

Mrs. Marie B. Moore.

William DeForge.

Thomas Wood.

Publishing Committee—Editorial Division[edit]

Mrs. Marie B. Moore.

Helen Campbell.

Teresita E. Ryan.

Radio[edit]

Mrs. Frank A. Baker, Chairman, 615 West Elm Street, Lima, Ohio.

Mrs. Bishop Brown.

Elsie Austin.

Reviewing[edit]

Dr. Genevieve L. Coy, Chairman.

[Page 5]

Mrs. Horace Holley, Secretary, 119 Waverly Place, New York, N. Y.

Mrs. Patrick Quinlan.

Study Outlines[edit]

Gretchen Westervelt, Chairman, 16 Garden St., Pottsdam, New York.

Mrs. Willard McKay.

Imogene Talbott.

June Miller.

Mrs. J. W. Gift.

Teaching[edit]

Leroy C. Ioas, Chairman.

Charlotte M. Linfoot, Secretary, 376 60th St., Oakland, California.

George O. Latimer.

Mrs. Thomas H. Collins.

Forsyth N. Ward.

Mrs. Arthur L. Dahl.

Regional Teaching—Alabama and Florida[edit]

Mrs. Lucile Hoke, Secretary, c/o Chalmers Music Co., 12 Flagler St., Miami, Florida.

Mrs. W. B. Guy.

Dr. W. C. Thomas.

Regional Teaching—Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky[edit]

Mrs. Georgie Wiles, Secretary, R. F. D. 2, West Nashville, Tennessee.

E. Vogt.

Mrs. Thelma Allison.

Regional Teaching—Mississippi and Louisiana[edit]

Mrs. R. D. Little, P. O. Box 61, Covington, La.

Regional Teaching—Kansas and Missouri[edit]

Miss Opal Howell, Secretary, 4527 Forest Avenue, Kansas City, Mo.

Paul Brown.

J. B. Becktel.

J. J. Williams.

Regional Teaching—Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois[edit]

Mrs. H. E. Walrath, Secretary, 4639 Beacon St., Chicago, Illinois.

Robert Theiss.

Charles Reimer.

Monroe Ioas.

Mrs. Robert Carson.

Mrs. D. C. Rolfe.

Regional Teaching—Ohio and Indiana[edit]

Mrs. Edward Meissler, Secretary, 319 Westwood Drive, Lima, O.

Dale S. Cole.

Charlotte Lindenburg.

Dr. Lillian Sielken.

Regional Teaching—Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia, Virginia and West Virginia[edit]

Mrs. F. W. Hipsley, Secretary, 4406 Wentworth Road, Baltimore, Md.

Charles Mason Remey.

Stanwood Cobb.

Regional Teaching—New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey[edit]

Mrs. Mildred Mattahedeh, Secretary, 544 East 86th Street, New York, N. Y.

Philip Sprague.

Helen Campbell.

Curtis Kelsey.

Jessie E. Revell.

Dr. Genevieve L. Coy.

Mrs. Helen Inderlied.

Dr. Albert Heist.

Regional Teaching—Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut[edit]

Mrs. F. S. Morton, Secretary, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Worcester, Mass.

Mrs. Harold M. Bowman.

Mrs. Victor Archambault.

Mrs. Wendell E. Bacon.

Mrs. Howard Struven.

Regional Teaching—Province of Ontario, Canada[edit]

Gerrard Sluter, Secretary, 334 George St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

George Spendlove.

William Suter.

Regional Teaching—Province of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland[edit]

Mrs. Ruth Lee, Secretary, 2682 Soissons Ave., Montreal, P.Q., Canada.

Anne Savage.

Ernest V. Harrison.

Siegfried Schopflocher.

Regional Teaching—California, Arizona and Nevada[edit]

Mrs. Oni A. Finks, Secretary, 453 East Avenue 28, Los Angeles, Calif.

Mrs. C. H. Bugbee.

Joseph H. Bray.

Mrs. Sara Kenny.

Mrs. Florence Cox.

Regional Teaching—Oregon and Idaho, British Columbia, Canada[edit]

Doris Foye, Secretary, P. O. Box 228, Seattle, Washington.

Mrs. Levinia Sprau.

Rowland Estall.

Stanley Kemp.

