Bahá’í News/Issue 113/Text
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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ’S PRAYER FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE DIVINE PLAN[edit]
O Thou Incomparable God! O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! These souls are Thy heavenly army. Assist them and, with the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse, make them victorious; so that each one of them may become like unto a regiment and conquer these countries through the love of God and the illumination of divine teachings.
O God! Be Thou their supporter and their helper, and in the wilderness, the mountain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and the seas, be Thou their confidant—so that they may cry out through the power of the Kingdom and the breath of the Holy Spirit!
Verily, Thou art the powerful, the mighty and the omnipotent, and Thou art the wise, the hearing and the seeing.
LETTERS FROM THE GUARDIAN[edit]
The Guardian feels most gratified over the splendid progress realized by the Temple Fund, though he still would urge your N. S. A. to impress upon the friends the paramount necessity of maintaining at any cost the steady flow of their offerings. This obviously calls for considerable sacrifice, but such a sacrifice is of the very essence of the Cause and is the only force than can enable it to carry out its ideals into the realm of constructive and living action.—October 30, 1937.
I am delighted with the progress of the Plan and I pray that the contributions to the National Treasury may be such as to lend unprecedented impetus to its development. (The Guardian’s postscript to the above.)
“All Should Arise”[edit]
To this letter ... I wish to add a few observations connected with the wider and more challenging issues with which the American believers as a body are now being confronted. As I lift up my gaze beyond the strain and stresses which a struggling Faith must necessarily experience, and view the wider scene which the indomitable will of the American Bahá’í community is steadily unfolding, I can not but marvel at the range which the driving force of their ceaseless labors has acquired and the heights which the sublimity of their faith has attained. The outposts of a Faith, already persecuted in both Europe and Asia, are in the American continent steadily advancing, the visible symbols of its undoubted sovereignty are receiving fresh luster every day and its manifold institutions are driving their roots deeper and deeper into its soil. Blest and honored as none among its sister communities has been in recent years, preserved through the inscrutable dispensations of Divine Providence for a destiny which no mind can as yet imagine, such a community cannot for a moment afford to be content with or rest on the laurels it has so deservedly won. It must go on, continually go on, exploring fresh fields, scaling nobler heights, laying firmer foundations, shedding added splendor and achieving added renown in the service and for the glory of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. The seven year plan which it has sponsored and with which its destiny is so closely interwoven, must at all costs be prosecuted with increasing force and added consecration. All should arise and participate. Upon the measure of such a participation will no doubt depend the welfare and progress of those distant communities which are now battling for their emancipation. To such a priceless privilege the inheritors of the shining grace of Bahá’u’lláh cannot surely be indifferent. The American believers must gird up the loins of endeavor and step into the arena of service with such heroism as shall astound the entire Bahá’í world. Let them be assured that my prayers will continue to be offered on their behalf. —SHOGHI.
Postscript to letter dated November 25, 1937.
THE BAHA’I VIEW OF PACIFISM[edit]
The following statement was written by the Guardian, through his secretary, to Mrs. Helen Bishop on November 21, 1935, and is now published with Shoghi Effendi’s approval.
“With reference to the absolute pacifists, or conscientious objectors to war; their attitude, judged from the Bahá’í standpoint, is quite anti-social and due to its exaltation of the individual conscience leads inevitably to disorder and chaos in society. Extreme pacifists are thus very close to the anarchists, in the sense that both of
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these groups lay an undue emphasis on
the rights and merits of the individual.
The Bahá’í conception of social life is
essentially based on the subordination
of the individual will to that of society.
It neither suppresses the individual nor
does it exalt him to the point of making him an anti-social creature, a menace to society. As in everything, it
follows the ‘golden mean.’ The only
way that society can function is for
the minority to follow the will of the majority.
“The other main objection to the conscientious objectors is that their method of establishing peace is too negative. Non-cooperation is too passive a philosophy to become an effective way for social reconstruction. Their refusal to bear arms can never establish peace. There should first be a spiritual revitalization which nothing, except the Cause of God, can effectively bring to every man’s heart.”
MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
The schedule of meetings published in a recent issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS has been revised as follows: December, 1937, meeting held at Chevy Chase, Md., instead of West Englewood; January, 1938, meeting to be held at Lima, Ohio, instead of New Orleans; place of March meeting to be determined.
| CABLEGRAM FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
|
The principal purpose of the change in the December meeting was to provide opportunity to Visit the Earley Studio and observe the progress of work under the contract for external decoration of the Temple gallery section. About two hours were spent at the Studio, and the members were happy to note that the work is proceeding more rapidly than had been anticipated. A considerable number of completed units are already on hand, for shipment to the Temple grounds next spring. The most delicate part of the work, the carving of the models, is also well under way. The plain surface of the gallery does not require this hand carving, and these units will be cast at the Temple site.
The members of the National Spiritual Assembly also inspected the system of cost accounting employed for this contract, a system adopted by the City of Nashville for a large contract carried out by Mr. Earley some years ago, and are satisfied that it is most efficient.
These passing months, when it is essential to complete the Annual Budget, are a time of sacrifice, but later in the year, when the gallery ornamentation is all in place, its impressive beauty will make the believers forget the difficulty of the task and fill us with a sense of joyous gratitude that we have been privileged to play some part in so universal and permanent an exposition of the Faith.
Later generations, thronging this House of Worship, will envy us the honor and blessing of raising the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár during a period of outer turmoil when sacrifice truly counts. For every seed we plant and cultivate now, the harvest will be increased a thousandfold!
“PRAYING FURTHER SUCCESS!”[edit]
“Delighted teaching progress. Praying further success” were the words of the Guardian to the National Assembly in response to the information given him that plans had been consummated to introduce the Faith into each State in the United States and each Province of Canada where there are no Bahá’ís, and to extend the teaching service in such states and provinces as do not have Spiritual Assemblies.
The Teaching Committee wishes it was possible to bring to the consciousness of each and every Bahá’í in America, a full realization of the vital manner in which the American Bahá’í Community is responding to the Guardian’s urgent appeal. A new wave of sustained and persevering service has been launched which will in due course bring us to the goal the Guardian has set for us. The victories being achieved are most heartening; and the doors of guidance opening ever new fields, most inspiring. There is no doubt, as we redouble our efforts, in this stupendous undertaking, the promises of the Master will be richly fulfilled and great spiritual confirmation reach each and every Bahá’í.
It is possible to outline only briefly, a few of the varied activities being engaged in by the Assemblies and individuals through the country, and expanding to foreign shores.
Nebraska is the first State in which the Faith was introduced in response to the Guardian’s call for Pioneers a year ago. At that time, teaching work was done in Omaha and Lincoln. The seeds sown then, have been watered by continuous follow-up teaching, until at present there are ten voting Bahá’ís in Omaha, who plan to organize a Spiritual Assembly on April 21, 1938. They are holding regular meetings and study classes. In Lincoln with two voting Bahá’ís, a study class is being held regularly.
Oklahoma is the first State into which Bahá’ís migrated in response to the Guardian’s call. While some teaching work had been done in Oklahoma City, it did not produce voting Bahá’ís. Through the pioneering services of the Entzminger family, who moved from Geyserville, California to Oklahoma City about a year ago, there are now eight voting Bahá’ís, holding two study classes each week and conducting a children’s class weekly. The first Nineteen Day Feast, marking the beginning of the Administrative activities of this Group, was held September 27, 1937. As a result of the continued teaching work the members of the Group hope to be able to form a Spiritual Assembly on April 21, 1938.
North Dakota is another State into which Bahá’ís moved. Mrs. Margarite Breugger moved from Chicago to Fargo. There are now two voting Bahá’ís in Fargo. North Dakota was likewise the State to which Mrs. Mabel Ives and Mrs. Gale Woolson traveled last year to introduce the Faith. They assisted with the work in Fargo, and did public teaching work in Carrington and Glenfield. At present, Mrs. Woolson and Miss Margarite Reimer are doing follow-up work in these cities. The work will be further stimulated through the recent arrival of Mrs. Edwinna Powell, who has been doing excellent work in Fargo, and through the joint efforts of herself and Mrs. Breugger, have expanded the work into Bismark.
Montana is another state into which the Faith has been introduced by the “settlement” method of teaching. Mrs. Lorrol O. Jackson, of Seattle, settled in Helena this fall; and is now actively
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engaged in establishing the Faith.
Some of the best publicity secured this
year, was had in Helena; where detailed articles concerning the Faith
were published. The Principles were
outlined, a picture of the Temple
printed, and words of encouragement
given. One article was headed,
“Bahá’í Faith to be introduced to this
State.” Great assistance was rendered
in this city by friends, who gave letters
of introduction to Mrs. Jackson, and urged their friends to attend the Bahá’í classes.
