Bahá’í News/Issue 115/Text

From Bahaiworks

PRE-CONVENTION NUMBER

[Page 1]


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. 115
APRIL, 1938

“CERTAIN VITAL REQUIREMENTS”[edit]

“The Seven Year Plan, with which the immediate fortunes of the American Bahá’í community are so closely interwoven, demands, at this critical stage in its development, serious and prayerful consideration of certain vital requirements, without which such a stupendous task can never be brought to a successful completion. The evolution of the Plan imposes a three-fold obligation, which all individual believers, all local Assemblies, as well as the National Assembly itself, must respectively recognize and conscientiously fulfil. Each and every believer, undaunted by the uncertainties, the perils and the financial stringency afflicting the nation, must arise and ensure, to the full measure of his or her capacity, that continuous and abundant flow of funds into the national Treasury, on which the successful prosecution of the Plan must chiefly depend. Upon the local Assemblies, whose special function and high privilege is to facilitate the admission of new believers into the community, and thereby stimulate the infusion of fresh blood into its organic institutions, a duty no less binding in character devolves. To them I wish particularly to appeal, at this present hour, when the call of God is being raised throughout the length and breadth of both continents in the New World, to desist from insisting too rigidly on the minor observances and beliefs, which might prove a stumbling block in the way of any sincere applicant, whose eager desire is to enlist under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. While conscientiously adhering to the fundamental qualifications already laid down, the members of each and every Assembly should endeavor, by their patience, their love, their tact and wisdom to nurse, subsequent to his admission, the new-comer into Bahá’í maturity, and win him over gradually to the unreserved acceptance of whatever has been ordained in the teachings. As to the National Assembly, whose inescapable responsibility is to guard the integrity, coordinate the activities, and stimulate the life, of the entire community, its chief concern at the present moment should be to anxiously deliberate on how best to enable both individual believers and local Assemblies to fulfil their respective tasks. Through their repeated appeals, through their readiness to dispel all misunderstandings and remove all obstacles, through the example of their lives, and their unrelaxing vigilance, their high sense of justice, their humility, consecration and courage, they must demonstrate to those whom they represent their capacity to play their part in the progress of the Plan in which they, no less than the rest of the community, are involved. May the all-conquering Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh be so infused into each component part of this harmoniously functioning System as to enable it to contribute its proper share to the consummation of the Plan.”—Your true brother, Shoghi. (January 30, 1938)

From the same letter, in the portion written by the Guardian through his secretary, the following excerpts are published for the information of the believers:—

“The Temple model prepared by Mr. Earley which you had shipped to Haifa has been received in good condition, and will be placed shortly in the International Bahá’í Archives on Mt. Carmel for the benefit of all the visitors.”

In reply to a question concerning the authority to approve a bust of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “He feels that for the present neither he nor the National and local Assemblies should take any action by laying down any regulation in this matter. Individuals should be left free to exercise their discretion and to act as they deem best.”

“All those believers who are talented in music and desire to make some contributions along this line should be encouraged and advised to send their musical contributions to the Editorial Committee of The Bahá’í World for reproduction in that book.”

“In conclusion the Guardian wishes me to express his satisfaction at the progress which the Seven Year Plan is making as a result of the cooperation, energy, selflessness and perseverance displayed by the entire body of the American believers. He is continually praying that their efforts for the consummation of this two-fold task may be blessed and crowned with Complete success.”

ASSEMBLY ROLL[edit]

Springfield, Illinois, the new address of the Secretary, Mrs. Anna K. Jurgens, is 1136 North 4th Street.

ELECTION OF NEW ASSEMBLIES[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly has authorized the election of a local Spiritual Assembly on April 21 by the Bahá’í groups resident in the following cities: Sacramento, Calif., Grand

[Page 2] Rapids, Mich., Oklahoma City, Okla., Maywood, Ill., Topeka, Kans., Glendale, Ariz., St. Lambert, P. Q., Toronto, Ont., and Rochester, N. Y. This means seven new Assemblies and the restoration of two formerly existing.

The love and best wishes of the American Bahá’í community will surely flow out to these believers on the occasion of the election on April 21.

ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]

Milwaukee, four. Detroit, three. Racine, one. Los Angeles, sixteen. Miami, one. New York, four. Urbana, two. Chicago, eleven. Flint, five. Buffalo, one. Kansas City, one. Spokane, one. Washington, six, Binghamton, three. Vancouver, one. New Haven, one. Columbus, one. Monroe, one. San Francisco, 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. Laura L. Drum, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Elizabeth Stein, Lima.
J. B. Gordon Hall, Fernandina.
James Coe (former member of Racine Bahá’í community).

A BAHA’I GUEST FROM TIHRAN[edit]

Mrs. Bahiyyeh Hakim, whose father is a member of the National Assembly of Iran, and whose husband, Dr. Lotfullah Hakim, is a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Tihran, arrived at New York on March 15 from Paris. Mrs. Hakim will spend some weeks in America, and in addition to New York will probably proceed to Chicago and see the Temple. It is most gratifying to receive this visit from a fellow-Bahá’í of Iran.

AMENDMENT TO BY-LAWS[edit]

The American believers are informed of the following amendment to the By-Laws of the N. S. A., duly adopted at the meeting held February 19 and 20, 1938:—

“Resolved, that in accordance with the instructions given by Shoghi Effendi in his letter to this body dated November 25, 1937, to the effect that the number of delegates at the Annual Convention number 171 instead of 95, Article VIII of the By-laws be amended by striking out the word ‘Ninety-five’ in the second sentence of said Article, and substitute therefor the words ‘One hundred seventy-one.’ ”


TOMB OF THE GREATEST HOLY LEAF


PRESS BOOK REPORT[edit]

March 14th: Since the last Press Book report, written November 24th, many clippings have been added to the Press Books.

Phoenix, Arizona have, in addition to their many clippings, sent in an article written by Willard Hatch which was published by Pax, a monthly magazine. They have also branched out into Coolidge, Arizona, this year where they did some splendid publicity work, and an article on the Youth Symposium was received from them published in El Imparcial, a Spanish paper.

Mrs. French in Pasadena, is still having wonderful results with her column the “Loom of Reality.” A thousand copies of her recent contribution “Our Intellectual and Spiritual Heritage” was reprinted by the Lambda Sigma Pi Society and widely distributed.

Santa Paula, California, has sent in very newsy clippings. Los Angeles and San Francisco have kept up their usual activity in the publicity field. Miami, Florida, still sends in their fine educational articles which are published in a Forum column. Maywood, Illinois, is still doing outstanding work The Evanston News-Index recently published a picture of the Temple taken by their own staff photographer, with the caption “Towering Bahá’í.” Wilmette Life, among its regular write-ups published a picture of the new model of the Temple. Gertrude Struven reports that in 52 weeks, 55 notices have appeared in the Wilmette Life, Winnetka Talk and Glencoe News which includes regular notices of weekly Sunday lectures, and in addition other articles and an editorial praising the Bahá’ís’ honorable character; and a letter about the Temple from a school child visitor. Many photographs were also used, some as cover designs.

The international section contains an amazing amount of clippings sent in by Martha Root from India, where long articles on the Faith were printed in the Rangoon Times; the Ceylon Daily News and others. On February 4th, a radio talk captioned “American Journalist’s Experiences in Shanghai” given by Martha was published in The Hyderabad Bulletin.

From Baltimore, Maryland, the clippings are outstanding because they give so much of the teachings. Muskegon, Michigan, is another city using the Forum Column successfully. Doreene Holliday, of the comparatively new Omaha, Nebraska, group has done some splendid work in a series of articles in The Omaha Guide some of which she has written herself.

Mr. C. H. Pettit of Bucyrus, Ohio, very tactfully answered an article in a forum column, headed “What is to Become of Us,” and suggested that the Esslemont book be read. He later placed a notice in a News Flash column to the effect that after reading the Esslemont book, to read “Some Answered Questions.” The very evening of its publication the book, Answered Questions, was taken out of the public library.

Elsie Miller in Dayton is having unusually splendid success this year with the Forum columns. Lima publicity is also most outstanding this year. A paid advertisement has been run announcing

[Page 3] the subject and speaker and in addition a quotation from the Teachings.

In the Pittsburgh Courier, an attack on the Cause by Dr. DuBois was answered most effectively by the National Assembly, thus giving the Faith some very favorable publicity. From Moncton, New Brunswick, we had a deluge of clippings covering the period of Mabel Ives’ work from October 18th to December 14th and Dorothy Baker’s work in February. There is every indication that the group will continue this fine work. From Scranton, Pa., comes numerous outstanding clippings as more evidence of Mabel Ives’ splendid work. An attack on the Cause, labeling it as Communistic, was answered by Mr. and Mrs. Ives in a masterful manner.

Louise Caswell’s work in Tennessee shows persistent effort. Kathryn Frankland has interested the editors of the Daily Voice in Corpus Christi, Texas, in publishing the “Goal of the New World Order” by Shoghi Effendi, in a series. Practically all releases sent out by Bahá’í News Service have been published verbatim by this paper. Lorrol Jackson in Helena, Montana, continues to send in well-written clippings of all her activities. Clippings received from Ruth Moffett’s activities come from ‎ Fremont‎, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Kankakee, Maywood and Oak Park, Illinois; Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming as well as from cities where there are Assemblies.

Chelan, Washington, was successful in getting the entire release of December 25th published in their paper. Madison, Wisconsin, while still a group, have been successful this year in publicity work. Racine, Wisconsin, has pages showing results of continuous and persistent effort.

The visit of Lidia Zamenhof to this country has brought the Cause some nice publicity. An article headed “High Priestess of the Esperantists” was syndicated by Seven Arts Feature Syndicate and sent out to about 100 Jewish papers. One paragraph of the article was devoted to the Bahá’í Faith.

BAHÁ’Í NEWS SERVICE COMMITTEE
NINA MATTHISEN, Chairman
VIRGINIA CAMELON
EDNA EASTMAN
C. W. LA ROCQUE

RADIO COMMITTEE[edit]

We have recently received from Mrs. Wendell Bacon of Monson, Mass., an encouraging report of radio work, delivered Jan. 24-29, in Springfield, Mass. Six talks given in daily series attracted wide attention, and inquiries are still coming in to the Monson and Springfield friends from Chester, West Springfield, Westfield, Three Rivers and Palmer. Newspapers have been unusually cooperative. The talks were based largely on direct quotations from the utterances of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, and cover the following subjects:

The Divine Physician, Bahá’u’lláh.
The Search After Truth.
Universal Peace.
The Agreement of Science and Religion.
The Equality of Men and Women.
Principles of the Bahá’í Faith.


The talks given recently in Vancouver and reported in the last issue of the NEWS LETTER are listed below:

Present World Crisis.
War vs. International Cooperation.
Cancer of Prejudice.
Social Justice.
Religious Unity.
Can Human Nature Change?
Confusion of Language.
A Short History of the Bahá’í Faith.
Unfoldment of World Civilization.

Attention is called to the current articles by Mr. Mountfort Mills in World Order Magazine, February, March and April issues, covering the subject “World Crisis.” These articles were used successfully as radio talks in November in New York, but will not be mimeographed for general use, due to their immediate availability in the magazine.

Mrs. Florence Morton reports plans for the summer broadcasting from Eliot, near Green Acre, and from the largest Portland station; and expresses great faith in the medium of radio for general teaching and publicising our Cause.

Requests have come from New Orleans, Denver, Kansas City, Edgewater, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Cleveland, Miami, Honolulu, Milwaukee, Chicago, Augusta, Urbana, Nashville, Boston, Ashuelot, Binghamton, Moncton, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Final reports would be welcomed on work done in these and other centers.

Regional secretaries are arising rapidly to carry out a canvass throughout the country with an eye to systematic campaigns in teaching.

A radio talk, “What Future For Youth” has been chosen for circulation this month. Miss Marion Holley here outlines a vigorous viewpoint on world affairs.

DOROTHY BAKER, Chairman

MEXICO[edit]

Mrs. Frances Stewart, Secretary of the Inter-America Committee, sends the following account of her experiences in taking the Bahá’í Message to Mexico last summer.

When on July 15 last, our ship approached the harbor of Vera Cruz, and we saw the scars left by cannons that had bombarded the city in former years, our prayer was that we might be privileged to bring to the people of Mexico the great Bahá’í Message of Unity and Love. This prayer was granted, for Bahá’u’lláh had prepared a group to receive this Message in a most wonderful manner.

In Mexico City, while speaking to a Woman’s Club on the subject of: “Peace in a New World Order” and quoting from the Writings quite freely, I noticed the deep interest of a lady not far from me. After the meeting she hurried to beg me to go with her that evening to the home of a friend where a group met weekly for study and discussion. I felt impelled to break a former engagement and gladly went with Miss Aurora Gutierrez to meet nine Mexican people, who later became the first Believers in Mexico. My friend explained that for several years this group of seekers had met regularly to discuss spiritual questions and to study the increasing turmoil in the world. After a beautiful prayer given by Mr. Pedro Espinosa, the group leader, in which he asked for spiritual vision and understanding, they asked me to repeat the message I had given at the club in the afternoon. I then asked if I might tell them of the Bahá’í Message.

Way into the morning hours they listened and asked questions about the Cause and asked that I meet with them often and they would bring to the circle all of their group. After three such meetings with an ever larger group, the leader told me that they had for some time been convinced that somewhere in the world a New Manifestation had appeared to give the Truth for the New Era. So convinced had they been that they had sent their leader, Mr. Espinosa, to the United States where he traveled from New York City to California in search of evidence of this New Manifestation. He did not find it but returned to Mexico convinced: “That from a foreign country a Teacher would bring them the Good News of a New Manifestation.” They had continued their regular studies and when they heard the Bahá’í Message, they were convinced it was the Truth they had long sought. At this meeting Mr. Espinosa

[Page 4] handed me a paper on which were written the names of the nine I had first met saying they wished to be received as Believers of the Bahá’í Faith and would become the center for spreading the Message throughout Mexico. I later learned the leader has had experience in the publishing field and he was enthusiastic when asked if he could help to translate the writings into Spanish for use in all Latin America. He is now assisting in the translation of the book of Prayers, Bahá’í Procedure and the Bahá’í Study Course and soon these will be ready for use among the many inquirers throughout South America.

The Mexico Bahá’í Group will elect their first Spiritual Assembly on next April 21st, the first in Latin America. They meet each Friday evening for study and discussion and new friends are being attracted to the Cause. One of the group is a primary teacher and she is teaching the Cause to a group of children. Weekly letters tell of the radiant Bahá’í spirit that inspires this group and already a teaching fund is being saved to spread the Message throughout Mexico.

A true Bahá’í Feast was held the evening before I left Mexico City. Roses, red and white, banked the table, the music of violin and piano spoke the universal language of harmony and radiant faces gave evidence of hearts and minds united in Love and Understanding to build the New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. That night I told the story of Quarratu’l-‘Ayn and among those present were women who had been active in securing the recently enacted laws giving greater freedom to the women of Mexico.

At six-thirty the next morning the friends went to the station to say, “Hasta la vista,” (till we meet again) as my train sped away. That night, as the ship slowly moved out of the port of Vera Cruz, I knew another link had been forged in the chain of Love and Service that shall unite all peoples and all nations in Goodwill and Peace.