Mrs. Louise Caswell.

Teaching and Training Children[edit]

Carl Scheffler, Chairman, 1821 Lincoln St., Evanston, Illinois.

Stanwood Cobb.

Robert S. Hammond.

Mrs. Viola Tuttle.

Dr. Genevieve L. Coy.

Mrs. Florida Sanford.

Teaching Literature[edit]

George O. Latimer, Chairman, 1927 N.E. 40th Avenue, Portland, Ore.

Mrs. Louise Caswell.

Mrs. Alice Robertson.

Temple Program[edit]

Miss Sophie Loeding, Chairman.

Mrs. Clarence Ullrich, Secretary, 904 N. Hays Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.

Mrs. Enos M. Barton.

Mrs. Edward Lindstrom.

Edna True.

Robert S. Hammond.

Temple Librarian and Photographs[edit]

H. E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon St., Chicago, Illinois.

Universal Auxiliary Language[edit]

Executive Committee—

Mrs. Patrick Quinlan, Chairman, 70 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Josephine Kruka.

Lothar Schurgast.

Consulting Members—

Charles Witt.

Mrs. Sara Wilt.

A. E. Regal.

Mrs. Elsa Chaslon.

Lucy Marshall.

World Order Magazine[edit]

Stanwood Cobb.

Horace Holley, 119 Waverly Place, New York, N. Y.

Margory Morten.

Mrs. C. R. Wood, Business Manager, 135 East 50th Street, New York, N. Y.

Youth[edit]

Kenneth Christian, Chairman.

Zeah Holden, Secretary, 48 Terrace Avenue, Albany, New York.

Florence Mattoon.

Marguerite Reimer.

Dorothy Wever.

Wilfrid Barton.

Fayrook Ioas.

Samuel Fox.

Clarence LaRocque.

Lloyd Schoeny.

Mae Graves.

Evelyn Cliff.

Fred Ascah.

Grace Shepherd.

Philip Sprague.

Tahirih Mann and Annamarie Kunz, International Correspondents.

AGNES ALEXANDER TO VISIT AMERICAN COMMUNITIES[edit]

Miss Agnes Alexander has come to America after her latest stay in Japan. She remained some days at Haifa en-route to this country.

In accordance with the Guardian’s

[Page 6] wish that she visit as many local communities as possible, the National Spiritual Assembly is happy to announce that Miss Alexander, in planning her journey across the country, will notify the Spiritual Assembly in each city she is able to visit.

Meetings arranged for her to address the friends will enable a large number of believers to meet this pioneer teacher and share her important information and extensive knowledge of the Teachings as well as her ardent faith.

In the Book of Isaiah it is written: “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty.” No man that meditateth upon this verse can fail to recognize the greatness of this Cause, or doubt the exalted character of this Day—the Day of God Himself. This same verse is followed by these words: “And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that Day.” This is the Day which the Pen of the Most High hath glorified in all the Holy Scriptures. There is no verse in them that doth not declare the glory of His holy Name, and no Book that doth not testify unto the loftiness of this most exalted theme. Were We to make mention of all that hath been revealed in these heavenly Books and holy Scriptures concerning this Revelation, this Tablet would assume impossible dimensions. It is incumbent, in this Day, upon every man to place his whole trust in the manifold bounties of God, and arise to disseminate, with the utmost wisdom, the verities of His Cause. Then, and only then, will the whole earth be enveloped with the morning light of His Revelation.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE THE BAHA’I WORLD[edit]

The Editorial Committee desires to bring to the attention of all believers, in other countries as well as in North America, that the material intended for Vol. VII should be sent to the Secretary, Nellie S. French, 390 Grove Street, Pasadena, Calif., by November 1, 1937.

As this work is representative of the worldwide Bahá’í community, the National and local Assemblies of other lands are made responsible for reports of activities and other data pertaining to their areas. The Editorial Committee does not produce the contents—its chief concern is to act as a collector of material from others.

Each National Assembly is requested to give particular attention to the matter of accuracy in such details as addresses, bibliographies, etc. There is no way for the Editorial Committee to check errors or omissions in the material received from abroad.

In addition to reports of current activities for the period April, 1936—April, 1938, the Committee would like the Assemblies in foreign lands to inspect the contents of Vol. VI very carefully, and report corrections wherever required. Favorable references to the Cause by influential non-believers, Bahá’í photographs, and individual articles about the Cause are also desired.

