Bahá’í News/Issue 117/Text
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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
“A MORE BURNING ENTHUSIASM ... A HIGHER SENSE OF SOLIDARITY ...”[edit]
Teaching Plans for the Second Year of the Seven Year Plan[edit]
The most essential element in teaching is the deep, inward response to the Guardian’s successive appeals, warnings and instructions. All minor considerations and hampering personal issues must be swept aside, and the souls turned with pure intention to Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’ís are assured that the spiritual powers are all-encompassing, and but await every opportunity to reinforce true efforts to serve the Faith.
Plans and policies depend upon the “burning enthusiasm” and “solidarity” of the friends. They are means and not ends, and no plan can serve as substitute for the consecration of those who seek to promote the Faith. The following outline of plans adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly is nothing else than a sincere and considered effort to make available for teaching work all possible resources of individual initiative and unified consultation. It is but the framework in which individual believers, local Assemblies and National Committees can best combine their activities and concentrate their powers.
| CABLEGRAM FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
Received June 6, 1937 Rejoiced thankful initiative resourcefulness newly elected National Assembly prompting them signalize inauguration period stewardship by launching third stage in progressive unfoldment seven year plan. Such far-sighted action evokes in me deepest longing that they will not alone accomplish placing final contract but will have also ere expiry allotted year embarked on concluding stage by insuring uninterrupted prosecution of closing phase of an enterprise which for no less than thirty years has engaged attention and challenged resources of entire American Bahá’í community. Praying instantaneous response sustained support all those whom destiny has primarily associated with Revelation in so gloomy epoch of this luminous symbol of Bahá’u’lláh’s transcendent Sovereignty—SHOGHI. |
1. The two principal teaching methods in the national field are to be, first, settlement by pioneers in unoccupied areas, and second, the approval of definite projects involving the use of teachers for a specific time and under a specific budget. Pioneers intending to establish permanent residence in order to found a new Bahá’í community will be assisted financially for a definite period, while they are finding means of self-support.
2. A National and a number of Regional Teaching Committees have been appointed. All requests for teaching literature, and all projects involving a budget, are to be submitted to the National Teaching Committee and transmitted by that Committee to the National Assembly for approval. Budgets for administrative expense will be given the Regional Committees, which are to arouse teaching activity among groups and isolated believers. Regional Committees are not to pass upon requests for budgets or teaching literature but refer these to the National Teaching Committee, with reports of teaching work in their region. Regional Committees are to make use of available teachers who can function without a budget for traveling expense.
3. The fundamental importance of teaching under the direction of local Assemblies is emphasized. Local Assemblies are urged to extend their efforts to adjoining areas. They can notify the Regional Committee of the area for which they will assume teaching responsibility throughout the year. It is of the utmost importance for every local Assembly to deepen and enlarge its sense of responsibility and its capacity for carrying out carefully considered plans.
4. Individual believers are urged to realize that teaching is inseparable from true faith. Capacity comes from sincere effort. Those who are free to travel, however, without depending upon administrative assistance, are not thereby to feel free of proper administrative direction and jurisdiction, but will be held responsible to the local Assembly, the Regional Committee or the National Teaching Committee, depending upon the jurisdiction immediately concerned. The effective teacher is immersed in spiritual matters and
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stands aloof from any internal problems of the Faith. The National Assembly welcomes and appreciates individual initiative, but initiative must not
be expressed at the sacrifice of the
fundamental principle of consultation
and the obligation of all Bahá’ís to
recognized spiritual and administrative
principles. All Bahá’ís are teachers;
there is no special group of “official”
teachers; but too many have been content to wait for others to arise and work.
Bahá’í teaching is the sharing of loving reverence for the Manifestation and His New World Order; it is a quickening of the spirit and a form of education and training until the soul or group is fully confirmed. We should endeavor to turn the souls to Bahá’u’lláh and make them independent of all save Him. The National Assembly feels that pressure of personal influence and organized methods of the American promotion type should be scrupulously avoided.