Therefore, as we rejoice over the new groups studying the Bahá’í Faith in Canada and in new centers throughout the United States and in other nations may we include in our thoughts and prayers our new friends and co-workers in old Mexico, who unite with us in the Bahá’í prayer:

“O God! Raise the banner of the oneness of humankind.
O God! Establish the Most Great Peace.
O God! Weld our hearts into one heart.
O Thou kind Father!”

MARTHA ROOT IN INDIA AND BURMA[edit]

From Bahá’í News Letter Published by the N. S. A. of India and Burma[edit]

Miss Martha Root arrived in India from Ceylon on October 15th. The believers of Bombay accorded her a right royal reception. The National Spiritual Assembly had also fixed their half-yearly meeting to be held in Bombay in order to meet the beloved sister. Miss Root stayed in Bombay for 5 days and these 5 days were gala days for the believers of the place. While the Bombay friends held meetings and arranged for lectures, which were fully reported by the press the N. S. A. in consultation with Miss Root, chalked out a programme for her.

After attending the public meeting on the Birthday of the Báb, which was presided over by an ex-Mayor of the Town, Miss Root left for Surat.

SURAT—During her two days’ stay here Miss Root met lawyers, judges and other notables of the town at the home of Mr. Vakil and delivered a public lecture in the Arya Samaj Hall. This was attended by 250 to 300 people—students, lawyers and other notables. The press published elaborate articles and thus a good publicity was achieved for the Divine Faith.

POONA—Owing to her brief stay here no public lecture was arranged; but she met press representatives and the believers of the place. She visited the Bahá’í School and the Bahá’í Cemetary. To the friends she delivered a talk on teaching. Miss Root will visit Poona again when she returns from her tour in South India.

BURMA[edit]

RANGOON—Leaving Poona on October 26 she stayed one day at Bombay and then left for Burma where she arrived on November 2. The believers of Rangoon had chalked out a busy and elaborate programme for her. She spoke at the Y. M. C. A. (Town Branch), Arya Samaj (Central), Theosophical Society, Brahmo Samaj, Malabar Club and Rotary Club. Press publicity had preceded her arrival and when she arrived all the leading dailies of Rangoon published glowing articles about her and about the Cause she had come to teach. Rangoon Times, widely circulated English daily, published an interview with her about Bahá’í work in Shanghai. Rangoon Times has been devoting weekly two to three column space to Bahá’í articles for the last 11 months. Rangoon Gazette, another English daily, had an equally fine interview of more than a column and in addition there was an editorial about the history of the Bahá’í Faith. Her lectures attracted large number of hearers and were presided over by religiously inclined public men. In fact, Miss Martha Root created a stir in the religious circles of that great city of 500 thousand souls comprised of almost all civilized nations of the world.

Miss Root had two meetings with the Bahá’ís of Rangoon in the Hazirat-ul-Qods (Bahá’í Hall). The ‎ meeting‎ with the children was very interesting. She started a children’s class and gave first lesson to youngsters. This class, the Rangoon Spiritual Assembly is determined to continue in remembrance of the visit of our beloved sister.

MANDALAY—Miss Root arrived in this ancient city of Upper Burma on November 10. She was received at the station by the believers led by our revered Bahá’í teacher Syyid Mustafa Roumie. She delivered a public lecture in Mandalay Municipal Library. The attendance was the largest of any public Bahá’í lecture given up to this time in Mandalay. The Headmaster of the Normal School U. Thet Swe, B.A., B.L. was the Chairman. Some of the hearers came later on to see Miss Root and asked questions. Bahá’ís who live in towns near Mandalay came all the way to see their beloved guest.

TOUNGOO—On leaving Mandalay Miss Root detrained at this town of about 23,000 inhabitants. No Bahá’í teacher has ever before visited this place. It was through the efforts of Dr. M. A. Latiff, that the town was opened. He had gone to the place and had arranged for a lecture in the Jubilee Library. Dr. Bahl, Civil Surgeon of the district presided. He also gave a dinner in his home after the lecture and four interested people came to meet the Bahá’í teacher. Miss Root took the train that same night and nine people who had attended the lecture were on the station to see her off. It is a great thing for our Faith that Toungoo is opened and we have our dear brother Dr. M. A. Latiff to thank for it.

DAIDANAW (Kungyangoon)—Accompanied by Syyid Abdul Hussain Sherazi and Mr. Siyyid Ghulam Murtaza Ali Miss Root reached this Bahá’í village of 800 believers on November 20. The believers of the place had made

[Page 5]

INVITATION FROM CHICAGO ASSEMBLY


The Spiritual Assembly of Chicago extends an invitation to delegates and visiting believers who will arrive before the Convention opens, to attend a dinner meeting at 6.30 P. M., Saturday, April 23, at Central Y. M. C. A., 19 South LaSalle Street, Chicago. Informal dress. Dinner tickets, for adults, $1.00, for minors, 85c. The purpose is to assist in producing constructive publicity for the Convention and the Bahá’í Faith. Those planning to attend are requested to make reservations through Mrs. Kathryn Mortensen, 6053 Eberhart Avenue, Chicago, as soon as possible. A Bahá’í program will be carried out after dinner is served.

elaborate preparations for reception of their beloved guest. A special roadway was cut through the grass from the main road to the Assembly Hall, which was tastefully decorated. The Assembly Compound was full of believers when Miss Root’s car arrived. Mrs. Kahn garlanded her amidst the acclamations of Ya Bahá-El-Abhá. She met these friends and they chanted holy songs and prayers. Miss Root writes: “What a royal welcome we received! Never shall I forget their chanting and the reverence and love in their kind faces.”

At 4 p. m. Miss Root drove to Kungyangoon, an important town of 6,000 people situated about 3 miles from the Bahá’í Village. The lecture was held in the National School under the Chairmanship of Dr. Gurbaksh Singh. It was translated into Burmese by U. Sein, the headmaster of the School. There were about 150 people present including the Township judge, the staffs of the National and Board Girls’ High Schools. The lecture was well received. Dr. and Mrs. Gurbaksh Singh called on Miss Root that evening and had a long talk with her.

Next day the friends again met in the Assembly Hall. After the usual prayers; Mr. M. I. Kahn read a beautiful address of welcome to which Miss Root replied in suitable words and the meeting closed in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and happiness. Mr. Murtaza Ali describes the scene of Daidanaw as follows:

The friends of Daidanaw gave a right royal reception to our sister Miss Martha Root. She was deeply moved.


TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION—3     Sculptors at Work on Original Model


They laid out the heavenly table for us for supper that night and each family brought in their share to feed us. We were immensely touched and we thanked Bahá’u’lláh for the love and spirit of service which He has taught to His followers. We spent one heavenly night in this village of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá who used to call it fondly “Deed-a-Naw” which in Persian means the “New Sight.”

Miss Root returned to Rangoon on Nov. 21 and attended the farewell meeting at the Hazirat-ul—Qods (Bahá’í Hall).

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, Miss Root sailed for Calcutta. The friends came to the Wharf to give her a hearty sendoff.

(To be Continued)

NOTE:—Miss Martha Root will tour South India during the latter part of December, 1937, and the whole of January and February, 1938.

THIRTIETH ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]

The Annual Convention will be held in Temple Foundation Hall on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, April 27 to May 1, inclusive. The Public Congress will be held Sunday afternoon.

Convention Committees[edit]

Devotional Program: Ella G. Cooper, Chairman; Mary Rabb, Lena Lee.

Ridvan Feast: Refreshments served by the Spiritual Assemblies of Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Park Ridge and Winnetka. Chairman of program, Corinne True. Brief addresses by recent Pilgrims to Haifa: Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland Maxwell, Ruhangiz Bolles, Amelia Collins, Marjorie McCormick, Agnes Alexander, Mildred Mottahedeh, Emeric Sala.

Housing Committee: Mrs. Carl Hannen, Chairman. 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill. This Committee will arrange accommodations in private homes in the vicinity of the Temple. The rates are about $2.00 for single and $1.00 to $1.50 per person in double room.

Information Bureau: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

Headquarters of National Spiritual Assembly: Hotel Evanston.

Agenda[edit]

Temple Foundation Hall will be open Tuesday evening for delegates who arrive before the opening of the Convention Wednesday morning, April 27, and the Temple Program Committee will be present to receive them and conduct an informal social meeting.

  1. Prayer and meditation, Wednesday. April 27, nine to nine-thirty A. M.
  2. Opening of Convention by Presiding Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly, 9:45 A. M.
  3. Roll call of delegates.
  4. Election of Convention Officers.
  5. Annual reports of the National Spiritual Assembly.
    1. Secretary’s report.
    2. Treasurer’s report.
    3. Report of Trustees.
  6. Convention message to the Guardian. [Page 6]
  7. The Seven Year Plan.
    1. Building the Temple, Siegfried Schopflocher.
    2. Placing the Temple Contract, L. W. Eggleston, Chairman of Technical Committee.
    3. Our Financial Responsibility. The Individual, Ruth Randall-Brown.
    4. The Community, William DeForge.
    5. The Divine Plan. North America. Leroy C. Ioas. South America, Loulie A. Mathews.
  8. Feast of Ridvan. Saturday evening, April 30.
  9. Thursday evening session, talks on Temple construction, Allen B. McDaniel and John J. Earley.
  10. Annual election, Friday, April 29, 9:30 A. M.
  11. Sunday afternoon, Bahá’í Congress (public meeting).

Subjects Suggested for Consultation[edit]

The Regional Teaching Method.
Youth and the Bahá’í Community.
Teaching and Training Children.
Assembly Teaching Responsibility.
Summer Schools.
Effective Publicity.
Radio Teaching.

ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS[edit]

1937—1938[edit]

ARCHIVES AND HISTORY[edit]

As early as 1903 the first step was taken in America toward the collection and preservation of Bahá’í Archives. At that time permission was granted by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to gather copies of His Tablets to American believers in order that they might be published.

In more recent years many of the original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with their original translations, many of the letters of Shoghi Effendi addressed to National and Local Spiritual Assemblies and to individual believers, numerous sacred objects which were the possession of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, or the Greatest Holy Leaf, and numerous manuscripts and records bearing upon the history of the Cause in America have been flowing continuously into the National Bahá’í Archives.

Following a recommendation of the National Spiritual Assembly in 1935, an increasing number of Local Spiritual Assemblies have been establishing local Bahá’í Archives for the preservation of various Assembly records, and for assistance in the collection and forwarding of materials suitable for the National Archives.

For the information of the friends, a partial list is given below of materials received for the National Archives during the current Bahá’í year, or since March 21, 1937.

2 original, illuminated Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, in His Own Hand-Writing, addressed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. These are gifts of the Guardian, and were sent through Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher for presentation to the National Spiritual Assembly at the last Convention.

232 original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, almost all of which are accompanied by original translations. One of these is the first Divine Plan Tablet to the Western States. The original and translation were written on post cards and mailed in Haifa on April 4, 1916. They bear the stamp of the military censor. Several groups of Tablets received this year were addressed to believers who have passed on, such as Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, Mrs. Isabella D. Brittingham, and Dr. Getsinger. Among Tablets received during the year are those addressed to the Portland, Seattle and Spokane, and to the San Francisco, Oakland, Urbana, and Cincinnati Spiritual Assemblies or communities.

108 original letters of the Guardian, a number of which were addressed to Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Some of the Sacred Relics which have come into the Archives since the first of the year include:

A Bahá’í seal and ring containing a ruby blessed by Bahá’u’lláh. (These were given originally to Thornton Chase in Acca.)
A rosary used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (Given to an American pilgrim in 1899.)
A taj and a turban belonging to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
A collection of original photographs taken in Acca and Haifa which are authenticated in the hand-writing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
A copy of the Greatest Name hand done by Mishkin-Qalam given to a believer by a member of the Holy Family.
A shawl made by the Greatest Holy Leaf.

The following publications and historical records are among materials of this nature received during the year:

Two copies of each of the publications issued by authority of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Historical Record Cards from about sixty per cent of the American believers.
Questionnaires on local Bahá’í history, which were filled out and returned by approximately one-half of all the Bahá’í Assemblies.

The committee has the following suggestions to make with regard to sending material to the National Archives.

  1. It is recommended that friends who have Tablets or other sacred objects (See BAHÁ’Í NEWS No. 103 for classification), *which they wish to place in the National Archives should bring them or send them by a delegate to the Convention. The Secretary will be on hand to issue receipts and to see that objects presented are immediately placed in safe-keeping.
  2. It is the Guardian’s wish that original Tablets and original translations be preserved in the Archives. Friends who wish photostatic facsimilies of Tablets or of the Guardian’s letters may obtain them at a cost at 15c per page, or double this amount, if both negative and positive copies are desired. Assemblies wishing copies of the framed, Divine Plan Tablets may order them at a cost of 35c per positive copy.
  3. If objects are sent by mail, they should be registered. Address Mrs. May T. Scheffler, Secretary, 1821 Lincoln St., Evanston, Ill.
  4. Relics should be accompanied by as complete a description as possible of the circumstances under which the gift was originally made, to whom and when the object was given, and the hands through which it has subsequently passed.
  5. If photographs are sent, they should be labeled with the name or names of persons shown and should be dated.

In the name of the National Spiritual Assembly, the Archives and History Committee wishes to extend most heart-felt thanks to those believers and Assemblies who have parted with their most precious possessions in order that they might be safely kept for the observation and reference of future generations.

EDWIN W. MATTOON, Chairman
MRS. MAY T. SCHEFFLER, Secretary
MRS. R. D. PETTIT
MISS JULIA SOBEL
C. M. REMEY

_____
* See Bahá’í Procedure, Section One, Sheet 19.

[Page 7]

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE, THE BAHA’I WORLD, VOL. VII[edit]

Immediately following the appointment of the Staff of Editors for The Bahá’í World, Vol. VII, the chairman and executive secretary consulted at length upon the problems which had been encountered in the preparation of former volumes and it was decided to assign to the various members of the staff certain areas for which they should be responsible, thus bringing the whole staff into closer relationship and dividing up the work of correspondence. By this method we seem to be more nearly approaching a system which will be more efficient, more generalized and more complete; in fact the results have proven this to be the case, for the cooperation of the National Spiritual Assemblies of other countries, except those where communication has been cut off, has been definitely satisfactory.

We mention with special appreciation the reports from India, ‘Iráq, Egypt and even Irán which have given us splendid resumés and have observed most painstakingly the marks of accent to which detail it is essential that all closely adhere. And á propos of the accent marks, although we have many times called the attention of the friends to this important matter, we have still to accustom ourselves to taking up a pen and going over everything which is written where Bahá’í terminology is employed. To be sure there are many words for which we have had no written precedent in this country and thus the accents must be put in by those who go over the manuscripts in Haifa, but we do have rules for almost all of the words and names and with a little more attention to detail we could arrive at the usage which the Guardian desires us to adopt.

The most perplexing matter is that of punctuality, and once again we seek to explain the method which must be employed in order to comply with the instructions of the Guardian. All manuscripts have been requested for the 15th of October of the year preceding the actual expiration of the Bahá’í year. This is because much time is needed to prepare the manuscripts, for wherever it happens that work which is sent in is not presentable for the hands of our Guardian re-typing must be done, accents placed, etc. The executive secretary does this preliminary work, without of course, deleting or editing anything. The whole collection is then forwarded to the chairman in New York, who makes additions and carefully scrutinizes the manuscripts and then the whole collection is forwarded to the Guardian. Until this year the Guardian has required us to have the manuscript in his hands by January first. This year because of certain delays, he has accorded us a brief extension of time, but he is very insistent upon punctuality and everything has been done to observe this.