As to the method of preparing material for publication, after it is received: since this matter is apparently not yet clear, the Committee would like to explain that all material is forwarded to the Guardian in the form received. The Guardian selects the contents, including the illustrations, and arranges them in the order they are to appear in the final book. Only when Shoghi Effendi directs the Committee to edit or revise some article or report does the Committee make any alterations.

SURVEY OF BAHA’I YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA[edit]

Early in March, 1937, ninety letters were sent out by the National Youth Committee to all Bahá’í Assemblies and Groups in the United States and Canada to ascertain the present status of the Cause among youth and the actual development since 1935. Out of sixty-eight answers forty-four communities have youth groups, twenty-eight of which have youth committees. Seven communities have one or two Bahá’í youth, one has eight interested youth (non-believers), one has three non-believers, and the rest report “no youth.” The National Youth Committee strongly urges that youth committees be appointed at once by Local Spiritual Assemblies in the sixteen communities reporting youth groups but no committees.

According to reports, six hundred and twenty-one youth, three hundred and thirty-four Bahá’is, and two hundred and eighty-seven non-Bahá’ís, are studying the Bahá’í teachings at the present time.

During the coming year it will be the earnest endeavor of the regional secretaries and other Committee members to lend every possible assistance in suggesting:

Possible programs for meetings and classes.
Outlines of talks with references.
Methods of approach toward newcomers.
Possible contacts where there are no Bahá’í youth.
Correspondents for those who want to write to other Bahá’í youth.
Teaching methods for high school and college students, business and professional youth, and those interested in the general community.
Good speakers from other communities.
And providing, where necessary, experienced teachers to work up new groups.

New ideas and suggestions in regard to the furtherance of youth work and reports of successful teaching methods are most welcome. Please communicate with Miss Zeah Holden, 48 Terrace Avenue, Albany, N. Y., Secretary of the National Youth Committee.

YOUTH STUDY DAYS[edit]

“To obtain a more adequate understanding of the significance of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous Revelation must, it is my unalterable conviction, remain the first obligation and the object of the constant endeavor of each one of its loyal adherents.”—The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi.

The National Youth Committee proposes the holding of five concentrated Study Days as part of the basic program of Bahá’í youth activity for the year 1937-38.

Purpose: To deepen the understanding and help organize the knowledge of those Bahá’í youth who are enrolled or who are beginning a serious study of the Teachings.... To prepare ourselves thoroughly for life in the Bahá’í community and for youth work and effective teaching, we must have much more than a mere surface knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith. These concentrated days of study should enable us to deepen and widen the range of our knowledge.

Method: The National Youth Committee suggests that, through consultation with the local spiritual assembly, the teacher best qualified be obtained to take charge of each Study Day. We suggest that the Study Day take place any time within the month specified. We urge that as long a time as possible be given during the

[Page 7] selected day for study. Nothing should interfere with this. This is not a public meeting or one for newly-attracted youth. Two halves of a day (e. g. Sunday morning and afternoon, or afternoon and evening) constitute the amount of time the Committee had in mind when formulating this plan.

These Study Days have been arranged to occur during five different months—September, November, January, March, and May. These months were selected after careful consultation so as not to conflict with the Symposiums in February, the Christmas holidays, attendance at Summer Schools, etc.

The references have been purposely simplified. Only the main points for development have been given. This leaves range for adaptation according to the wisdom and discretion of the teacher in charge. Much of the study material issued by the Study Outlines Committee can be used to supplement this.

The National Youth Committee urges each Youth Group to send promptly to Miss Zeah Holden, Secretary, 48 Terrace Avenue, Albany, N. Y., a report of each Study Day, written or typed on standard size typing paper, under the following headings:

Study Day Report[edit]

Name of Youth Group:
Date of Study Day:
Place held:
Number of youths present:
Teacher:
General statement on method of procedure followed:
Comments and suggestions for improvement:

For September: Bahá’í’—a Spiritual Being. Aim: To gain an understanding of the relation of the individual Bahá’í to the Manifestation.

Some Answered Questions, Part I, Part II.

The New Era, chap. VIII.