South Carolina is the present field of activity of Mrs. Emogene Hoagg and Mrs. Amelia Bodmer. These two pioneers are making Charleston their headquarters, working in a circuit from that point. They will stay in South Carolina until there is an active Bahá’í Group there.
South Dakota was the point of pioneer service last year on the part of Mrs. Mamie Seto and Miss Margarite Reimer. Study groups were established in Lead, Wall and Deadwood. Miss Margarite Reimer and Mrs. Gale Woolson will do active follow-up work in these cities during the present fall and winter.
West Virginia is another State into which pioneer Bahá’ís have moved. Miss Marion Holley has just arrived in Huntington to make her home, settle, and establish the Faith.
Mrs. Mabel Ives reports from Moncton, New Brunswick, where she is teaching at present, a tremendous interest. She has spoken over the Radio, the newspapers have carried fine articles concerning the Faith; and there appears marked interest.
From Toronto comes the good word of the interest in the Faith in that city, through the sustained teaching work of the Toronto Group, now aided by Mrs. Grace Ober. Mrs. Ober has been in Toronto since early in October and will remain there until the end of the year.
Our pioneer teacher, Louis Gregory, has just left on a teaching trip through the South where he will renew contacts formerly made, and carry on follow-up teaching work in centers where he previously taught. His destination is Alabama, where he hopes to settle near Tuskegee and establish a Bahá’í group.
Mrs. Louise Caswell of Portland has moved to Tennessee to assist in the teaching work in that State. Mrs. Caswell first went to Nashville to carry on the follow-up teaching work in that city, resulting from the public meetings held by the National Assembly last winter. This work has now spread to Knoxville and even to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mrs. Caswell is dividing her time between these three cities to actively carry on the important follow-up teaching services.
| CONVENTION DELEGATES INCREASED TO HUNDRED SEVENTY-ONE
Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi Election of hundred seventy-one delegates for this year’s and future Conventions absolutely essential. Admitted expansion American community vitally demands it. Appeal delegates unable attend in person exercise conscientiously ballot right by mail. Increased participation by believers in Convention proceedings reinforces authority and broadens basis body national representatives and knits them closer to entire body electorate. Advise share message American believers.
|
Of great interest to the Bahá’í will be the recent experience of Mrs. Loulie Matthews in endeavoring to place books in the Public Library of Manila. The cruiser on which Mrs. Matthews was traveling stopped in Manila only a few hours, giving her only a very short time in which to contact those concerned, and if possible have our literature available to inquirers. At the Library she learned it would be impossible to have the books placed in the Library without the approval of an important committee under the direction of prejudiced orthodox religious leaders. After many inquiries, Mrs. Matthews was finally directed to a gentleman who might place the books on a single shelf containing literature on comparative religions. The representative at first refused, without the approval of the general committee in charge, but finally agreed to place them among the books on comparative religions. After her return to America, Mrs. Matthews received a most inspiring letter from a native Philippino from which the following extracts are given:
“I have been reading the pamphlets you left on the free shelf for references. Really, the Bahá’í movement is wonderful and is a new thing to me. Many had not heard of this Bahá’í Religion ever before, until I told them about it. Some are interested and are eager to know the teachings.... I wish I might contemplate devoting all my surplus time and energy to reading the books of this religion, perhaps you will help me. I am interested in seeing all Bahá’í books translated into the Philippine dialects. I believe the Bahá’í Religion will spread—it will spread—pop like popcorn, all over the Philippines, and it will replace the old religions.”
Dear friends, the reports coming from all parts of the country show how greatly Bahá’u’lláh is blessing and confirming the teaching work today. No blessing can be greater, and no spiritual quickening more powerful than that which comes to the individual who makes himself the channel for the diffusion of the Holy Spirit today. The confirmations truly seem uninterrupted. Let us one and all arise, assured of the spiritual victory—and achieve for America the Spiritual destiny invested in it by the Master.
- NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
UNOCCUPIED STATES AND PROVINCES[edit]
The areas in the United States and Canada which had no Bahá’í community, group nor even enrolled individual believer on May 1, 1937, have been reported by the National Teaching Committee as follows: Arkansas, Nevada, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Alabama, Delaware, Nova Scotia, Manitoba. Pioneers and traveling teachers have since gone to some of these areas, and it is hoped that before the end of the current Bahá’í year the unoccupied territory will be considerably decreased.