Once again let us stress these facts:

First—The editorial staff neither alters nor deletes manuscripts.
Second—The friends should not be actuated by hearsay regarding the dates when manuscripts are due. Much liberty has been taken in this matter and it has become very difficult to adhere to the Guardian’s instructions because of this.
Third—It is by special instruction of the Guardian that all manuscripts are requested to be sent to the executive secretary. This is the channel which he has established and unless it is adhered to the secretary cannot know whether manuscripts are in which have been solicited or are due under the general plan of the work. It is extremely embarassing to write for a second or third time for a manuscript and then to be told that it has been sent to Haifa direct. When this is done there is danger that it may not find its way into the general collection when it is received from New York and thus may not appear in the book through no fault of anyone but the writer himself who has ignored the instructions.

Perhaps the most baffling thing is the preparation of the address list especially from foreign countries. If the friends could realize the amount of correspondence which is carried on by the member of the staff of editors who is responsible for this important work they would be more particular in fulfilling the requirements. It seems not to be the custom in some countries to give the initials of believers, but it is one of the details which should claim closer attention for it is not enough to say, nor is it good form to write “Mrs. Smith” or “Mr. Jones” with their respective addresses but without the initials of the names.

If your secretary in making this report has seemed to be rather too meticulous you are urged to consider that anything done for the Guardian must be done the very best possible. This is a training which we all need and which, when recognized, will lead to the improvement which the Guardian hopes for in our work. But while pointing out the weak places, your secretary is not unappreciative of the very splendid cooperation which has been received and for which she and all the staff wish to express their deepest gratitude. But may there be still better results in the preparation of future books!

HORACE HOLLEY, Chairman
NELLIE S. FRENCH, Secretary
RUTH BRANDT
MARJORY MORTEN
ELSA BLAKELY
CORALIE COOK
MARION HOLLEY
LOUIS G. GREGORY
AGNES ALEXANDER
HELEN BISHOP
MARZIEH CARPENTER
VICTORIA BEDIKIAN

BRAILLE TRANSCRIPTIONS FOR THE BLIND[edit]

The work of transcribing in Braille the Revealed Words for the blind has progressed, and the committee has satisfactory results to report, notwithstanding the limited number of Braillists. We hope that an increase in our workers will enable us to extend the future program for this much needed service, and that many Braille circulating libraries will be illumined by the Sacred Books.

The libraries already approached are interested and have accepted with appreciation the books we have been able to donate.

Following is a list of the Bahá’í Books transcribed by this committee. The names of the libraries where they are placed we hope to furnish soon to anyone seeking information.

From our earnest and indefatigable worker, Miss Ella Quant, I have to report an achievement of great merit, the transcription of:—

  1. Bahá’u’lláh—A nineteenth century Prophet and His Message.
  2. Bahá’í Peace Program.
  3. Hidden Words and Words of Wisdom.
  4. La Bahaa Revelacio (the No. 9 in Esperanto).
  5. Bahá’í Teachings on Economics.
  6. Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.
  7. Divine Philosophy—‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
  8. Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh—(Mrs. Brittingham).
  9. Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh—(Shoghi Effendi).
  10. The Goal of a New World Order (Shoghi Effendi).
  11. Bahá’u’lláh and His Message.
  12. Observations of a Bahá’í Traveller (C. M. Remey),
  13. Oneness of Mankind.
  14. Seven Valleys and Words of Wisdom; Four Valleys.


Miss Mabel Menn, a Bahá’í friend and co-worker has contributed:

  1. The Reality of Man—(Compilation).
  2. The Reality of Man—(Excerpts from above). [Page 8]
  3. The Hidden Words—Bahá’u’lláh.
  4. A collection of Bahá’í Prayers.

Mrs. Constance Rodman reports the following transcriptions:

  1. The Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Paris Talks).
  2. The Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Paris Talks).
  3. The Hidden Words—Bahá’u’lláh.
  4. The Hidden Words—Bahá’u’lláh.
  5. The Hidden Words—Bahá’u’lláh.
  6. The Goal of a New World Order—Shoghi Effendi.
  7. The Iqan—The Book of Certitude—Bahá’u’lláh.
  8. A Collection of Bahá’í Prayers and Meditations.
  9. Bahá’u’lláh Kaj la Nova Epoko—Esperanto translation of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, by Dr. J. E. Esslemont.


Miss Hilda Stauss, although unable to add any transcription to our list, is doing a splendid work in contacting the Braille Libraries and Clubs.

I would like to remind the friends that the metal plates given by Mrs. Nellie French of the “Iqán” and “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” are a permanent asset in the possession of the Publication Committee, and from these plates, new editions can always be reproduced. These Books are in all the large Braille Public Libraries in the United States. The members of Braille Clubs in those cities will find them available.

The suggestion has been made that the Assemblies at their meetings, give out this information and so further this line of teaching. The committee will be faithful in their efforts to produce the transcriptions and will welcome this assistance from the Assemblies.

From the International correspondents of the Bahá’í Braille Committee very gratifying promises of cooperation have been received. Beyond this spirit of hearty cooperation very little is to be expected at present, as the relationship is too young to be well organized.

From Mr. Thilander of Stocksund, Sweden, we have only to report his sincere regrets that excess of work will prevent his accepting the invitation extended to him. His work is the editing and publishing of a magazine with other literary work conducted in Esperanto and Swedish for the blind of any country where these two languages are understood. Mr. Thilander, however, says: “I am interested in the Bahá’í movement, because it is as I know it, a movement of love and brotherhood.”

We had hoped for his cooperation, as through his magazine and papers, the Bahá’í transcriptions would have been widely spread.

Madame Hesse of Paris has, with gratifying enthusiasm, become one of our co-workers on the committee. She reports the completion of a French Braille transcription of the “Essai sur la Bahaism,” Nouvelle Edition—by Hippolyte Dreyfus. This contains also, some part of one letter of the Guardian, and a portion by Horace Holley on World Economy. This transcription has been presented to the “Livre de l’Aveugle” for publication. Madame Hesse writes that “le livre de l’Aveugle will gladly circulate her Bahá’í transcriptions in French Braille.” Also, “L’Association Valutin Haney, known the world over, for which she hopes to transcribe another Bahá’í Book.” This association has a large circulating library for the blind, and Madame Hesse thinks they will be glad to be presented with Hidden Words, or Seven Valleys.

From Mr. Vuk Echtner of Prague very cordial letters have come, expressive of his desire to cooperate in all ways possible for the benefit of the blind and to promote the Bahá’í Teachings in Czechoslovakia. Mr. Echtner is the publisher and editor of a small Esperanto magazine called “Auroro,” which is complementary to Mr. Thilander’s magazine in Sweden. In “Auroro” at times appear Bahá’í articles needful for the blind and to spread the Bahá’í teachings. Mr. Echtner seeks some special manner to waken the interest of the blind in the Bahá’í Cause. Messages from foreign lands do this more quickly than messages from their own country. He adds: “The dear Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, seriously considers the work for the blind. Therefore, it is almost a duty of his faithful ones to learn the writing for the blind. Our Braille copy of the Esslemont book in Esperanto is completed, but a very regrettable error has occurred. The copyist misread the name of Bahá’u’lláh and misspelled it—the colossal labor lost much of its value. I intend to recopy the book from time to time.

“A pacifist magazine begs of me an article on the Bahá’í faith. I am very anxious to cause this to appear with a photo of Mashriqu’l-Adhkar and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”

From Mr. Tokujiro Torii of Japan we have received a cordial response. In his own words, which I quote, he says: “It is a great privilege and honor for me to be appointed by the Guardian as an International correspondent of the Bahá’í Braille committee.”

In the letters and reports of Miss Agnes Alexander may be read interesting accounts of the work being done for the blind in Japan.

In 1917 Mr. Torii translated the Japanese writings of Bahá’u’lláh. These were published in Braille in one volume which was spread among the blind of Japan. Mr. Torii, at the time he did this, was teaching in a small school for the blind. His only helper was his devoted wife who spelled the words to him; these he copied in Braille. This is the way the first Japanese Bahá’í Braille book was transcribed. Mr. Torii has transcribed into Braille:

The Hidden Words.
The Iqan—the Book of Certitude.
Some Answered Questions.

Besides these, they have now the Esslemont book in Japanese Braille. Now it is his desire this year to translate the Hidden Words into Japanese.

(From a report of Miss Alexander.)

Following, are some of the words of approval and encouragement received by the committee:

Shoghi Effendi, in a letter to a member of the committee has written: “Persevere, nay redouble your efforts. I am planning to establish in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahji, a special section wholly and exclusively devoted to Bahá’í literature in Braille.”

(Signed) SHOGHI.

To another he has written:

“I am deeply appreciative of your recent service and wish to urge you to persevere in this notable and promising field of Bahá’í activity. I will pray for you from the bottom of my heart. Persevere and do not feel discouraged however great the obstacles which may confront you in the days to come.”

Martha Root gives us courage by her words: “Every year 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 throughout the world.”

Miss Adelia Hoyt, Service for the Blind, Library of Congress, Acting Director of Braille A. R. C., has said: “I think most of our libraries will be glad to have some of this literature.”

The field is extending and the work increasing. The Committee begs the prayers and sympathetic support of the friends.

CONSTANCE MARTHA RODMAN, Chairman
ELLA C. QUANT
HILDA STAUSS
NELLIE S. FRENCH

CONTACTS[edit]

To date, during the current Bahá’í year, 753 letters and several thousand

[Page 9] pamphlets have been sent out. The favorable replies, including those requesting to receive regularly the national teaching bulletin, number 53 and unfavorable replies number 17. The total amount of cash received from the National Treasurer was $35 and total amount expended $46.63. Each one who spent in excess wants to take care of the balance. These several thousand pamphlets have been distributed with covering letters, to eminent people and to names of people furnished by Bahá’ís, one list coming from the Sydney, Australia Spiritual Assembly. Names were also taken from such books as “Young Men of America,” “Women of America,” “Who’s Who in Education,” etc.

Some replies show considerable interest and the following are extracts from the cream of the crop:

A Professor of Sociology writes that he first heard of the Bahá’í Faith as a student in Toronto in 1907 and that he has explained its inception, organization, growth and purpose to the students in his classes. Another professor acknowledges with thanks the books sent to the college library, and says he has used them at a Seminar group, the students voting to devote an evening to the study of the subject, and one student having taken a book home over the week end, said her father had read it with great interest.

A columnist of Los Angeles writes: “I thank you sincerely. I have made the pamphlet ‘Homoculture’ the theme of the weekly article I have just written.” An official of the Urban League sends the following note: “May I extend my deepest appreciation for your thoughtfulness in sending me the leaflet ‘A New World Order.’ I would be interested in additional information regarding the Bahá’í Faith.” A student of religion says: “Thank you so much for the literature which I assure you I shall read with much interest.”

An employee of the Department of Commerce writes: “Permit me to assert my sincere interest in the Bahá’í Faith and my concurrence with the principles of Bahá’u’lláh ... I should indeed like to see a group of Bahá’ís organized in this locality but of course do not feel capable of attempting such an undertaking myself without first contacting authoritative leaders of the movement ... I am not an entire stranger to the aims and teachings of the Faith, since I am already the possessor of several of their publications and have received a world of encouragement and spiritual uplift from them ... I feel that were I allowed to play even a very small part in the furtherance of such a movement I would have accomplished a worthy deed.”

An inmate of a penitentiary, having seen an article on the Bahá’ís Faith in an Omaha newspaper, wrote to ask for more information.

More of these Bahá’í seeds will undoubtedly spring up into flourishing growth, as more believers go forth into new districts and work for the fulfilment of the Seven-Year Plan.

GERTRUDE ATKINSON
MARION HOLLEY
MRS. STANLEY KEMP
SARA KENNY
MRS ALLEN B. MCDANIEL
ETHEL REVELL
MRS. EMERIC SALA
LUCY J. MARSHALL, Chairman

GREEN ACRE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]

The Green Acre program of 1937 marked a definite transition in the historic activities and functions of the center established by the late Sarah J. Farmer in 1894. From a Green Acre which had upheld a public platform dedicated to the investigation of reality, with lectures representing a wide variety of philosophic and religious views, sympathetic to but uncontrolled by the Bahá’í Faith, the forward march of sustaining interest produced a Green Acre firmly established as a Summer School for the inculcation of the Bahá’í teachings, with, however, admirable facilities for service in the field of public Bahá’í teaching.

Green Acre today may therefore be viewed as a Bahá’í Summer School, with a sufficiently extended season to permit a supplementary program of lectures and discussion groups of extreme interest to non-Bahá’ís.

The concentration of effort necessary over several years to clarify the nature of Green Acre has temporarily sacrificed certain of its more cultural possibilities, for example the activities of the Arts and Crafts Studio, but it is confidently expected that these possibilities will in the long run be more effectively realized on the firmer foundation of policy which has been laid.

The 1937 season opened with greatly increased physical facilities, thanks to generous gifts from interested Bahá’ís. A new Bahá’í Hall, located near the river on the main plot of ground, provided a beautiful and convenient auditorium for lectures, conferences and study classes. The top floor of the Inn was rebuilt prior to the opening of the season with many new rooms available at dormitory rates. Second floor accommodations had also been added to two of the adjoining cottages, with the result that Green Acre today can take care of about one hundred guests.

Another important gift was the transfer of the so-called Ball cottage and land to the Green Acre Trustees, a donation involving a large house on the main highway of Eliot and a strip of land running from the highway to the Ole Bull property on the river bank. This land joins the largest present area of Green Acre property and greatly increases its usefulness for future development.

The present report deals with the Summer School program, conducted from August 1 to September 3, the program maintained during July being reported by a separate Committee.

The 1937 Bahá’í Summer School opened with Youth Week, the subject for the daily classes being “The Bahá’í Administrative Order.” The discussion was led by Horace Holley. The attendance this year was double that of any previous Youth Week at Green Acre. A notable result was a much closer association with the young people of Eliot, brought about by the Youth Committee through special social gatherings.

August 9, 10 and 11, Bishop Brown conducted morning and afternoon sessions on “The Rise and Fall of Civilizations,” a scholarly presentation of fundamental social movements in the light of the Bahá’í teachings.

A Conference on Teaching was held both morning and afternoon of August 12 and 13. Members of Regional Teaching Committees, and experienced pioneer teachers, carefully surveyed the problem of effective teaching methods in the spread of the Faith throughout the United States and Canada.

The week of August 16-20 had two different classes, one in the morning and one each afternoon. Kenneth Christian led a class on “Essentials of World Religion” and Ali Kuli-Khan lectured on “Islam.” The material made available by these classes was a significant contribution to Bahá’í thought.

From August 23 to 27 the morning sessions were devoted to the subject of “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” under the leadership of Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, while the afternoon meetings were conducted by Marguerite Reimer with the subject of Public Speaking, a new development of the Green Acre School much appreciated by those participating. The outline prepared by Mrs. Hoagg covered the fundamental subjects of the Faith.

Dr. Genevieve L. Coy conducted a course on “Human Qualities in the New Age” each morning from August 30 to September 3, a psychological approach to the vital problem of response

[Page 10] to the implications of faith. The afternoon sessions during this final week brought another richly experimental course to Green Acre, the class in Writing planned and conducted by Mrs. Doris McKay. The basis of this course was the art of self-expression, with the technical features of literary composition made subservient to inner development.