Gleanings, see “Bahá’u’lláh,” “believers”, “Manifestations”, “Revelation (of Bahá’u’lláh),” in the Index.

What are Manifestations? Why are they needed? What is the law of cycles?

What new knowledge has Bahá’u’lláh given of the relationship of man to God through the Manifestation? (Particularly emphasis on Manifestation as Authority).

What are the proofs of Bahá’u’lláh’s manifestation?

How does belief in Bahá’u’lláh differentiate Bahá’ís from other people? (This a preliminary to a deeper understanding to be acquired as the series proceeds.) What is the station of the true believer?

For November: Bahá’í Theory of Knowledge. Aim: To gain an understanding of the relationship of the individual Bahá’í to some fundamental questions of life.

Some Answered Questions, Part IV.

P.U.P. I & II, see “God”, “Holy Spirit”, “Man”, “Evolution.”

Gleanings, see “God”, “Man.”

What is the Bahá’í conception of man, God, Holy Spirit, immortality?

How does man differ from the animal?

Can human nature be changed?

What is the Bahá’í conception of evolution?

What is Truth? How is the relativity of truth illustrated in progressive revelation?

For January: Bahá’í—the Activist. Aim: To gain a deeper understanding of the Bahá’í life.

The New Era, chaps. V, VI, VII.

Gleanings, look up various qualities of the Bahá’í life.

P. U. P. look up attributes of the Bahá’í life.

What are the standards of conduct in the Bahá’í life?

What is the significance of “the love of God” to a Bahá’í?

Is prayer instinctive? What kinds of prayer are there? Why does a Bahá’í pray?

What are tests?

What is the standard of health for a Bahá’í?

How does one work toward the achievement of a Bahá’í personality?

What significance for us is there in the station of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Exemplar?

For March: Bahá’í—The Realist. Aim: To gain an understanding of the relationship of the individual Bahá’í to social order.

The New Era, chaps. IX, XI.

Gleanings, see “duties of believers”, “laws of God.”

Bahá’í Procedure.

What is the Bahá’í conception of civilization ?

What is the skeleton outline of the World Order?

What should the attitude of individual Bahá’ís be toward such questions as war, etc.?

What is the Bahá’í theory of government?

What are the spiritual implications behind the ordinances of Bahá’u’lláh?

What is the Bahá’í conception of Liberty?

What are the ordinances of Bahá’u’lláh which are already applicable in our daily lives?

For May: Bahá’í History. Aim: To gain a knowledge of the chief events of Bahá’í history and an understanding of the relationships of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Guardian.

The Dawn-Breakers.

The New Era, chaps. II, III, IV, XV.

The Promise of All Ages, Christophil, esp. pg. 188-9, Cardinal Dates of the Bahá’í Movement.

The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, Shoghi Effendi.

What are the primary dates, and incidents connected with the lives of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?

What are some of the chief characters in The Dawn-Breakers?

What are the bases for continuity in the Bahá’í Faith?

What are the stations of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Guardian?

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE[edit]

BAHÁ’Í NEWS Service is the name which we suggest all publicity committees use in the future as there is more dignity in it than in Bahá’í Publicity Committee, and also better psychology.

During March and April, Convention news and the Anniversary celebration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to this country was sent into 3,000 newspaper offices throughout the United States, through the Chicago office of the Associated Press. This means that even if the editors did not use it, they are becoming familiar with the name

[Page 8] Bahá’í, which will greatly aid pioneer workers.

We urge local committees to send us extra copies of outstanding publicity on their local speakers so we can compile Speakers’ Press Books. We also urge that they compile such books locally. These should aid greatly in getting further publicity, speaking and radio engagements.

To pioneer workers, if you haven’t already thought of it, we would suggest that whenever there is a resident believer in the field, that their name should be mentioned whenever possible in publicity articles—this will help them to further the work after you are gone.

As stated in a Bulletin issued by this committee last October, repeatedly brought to our attention is the difficulty found by travelers interested in the Teachings, in locating the Bahá’ís, especially the isolated believers. We would again urge all Assemblies to have a listing in telephone directories, newspaper offices, public libraries and Chambers of Commerce. This is equally important in the case of isolated believers and groups. Suggested uniform listing BAHA’I CENTER OF .......... This will also aid in securing newspaper publicity through Associated Press releases—for newspapers are more apt to print Bahá’í news articles if they know there are Bahá’ís in a particular city and it will make it easy for them to contact the Bahá’ís for additional information they might wish.