Constant reference to the Divine Plan set forth in the pamphlet which reprints the Master’s Tablets on teaching under the title of “America’s Spiritual Mission,” and no less constant reference to the Guardian’s messages, will produce the mighty momentum needed for the task defined by Shoghi Effendi in the cablegram received May 1, 1936:—“Would to God every State within American Republic and every Republic in American continent might ere termination (of) this glorious century embrace (the) light (of the) Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and establish structural basis of His World Order.”
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
“PRAYING INSTANTANEOUS RESPONSE”[edit]
The members of the National Assembly are deeply touched by recent letters from local Assemblies reporting action by the community after receiving the general statement of Temple plans issued early in May.
From San Francisco comes word that the community has voted to collect and transmit as soon as possible a special contribution of $1,000 for the new Construction Fund. Phoenix, Oklahoma City, New York, Topeka and Eliot write that the local community stands unitedly in support of the new plans. The Los Angeles community prayed for the National Assembly during its recent meeting.
Such electric flow of spiritual and material forces symbolizes the true, dynamic nature of the Faith, which is fulfilled in deeds and not in words.
The new Temple Construction Fund, started with a balance of $1,000, has been increased by the N. S. A. to $2,000 by an appropriation from the National Fund. Thus all the believers who contribute directly or indirectly to the National Fund are fully associated with the great enterprise.
Shoghi Effendi’s cablegram of June 6 on the subject of this enterprise, already issued to local Assemblies, is reprinted here so that his words can be in the possession of every believer.
Each further step in these developments will be shared with the friends.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Los Angeles, nine. Milwaukee, four. Worcester, one. Geneva, three. Chicago, three. Peoria, two youth. Kenosha, two. Philadelphia, one. Vancouver, one. New York, seven.
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. Mathilde Gale, Chicago.
- Mrs. Blanche Alonzo, New York.
JULIET THOMPSON’S BOOK[edit]
A Correction[edit]
In BAHÁ’Í NEWS of February, 1938, the National Assembly announced the early publication of the novel written and illustrated by Juliet Thompson entitled “I, Mary Magdalen.”
It is now reported that the book is on the press, for publication in July, but the publisher is not the Robert Speller Company, as announced, but Sovereign House, 16 East 41st Street, New York, N. Y.
Believers wishing copies of this book, of which the Guardian has written, “He hopes and prays that through this publication many people of capacity and of true spiritual insight will be attracted to the Message,” may order it from the publisher or through their local bookstore at $2.50 a copy.
GREEN ACRE NEWS[edit]
Word has been received that Orcella Rexford will take the study course program during the week July 18-23 instead of Marion Holley as announced.
The Crafts House and Pottery will be open during July and August. Classes will be held in Pottery, Modeling, Lettering, Pen and Ink Drawing, and Painting in Oils and Water Color.
The arts and crafts work is to be under the direction of Nancy D. Bowditch, Agnes O’Neill and Harold Bowditch. For further information, address Mrs. Harold Bowditch, Green Acre, Eliot, Maine.
LOUHELEN NEWS[edit]
The Laboratory Session, July 9-19 is for intensive study of the Teachings and of the theory and practice of teaching work. Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, “The Bahá’í Teachings.” Kenneth Christian, “The Bahá’í Teachings.” Marguerite Reimer, “Practical Contact Methods.” Mrs. Wendell Bacon, “Publicity and Radio.” Mrs. Maud Stuart Beagle. “Public Speaking.” General session, August 20-28: Pearl Esterbrook, “Prayer and Meditation.” Allen McDaniel, “The Laws of Bahá’u’lláh.” Mrs. Louise Caswell, “Divine Government.” Harlan Ober, “What is the Bahá’í Faith?” Hishmat Alai, “Studies in the Qur’án.” Youth Session, see February BAHÁ’Í NEWS. Prof. Stanwood Cobb will conduct the course on “The Bahá’í Life” at the second Youth session.
QUESTIONNAIRE ON LOCAL HISTORY[edit]
Up to the present time one-half of the Local Assemblies have responded to the Questionnaire on Local Bahá’í History and Records which was mailed to each Local Spiritual Assembly something over a year ago. This form contained numerous questions, answers to which would constitute a brief summary of the local history of the Cause in each Community, and which would contribute to it nationally.