Sunday devotional services and Friday evening discussion groups were conducted weekly, the speakers being: Carl Cartwright, Marion Holley, Kenneth Christian, Rosemary Sala, Ali Kuli-Khan, N. D., Elsie Austin, Archie G. Tichenor, Raphael Pumpelly, Chester Davison, Louis G. Gregory, Harlan Ober.

The outlook for Green Acre as a Bahá’í institution is exceedingly bright. Its historic tradition developed during forty-three years, its impressive facilities in land and buildings, its charm and beauty, and above all, the public trend in the direction of spiritual truth, a strongly-anchored inner life and a true World Plan, are factors making for a future that must be far greater than any portion of its past.

For overlooking Green Acre, a promise and an assurance, stands Monsalvat, on which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated in 1912 a great University and a Bahá’í House of Worship are destined to arise.

HORACE HOLLEY, Chairman
PHILIP SPRAGUE
GENEVIEVE L. COY

JULY ACTIVITIES AT GREEN ACRE—1937[edit]

In accordance with the plan of the National Spiritual Assembly the Regional Committee for New England planned the program of activities for July at Green Acre, which consisted of a series of International Conferences held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

The first of the conferences was conducted by Mountfort Mills on the subject: “World Crises and World Needs” July 3rd, 53 present, Amelia Bowman, chairman; since this was the first meeting held in the new Hall, Mr. Mills expressed the appreciation of the National Spiritual Assembly for this splendid gift and dedicated it to the Bahá’í Faith.

July 4th, Mrs. Florence Morton, chairman, 66 present: Mr. Mills discussed the Future World Federation. July 5th the meeting was in the nature of a concert by the members of the Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra interspersed by readings from the Writings read by Mr. Mills. There were 33 present at this meeting.

The second conference was conducted by Prof. Stanwood Cobb on the subject: “Universal World Culture Based on Universal Education.” July 9th, 30 present; (preceding Dr. Cobb’s lecture a commemoration for the Martyrdom of the Báb was held) Amelia Bowman, chairman. July 10th, 28 present, Mrs. Grace Ober, chairman; July 11th, 35 present; Dr. Cobb read from the Writings at intervals during a concert by the members of the Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra.

The third of the series was conducted by Prof. Glenn L. Shook on “Development of Church and State in Our Civilization.” July 17th, 12 present, Amelia Bowman, chairman; July 18th, 15 present, Hishmat Alai, chairman; July 19th, 35 present, Dr. Shook read from the Writings and musical numbers were given on the Harpsichord by Miss Betty Shook and Mrs. Lionel Loveday accompanied by the members of the Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra. Prof. Shook opened the meeting with a short talk on the Harpsichord.

The fourth of the series was conducted by Mr. Horace Holley on “The Coming of World Order.” July 23rd, 39 present, Miss Agnes O’Neill, chairman; July 24th, 42 present, Fred Schopflocher, chairman. July 25, 35 present, Mr. Holley read, musical numbers on the Harpsichord with orchestral accompaniment.

On July 30th Hishmat Alai spoke—30 present—Miss Marguerite Reimer, chairman. July 31st Mr. Fred Schopflocher shared with the friends his notes taken on his recent visit in Haifa, 66 present, Horace Holley, chairman.

Publicity was secured before and after each of these series of talks; however no radio time was available free of charge this year for Bahá’í speakers, because the commercial programs used all available time. The orchestra which was furnished by Mrs. Florence Morton during July, added greatly to the interest of the week-end conferences, and to the success of the July program.

After the lectures during July visitors were invited to the Ole Bull Cottage for further discussion of the subject and a cool drink of punch. These little fireside groups with a teacher for each three or four inquirers proved a great success; the little personal contact and informal discussion opened the way for questions from the visitors. These groups varied in numbers from 4 to 30.

The additional programs were: a lecture with colored slides of the Holy Land given by Mrs. Nancy Bowditch on July 8th. Music was furnished by members of the Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra. This program was given on a very hot night; the attendance 33; Horace Holley, chairman. Mrs. Bowditch gives a very delightful lecture with her slides which are beautifully colored.

There were three evening parties during July aside from the week-end fireside groups; at one the 14 members of the Public Health Ass’n. were entertained, at another local community of Eliot to meet new member of community—Hazel Bowman, discussion centered on ways in which community could be of assistance to Green Acre, about 30 present; a surprise party given for the manager of the Inn and others having birthdays in July, this was just a jolly get-together with a program of entertainment for the 40 or more guests, birthday cakes, gifts, etc. Three teas were given during this month, two for non-Bahá’í guests at the Inn, and one tea for the Current Events Dept. of the So. Berwick Women’s Club at which Dr. Stanwood Cobb and Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher spoke. Two supper parties and a dinner party at which ten young married couples from towns in ‎ vicinity‎ were entertained. Mr. Manny Reimer and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bowman spoke on “Future World Commonwealth.”

August Activities at Ole Bull Cottage[edit]

During Youth Week various young people entertained from surrounding towns of Portsmouth, Dover, So. Berwick and Salmon Falls Supper party the Friday evening of that week and fireside groups after Marion Holley’s lectures August 8th and 11th. Miss Holley added a great impetus to the work during August and spoke to many groups at teas and evening meetings at the cottage during August. A party for the Youth group and young people from surrounding towns was held August 4th; this meeting was entirely conducted by the Youth group with Marguerite Reimer, chairman and Kenneth Christian, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray and Miss Marion Holley, speakers. There were 75 or more present at this meeting, which was held on the porch of the cottage.

The Fire-side groups continued the same during August after the lectures in the Hall, and at the teas and supper parties the guests were from Manchester, N. H., Portsmouth, Dover, Swanzey, Mass., Kingston, N. Y., Berwick, Maine, So. Berwick, Me., Somersworth, N. H., etc., as well as Boston and New York and the larger centers.

[Page 11] The work this year at the Ole Bull was more concentrated and intensive than last year, the key people from surrounding towns who showed greatest response to lectures last year, entertained. Also many young married couples were attracted to meetings this year. Having the lovely new Hall for the meetings left the cottage freer for the small intimate groups and was a great boon to the work in every way. We have newly interested persons reading now in Manchester, Northwood, Dover, Somersworth, Salmon Falls and Portsmouth, N. H., and Eliot, York, Portland, Kennebunk, So. Berwick, Berwick, and Sanford, Me., Attleboro, New Bedford and Boston, Mass, Billings, Montana, Naples, Fla., and Elmira, N. Y. The names and addresses of these people will be sent to the Regional Committees.

Mrs. Schopflocher was untiring in her efforts to aid the teaching work and carried on the follow up work at her Studio at Nine Gables. We are still carrying on this work and have our last meeting Oct. 8th to hear Madame Orlova speak. Expect thirty or more as there are women coming from all the surrounding towns as well as from Manchester, N. H., and North Berwick, Maine. We appreciate very deeply the splendid assistance and cooperation of Mrs. Schopflocher in allowing the use of their summer home and assisting constantly in the work.

From the accounts kept of numbers during the summer, we have the total attendance during July at the Hall 562, which we are told has not been done in July in Green Acre for years. The total for the Ole Bull Cottage for July and August attendance is 509 as nearly as we can figure it, this is not counting little informal calls of which there were too many to try to keep account of.

The teachers assisting in the Green Acre teaching work besides Mrs. Schopflocher and Mrs. Marguerite Bruegger, were: Miss Marion Holley, Mrs. Mabel Ives, Mrs. Harlan Ober, Mr. Reimer, Miss Marguerite Reimer, Mrs. Alice Bacon (who spent a week with me assisting as member of the Regional Teaching Committee), Mr. Hishamt Alai, Mr. Kenneth Christian, Prof. Stanwood Cobb, and Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf.

The work at Ole Bull has opened the way for follow-up work in this vicinity during the entire winter months and up to next season when we hope we shall have twice the attendance at all the lectures. I appreciate more than I can say, the marvelous opportunity for service to the Cause we have had during the season at the Ole Bull.

AMELIA S. BOWMAN,
For New England Regional Teaching Committee

GREEN ACRE YOUTH WEEK, AUGUST 1-7, 1937[edit]

Sunday: Afternoon Feast at 4:00 given by the Eliot Assembly. Talk at 8 P. M. by Marion Holley.

Monday: Devotions at 9:15—Elsa Noska. Forum at 9:30 to 10:15—Kenneth Christian—“Changing Personality.” Study Class at 10:30 to 12—Mr. Holley. Beach Party at 3 at Olgunquit. Supper on the beach.

Tuesday: Devotions at 9:15—Mann Reimer. Forum at 9:30 to 10:15—Hishmat Ala’i—“Current Events.” Study Class at 10:30 to 12—Mr. Holley. Talk 2-4 P. M. by Mr. ‎ Schopflocher‎ on Haifa, reading of Haifa notes. Dance in evening from 9 to 12.

Wednesday: Devotions at 9:15—Ann Cutler. Forum 9:30 to 10:15—Rosemary Sala—“Marriage.” Study Class at 10:30 to 12—Mr. Holley. Forum at 2 on the Guardian’s recent cables and on pioneer teaching, led by Rinaldo Quigley and Mrs. Howard Ives. Youth Symposium at 7:30 at Ole Bull Cottage, Speakers: Kenneth Christian, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray, Marion Holley.

Thursday: Devotions at 9:15—Allen ‎ Tichenor‎. Forum at 9:30 to 10:15—Hishmat Ala’i—“Moral Aspects of the Bahá’í Teachings.” Study Class at 10:30 to 12—Mr. Holley. Afternoon Free. Evening Marshmallow Roast at the Shook Cottage.

Friday: Devotions at 9:15—Grace Shepard. Forum at 9:30 to 10:15—Emeric Sala—“Economics.” Study Class at 10:30 to 12—Mr. Holley. Talk by Dr. Rice-Wray on sex conduct and morality. Stunt Night at 8:30.

Saturday: Devotions at 9:15—Marvin Newport. Discussion at 10 of the National Youth Program for the coming year. Afternoon Beach Party at 2 at Olgunquit. At 7:30 a supper-dance for the youth of Eliot and other near-by communities.

Sunday: Talk at 8 P. M. on “World of Tomorrow” by Kenneth Christian.

The foregoing is a corrected outline of the activities of Youth Week. It is impossible to put on paper any indication of the splendid content of the study course and of the fine ideas brought out in discussion at the forums; and it is not possible to describe the exceptional spirit prevailing all the week in all the activities.

Several Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í youth in attendance have told me since that Youth Week meant a great deal to them. Such an effect upon individuals is one excellent criterion of judgment.

We feel that a good balance was achieved between play and study. In fact, the members of the National Youth Committee in attendance met before the week was up and drew up a list of suggestions for next year’s committee.

The high point as far as actual teaching goes was the supper-dance held at the Inn on Saturday night with almost one hundred young people from the surrounding towns as our guests. And they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Marion Holley spoke briefly on “The New Frontier.” From the point of social mixing the dance that followed was a great success.

On every hand we were accorded the finest cooperation.

The members of the National Youth Committee feel that we have laid the foundation for great youth activity in the future.

KENNETH CHRISTIAN

INDEX[edit]

This past year the work of the Index Committee has been mainly that of cataloguing the results already obtained from the individual indexing.

By this means a card index of the authentic writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi can be obtained. From this card index a printed index in pamphlet form can easily be made whenever it is deemed advisable.

Besides cataloguing results there has been some indexing carried on too. Mrs. Stebbins continues her index of the BAHÁ’Í NEWS LETTERS and there is a short index of Bahá’í Procedure in a form similar to the pages in the present volume and hence can be inserted in it.

In reviewing the work of the Index Committee deep gratitude is felt for the hearty response of many individuals and committees to the call for assistance in indexing. There were many manuscripts offered. Some were very detailed and no doubt can be used later when a more complete index is made.

The manuscripts used in this card index have been shorter ones. Many of these have been made by persons trained for such work. Surely Shoghi Effendi expects us to secure as able productions as possible from our Bahá’í fellow workers.

Thanks are also due the friends who so generously offered their services in typing and mimeographing. A list of

[Page 12] their names will be given to the incoming Index committee for there will be need for considerable typing before a complete index of all the volumes about the Faith is completed.

It is a source of constant joy to learn of the eagerness of the Bahá’í friends to assist this Great Cause in even the more technical lines of service. “Blessed be he who serves with love.”

ESTHER S. HARDING, Chairman
MABEL PAINE
MRS. JOEL STEBBINS
BERTHA HYDE KIRKPATRICK
MARY RABB

INTERNATIONAL AUXILIARY LANGUAGE[edit]

The Committee reports greatly increased activity during the past season, due to the visit to America of Miss Lidia Zamenhof and the classes in Esperanto which she has taught.

She has visited three cities, New York, Philadelphia and Detroit and in each one has made many contacts for the Cause. Everywhere she has appeared she had been received with interest, as she is a speaker of ability and power.

Articles on her visit to America and her work appeared in the following newspapers and one magazine: the New York News, New York Sun, National Jewish Daily, Philadelphia Record, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press and the Chicago Sentinel. One of these newspapers in each city carried a large cut with their article. The account in the Sentinel, a monthly magazine devoted to Jewish interests, was exceptionally good and mentioned the Cause sympathetically. Another bit of publicity of a related kind, was the folders announcing her classes gotten out by the Detroit Esperantists. This folder carried the announcement that her visit had been made possible through the cooperation of the National Spiritual Assembly. The Detroit society also arranged for her to speak over the radio, twice in Polish over WJBK, and once as the guest of the Detroit News.

Besides the above mentioned cities, she has spoken in Newark and West Englewood, N. J., in Baltimore and Washington, on the invitations of the local Spiritual Assemblies. In Baltimore, in spite of a very stormy night, she was able to contact some Polish people.

Miss Zamenhof was in New York from her arrival from Poland on September 29, 1937 to the 3rd of January, 1938. She was the guest from that date until the first of December, of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. Harvey, Esperantists, and for the month of December of the New York Spiritual Assembly. During January and February she was in Philadelphia and the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Dubin, the president of the Philadelphia ‎ Esperanto‎ Society. At present she is in Detroit, to which she went March 1 and will there be the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Davis, members of the Detroit Community.

The following are the organizations before which she has spoken. In New York, the Womens Press Club; in Philadelphia, the Drexel Institute; in Detroit, the Women Lawyers Association, the Zonta Club and True Kindred.

The Chairman of the Committee having occasion to write Shoghi Effendi to request his prayers for the solution of difficulties which had arisen, wrote also of the very hearty welcome and cooperation given Miss Zamenhof by the New York Spiritual Assembly. In the replies received are expressed his appreciation and his expectation of the results her work will accomplish. We quote from these letters:—

November 10th—“He is most pleased to know of the hearty welcome extended to Miss Lidja Zamenhof by the friends in New York.... He has every reason to hope that the outcome of Miss Zamenhof’s work will be to awaken a deep and sustained interest in the Cause in many important circles. He will ardently pray that the highest success may crown her efforts for the wider dissemination of the Teachings throughout the States.”

February 12th—“He again wishes me to express his profound sense of appreciation ... to the friends in New York for the continued and valuable assistance you have extended to her throughout her travels. He cherishes the hope that as a result of your united endeavors the Cause will make increasing and steady headway in Esperanto circles throughout the States.” To this was added in the Guardian’s hand —“May the efforts you are exerting yield the richest fruit, and enable you to attract increasingly the best, the worthiest and most devoted souls to the Cause of God.”