Newspaper errors should be corrected immediately and while the correction may not be published it will be placed in the “morgue” for future reference—if published it will bring additional publicity to the Cause.

In regard to releases sent out by the national committee—we would again remind local committees that all releases sent out are basic material for use, and that you are to add local color, which is an absolute necessity, and any quotations from the Teachings which you feel you can get into the papers. The national committee send factual material and you, knowing your own local territory—must supply the rest. Always send a free literature pamphlet with every release sent out, no matter how many you send.

One of the most effective ways of getting the teachings before the public through the press is to report the talk of a speaker. This type of publicity must of necessity be written up and sent to the papers before the lecture takes place so it will come out in the papers the following day. Mrs. Mabel Ives was most successful in doing this in Waukegan, Illinois, during an entire three week period. Further suggestion in brief:

Organize a local clipping bureau service amongst the believers.

Have regular committee meetings.

Study the new outline prepared by the Study Outline Committee on “Essential Principles of Creative Writing.”

Frame a picture of the Temple and present to suitable stores supplying them with Free Literature pamphlets and information about your local meetings.

Last year we had clippings from 62 Assemblies. Let’s make it 100% this year of 1937-38. Be sure and send at least two clippings, and more, when the publicity is outstanding.

Any isolated believers or groups wanting the publicity releases please let us know and we will place your name in the files. If the name of the publicity chairman has not been sent in for this year, please do so at once.

(Signed)

MRS. NINA MATTHISEN, Chairman

BAHÁ’Í NEWS SERVICE,

4612 Malden St.,

Chicago Illinois.

MRS. EDNA EASTMAN,

MR. CLARENCE LA ROCQUE.

BAHA’I GROUP FORMED IN BUDAPEST[edit]

Mrs. J. Ruh-Angiz and Miss Jeanne Negar Bolles, writing from Zurich on July 27, 1937, send the important news that by their efforts a Bahá’í group has been established in the city of Budapest. “It consists of six adult believers and two minors, seventeen and nineteen years old. Four more adult believers will declare themselves, they assured us, after further study of the Teachings during the summer months. These eleven, we hope, will constitute an Assembly in the autumn. The believers all accepted the Bahá’í Faith according to the Administration and wrote this individually to Shoghi Effendi. ... The Nineteen Day Feasts were kept and are being continued by the believers. Renie Felbermann, speaking French, German and English fluently, is the Secretary of the group.

“We left a small library of German and English books with them. ... There is only the ‎Esselmont Esslemont‎ book and ‘World Religion,’ by Shoghi Effendi in Hungarian, and the Esperanto translation of ‘World Religion,’ made by Miss Zamenhof. The ‘Hidden Words’ are now being translated by a believer into Hungarian.

“The meetings (study class) which grew slowly from November (until 45 were present on July 13) are being continued in a very pleasant, central place in the city. According to an article in one of the daily papers, the group is composed of ‘intellectuals’ and includes journalists, writers, architects, doctors, painters, sculptors, presidents of clubs and business men and women. There were no Bahá’ís in Budapest when we arrived.”

LOROL SCHOPFLOCHER’S BOOK PUBLISHED IN LONDON[edit]

“Sunburst”, the book written by Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher on her adventurous travels and her experiences serving the Cause in many parts of the world, has been published by the firm of Rider and Company, London, England.

In preparing this volume, the author had in mind particularly the need of establishing a link between sophisticated persons and the reality of religion in this day. It is illustrated by a number of unusual photographs, including signed portraits of Oriental rulers and Bahá’í subjects, some of which were given Mrs. Schopflocher by Shoghi Effendi.

“Sunburst” is one more evidence of the penetrating spirit of faith in the new day, using the spirit of glamorous adventure to show the power of religion to those who have long discarded the old forms and limitations.

Copies can be obtained from the publisher at the price of fifteen shillings.