ASSEMBLIES PLANNING LEGAL INCORPORATION[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind all local Assemblies desiring to incorporate to submit copies of their proposed Certificate of Incorporation and their local By-laws together with a copy of the State Statute under which they intend to incorporate in order to facilitate approval of such action. The advice of a local attorney is recommended for the legal procedure of drafting the Certificate or Articles of Incorporation.
TRANSLITERATION OF BAHA’I TERMS[edit]
The friends are requested to follow the Guardian’s instruction concerning the use of Bahá’í terms in accordance with the scheme of transliteration he prepared for publication in The Bahá’í World. As given in Bahá’í Administration, Shoghi Effendi’s words on this subject, as long ago as 1923, were ... “the faithful spelling of which
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by all the Western friends will avoid
confusion in future, and insure in this
matter a uniformity which is greatly
needed at present in all Bahá’í literature.... I feel confident that all the
friends will from now on follow this
system and adhere scrupulously and at
all times to this code in all their
writings.”
The preparation of Bahá’í articles, committee reports, etc., should therefore employ the system of transliteration which the Guardian has supplied.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS[edit]
The following appointments and revisions are reported:
Bahá’í World, Editorial: Miss Hilda Brooks in place of Bertram Dewing, for Australia and New Zealand.
Publicity: Mrs. Virginia Camelon added as new member.
Green Acre (combining program and maintenance functions): Mrs. Florence Morton, chairman, Harold Bowman, Amelia Bowman, Mrs. Wendell Bacon, Roushan Wilkinson, Harlan Ober, Glenn L. Shook.
Green Acre Youth Week: Evelyn Loveday, chairman, Marjorie Wheeler, secretary, Hazel Bowman, Kenneth Christian, Zeah Holden, Philip Sprague.
Regional Teaching Committee for New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; Genevieve L. Coy unable to serve.
Youth Committee, revised list of International Correspondents: Salim Joory, P. O. Box 5, Baghdad, Iráq; C. S. Liu, Hanglok, Canton, China; A. Balyusa, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Haji Mirza Bozork Afnan Aalaaiee, Shamshir Gaha Street, Shiraz, Iran; Mehrabam R. Jamshedy, Bahá’í Hall, Bunder Road Extension, Karachi, India; Marguerite Welby, 6 Greville Road, Richmond, Surrey, England; M. Hakim, Paris, France; Miss Dugdale, Herald of the South, Adelaide, South Australia.
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE[edit]
The last report about the contents of the National Press Books was published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS in March, 1937. The new ones for 1937-38 contain the material from about April 15th on. A copy of last year’s Press book has been sent to Shoghi Effendi through the National Assembly, and the committee feels certain that its contents will be concrete evidence of the splendid work done by publicity committees and pioneer workers throughout the country. We would
RECORD OF BAHA’I PUBLICITY
take this opportunity to say that some
clippings arrived too late to be mentioned in the last report, such as the
outstanding work done by the comparatively new assembly of Jacksonville,
Florida; the almost full page article
on the Temple and illustrations published in the Washington, D. C., Post
on March 7th; together with the tremendous amount of publicity received
in connection with the anniversary
event of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s arrival in this
country. From this the friends will
see how important it is that clippings
are sent in regularly, at least once a
month, and we especially ask traveling
teachers to do this.
The Press Books this year are growing by leaps and bounds. Already we have clippings from 53 of the 71 Assemblies. Clippings representing pioneer work and places where there are no Assemblies have come to us from Glendale, Arizona; many cities in California; Fernandina, Florida; Maywood and Kankakee, Illinois; Elkhart, Indiana; Helena, Montana; Deadwood, Wall, Lead and Rapid City, South Dakota; Fargo, North Dakota; Scranton, Penn.; Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn.; Corpus Christi; Texas; Richmond, Virginia; Huntington, West Virginia; Green Bay, Hudson and Three Lakes, Wisconsin.