DELLA QUINLAN, Chairman,
JOSEPHINE KRUKA
LOTHAR SCHURGAST
Consulting Members—
CHARLES WITT
SARA WITT
A. E. REGAL
ELSA CHASLON
LUCY MARSHALL

LEGAL[edit]

Incorporation of Local Assemblies[edit]

The principal work of the Legal Committee for the current Bahá’í year has been the examination and approval of the incorporation papers of a number of Bahá’í Assemblies. There has been considerable delay in this work owing to the fact that the Committee has not been supplied with all the data necessary to pass upon the sufficiency of the papers due to the difference in the laws of the various States governing religious corporations. It was therefore necessary during the year to issue the following instruction:—“All local Assemblies desiring to incorporate should 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.”

In some States the law governing the incorporation of religious bodies is not satisfactory to Bahá’í organization which vests the authority in the Assembly, or nine Trustees, and it is then necessary to use the sections of the law controlling “Corporations Not For Profit.”

The committee wishes also to call attention to the importance of preparing a proper set of minutes of the Assembly meeting which approves of the incorporation of that body. An approved set of By-laws for the administration of a local Assembly may be found in the latest edition of The Bahá’í World. It is not necessary to file these By-laws with the Articles of Incorporation when they are submitted to the State office which handles such matters. Photostatic copies of the recorded articles should be forwarded to the National Spiritual Assembly for use in future Bahá’í publications as the Guardian has made such a request.

The following Assemblies have completed their papers and have had them approved during the past year: Los Angeles, Kenosha, Binghamton, Racine, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Seattle. Other Assemblies are in the course of completing their papers including Minneapolis, Boston, San Francisco and Portland. The Kansas City Assembly has submitted a set of By-laws for approval but does not intend to incorporate at this time.

Owing to the increase of the electoral body of the National Spiritual Assembly it has been necessary to make the following amendment to the By-laws of that body:—“Resolved, that in accordance with the instruction

[Page 13] given by the Guardian to this body dated November 25, 1937, to the effect that the number of delegates at the Annual Convention hereafter number 171 instead of 95, Art. VIII of the By-Laws be amended by striking out the word ‘ninety-five’ in the second sentence of said Article, and substituting therefor the words ‘one hundred seventy-one.’ ”

Temple Property[edit]

An agreement between the Trustees and the owners of the property adjoining the triangular piece of property across Sheridan road over the equitable division of the vacated stub-end of Sheridan Road has not yet been concluded, but is in the process of negotiation.

Palestine Branch of N. S. A.[edit]

Two title deeds of land on Mt. Carmel situated between the Shrine of the Bab and the Tomb of the Greatest Holy Leaf transferring this property to the Palestine Branch of the N. S. A. were received from the Guardian during the year, and placed in the records of the National Treasurer’s office. It is desirable for the American friends who still own property in Haifa to complete their plans for the transfer of this property to the Palestine Branch in order to protect the title against the Ottoman law which prevents a foreigner from disposing of his property after death according to his Will.

Bahá’í Temple Unity[edit]

It is interesting to note that the charter of the Bahá’í Temple Unity has been retained since the time when it transferred all the property it held to the Trustees of the National Spiritual Assembly a number of years ago. The wisdom of this action became apparent this year as a legacy in the estate of the late Ada C. DeVine was established for the Bahá’í Temple Unity and Mr. Carl Scheffler was able to accept service of the citation from the Court where a final accounting of the estate had been issued by the executor, in Tompkins County, New York. In this way gifts and legacies which have been bequeathed in old wills in favor of the Cause through the Bahá’í Temple Unity will not be lost.

In conclusion the committee wishes again to remind the friends that a modern form of bequest was prepared and published in the August, 1936 BAHÁ’Í NEWS No. 102, page 2* for the benefit of all those who wish to leave a legacy to the Cause. Bahá’u’lláh has declared that “It is incumbent upon every person to write (his) Will,” and this action is recommended to every believer.

GEORGE LATIMER, Chairman
MOUNTFORT MILLS
CARL SCHEFFLER

_____
* See Bahá’í Procedure, Section One, Sheet 17.

LIBRARY[edit]

The total number of books donated by this committee during the year to libraries is 399; these books were given to 26 colleges and universities, to 83 public libraries, and to the Geyserville, Green Acre, and Louhelen Summer Schools:

The books given were:

Number
The Bahá’í World, volume     1. 2
          “         “        “               2. 8
          “         “        “               3. 6
          “         “        “               4. 4
          “         “        “               5. 60
          “         “        “               6. 27
Book of Assurance
5
Bahá’í: Spirit of the Age
7
Bahá’í Revelation
10
Gleanings from the
Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
64
Bahá’u’lláh and New Era
79
Promise of all Ages
3
Security for a Failing World
15
(These Securities are part
of the fifty bought
for the Library Committee
some time ago.)
Life Eternal
1
Some Answered Questions
46
Foundations of World Unity
53
Goal of a New World Order
1
Bahá’í Peace Program
1
Unfoldment of World
Civilization
1
Dawn Breakers
1
Iqán
1
Hidden Words
1
Bahá’í Administration
1
Bahá’í Prayers
1
Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
1
____
399


The Committee’s expenses for the year amounted to $88.53. This was for stationery, stamps, and miscellaneous items, and for packing, postage, and shipping the books.

We now have Bahá’í books in at least one public library in all but the following states and provinces: Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Iowa, Louisiana, Nevada. North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia; Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.

We also have Bahá’í books in at least one college or university library in all but the following states and provinces: Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming; Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan.

Will Bahá’ís living in these places, also travelling teachers, keep this in mind and tackle the librarians at the most opportune time?

MARTHA WOODSUM, Chairman
GRACE PROVOST BASTEDO, Secretary

PUBLICITY[edit]

This report of the Bahá’í News Service Committee dates from March 10th of 1937 to March 10th of 1938.

The replacing of the name of Bahá’í Publicity Committee with that of Bahá’í News Service we feel was an important step forward as it gave our work prestige in the eyes of the newspaper world.

More and more, publicity committees and traveling teachers have made use of the service which this committee is prepared to give, through suggestions, photographs and mats. The committee has endeavored to be prompt at all times in replying to such requests and acknowledging press clippings.

Twenty-seven releases have been issued this past year, compared to three of the year before. This increase in releases has been made possible through the use of a mimeograph machine placed at the disposal of Bahá’í News Service. The following releases were issued this year to date:—

Advance release in March, of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s arrival in America; April 11th, a release announcing the nation-wide celebration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s arrival on that date; April, a release reviewing advance of civilization since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit; April 14th, release issued by National Assembly on the marriage of Shoghi Effendi; April 25th, the Convention release; May 1st, after-convention release; Strikes; announcing publication of Portals of Freedom; Advance release on Summer Schools; Release on opening of Youth Session at Louhelen; July session of Louhelen; July 9th, Martyrdom of the Báb; The Bahá’í Faith is not a Cult, released to publicity committees and teachers for their files, to be used if necessary; Release on review of article on “Language and World Unity” published in May and June issues of “World Order”; Review of article on “Soul, Mind and Spirit” published in “World

[Page 14] Order”; A series of 5 releases which include, two on the Temple, What is the Bahá’í Faith?, When and Where did the Bahá’í Faith originate and who was its Forerunner? Who was the One promised by the Báb?; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Servant of God; October 20th, a release on the 118th Anniversary of the birth of the Báb; October 13th, Placing of Temple contract for work on gallery section; Release on Lidia Zamenhof; December 25th release; February 12th, Oneness of Mankind; (this release was sent out by the United Press office of Chicago to some 475 papers. We were told it was also used by a Chicago radio station, and over at Honolulu station by Mrs. Matthews.) March 15th, Resumption of actual work on gallery section of Temple.

In addition to these releases, calls have been received for aid from traveling speakers. A series of 10 releases covering the entire “Goal of a New World Order” was requested by Mrs. Kathryn Frankland and is now being published in the “Daily Voice” at Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Bahá’í News Service recently compiled a few of the outstanding publicity clippings into a planographed sheet. This sheet has been sent out to publicity committees, regional committees and some of the traveling teachers, to assist them in securing publicity. As a further project Bahá’í News Service is sending this sheet, to newspapers throughout the country, together with a letter inviting them to call upon us for the series of articles on the Temple and the Faith. In making the editors more familiar with the name “Bahá’í Faith” this serves as an advance agent for teachers going into these areas.

A questionnaire Bulletin was recently issued to publicity committees, asking for an annual report. From the reports received we have gleaned the following:—

In most instances it has been reported that publicity was easier to obtain than last year, and the Press Books are a proof of this; that the Faith is being given greater recognition, as it becomes better known, proving the value of persistent effort. Problems were presented such as, difficulty in trying to convince editors that we have the solution for World Order. Some reports have said that the releases sent out by Bahá’í News Service are too long. To this we must answer as we have in the past, that each community has their own particular problem to handle in this connection, and if releases are too long for their use, they should be re-written by the local committee and local color always added. One teacher reported using the releases in her teaching work. Some newspaper editors state they receive complaints for giving too much space to the Bahá’ís. This is discouraging in a way—but brings to mind the words of Bahá’u’lláh, that no one tries to extinguish a lamp that is not burning.

Our file of photographs, cuts and mats has been continuously added to and we are now prepared to furnish mats and glossy prints of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, views of the Temple and mats or glossies of many of the speakers. We will always try to get the ones needed which are not on file and we ask teachers to send in at least three glossy prints of themselves. We also have two cuts of the Temple for use on programs, which can be borrowed.

We wish to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation for the splendid cooperation which we have received from publicity committees and speakers alike. Also, for the assistance given us in our work by Mary Haggard of Wilmette, Gertrude Eisenberg and William Pulley of Chicago.

NINA MATTHISEN, Chairman
VIRGINIA CAMELON
EDNA EASTMAN
C. W. LA ROCQUE

PUBLISHING[edit]

In submitting the report for the first year of the Seven Year Plan, the Committee wishes to express its grateful appreciation for the privilege of sharing in the work of the Plan. The making and distributing of the books and pamphlets is of paramount importance; without them the teaching work could not go on.

It is only by serious study of the Words, that a true understanding of the Faith may be obtained and the books are the primal source for all Bahá’í teaching and for living in accord with Bahá’í principles.

The Committee has had invaluable help from the Editing Committee, Marie B. Moore, Helen Campbell and Teresita Ryan, for which they are most appreciative. Their devoted efforts in revising, editing, indexing and proofreading have been of inestimable value.

We have sold and distributed for teaching, Committee work, etc., for the year ending March 1, 1938:

12,343 books
94,229 pamphlets
3,177 outlines

and in addition to above:

1 copy of The Dawn-Breakers, Limited edition
31 copies of The Dawn-Breakers, Standard edition

bringing total sales to date

Standard edition. 1,423 copies
Limited edition.. 140 copies

Only ten copies now available of the Limited edition.

New publications[edit]

The outstanding event of the year is the publication of Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, translated by the Guardian. After much careful editing and consultation with Guardian, this important work was ready for distribution late in February. We are very grateful for the generous gift of a friend for financing the production of this sublime book.

The Bahá’í World, Volume VI, was published May, 1937. This volume covers the period, April, 1934 to April, 1936.

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, revised edition with index, published May, 1937.

Bahá’í Procedure, a compilation of secondary administrative material compiled by the National Spiritual Assembly, published April, 1937.

Three Obligatory Daily Prayers, translated by Shoghi Effendi, published June, 1937. Reprinted August, 1937.

Economics as Social Creation, by Horace Holley, teaching pamphlet, reprint from article in World Order magazine, published November, 1937.

The Báb’s Address to the Letters of the Living, hand lettered copy reproduced in small pamphlet form by photographic process, published November, 1937. Reprints December, 1937 and January, 1938. Donation from a friend made possible the less than cost price, at which it is sold.

Outlines[edit]

Study Outlines on Public Speaking, prepared by the Outline Committee, published April, 1937. Reprinted June, 1937 and March, 1938.

Study Outline on the Essential Principles of Creative Writing, prepared by the Outline Committee, published April, 1937. Reprinted August, 1937.

Index for BAHÁ’Í NEWS, Nos. 80-104, covering period January, 1934-December, 1936, published April, 1937.

In process[edit]

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh: This important work comprising the seven World Order letters received to date from Shoghi Effendi, is now in process of making. Will probably be ready in time for the Convention.

Reprints, Purchases and Binding orders[edit]

April, 1937—Portals to Freedom by.

[Page 15] Howard C. Ives. Re-ordered February, 1938. Do’a: The Call to Prayer by Ruth Moffett.

May, 1937—Bahá’í Lesson Outlines for Children. Epistle to the Son of the Wolf.

June, 1937—Bahá’í Study Course, 36 lessons, Revised edition March, 1938. The Most Great Peace, Marion Holley, teaching pamphlet.

July, 1937—Homoculture, Stanwood Cobb, teaching pamphlet. Foundations of World Unity, paper binding, to be used with Study Course. Index for BAHÁ’Í NEWS, Nos. 1-79, December, 1924-November, 1933. Life Eternal, from Mrs. Movius, additional copies November, 1937.

Aug., 1937—Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, paper binding. Small prayer books, .10c edition. Additional printing February, 1938.

Sept, 1937—The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, pamphlet. The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Further Considerations, pamphlet.

Nov., 1937—Oneness of Mankind, Hussein Rabbani, teaching pamphlet. Security for a Failing World, Stanwood Cobb.

Dec., 1937—Path to God, Dorothy Baker, teaching pamphlet. Goal of the New World Order, pamphlet. Hidden Words, paper binding.

Feb, 1938—Principles of the Bahá’í Faith, teaching pamphlet.

March, 1938—Study Guide for The Dawn-Breakers. Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, paper bound from sheets on hand.

In October, 1937, a new catalog was issued in convenient pocket size. The edition is about exhausted, and a new printing with additions to date will be ready for the Convention.

In January, 1938, the National Spiritual Assembly notified the Publishing Committee of a new ruling in regard to discounts. The higher discounts given in the past have not allowed enough margin to cover manufacturing costs, overhead, etc., therefore in future only 10% discount will be allowed on orders of $10.00 or more (but this total must not include net items) to Assemblies, Groups and Individuals. Postage, however, will be paid by the Committee on all orders.

Braille Transcriptions[edit]

Mrs. Stuart French had plates made of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, and Kitáb-i-Iqán, and donated many sets to institutions for the Blind. The plates were shipped to the Publishing Committee, New York. Having had inquiries for these Braille transcriptions, the Committee asked for estimates from Eastern firms who do this work, but prices were much too high. Price quoted from the firm who made the original plates in Los Angeles, was also too high for practical handling. It was decided that this matter should be referred to the Braille Committee, as it seemed to be a purely philanthropic undertaking and the Braille Committee should submit the question to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Special offer good for ninety days from March 1, 1938, of The Bahá’í World, Volumes 1 to 6, has been made. Six volumes for $7.50 net, postage prepaid. The selling price of several of the volumes has been below cost, therefore this offer is a most generous one. These volumes have great value as a progressive history of the Bahá’í Faith.

World Order[edit]

The most important happening in the year regarding the magazine, is the registration of the name “World Order” at the Patent Office, Washington, D. C. This means that the name belongs exclusively to the Bahá’ís, and it is a name destined to become most important in the future of the world. We must build the circulation of the magazine to broaden its influence.