MR. AND MRS. MATHEWS FORM BOOK CENTERS[edit]

To have the tenets of the Bahá’í Faith spread to remote parts of the earth was the objective of the recent journey undertaken by Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Mathews. Though many obstacles presented themselves the Word of Bahá’u’lláh was left on the soil of distant islands and continents. The following are the main depots established for the Bahá’í Literature.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mrs. H. Cooper, 36 rua Henri Constant, Dept. de Cabacabana. Books now obtainable in that city are in English and Portuguese.

Cape Town, South Africa. The Theosophical Society, Markham Bld., Librarian, Miss S. A. Parris. In the library books can be obtained in Dutch and English.

Johannesberg, S. A. At Johannesberg Public Library books obtainable

[Page 9] in Dutch and English.

Bulawayo, S. A. Rev. M. I. Cohen, Pastor of Hebrew Congregation, P. O. Box 470. (A recent letter asked for more literature).

Seychelles Islands (off West Coast of Africa). Books can be obtained in Carnegie Library in French and English.

Island of Java, City of Batavia. Book shop of G. Kolff & Co. Noordwigk No. 12. Books on sale in English and Dutch.

Island of Bali, Dutch Netherlands. Books are in the care of Mr. and Mrs. George Merchon in English, Dutch, and French.

Philippines, Island of Zangopango, St. Jean’s Penal Colony. Books in French.

Philippines, Manila. National Library, Reference Dept. Books in English and French (recent letter asks for bound copies).

MEETING IN SOUTH AFRICA[edit]

Unexpected opportunities to speak and teach in South Africa under distinguished auspices made that country the outstanding experience of the trip, reports Mrs. Loulie Mathews.

The Bahá’í Tenets were received with great attention and many men, more than fifty in one talk in Buyawayo, listened attentively to the Principles. Leaving South Africa and arriving in India we found that a picture letter had been prepared for us, on the top were views of South Africa and underneath the names of every one who was present at the first talk given. A note was enclosed that reads as follows:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Mathews:

Every one who heard you speak was so delighted with your talks that they all want you to come back.

We thought it would be appropriate to send you both a memento of your visit to South Africa. Talking it over, Mr. Scott conceived the idea of making a picture letter. Harold Morris caught the vision and drew the pictures for you.

You brought to us a solution of our religious difficulties through the Bahá’í Cause and taught us a new and illuminated pathway to social and spiritual life. Every signature conveys a special appreciation of your work and your visit and goes to you with gratitude.

May you return to us and tell us more of the bright future depicted in the “New World Order.”

LOTTIE A. ASKELAND.

The first talk took place at “Kelvin Groove.”

ACTIVITIES IN INDIA[edit]

Reported by Haifa Assembly[edit]

Further important news comes from Poona, India. Sad as it is for it reports the passing away of a Zoroastrian believer in that city, yet by his death the Bahá’í Faith was brought to the attention of the public in an unusual way and its independence from other religious denominations emphasized beyond any doubt. According to the directions of the Spiritual Assembly, the bier of the said believer, carried on a motor car and followed by other cars, passed through the main streets of Poona on its way to the Bahá’í cemetery. As the deceased believer was known to have originally belonged to the Zoroastrian community and as it is the practice of the Zoroastrians not to bury their dead, but to leave the body in an appointed place called “Dakhmeh,” exposed to birds of prey and marauding animals, this public funeral service and the Bahá’í burial ceremony made a great impression on the Zoroastrians and brought the Bahá’í Faith to their attention in a vivid way.

We learn in this connection that the Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly had written a few months previously to the Zoroastrians in Poona calling their attention to the fact that should a Bahá’í of a Zoroastrian family die, his body should not be allowed to be taken secretly to the “Dakhmeh,” but it should be put in charge of the Bahá’í Community so that it would be interred according to Bahá’í rites.

The old and fanatical Zoroastrians still favor the “Dakhmeh” while the young and the enlightened among them prefer the burial system.

God has strange ways of making His Will known to His servants. Blessed are indeed those amongst them who glorify Him even unto death.

MARTHA ROOT’S TEACHING ACTIVITIES IN HONOLULU AND JAPAN[edit]

The following glimpses of Miss Root’s ardent Bahá’í services in the Orient are taken from her circular letter dated July 6, 1937, mailed from Shanghai.