Of the pioneer work listed above we would make special mention of the work done by Maywood, Illinois. From August, 1937 to November 18th inclusive, the picture of the Temple has been published five times. Lengthy articles about each of their lectures; a picture of Miss Zamenhof and articles about Esperanto and classes to be conducted. The small Temple models have been on display in numerous stores and one of the new models is to be on exhibition shortly in the display window of one of the newspaper offices. In Helena, Montana, Mrs. Lorrol Jackson has succeeded in having a picture of the Temple published and many excellent write-ups. The work done in the Dakotas has been especially fine. Publicity from Scranton, Penn., is particularly thrilling inasmuch as the talks were reported and so much of the direct teachings were given. Mrs. Kathryn Frankland in Corpus Christi, Texas, has done another remarkable piece of work. Pictures of the Temple were published twice and full one and two column articles about it and the Teachings.
Geyserville Summer School again obtained fine publicity as did Louhelen. It is such remarkably fine work when whole talks are printed in the papers. In Los Angeles a new publication called “Wilshire Friday Night,” is giving the teachings much space. From Washington, D. C., came a full column article published in the Eaton Plain Dealer, in a “From the Reader” column on the eradication of prejudice, which is excellent. Augusta, Georgia, has done splendid work since April. Honolulu and Hawaii, in addition to other fine articles, through a press interview with the incomparable Bahá’í Journalist, Martha Root, obtained a two column article on Universal Peace and the principles. The national releases
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on the publication of “Portals
to Freedom” and review of “World
Order” articles are also among their
clippings.
Two unusual features on the Chicago pages are the account of the visit to the Temple by the heroine of the story which was running in the Chicago American. She said she was shown through the Temple by a “grand old man” and then she proceeds to give accurate information about the Temple and teachings. Then an article by Bruno Lessing on “Palestine’s Seaports,” published in the Herald Examiner is so interesting that we quote what he says in the last paragraph about our Faith: “Did you ever hear of the Bahá’í? There is a bus service between Haifa and Mount Carmel which passes a large and beautiful garden, the home of the Bahá’í. This is a Persian sect that started a new religion only fifty-three years ago. Its founder, Mirza Ali-Muhammed, declared himself to be the ‘Gateway through which mankind may renew its connection with Allah.’ His program was: ‘One must lead an honest life without injury to any other human being, one must love one’s fellowmen and strive to achieve goodness and humility and universal peace and happiness.’ They told me that the sect was growing. Who can foretell how it will stand 2,000 years from now? Its founder was executed by the Persian government for being a big nuisance. Yet who would fail to agree with his creed?”
More and more the Temple is becoming a landmark to autoists and travelers on land as well as on Lake Michigan. More and more is unsought publicity being given our Faith, bringing to mind ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words in a tablet to Shahnaz Waite in 1914—“Consider the Power of the Cause of God that the outsiders like unto the friends are enaged in the promotion of the Cause of God and are glorying in this distinction, although they do not claim to be Bahá’ís.”
Urbana we note is most successful in reporting talks. In the North Shore papers, among the many fine clippings is one about the dedication of the Temple grounds with an accompanying picture as well as other beautiful views of the Temple. The international section contains articles from Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Ceylon, Shanghai and Mexico. We urge these international workers to send two copies of all publicity obtained. Teaneck has its usual quantity as well as quality of news items. New York’s World Observer published a long article in connection with Bahá’í World Volume VI, and an article about the Temple. Lima has turned in an outstanding amount of clippings. In a paid advertisement about 4x6 they have given various phases of the teachings with large headlines. Monroe, Washington, has also been most successful in getting the teachings published. We regret that space will not permit our mentioning the work of each publicity committee.
We are happy to note that clippings are coming in which show that the publicity chairmen are writing their own releases on the Holy Days as the National Assembly wish them to do. Those of you who think you can’t do it will be surprised how easy it is, once you get started, for when we make the effort assistance is surely given. Not having to send out releases on these Holy Days gives this committee opportunity and funds to branch out in other directions.
To the traveling teachers, we wish to make the announcement that a series of articles on the Temple, the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi have been prepared for your use and can be obtained from this committee in any quantity desired. This series will be supplemented from time to time.
Plans are being made to work up releases for contacting foreign language papers and any ideas the friends may have to pass on to us will be most appreciated.
Your attention is called to the article on the Temple, published in the October-November issue of Highway Traveler, the magazine of the Greyhound Bus Lines, together with pictures of the Temple as it now stands, a closeup of the dome and the interior of the dome. The article was printed exactly as we sent it in. These can be obtained in the bus depots throughout the country. The caption given the article by the editor is most striking “When Bahá’ís Build a Temple” and in the index he states, “We have never seen the Taj Mahal but evidently those who believe in the Bahá’í faith are just about to duplicate this lovely structure with one near Chicago.”