We sent a letter to all Assemblies and Groups in January, 1938, and are really gratified at the awakened interest. The Introductory subscriptions, seven months for one dollar, are popular and a large percentage renew as regular subscribers. The special offer of seven copies of any one issue for one dollar, has also met with response, and we hope that the friends will continue to use this means of introducing the magazine to both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

Subscriptions for University and Public Libraries have grown, due to the generosity of many Assemblies and individual friends. Many libraries have also subscribed direct.

Several plans have been tried out to enroll newsdealers as selling agents, but with little success so far. However, a few are selling copies regularly and a prominent bookstore in New England, has recently sent in a monthly order. The Assemblies in many instances order in quantity, placing orders in advance for a certain number monthly.

The Publishing Committee has received a donation of World Unity magazines. Fifteen complete sets are available, covering a period of seven and one-half years, price $15.00 per set net. The National Spiritual Assembly is donating a set to each of the summer schools.

We are constantly striving that the publishing work may increase in power and usefulness and we need the cooperation of all the friends.

HORACE HOLLEY, Chairman
CLARA R. WOOD, Secretary
ROY C. WILHELM
BERTHA HERKLOTZ
MARIE B. MOORE
WILLIAM DE FORGE
J. T. WOOD
EMMA F. SMITH

RADIO[edit]

The National Radio Committee wishes to extend thanks to the friends for their hearty response to this year’s effort.

Taking inventory of possible unused capacities throughout America, the Radio Committee in September sent seventy-five invitations to individuals to submit radio talks, and issued a like invitation in NEWS LETTER. It has not been the policy of the committee to write the talks, but rather to encourage and use the talents of the believers at large. Fifty-six talks have been accepted and most of these are obtainable in mimeographed form. They have been listed in BAHÁ’Í NEWS as they have appeared. They include three World Order series written and used by New York, Vancouver, and Monson, a series on Progressive Revelation written and used by Lima, and a variety of single talks on World Order and spiritual subjects. Approximately five hundred copies have been sent out by the committee between December first and March first, leaving a fair supply on hand. A complete set will be given to each Summer School. The national cost of issuing these talks has been slight because of the cooperation of the friends in mimeographing, and of the believers generally in accepting the obligation of a minor charge for each talk. After an initial expense of sixty dollars, the department became self-supporting.

Under consideration at the present time is a “Bahá’í School of the Air,” part of which will be devoted to lecture and part to questions and answers. The School of the Air when completed will be offered to the committee for all centers able to carry regular weekly programs throughout a season.

Information has been obtained covering location, power, and name of operator of every radio station in America, and several regional secretaries are already using this information to canvass for radio opportunity in their areas. It is hoped that by this means the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will command wide-spread and increasing attention throughout the United

[Page 16] States and Canada.

DOROTHY K. BAKER, Chairman
ELSIE AUSTIN
RUTH RANDALL-BROWN

STUDY OUTLINES[edit]

Our work of the past year has culminated in the approval of the Reviewing Committee of two outlines. One, a very splendid piece of work, was submitted by Mrs. Emogene Hoagg. It is the outline she used for her course at Green Acre in the summer of 1937, entitled The Three Worlds, and will prove a rich guide to study for the advanced Bahá’í student. The other outline is the work of this committee. Its scope is restricted to the material in the Guardian’s letter, The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh. We have ventured, in this outline, an innovation in the form of tests. These tests are of the modern type familiar to all young people; we believe older people will find them stimulating even though unfamiliar.

At present our efforts are concentrated on a series of six or eight lessons whose purpose is to direct the study of the person who has been attracted to the Cause by a traveling teacher. When the teacher goes on, this outline will guide the student in his effort to answer the question, Am I a Bahá’í?

The committee would appreciate suggestions from both Local and National Assemblies as to types of outlines that are needed. Such suggestions would be very helpful in planning the future work of the outline committee.

GRETCHEN WESTERVELT, Chairman
DORIS MCKAYE
MAYE HARVEY GIFT
JUNE MILLER
IMOGENE TALBOTT

TEACHING LITERATURE[edit]

During the past year this committee has reported four new articles for publication in the series of teaching pamphlets. One of them “Economics As Social Creation” by Horace Holley has been recently published. Two other articles, “The Manifestation” by Albert P. Entzminger and “The Laboratory of Life” by Louise Boyle have been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly and will soon appear in print. The fourth manuscript titled “The Approach Through Religion” by G. Townshend, recently submitted, shows how religion down through the ages has ever been the chief source for the peace and unity of the world. This article had been recommended to the National Spiritual Assembly as a splendid introduction to the Bahá’í Faith.

Last year we reported the sales by the Publishing Committee of the various small leaflets and teaching pamphlets as approximately 52,000 in number. This year the following list of sales has been supplied to February 28th:

Homoculture
1,730
The Most Great Peace
2,365
The Path to God
2,780
The Oneness of Mankind
1,457
Economics As Social Creation
5,633
Bahá’í House of Worship
4,086
Principles of Bahá’í Faith
11,518
The World Religion
10,076
What is the Bahá’í Faith?
19,885
______
    Total
59,512


In addition to the amount of pamphlets sold, 18,400 more have been furnished to the Teaching, Publicity, Contacts and Temple Program Committees through budgets arranged by the National Assembly, making a total of nearly 78,000 leaflets and pamphlets distributed for the teaching work this year. This is an increase of several thousand over last year and the coming year should find at least a 100,000 in demand.

With the publication of the new pamphlets that have been approved, the following subjects will have been covered—Education, Peace, Unity of Mankind, Economics, Science, Religion, the Spiritual Path, the Manifestations and the Bahá’í Temple—nine in all, besides the introductory leaflets. This wide range, we feel, should be sufficient at this time to meet the requirements of a seeking public. We recommend that every believer who has dedicated himself or herself to the prosecution of the Seven Year Plan will keep a supply of these pamphlets on hand at all times so that the seeker can be given one that will tend to further increase his interest in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. All the Bahá’í communities should have them on display at all meetings. In this manner we can help to prosecute the great teaching task still before us. The Guardian has stated: “There is undoubtedly no higher call than that of bringing the Message to a world tormented and torn on every side by the forces of destructive materialism. It is for us to realize the full measure of the responsibility that has been laid upon our shoulders in this matter, and having attained full consciousness of our responsibility to unitedly arise to contribute all that we can towards its discharge.”

GEORGE LATIMER, Chairman
LOUISE CASWELL
ALICE ROBERTSON

TEMPLE PROGRAM[edit]

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “Temples are symbols of that unifying force, in order that when the people gather there, in a given edifice of God, they may recall the fact that the Law has been revealed for them and that the Law is to unite them. That just as this edifice was founded for the unification of mankind, the Law preceding and creating this Temple was issued therefor.”

It was to inform the public of this Law of Bahá’u’lláh that the following local people spoke at the Bahá’í House of Worship during the past year:

Mr. Monroe Ioas
Mrs. Nina Matthisen
Mrs. Ruth Moffett
Mrs. Mahdah Paton
Dr. R. D. Pettet
Mr. Carl Scheffler
Mrs. Corinne True
Mrs. Margarite Ullrich
Mrs. Sarah Walrath
Mr. Albert Windust

The following speakers from out-of-town were enthusiastically welcomed and were an inspiration to the audience:

Mrs. Dorothy Baker
Prof. Stanwood Cobb
Miss Pearl Easterbrook
Miss Marion Holley
Mr. Horace Holley
Mrs. Mabel Ives
Mrs. Margaret Lindstrom
Mr. Allen McDaniel
Mrs. Harlan Ober
Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher
Mrs. Mamie Seto
Mr. Roy Wilhelm

The youth were in charge of the public meeting at the Bahá’í House of Worship on Annual Bahá’í Youth Day, February 27th, and their efforts met with great success. The speakers were Wilfrid Barton, Florence Mattoon, Linda Taylor and Clarence Stigall. Mr. Albert Windust acted as chairman for these splendid young speakers, setting the stage for them, so to speak, and in conclusion summing up the four addresses into a perfect whole. It was an inspiring occasion and the Bahá’ís may feel justly proud of the sincere and earnest young people who are preparing themselves for service in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

A very special program was arranged under the supervision of the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago at the Bahá’í House of Worship for April 11—the 25th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s arrival in America. We were privileged to have Mr. Allen McDaniel

[Page 17] of Washington as our Bahá’í speaker, and there were guest speakers from clubs and churches where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke when He was in Chicago. The Temple was filled to over-flowing and it was felt that great benefit was derived from this meeting.

Programs for the Holy Days celebrated in the Bahá’í House of Worship, while under the jurisdiction of the Temple Program Committee, were arranged by the various communities surrounding the Temple, Chicago, Evanston, Park Ridge, Wilmette and Winnetka, and refreshments were provided by these same communities when necessary. Recently Maywood has been added to the list of communities serving in this capacity.

The guide service this year has been under the capable supervision of Mr. Hilbert Dahl and his assistants, Miss Gertrude Buikema and Mrs. Anne Bartholomew. Several new ideas were inaugurated in the guide work which proved very effective. During the year, there were 3,589 groups totaling 14,510 people conducted through the House of Worship by Guides. This number included about 2,300 people in 60 groups scheduled by appointment through the guides, the caretaker, Contacts Committee and other service committees. The latter groups represented churches, schools, universities and other educational institutions, Women’s Clubs, boys’ clubs, fraternal organizations, business and industrial groups, WPA-Chicago Board of Education Free Tours and other groups.

At the suggestion of Mr. Dahl and under his direction, all, however, under the supervision of the Temple Program Committee, was the forming of a Teachers’ Training Class at the Bahá’í House of Worship, for Bahá’ís in the vicinity of the Temple. This project was enthusiastically and successfully carried forward and has been very helpful to the participants.

It was felt that a library at the Bahá’í House of Worship would be of great benefit to the guides, as perchance some question might be asked that it was not possible to answer in detail. The guides felt, if such a contingency arose and they could turn to the books in the library and refer the inquirer to the “written word,” the impression made would be deeper and more lasting. Accordingly donations of books were solicited from nearby Spiritual Assemblies, and the generous response from communities and individuals has resulted in a fine collection of books for reference purposes. Having the books on hand has helped the guides and has also given them the opportunity to invite visitors who are interested to sit and read awhile.

At the Free Literature table, under the guidance of Mrs. Nina Matthisen who has faithfully served in this capacity for many years, free literature furnished by the National Spiritual Assembly has been distributed, and many questions have been answered.

Active and growing classes for children are conducted at the Bahá’í House of Worship on Sunday morning from 11:00 to 12:00, under the supervision of Mrs. Clair Gillespie and Mrs. Mary Haggard.

It has been the aim and hope of this Committee to make the meetings at the Bahá’í House of Worship a source of information and inspiration to the public and to the Bahá’ís. We hope we have succeeded.

SOPHIE LOEDING, Chairman
MARGARITE ULLRICH, Secretary
MRS. ENOS M. BARTON
R. S. HAMMOND
DR. R. D. PETTET
EDNA TRUE

TEMPLE GUIDES[edit]

Your Guide Committee respectfully submit this report of activities during the year ending February 28, 1938, including progress made and suggestions for future goals to be achieved.

During the year, there were 3,589 groups totalling 14,510 people conducted through the House of Worship by Guides. This number included about 2,300 people in 60 groups scheduled by appointment through the Guides, the caretaker, Contacts Committee and other service committees. The latter groups represented churches, schools, universities and other educational institutions. Women’s Clubs, boys’ clubs, fraternal organizations. business and industrial groups. WPA-Chicago Board of Education Free Tours and other groups.

The activity during the year has been harmonized and inspired by a message from our beloved Guardian with reference to Guide work, to wit: “The Guardian attaches the highest importance to it (the Guide work), inasmuch as it affords a splendid opportunity for presenting the Message on a very large scale. The responsibilities which this function calls for are as vital and far-reaching as the privileges and bounties it confers on the individual believer. The Bahá’í Guide has indeed a very sacred obligation to discharge. Not only has he to perfect his knowledge of the Cause, but should develop all those qualities of tact, wisdom, and of ability to present the Message which every Bahá’í teacher requires. It is the duty of those who are in charge of organizing the guide work at the Temple to make every effort to widen its scope, raise the standard of its personnel, and thus increase its effectiveness.

“The Guardian very deeply values the steps that have already been taken in that direction ...” H. RABBANI

Thus inspired, and with the consultation, approval and encouragement of the Program Committee, guide activity during the year included the following:

  1. Conduct of normal guiding with renewed sacrifice and vigor.
  2. Increase of Guide Secretaries from one to three—one in each of three regional districts—to facilitate the machinery of activity.
  3. Establishment of a Guide Committee consisting of nine members: the chairman, the regional secretaries and five other guides—an effort being made in the scheduling of guides to have a committee member on duty each day. The purpose of the committee is to act as a clearing house of consultation between the Program Committee and the individual guide and as a medium for harmonizing guide activity in accord with policies of the Program Committee.
  4. Institution of a reading library at the House of Worship of books contributed by Assemblies and individuals. At present there are some twenty-five volumes.
  5. Establishment of Teacher Training Classes at the House of Worship. Meeting weekly, the Class started on July 1, 1937, for a one month program. Averaging twenty to forty in attendance, interest was so intense as to continue the activity to the present, with frequent demand for expansion of the activity to additional classes for specialized study. A moving characteristic of the class has been its unity, sincerity and universal spirit.
  6. An effort to establish a study class for non-Bahá’ís indicated lack of proper publicity due, largely, to lack of time.
  7. Regulations for Guides were brought into accord with needs and harmonized with the policy of the Program Committee.
  8. Incorporation of Temple usher service under the jurisdiction of the Guide Committee.
HILBERT DAHL, Chairman
GERTRUDE BUIKEMA
ANNE BARTHOLOMEW

[Page 18]

REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES[edit]

Alabama, Florida[edit]

Our current committee year, beginning July 1st, 1937, found a listing obtained from various sources of seventeen isolated believers in widely scattered areas in Florida. None were to be found in Alabama. There was also a list of fifteen who had been studying the Bahá’í teachings at various places and periods during the past two years with the aid of some of the isolated believers and traveling Bahá’ís but who have not yet registered as declared believers. Of these latter, ten are in West Palm Beach where some work was done last year by Orcella Rexford, but so far nothing has been done to follow it up since we know of no one resident there who can take a lead in unifying and teaching in that locality. However, progress is being made. At Bristol, Florida, in the northwestern part of the state, Mr. Edward H. Young, formerly of Washington, D. C., has settled and has found many eager for the Teachings. Three so far have recently enrolled and a number of others are studying. Miss Alma Knoblock is also spending some time in Bristol assisting Mr. Young in forming study classes, especially among the young people, and reports much interest throughout the whole county.

A number of Bahá’ís from other localities have reported to me their work during short visits in Florida this season. Among them I have listed Mr. F. G. Hale of Clearwater, Mrs. K. M. Breymann at De Land, and Miss Bessie M. Garrison in Gainesville, all of whom have reported their intentions of settling permanently in the State. The study group in Orlando, while not yet having the required nine believers to form an Assembly reports (in March, 1938) that they have arranged to share a hall with the Theosophical Society in that place on alternate weeks and advertise public meetings. They will be assisted by Dr. and Mrs. Walter B. Guy of St. Augustine, who plan to establish a full teaching circuit as quickly as possible for points between Jacksonville and Orlando.