I left San Francisco, May 20, 1937. Reaching Honolulu on May 25, I went ashore for a few hours, while the ship docked. Wonderful work is being done in that mid-Pacific paradise, and a day with the believers there is truly a day in “heaven”. Mrs. Samuel A. Baldwin and Miss Utie Muther met me with love and with fragrance-breathing leis, (garlands to wear around the neck), of white jasmines and carnations. What did we do? First, the editor of the Honolulu Advertiser, a former colleague of mine from Pittsburgh, Penna., sent his editorial writer to interview me about the Bahá’í Faith. Then I wished an interview with Professor Shao Chang Lee, Professor of Chinese History and Literature in the University of Hawaii. He knows much about the Teachings and was a friend and pupil of the late Dr. Y. S. Tsao, President of Tsing Hua University, Peiping, who translated “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” into Chinese. Professor Lee said that day: “I will read the new book ‘Gleanings’ and write my impressions of it reverently for the magazine ‘World Order.’ ” We told him of the Bahá’í Summer School at Geyserville and hope he was able to go for a weekend, as he intended to spend part of the summer at the University of California.

I had known somewhat the eternal work the friends of Honolulu had been responsible for on other parts of the globe, but it was something to be in the presence of a sweet saint like “Utie” and a tender “fledgling-saint” (Mrs. Baldwin). I felt like springing to my feet and saluting as one does in the presence of a Queen ... my soul rose up in silent homage, and seeing Bahá’ís like these, my heart could understand the work of theirs on the mainland and abroad. It was such a blessed day we had together.

Great things come out of Hawaii. I truly believe that some day a Bahá’í Summer School will be established there, and who knows? It may be a model for Japan and China to copy!

The Hawaiian Islands have a unique role in the drama of a New World Order. Situated between the Orient and the Occident, with a population representing both the West and the East, the Bahá’ís there can be a potent force for international understanding and peace in the Pacific.

The Bahá’ís of Honolulu gathered that day at two o’clock, in the home of Mrs. Baldwin for a lecture and informal discussion about the progress of the Bahá’í Faith. Also, two believers had just returned that week from a Bahá’í journey around the world. We all spoke together and they told me about the Bahá’í Assembly at Maui. Mrs. Marion Little was to arrive in ten days and spend the summer with Mrs. Baldwin working on the Island of Maui. Their home is called “Hakakala” (the House of the Sun),

[Page 10] how appropriate, for its rays reach around the world! The time was so short, so sweet; but soon again I stood on the deck of the ocean liner again decked with scores of garlands, and waved good-bye to the beautiful believers of Honolulu.

Japan:

Coming from Honolulu on to Yokohama, this servant gave a public lecture, “What is the Bahá’í Movement?” before the II and I Class passengers of this steamship “Tatsuta Maru” in the lounge of the I Class. The Captain himself introduced me. I spoke for one hour and questions and answers followed for an hour. There were ten religions and ten nations represented. A few missionaries ... who had not heard of the Bahá’í Faith until they heard this lecture ... arose and spoke against it. One said only the Christians ever have or ever will be saved. I asked her if she thought all the Zoroastrians, Buddhists, Confucianists, Hindus, Jews, Muhamadans are not saved She replied no, they are not saved. The majority of the people in the audience were Easterners born and reared in these other religions (But there was really sweetness and understanding at that meeting). Each one said exactly what he thought, and some were much interested in the Bahá’í Teachings. One scholar was from the Philippines and some were Japanese. There were several young Japanese professors present, returning from post graduate studies in Europe. Who can ever tell how far-reaching are the words of truth? “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” was placed in the I Class and II Class libraries of this ship. Also, I had a small exhibition of Bahá’í books. The Captain asked me to write an interview about the lecture and the Bahá’í Faith and I also brought in a little bit about our journey and the saving of three aviators in mid-ocean. He had it translated into Japanese and copies mimeographed to give out to the press of Japan when we came into port. Besides, six journalists came with these typed resumes to ask me more questions when I arrived in Yokohama.