The committee would suggest that when writing articles for your papers that you endeavor to use as your first sentence something that the headline writer might pick up as a caption, in this way avoiding the possibility of some of the objectionable headlines which have been given to articles in the past.
Pictures and mats of Lidia Zamenhof can be obtained from this committee.
Remember, please, to send 2 copies of all clippings to this committee. Send them the first of each month.
- 4612 Malden St.,
- Chicago, Illinois.
- November 24, 1937.
PUBLISHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Prayers and Meditations By Bahá’u’lláh, translated by Shoghi Effendi. An advance notice is given of early publication of this supreme work of devotion for all Bahá’ís. The new volume will be issued in a style similar to the Gleanings, and in number of pages exceeds that book. The price has been set at $2.00 per copy. Since orders will be filled in the order they are received, those wishing copies at the earliest possible date should request their Assemblies to place advance orders.
The Báb’s Address To the Letters of the Living. These sublime words, first published in The Dawn-Breakers, pp. 92-94, have been reproduced in pamphlet form from a hand-lettered copy of the English text translated by the Guardian. About 1700 copies have been sold since this pamphlet appeared a few weeks ago. 12 pages, per copy, 5c net.
Economics As Social Creation, by Horace Holley. The latest addition to the series of Teaching Literature pamphlets. 32 pages, sold in lots of 100 only. $1.75 per 100, net.
New Uniform Discount[edit]
After considering the fact that the Bahá’í literature is being sold at prices considerably lower than the usual rate for books of similar quality and size, and consequently the discounts previously allowed have made it impossible for the Committee to develop an adequate financial reserve required by the growth of the Cause, the National Spiritual Assembly has instructed the Publishing Committee to allow in future only one discount—10% on orders of $10.00 and more—and to give this discount to all purchasers without discrimination, whether Assemblies, groups or individuals.
YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]
To Bahá’í youth throughout the world.
Dear friends:
In a recent general letter, the Guardian discussed the “society-building” power of the Bahá’í Faith. There is great significance for us in that phrase; for, as members of the world Bahá’í community, we are striving, under the Guardian’s leadership, to aid in the erection of World Order.
It naturally follows that every act of ours, which advances the Faith of
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Bahá’u’lláh and consolidates the unity
among men and women of all races
and nations, is an act hastening the
realization of the World Commonwealth of Bahá’u’lláh. Could we lend
our efforts to any nobler and more
universal service?
Two years ago the National Youth Committee proposed the holding of simultaneous Youth Symposiums as a demonstration of the loyalty and solidarity of Bahá’í youth throughout the world. Last year another series of Symposiums was held with even greater success. Now such an annual undertaking is viewed as one of the public teaching efforts of the younger members of the Bahá’í Community.
In many ways the annual Youth Symposiums are unique. They demonstrate a real bond of unity that is world-embracing. They are positive and constructive in a world seething with separatism and hatred. They are a public declaration of faith in Bahá’u’lláh.
And now the date, February 27, for the third World Youth Day nears. Let us prayerfully and carefully make our plans for this third world-wide effort of Bahá’í youth. Through many such acts as these may the time be hastened when the majority of the people will have recognized in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh the source and structure of true civilization.
- NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE.
- December 15, 1937.
ANNOUNCEMENT WESTERN STATES BAHA’I SUMMER SCHOOL TWELFTH ANNUAL SESSION[edit]
Bosch Place, Geyserville, California[edit]
July 3 to July 18, 1938[edit]
- Devotion: 9:15 a. m. daily, under Big Tree.
- Unity Feast: The Annual Reunion of the Friends and their Guests 12:00 noon, Sunday, July 3rd.
- Classes: 9:45 a. m. to 12:00 noon, daily, in Bahá’í Hall.
- Teaching Seminar: 3:00 p. m. each Tuesday and Thursday.
- Round Table: (Bahá’í Youth) 2:00 p. m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Children’s Activities: Study Classes 9:45 a. m. daily.
- Supervised Recreation afternoon and evening.
- Public Meetings: Bahá’í Hall, Geyserville 8:00 p. m. Tuesday, July 5th. Santa Rosa, 8:00 p. m. Thursday, July 7th.
- Bahá’í Hall, Geyserville, 8:00 p. m. Tuesday, July 12th.—Youth.