Most encouraging reports have come from Mr. Louis G. Gregory who has been working at Tuskegee, Alabama, since early in December. The way has opened for Mr. Gregory to continue to teach and remain at Tuskegee as long as he feels it advantageous and he has announced a series of lectures and study classes there which are being well attended and given much favorable comment. The meeting place is donated by the Institute and good cooperation is being given by teachers and prominent citizens of Tuskegee. Mr. Gregory reports having several students ready to declare themselves.

Alabama was one of the states listed at the beginning of last year as having no known believers. At present Mr. Walter H. Blakely is residing and working in Birmingham, having gone there during the winter for the purpose of settling in order to give the Teachings. He now reports that he has made connections which will enable him to remain permanently and that he is placing books in the Public Library in Birmingham and preparing for study classes.

A number of books have been distributed during the past few months in our area—mainly the “New Era,” “Answered Questions,” “Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” and “Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh,” and also many pamphlets partly through the help of traveling Bahá’ís during personal visits to places where study groups or isolated believers are known. We wish also to acknowledge and thank Mrs. Victoria Bedikian for her loving work in corresponding with and encouraging the isolated believers and students.

LUCILE H. HOKE, Secretary
MRS. WALTER B. GUY
DR. W. C. THOMAS

Louisiana and Mississippi[edit]

In submitting the report of the work done in this territory, I can best describe it as being only pioneer work.

My first efforts therefore were to make the teachings known to as many people as possible; making them familiar with the word Bahá’í, and the names of the Founders of the Faith, the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The principles of the Faith as well as the word Bahá’í were absolutely unknown to the majority of the people.

Work was concentrated in New Orleans. New Orleans is a city of traditions, tradition in thought, customs, and laws; this tradition is Latin and therefore Roman Catholic.

  1. Method of approach had to be based on a spiritual point of Unity. Stressed the historical truth in progressive revelation, as the foundation of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
  2. Spoke to many different types and groups of people. Some listened without prejudice or antagonism, many listened with both, but all were attentive and listened just the same. Many listened with deep interest, but only a few have responded with the sense of the answer to their doubts or as the case might be their search for truth. These few have met with me each week, and I am happy that a few new people have been added to the original number.
  3. I gave one Radio Talk over station W.S.M.B.N.O., subject: “The Voice of Today.” A few inquiries have resulted from this talk. I hope to get a popular hour on a local station next week, and will give a series of three talks.
  4. Gave one talk in Gulfport, Miss.
  5. Gave a Book Review at a prominent Book Club. The book was “I Yaweh” by Robert Munsen Grey. And is an interesting subject, relating to Bahá’í teaching of progressive revelation. It is the “autobiography” of Jehovah. Through this I had many openings to speak of the Cause.
  6. A great deal of literature has been distributed, in New Orleans as well as sent to remote districts in this territory. This phase of the teaching work has been most encouraging and the response most edifying. One outstanding example was a letter received from someone in Mississippi, who lives on a cotton plantation far from any big center. She writes: “I had been searching for a long time for the Truth, I feel now that I have found it in learning about the Bahá’í Faith. I have felt an inner sence of peace and security which passeth all understanding, and the world seems a very different place to me.” These are the highlights which come to light the path of the “lone worker” in the field and brings inestimable joy.
  7. Given several talks to a group in Covington, La., who are already familiar with the teachings. It is an interesting group composed of Thesophists, Rosacrucians, Oxford Group, Unity, New Thought and Christian Science, many interesting and stimulating friendly discussions invariably take place in the quest of illuminating differences.
  8. There is much yet to be done in this territory. I have only just touched the surface of the University groups. One or two of the professors who have heard of the Cause, showed decided interest perhaps prompted by the historical and educational value in the teachings rather than religious. I feel that this must be followed up by stressing the full understanding of the spiritual importance of a new revelation as well as the intellectual understanding.

[Page 19]

Literature which brought greatest response:[edit]

A. Pamphlets

  1. Radiant Acquiescence (reprint from World Order by Orcella Rexford).
  2. Most Great Peace—Marion Holley.
  3. Path of God—Dorothy Baker.

B. Books

  1. Promise of All Ages (used as introduction).
  2. Bahá’í Revelation (used as next introduction).
  3. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era (used for study).

I am listing the above pamphlets and books in hopes that it might be helpful for follow up work in this territory. Each district seems to respond to different presentations of the teachings. In my very limited experience I have found that the most important thing for a teacher who is opening a new territory, is to first study very carefully the types and environment of the field of work.

MARION LITTLE

Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky[edit]

Mrs. Caswell has spent the winter in Knoxville at the suggestion of the Guardian and reports two enrolled believers, two more declared believers, a study class of seven people who have purchased the study outline and are earnest students and show signs of accepting the Faith. Every Monday evening a group of 15 or 20 people gather at a Bahá’í dinner to hear talks and talks relating to the Bahá’í teachings. These meetings attract people to the Teachings and later express their desire to study. Mrs. Caswell says she thinks the work of Lida Ross deserves special mention as she is a great leader in the Knoxville society and a philanthropist. She has had two fireside meetings in her home and given a beautiful book review on God’s Heroes, by ‎ Laura‎ Clifford Barney.

Nashville community reports two study classes weekly and four new believers. Albert James, one of our believers, has gone to Newnan, Georgia, to teach in the high school there.

Mrs. Grace Ober has been teaching since January in Louisville, Ky., and reports marvelous confirmations in that city. She has been serving Persian dinners followed by round table discussions, also two weekly study classes a week attended by from 8 to 10 people. Private interviews are being constantly held with teachers, authors, and people of capacity; men, as well as women, old and young.

Miss Olga Finke has gone to Atlanta, Ga., accompanied by Miss Doris Ebbert to open a Nursery School and to spread the Cause in that city. Miss Ebbert has become a confirmed believer. They were preceded by Mrs. Furbush, who made quite a few contacts for the Cause. Mr. Louis Gregory also visited Atlanta, giving talks in schools and churches. Mrs. Tehrah Smith is in Atlanta assisting the teaching work. She is planning to give a series of public meetings.

There are two people who have declared their belief but have not joined the community in Augusta, Ga. The third, Miss Gene Cappus, has joined the Buffalo Assembly after receiving the Message in Augusta. Two weekly public meetings at the Bahá’í Center. The two newspapers publish regularly the weekly programs and, in most instances, the special articles of national interest. Permission has been granted for time on the radio. Dr. Morris and Miss Alma Knobloch spent some time teaching in and near Augusta.

Teachers visiting this region have been Mrs. Caswell, Mrs. Little, Dr. Morris, Miss Alma Knobloch, Mr. Agnew, Mrs. Hoag and Kruka, Mrs. Wiles, Mrs. Smith, Miss Finke, Mrs. Ober, Miss Marion Holley, Mrs. Schopflocher and Mrs. Seto.

GEORGIE WILES, Secretary
E. VOGT
MRS. THELMA ALLISON

California, Arizona, Nevada[edit]

The objective of the regional teaching committee for this district has been the furtherance of the Seven Year Plan with special emphasis on teaching in new territory and each local Assembly has assisted greatly by assuming the responsibility of the teaching work in the fields of its sphere of influence.

At the beginning of the year several major cities were selected as special projects and owing to the concentrated efforts of the resident believers in one of these cities in California, the cooperation of a near-by Assembly and the regional member in that district this city has applied for permission to elect an Assembly. In Arizona, by the same technique, another, though smaller city has also applied for this privilege, making two new Assemblies in this territory.

Books have been placed in the libraries of Las Vegas and Boulder City, Nevada, and other libraries in California and Arizona.

Seven new cities have been added where regular classes are being taught and in several of these cities no Bahá’ís lived but non-Bahá’ís have opened their homes for the convenience of these classes.

Groups and isolated believers, busy last year, are continuing their efforts and new ones have been added to this list.

Four new isolated believers have been added to the membership list of the citizens of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh and two more have made applications which will have reached the National Assembly ere this report is received. The acquisition of these new believers and the formation of two new Assemblies seems to be the outstanding events of this year’s activities and second to this is the new territory opened to the teachings.

All details have been reported to the National Teaching Committee and the success of any achievement reported to the regional teaching committee is credited to the harmonious activity of the whole—committee, believers, groups and Assemblies—under the direction of the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh.

ONI A. FINKS, Secretary
FLORENCE H. COX
MARIAM BUGBEE
JOSEPH BRAY

Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia[edit]

The committee wishes it could show more definite results than this report will show, but here at least is a report of efforts made since last summer.

Washington[edit]

Everett—a city of 30,567 (30 miles north of Seattle, 15 miles west of Monroe). The committee decided to concentrate on this city first, since an afternoon weekly study class conducted by Monroe and Seattle friends had been making progress. This afternoon class has now just about completed a course of 36 lessons under the guidance of Mrs. Laura Luther. Beginning the 7th of October a series of weekly evening meetings were presented in a rented studio, covering the aims and principles of the Faith. Mrs. Dorothy Baker gave a talk in this studio when she was in the Northwest, and later Mrs. Lorrol Schopflocher spoke to an audience of 95 in the Everett Masonic Hall.* Much free literature has been distributed or mailed to Everett people and occasional notice of meetings has been secured. At the present time Mrs. Gale Marsolais of Monroe has rented a house in Everett for the sole purpose of opening her home for the weekly evening meetings and following up on contacts made over the last year, also making all possible new contacts. One person has become a Believer (Mrs. S. D. Smith) and has made such progress that before very long

_____
* Rowland Estall of Vancouver also gave a talk “World Order” in Everett on January 23rd.

[Page 20] she will be able to take over the study classes and release Mrs. Luther for another project.

Wenatchee (a city of 11,726)—Mrs. Gale Marsolais and Mrs. Levina Sprau went to Wenatchee the week of January 9th and were successful in making several good contacts. Eight people expressed a desire to investigate the Teachings and would like to follow a study course when presented in Wenatchee. Mrs. Sprau, with the assistance of Mrs. Luther, is going to carry on this teaching project, traveling over there for two weeks at a time to make contacts and gather together a class for study and discussion. The regional teaching committee has secured books for the Wenatchee Public Library, a regional lending library to assist the teacher and free literature. Mrs. Charlotte Gillen and Mrs. June Harris, isolated believers at Chelan, Wash., are cooperating in contact work. Mrs. Sprau plans to make another trip within a week or so and there will be much more to report later.

Tacoma—At the present time the Seattle Friends are making plans for a Symposium on the order of the very successful Youth Symposium which was held in Seattle on Feb. 27. The local teaching committee, with the assistance of teachers interested in working in Tacoma, is preparing a definite program, budget, etc., for submission to the regional teaching committee for okeh. It is hoped that by means of a symposium to introduce the Faith, and a series of weekly talks to follow up the symposium, the Cause will be definitely introduced and established.

Oregon[edit]

Aside from corresponding with isolated believers in Oregon and sending literature for free distribution when requested, there isn’t any definite teaching work to report.

Idaho[edit]

Boise—There is a group in Boise, but the committee has had no report of any new members. There is need for a teacher there to spur things up a bit.

Coeur d’Alene—Beginning this month, this city is now considered as a definite project. Dr. Lewis Speno of Spokane spends a day or two a week in Coeur d’Alene on business, and we have supplied him with books for the public library, a regional lending library and free literature to begin his pioneer work in Coeur d’Alene.

British Columbia[edit]

Victoria—Several of the Vancouver Bahá’ís have made contacts in this city and a lending library and free literature has been supplied for teaching work this spring. However, as is the case in opening up any new city, there is a need for a resident teacher.

Armstrong—Mr. Austin Collin of Vancouver is conducting a class of ten young people in this town and we are eagerly awaiting news of progress. He has been supplied with books and literature.

* * * * *

The secretary has written all isolated believers in this region offering any assistance possible, books for a lending library, study courses, free literature, etc.; has asked for suggestions, names of contacts, but only a few have responded. The committee, besides lacking representation in Oregon and Idaho, has been handicapped in available teachers.

$150.00 has been sent this regional teaching committee, of which $55.00 has been spent to date for rent, traveling expense, postage, etc.

DORIS FORE, Secretary
LEVINIA SPRAU
ROWLAND ESTALL
STANLEY KEMP
LOUISE CASWELL

Ontario[edit]

In their last year’s report the Committee had pointed out as their immediate objective the creation of a vigorously functioning Bahá’í community in Toronto which would be able to take over local teaching and ‎ administrative‎ work so as to set the energies of the Regional Teaching Committee free for the initiating and organizing of teaching campaigns in the province. This objective has been fully reached.

There are now nine active believers residing within the city limits of Toronto and there is in the hands of the writer a declaration of faith of a tenth prospective Bahá’í for the consideration of the Committee at their next meeting. The National Spiritual Assembly have granted their permission for the election of a spiritual assembly in Toronto on April 21. The Group is already functioning vigorously and promises to develop into a dynamic assembly. Amongst the new believers is one who was a clergyman—the first Canadian minister to embrace the Bahá’í Faith without any reservation.

These results have been made possible only through the whole-hearted and self-forgetful cooperation of such teachers as Grace Ober who taught ten weeks in Toronto; Harlan Ober who assisted Grace Ober during her last two weeks in Toronto and who also gave an excellent indirect radio address; May Maxwell who spent ten days in Toronto; and Dorothy Baker, whom we had with us for two days. The Committee wish to express their profound gratitude to these friends and to Lorol Schopflocher who helped to get the Group under way in September, 1936; also to those who through their financial contributions via the National Fund have made this campaign possible. The members of the Committee wish to thank also those distant friends who through their prayers and through the inspiration which they supplied, have helped to sustain and confirm the efforts extended.

Public talks are given at the Bahá’í Hall in Toronto every Sunday and Study Classes are held there every Tuesday night. Newspaper publicity has been obtained locally on various occasions and also once in London, Ont.

Over a period of six months or so, copies of the bi-monthly teaching bulletin of the National Spiritual Assembly, entitled “A New World Order,” and other literature have been sent to editors of Canadian national magazines (MacLean’s and Liberty) and to a selected list of some fifty progressive, public-spirited clergymen with a view of expanding their ideas and through them, consciously or subconsciously, the minds of their congregations and the reading public. The results have been checked by a careful and steady observation of the religious section and of the editorials of the local press. As the headquarters of most Canadian religious and other organizations are located in Toronto, the repercussions of this move should have been felt throughout the Dominion. However, realizing that in Canada the Bahá’í Faith is as yet not in a position to capitalize upon rapidly multiplying opportunities, this activity has been suspended until more vigorously functioning groups will have been set up throughout the Dominion.

In the meantime the Committee will have ample opportunity to enlarge their scope of activities by following the suggestions of the National Radio Committee.

GERRARD SLUTER, Secretary
ST. GEORGE SPENDLOVE
WILLIAM SUTER

Ohio, Indiana[edit]

Our committee instead of sponsoring a pioneer effort rather urged our Assemblies to undertake pioneer work in localities sufficiently close to permit consistent follow-up work.