I came to Tokyo, June 3. Mr. Seiji Noma, the “Magazine King of Japan,” who is owner of nine of the best magazines in Japan and President of the Hochi Shimbun, daily newspaper with a circulation of a million ... and several of his magazines have a higher circulation even ... was not in Tokyo, but a reporter from Hochi came to interview me, and Mr. Noma’s secretary brought me a message from Mr. Noma. In the published interview one line was that Miss Root thanked Mr. Noma for his approval (recognition) and help to the Bahá’í Faith. She sent Mr. Noma “Gleanings” and some other new Bahá’í books, and he gave her thirty beautiful Japanese books and an English book “The Nine Magazines of Kodansha” (published by Methuen and Company Ltd., 36 Essex Street, W. C., London. It costs ten shillings and sixpence) which is a biography of his own life. If you wish to read of the universal mind, the courage, originality and candor, the large ideas, the vitality and the worth of a great pioneer in the new magazine work for Japan, read this book. Bahá’ís can with profit study what Mr. Noma says about publicity. I do not say Mr. Noma is a Bahá’í, but when I was in Japan in December, 1930, he arranged for a big Bahá’í lecture for several hundred people in his “Hochi Shimbun” Hall. He is friendly to the Bahá’í Teachings.

“Yurisan” (Mrs. Furukawa) a Bahá’í young woman in Tokyo who has received three Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, brought a woman writer, Miss Misao Yumoto of the “Kokumin Shimbun” daily newspaper in Tokyo to interview me. The article was published June 16. “The Japan Advertiser,” Tokyo, had an article in the June 4 issue. The “Hochi Shimbun” article was published June 16. Fifteen journalists came to interview me during the three weeks’ stay in Japan.

It was lovely and historic to meet the fine Bahá’ís in Tokyo. We met together three times in my hotel (and they called upon me individually for talks and I went to some of their homes). They read me the wonderful letters written to them by Miss Agnes Alexander from Haifa. We were all so happy to hear news of her and from Haifa direct. (I was so sorry Agnes was not there when I was in Japan, every day I missed her so! On my other three journeys Agnes was there). The Bahá’ís of all Japan are eager to do everything that Shoghi Effendi suggested that they do. Our Guardian thinks that the next two books to be translated into Japanese and published should be “Gleanings” and “Hidden Words.”

Mr. Aiji Sawada, our blind brother. who is a very fine teacher in the School for the Blind in Tokyo, invited eighteen students to his home and I spoke to them of the Bahá’í Teachings. He also spoke and so did Yurisan. Every year of my life I am more impressed how important it is to get books into Braille for the blind: it brings such a light to them and they in turn may translate and give the Bahá’í Teachings in many different languages throughout the world. Helen Keller was in Japan at the same time I was there and I gave several editors what she had said in “Bahá’í World,” Vol. V, page 349.

The American Consul General in Tokyo, a good friend for many years, gave a dinner for me in his home to some of the Americans in Tokyo and Yokohama and after dinner invited me to speak to them about the Bahá’í Teachings. The sweet wife of the American Vice-Consul in Yokohama knows of the Teachings through Mrs. Ella Cooper and Miss Beulah Lewis and studies them.

Mr. Kanji Ogawa, a Tokyo Bahá’í, arranged for me to speak before the English Speaking Club of the Y. M. C. A. This, too, was followed by questions and answers. Books were placed in several libraries, and given to a number of editors, educators and to a few pastors.

For years I had wished to meet Dr. Toyohiko Kagawa, one of the bright, spiritual lights in Eastern Asia, a Christian who “lives the life,” a brilliant understanding writer. He is a flaming evangelist, a social reformer, and a crystal-clear writer of religious books and of best selling novels. I did have the bounty to meet him and interview him for our magazine, “World Order” and for “Bahá’í World.” He said he had heard of the Bahá’í Teachings when he was a student in Tokyo, but he had no Bahá’í books. I gave him “Gleanings,” “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” and others. He said what he knew of the Bahá’í Teachings he likes them and he gave me a message for the Bahá’ís. He has a new book just out, “Brotherhood Economics” (Harper & Bros.). Read his book “Christ and Japan” (Friendship Press, New York), and it will help you to understand the soul of Japan, this country that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said would turn ablaze. I wish every one who reads my letter would promise his or her own heart that he will do something, one deed at least, to help get these Bahá’í Teachings to Japan! You can send a “torch” to Japan ... letters (and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that letters are half-meeting), books, prayers, even if you cannot go in person.

I visited the head of the Dokai Church just as I had done seven years ago. The leader is ill, he could only speak with me for fifteen minutes, but he had called some of his disciples together and we spoke.

(To be continued.)