- Bahá’í Hall, Geyserville, 8:00 p. m. Thursday, July 14th.
TEMPLE MODEL MADE BY JOHN J. EARLEY
- Courses of Study: First Week:
- Rise and Development of the Christian Civilization.
- The Unfoldment of World Civilization.
- Second Week:
- New Movements Within Christianity.
- The Unfoldment of World Civilization.
- (The classes will be conducted by Bahá’í teachers.)
- Accommodations: Reservations for accommodations in the Dormitory and other rooms on the property should be made early through:
- MISS RUTH WESTGATE,
- The Huntington, 1075 California St.
- San Francisco, California.
ASSEMBLY ROLL[edit]
St. Augustine, Fla., the corresponding secretary, C. Mae Thitchenor, should now be addressed as Mrs. R. A. Speissegger.
Montreal, Quebec, until further notice, on account of the absence of the corresponding secretary, communications for the Assembly should be sent to Mrs. Ruth Lee, secretary, 2682 Soissons Ave.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Lima, five. Peoria, one. Los Angeles, five. Boston, three. New Haven, one. St. Paul, one. Pasadena, two. New York, five. Jacksonville, one. Milwaukee, one. Nashville, one.
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 confereth the gift of everlasting life.—Bahá’u’lláh.
- Mrs. Harriet Stureman, Peoria.
- Dr. James Oakshette, Atlanta.
- Mr. F. A. Kelsey, New York.
- Mrs. Myrta Deming, Flint.
- Mr. Fred Leopold, Racine.
- Mr. Charles Mann, Baltimore.
N. S. A. MEETINGS AT WASHINGTON[edit]
It was the privilege of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly to meet jointly with the Washington Assembly on Sunday evening, December 12, after which they attended the Nineteen Day Feast observed by the Washington community. Sharing the radiant spirit of the friends, these meetings were most refreshing and helpful.
On Saturday noon the members attended a luncheon at the home of C. Mason Remey, at which a number of interested non-believers were present.
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Aspects of the teachings were expounded, and it was felt that many of
the new friends were attracted.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
The following items have been taken from successive issues of “Bahá’í Quarterly,” the organ of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand.
Formation of New Assembly[edit]
It was a source of joy to the N. S. A. to receive notification from the Bahá’ís of Perth, Western Australia, of their desire to form a Spiritual Assembly. This was done prior to the N. S. A. meetings in Adelaide. The opportunity was taken while members were assembled to assist the teaching work already being done by local Bahá’ís. Mrs. Axford and Miss Blundell of Auckland, New Zealand, Mrs. Routh of Sydney and Mr. Guy Inman spoke at public and semi-public meetings during their stay in Adelaide. Mrs. Axford and Miss Blundell had the pleasure of contacting a few of the Bahá’ís of Melbourne as they passed through that city and also the joy and privilege of associating again with the Sydney Bahá’ís. Mrs. Axford was sent on a teaching mission to the newly formed Assembly at Perth. A very hearty welcome was accorded her and meetings were arranged as frequently as possible during her two weeks stay. Most of the meetings were held at the home of the secretary, Mrs. Miller. Mr. Johnson, the chairman, and their other members of the Assembly all opened their homes for meetings, and in this way the message was given to a large number of people to whom it was no more than a name. A special study of Bahá’í Administration was undertaken in the short time available and interesting individual contacts made. Reports received since the visit are very encouraging. The zeal and enthusiasm, the sincerity and deep sense of the privilege of active participation in service for the beloved Cause is very marked in this small but united group and will surely bear abundant fruit.
Visit of Mr. Schopflocher[edit]
In November of last year the Bahá’ís of Auckland, Sydney and Adelaide had the great pleasure of a visit from Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher, a member of the N. S. A. of U. S. A. and Canada. Some of the Auckland members met him on arrival and arranged for an informal meeting the same evening as he was leaving Auckland the same day. A very happy and profitable time was spent with him, taking the form chiefly of questions and answers. In Sydney and Adelaide Mr. Schopflocher was able to address public meetings as well as meetings with the Spiritual Assembly. In an address to the latter in Sydney Mr.
SARAH J. FARMER, FOUNDER OF GREEN ACRE
O Maid servant of God! Be rejoiced at this glad tidings, whereby the hearts of the people of the Kingdom of El-Abhá are moved with joy.