The Cleveland friends have established a study class at North Oldstedt, Ohio, South Bend and Indianapolis have been active in placing library

[Page 21] books and Indianapolis has planted seeds in six surrounding towns and is preparing members for public teaching work. The Bexley friends are sponsoring two study groups in Circleville. Lima believers conducted a series of public lectures in Celina which were followed up by making weekly trips calling on those who showed interest. A fireside group has now been developed in the neighboring town of Coldwater. Contacts have been made in many towns surrounding Lima and three weekly radio broadcasts help diffuse the Divine Fragrances in this area. Assistance has also been given isolated believers in Fremont where public reaction has been very favorable. Lima and Cincinnati have had successful Youth Forums and Cincinnati has made contacts in Covington, Kentucky.

We are grateful for the privilege of serving and pray that the continued bounties of Bahá’u’lláh will bring to fruition the widely scattered seed of His Word.

ELMA MIESSLER, Secretary
DALE S. COLE
CHARLOTTE LINDENBURG
DR. LILLIAN SIELKEN

Kansas, Missouri[edit]

We are very happy to be able to report that due to the work of visiting teachers and the enrolled older believers, the membership of the Topeka Group has increased, several new believers having been enrolled, and is ready for reorganization of an Assembly on April 21. This will make another state which has an Assembly, and, with Kansas City, Missouri, gives us an Assembly in each state of our Region.

We endeavored to arrange to open one other larger city to the Faith during the past year, but it could not have been done without a teacher from outside our Region, and seemingly the teacher was not available at the time we thought the work should be done.

A considerable increase in the activity in teaching is noticed in the Kansas City Assembly and in the Topeka Group. Several study classes are being held each week, and more visiting between the believers of Topeka and Kansas City has been done during the past year. We may soon be able to do more work outside the two cities, but there have been so few of us that we have not been able to do a great deal of outside work. The Kansas City Assembly, however, is conducting a study class in Kansas City, Kansas, which is the only new city opened to the Faith in this Region during the year.

Considerable correspondence has been carried on with isolated believers and much literature has been sent to contacts. 125 to 150 of each issue of World Order leaflets were sent out, at times with other literature enclosed. The response has not been what we hoped, and in none of the new cities where literature has been sent have our contacts developed to the point of starting a study class, although we have a few reading “The New Era.”

No pioneers have gone from this territory to live during the year and no groups of believers have been formed in new places.

We have been favored with the following visiting teachers during the year:

In Kansas City: Orcella Rexford, two lectures; Marion Holley, one evening lecture; Mrs. Moffett, three weeks; Loulie A. Mathews, three days; Dorothy Baker, one evening; Lorol ‎ Schopflocher‎, three evenings; Mamie L. Seto, one afternoon and one evening.

In Topeka: Orcella Rexford, one public lecture, and helped in teaching study classes; Mrs. Moffett, 12 days; Dorothy Baker, one evening; Lorol ‎ Schopflocher‎, one evening.

Since we have no gifted public speakers within our Region, we feel it helps us a great deal in our teaching work to have the visiting teacher stop occasionally, for a public lecture, as it lets those who attend know that we do have some good speakers in the Cause, and it sometimes puts across a point we had been unable to get over.

OPAL HOWELL, Secretary
J. B. BECKTEL
J. J. WILLIAMS
PAUL H. BROWN

New York, New jersey, Pennsylvania[edit]

The Regional Teaching Committee has devoted much time and effort this year to promulgating the first step of our new Teaching Program. Our efforts have met with considerable success although the full fruits of them will not be apparent until the coming year. Effort has been made to establish new centers and to proceed as fast as possible with the work, as teachers and money were available.

Scranton[edit]

The Regional Teaching Committee, after consultation at a meeting, authorized its member, Mrs. Helen Inderlied, to proceed with the opening of this city. With the assistance from Binghamton they got a group together and after a few lectures Mrs. Mabel Ives was sent there to carry on the work. There are about eight people who probably will be ready to declare themselves within a very short time and with the one believer we had there it is our hope that a Spiritual Assembly will be established in this city.

Philadelphia and Environs[edit]

At the special request of the Philadelphia Assembly the Regional Committee sent Marion Holley to follow up the work initiated by Orcella Rexford. This is now being carried forward by the Philadelphia Assembly and they expect to add some new believers in the immediate future.

In addition to that the Regional member, Miss Revell, has been contacting groups in Manoa, Morrisville, Lansdowne, Norristown, Chester, West Chester, and Bethlehem. A study group is in progress at Manoa. Pennsylvania is one of the largest states and it is most encouraging to see the progress of the work there as at the present time there are only two Assemblies in the entire state.

The New Jersey Regional member reported that they decided to consolidate the forces of the four ‎ assemblies‎ in their region rather than to try to open new places and this work had been carried on; also that fireside groups had been started in some adjoining places and plans were under way to go into some new places, including Ridgefield, N. J., in the near future.

Atlantic City[edit]

The Regional member from Philadelphia, Miss Revell, and Mr. deForge, of Teaneck, have been working with the Atlantic City friends and six persons have declared their intention of becoming believers. With those already enrolled there this will constitute a new Assembly.

Syracuse[edit]

Miss Ida Noyes and Mrs. Edgecomb went to Syracuse, sent postcards to the members of Mrs. McCollum’s psychology class. After the initial publicity work was done Philip Marangella was sent up there to do the teaching work which he has done with great success. There are now seven people seriously interested in the study course and three have already announced their intention of joining. This will also mean a new Assembly in the near future for Syracuse. We are planning to send a teacher back there to continue the work of confirming the study group.

Albany[edit]

A series of public lectures was given by Mrs. Mildred ‎ Mottahedeh‎ and the

[Page 22] initial work has been done towards starting a group there. Miss Zeah Holden, who was active in promoting the activities there has been temporarily unable to continue, due to a serious illness in the family but this work will again be vigorously undertaken in the near future. After a few more lectures we plan to start a study group there.

Rochester and Buffalo[edit]

The Regional Teaching Committee is now making plans for special teaching efforts in Rochester and Buffalo.

Westchester County[edit]

Mr. Robert Fuller has been holding a fireside group meeting in his office in New Rochelle every Sunday evening for several months. Another group drawn from New Rochelle, Larchmont, and Armonk have been meeting on Tuesday afternoons. This group have been actively studying and has had an average attendance of ten. They have been using a regular study outline, varying the program occasionally with talks by Bahá’ís. This work owes its success to the continuous effort of Mrs. Renee Welsh who has been assisted by Miss Martha Heber and Mrs. Marion Mills (also Mrs. Marie Hopper during the winter). From this group, two have already declared themselves and a third will do so within a very short time.

West Hempstead[edit]

Meetings have been held weekly at Mrs. Vaughn’s home in West Hempstead; the average attendance was ten. At the same time a children’s group met every week. This group was taught by Mary Bower, one of the junior youth, of New York. About the middle of December the Vaughns moved to New York and the meetings were continued at the home of one of the interested friends who had been attending the Vaughn meetings. These are now being continued with the cooperation of Mrs. Vaughn. Our Regional member, Mr. Sprague, and the New York young people have been most enthusiastic in their support. Bahá’í books have been placed in two colleges and several of the libraries. Many of the schools were contacted and Marion Holley spoke in the Hempstead High School to 1,200 students; also in the Williston Women’s Club to 40 women. In addition to placing books in the library much literature was distributed to newspapers, clubs and churches. Mrs. Hoagg and Marion Holley did outstanding work in this group.

Southampton[edit]

Mrs. Emogene Hoagg spent some time in Southampton and gave a series of six Public Forum Discussions to which the entire Southampton Colony were invited. This group had one-eighth of a page of advertising in three of the local papers, with 3,500 circulation each, approximately. Then Mrs. Hoagg conducted a study group at the home of Mrs. John Anderson. The Andersons moved away a month ago and we are uncertain whether this group is still meeting but this work will be taken up again immediately.

New Haven[edit]

(This City was especially assigned to our Committee)

Digest of Report sent by the New Haven Community:—The work of this community was vitalized and accelerated by a visit from Miss Marion Holley, who spent a week in this City. Mr. Sprague started a study class, and a speaker was invited once a month to speak on the subject studied at that time. This was a public lecture and many of the New York and visiting teachers participated in these meetings. Three new members joined the community, as a result of this work; and a fourth will be added to the list from the Youth Group at the Feast of Naw-Ruz.

MILDRED ‎ MOTTAHEDEH‎, Secretary
PHILIP SPRAGUE
HELEN CAMPBELL
JESSIE E. REVELL
HELEN INDERLIED
DR. ALBERT HEIST

WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE[edit]

Editorial Department[edit]

The annual report of the Editorial Committee is concerned with the gathering, selection and publication of the material contained in Volume Three, which includes the twelve monthly issues beginning April, 1937, and concluding March, 1938.

During that period, one hundred and forty-five manuscripts were received, read separately by each editor and then considered at a monthly conference. Volume Three represents the work of sixty-eight different authors.

The serial articles published this year were: concluding chapters of “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,” by Mary Collison, and of “A Study of Church Organization,” by G. A. Shook; “The New Creation,” by Alice Simmons Cox; and “Philosophy and Revelation,” by G. A. Shook; A symposium entitled “The World Outlook” was projected for Volume Three in February, 1937, but contributions have been so delayed that it has been possible so far to publish only three articles; and “The World Crisis,” by Mountfort Mills.

It is a privilege to point out the variety and excellence of individual articles published in Volume Three, for example: “The Manifestation,” by Albert B. Entzminger; “Language and World Unity,” by R. F. Piper; “Mankind the Prodigal,” by Alfred E. Lunt; “The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh,” by G. Townshend; “Radiant Acquiescence,” by Orcella Rexford; “Unity,” by Benjamin Schreibman; “Citizens of the World,” by Marion Holley ; “Peace Realists,” by Kenneth Christian; “The Laboratory of Life,” by Louise D. Boyle; “Precept and Practice,” by Dale S. Cole; “The Art of Living in a Social World,” by Kirtley F. Mather; “Till Death Do Us Part,” by M. N. Carpenter; “The Swiftest Century,” by Garreta Busey; “The Church and the World,” by Hussein Rabbani; and Divine Consciousness,” by Howard Luxmore Carpenter.

Through the kind cooperation of Norman F. MacGregor, a new and more effective front cover design and inside typographical scheme has been adopted for the volume beginning April, 1938.

The editors are by no means satisfied, despite continuous effort to increase the number of contributors, that the entire Bahá’í community is yet represented. For the first time in known history a worldwide community has been established, responding to one Source of truth and inspiration and developing vital aspects of the future social and spiritual philosophy in the realm of action. Such a community, combining unity of aim with variety of background of experience, should be capable of producing a magazine whose contents will challenge the attention and command the respect of a great proportion of those who reject violent doctrines on the one hand and are unwilling on the other to drift passively with the stream. The earth is replete with public mediums serving as instruments for partisan plans. We renew our fervent plea that the Bahá’ís, not only in America but in all other countries, will more deeply realize their collective opportunity to join forces in the extension of World Order Magazine as one element in the teaching work of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

In conclusion, the editors express special appreciation of the increasingly important part being played by the Summer Schools in developing deeper thought and clearer expression in the literary field. Were all the lectures and study courses made available by the Summer School teachers for subsequent publication in the magazine, this source alone would represent an invaluable contribution to the work.

[Page 23] For each monthly issue goes to about six hundred university and public libraries in America and abroad, and in addition a special gift makes it possible to donate each bound volume to the sixteen most important libraries of the entire world.

STANWOOD COBB
HORACE HOLLEY
MARJORY MORTEN

YOUTH[edit]

The Third Annual World Bahá’í Youth Symposiums, publicized four months in advance by 200 monthly news letters to Bahá’í youth throughout the world and to all National Assemblies for publication in their news bulletins and magazines, were held Sunday, February 27. The number of groups and the number of countries participating are not yet known, but it is believed that there was a decided increase over last year’s 24 Symposiums in 5 countries. Reports so far show a much higher standard of effort and enthusiasm, and printed programs, newspaper clippings, and radio news all indicate a most extensive and glowing celebration of Bahá’í Youth Day. A permanent record of these world-wide Symposiums will again be compiled by the National Youth Committee and forwarded to Shoghi Effendi in the form of a scrapbook containing a general message signed by young Bahá’ís at each Symposium, photographs, publicity, and detailed accounts of every session.

Previous to the Symposiums, inter-regional conferences were held for the different areas in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

A survey of 90 letters sent out to all Bahá’í Assemblies and Groups in the United States and Canada early in March, 1937, showed that out of sixty-eight answers, 44 communities have youth groups, 28 of which have youth committees; 7 communities have 1 or 2 Bahá’í youth, 1 has 8 interested youth (non-believers), 1 has 3 non-believers, and the rest report “no youth.” According to reports, 621 youth in this country, 334 Bahá’ís and 287 non-Bahá’ís, are studying the Bahá’í teachings at the present time.

To deepen the understanding and help organize the knowledge of enrolled Bahá’í youth and those beginning a serious study of the Teachings, and to prepare youth more thoroughly for life in the Bahá’í community and for youth work and effective teaching, youth groups in this country held a series of five concentrated Study Days as part of the basic program of Bahá’í youth activity during the year. These were held once a month with as long a time as possible, two sessions in many instances, devoted to study. The teacher best qualified was obtained through consultation with local Spiritual Assemblies to take charge of each Study Day. Outlines for study were prepared by the National Youth Committee.

Four more members were added to the Youth Committee this year, and a second international secretary was appointed to take care of our increasing correspondence from abroad. What Bahá’í youth in foreign countries are doing and thinking will be more widely circulated in Bahá’í Youth. To develop international correspondence through the youth bulletin, a page or two has occasionally been devoted to the printing of names and addresses of youth who wish to correspond internationally.

New contacts and newly enrolled Youth, particularly when isolated, are receiving special attention through regular communication and the dissemination of news by a newly appointed correspondent for this branch of youth work.

The first meeting of the National Youth Committee was held this year at the Youth Session at Louhelen Summer School; eight members attended. Eighty-two young people and numerous counselors and teachers were registered for the Louhelen Youth Session. Sixty-five young people attended Green Acre’s second annual Youth Week, almost double the number of last year. Geyserville youth again adapted their activities to the life of the regular sessions. Specialized courses of study were given in all three Summer Schools, and this with the fun and fellowship and priceless advantages to be gained means that more Bahá’ís and their friends are being attracted each year.

The publication of Bahá’í Youth has been moved to the East, and a new business manager is doing everything possible to induce all Bahá’í youth to lend a hand in making this international youth bulletin self-supporting.

The National Youth Committee is about to prepare a compilation on the spiritual Teachings as they apply to individual character in human relationships, to be entitled “The Bahá’í Life,” this to be recommended as one of the subjects for next year’s Study Days, seven of which will be proposed in the new program.

In answer to a cablegram sent on Bahá’í Youth Day, the Guardian called for a ”nobler standard of Bahá’í virtue.” Bahá’í youth hope to be the first to accent to the world this greater development in Bahá’í lives.

KENNETH CHRISTIAN, Chairman
ZICAH HOLDEN, Secretary
TAHIRIH MANN, International Sec.
ANNAMARIE KUNZ, International Sec.
FLORENCE MATTOON
FARRUCK IOAS
MARGUERITE REIMER
DOROTHY WEVER
SAMUEL Fox
CLARENCE LA ROCQUE
FREDERICK ASCAH
EVELYN CLIFF
GRACE SHEPARD
MAE GRAVES DYER
WILFRID BARTON
LLOYD SCHOENY


Retrieved from "https://bahai.works/index.php?title=Bahá’í_News/Issue_115/Text&oldid=181504"
Powered by MediaWiki