Verily, I beseech God to make Green Acre as the Paradise of El-Abhá, so that the melodies of the Nightingales of Sanctity may be heard from it, and that the chanting of the Verses of Unity may be raised therein, to cause the clouds of the great Gift to pour upon it the rains falling from heaven, to make those countries become verdant with the myrtles of Truth and Inner Significances, and to plant therein blessed trees, with the Hand of Providence, which may bring forth pure and excellent fruits wherefrom the Fragrances of God may be diffused throughout all regions. These signs shall surely appear, and these lights shall shine forth.—‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ, to Sarah J. Farmer.
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MARTHA ROOT IN JAPAN
Photograph taken in Kyoto, June 20, 1937
Schopflocher expressed his deep joy at
finding, throughout Australia and
New Zealand, the real spirit of unity
and true Bahá’í love and friendship.
He stressed the need of fostering the
community spirit through properly organized socials as the test of Bahá’ís
was their capacity to associate together
in love and harmony. This phase of
Bahá’í life, he said, could not be over
emphasized. Other points stressed
were:
- The benefits gained by observing the Fast.
- The need of the N. S. A. to gain the confidence of believers and the duty of local assemblies and all believers to support and obey its rulings.
- The enormous value of summer schools, the primary object of which is that of a school—Teaching.
- The importance of registration.
- The need of understanding in dealing with problems as to voting membership.
- The importance of the Nineteen Day Feast.
Mr. Schopflocher paid a visit to Mr. Bolton’s newly—erected house at Yeerinbool, which Mr. Bolton wishes to be used as a Summer School when arrangements can be made for this much-desired project. The friends appreciate greatly the valuable work Mr. Schopflocher was able to accomplish in so short a time, and hope for a longer visit in the near future.
Secretary’s Annual Report[edit]
It is a great pleasure to report that all the committees and officers have given the utmost co-operation to the N. S. A. and that all the business has been conducted in a most efficient manner. The N. S. A. cannot function efficiently without the co-operation of all the officers, not only of the N. S. A. itself, but of the officers of the local Spiritual Assemblies as well. The secretaries and treasurers and other officers of the various local assemblies have been simply splendid, whatever the N. S. A. required them to do was done efficiently and the N. S. A. is tremendously grateful to them for their part in enabling it to function smoothly.
In administering the affairs of the Cause and in exercising the powers vested in it the N. S. A. has made great progress in the past twelve months. The N. S. A. is fast becoming the administrative body it is meant to be. The N. S. A. is profoundly grateful to the believers for their expressions of loyalty and their co-operation....
The clerical work is most arduous, owing to the fact that, except once a year, when the N. S. A. meets, all consultations must be conducted by correspondence. It is because this work is so tremendous that the N. S. A. has requested local Assemblies to make all their communications in triplicate. If letters to the N. S. A. are not sent in triplicate, the Secretary has the extra work of making copies so that a copy may be sent to the N. S. A. members wherever they may reside. The N. S. A., therefore, is very grateful to the secretaries of the local Assemblies for acceding to their request.
The N. S. A. has endeavored by every means in its power to discharge its responsibilities and to exercise the powers vested in it in order that things may be properly ordered and well arranged. Abdu’l-Bahá said, “It is incumbent upon every one not to take any step without consulting the Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly obey with heart and soul its bidding and be submissive unto it, that things may be properly ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every person will act independently and after his own judgment, will follow his own desire, and do harm to the Cause.”
The N. S. A. has striven to keep a vigilant eye on the affairs of the Cause. Shoghi Effendi said, “The need for the centralization of authority in the National Spiritual Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various local assemblies, is made manifest when we reflect that the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh is still in its age of tender growth and in a stage of transition. It is our primary task to keep the most vigilant eye on the manner and character of its growth.” This the N. S. A. has tried to do.
- HILDA BROOKS,
- Secretary, N. S. A.
Annual Election[edit]
The result of the voting was handed by the scrutineers to the chairman who declared the following elected to the N. S. A. for the coming year:
- Miss H. Brooks,
- Mrs. E. M. Axford,
- Miss E. A. Blundell,
- Mrs. S. Jackman,
- Mr. R. Brown,
- Mr. S. W. Bolton,
- Mr. T. Dowson,
- Miss M. B. Stevenson,
- Mr. O. A. Whitaker.
MARTHA ROOT IN CHINA
Photograph taken in Shanghai, July 1, 1937