Assemblies which have not filled out and forwarded this Questionnaire are urged to do so. Duplicate copies of the form can be supplied if necessary.
ARTICLES FOR WORLD ORDER[edit]
The editors of World Order feel a great responsibility in their effort to make the magazine fully and truly representative of the best available writing in the international Bahá’í Community. They therefore request that this communication be shared with the believers, in the hope that the following explanation of editorial plans and needs will lead to a great increase in the number of manuscripts received.
Our aim is to produce a balance of interest in each issue by the selection of articles and poems under the following classifications:—
- At least one direct Bahá’í article, carefully expounding some aspect of
- the Teachings, with appropriate quotations.
- A “human document,” conveying the sense of intimate inner experience.
- Material imbued with the esthetic and cultural quality.
- A practical application of spiritual truth to the problems of daily life.
- Prose or verse conveying the joy and freedom of the spiritual life.
- Articles based upon factual knowledge of sociological or scientific character and informative value.
- Articles presenting constructive international themes, the relations of East and West, etc.
In addition, the editors plan to include a new department, devoted to correspondence from readers, in the hope that this will lead to interesting and valuable Bahá’í comments on topics of current public interest.
It is gratifying to note that World Order is being more and more used as teaching material in making contacts with new friends.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
Treasures of the East, by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi: Copies of this book have been donated by Mrs. Rose Russell to be sold for the Temple Fund. It is a travel book, with many photographs, and of interest to believers. It was not issued as a directly Bahá’í volume. Per copy, net, $0.50.
The Manifestation, by Albert P. Entzminger: A new title in the series of pamphlets prepared under the auspices of the Teaching Literature Committee. Per 100 copies, net, $1.75.
The Laboratory of Life, by Louise D. Boyle: Another new title in the series of Teaching Literature pamphlets. It deals with the relations of science and religion. Per 100 copies, net, $1.75.
TEMPLE MODEL[edit]
The Temple models assigned to the Teaching Committee have begun to render very effective service. One is on display at Urbana; another has been exhibited at Cornell University in the lobby of the students’ social center where it was seen by three thousand students. Allen B. McDaniel gave an illustrated Temple lecture in connection with this exhibit, and the faculty wish him to return. Excellent publicity was obtained in the Cornell student newspaper. Another Model has been exhibited under the auspices of the Binghamton Assembly, and Mr. McDaniel gave his Temple lecture at the Art Gallery, Arlington Hotel, Binghamton, on June 8. The Teaching Committee reports that plans are under way in Nashville and Knoxville for a Temple model exhibit at an early date.
“DISTINGUISHED WORKER BELOVED GRACE OBER”[edit]
On May 3, after the Convention, the following cablegram was received from Shoghi Effendi: “Profoundly grieve great loss sustained teaching field through passing distinguished worker beloved Grace Ober. Advise delegates pay worthy tribute her glowing spirit eminent services. Joining them fervent prayers.”
The National Spiritual Assembly feels that the prayers and chants rendered in Foundation Hall after this tragic event, and the grief of the friends, fulfilled the spirit of the Guardian’s advice.
ANNUAL COMMITTEE REPORTS[edit]
1937—1938[edit]
(Continued)[edit]
REVIEWING[edit]
| “AM PARTICULARLY REJOICED”
|
The following manuscripts have been approved:
Booklet on Prophecies, by Dorothy Baker.
Statement on Publishing Compilations, Publishing Committee.
Báb’s Address to the Letters of the Living, hand-lettered, by Marie B. Moore.
Study Outline on Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, by Study Outline Committee.
Study Outline of the Three Worlds, by Emogene Hoagg.
Laboratory of Life, by Louise Boyle, pamphlet for Teaching Literature.
Economics as Social Creation, by Horace Holley, pamphlet for Teaching Literature.
The Manifestation, by Albert Entzminger, pamphlet for Teaching Literature.
Compilation on Divine Healing, by Marian F. Wilcox.
Questions and Answers for the Unfoldment of World Commonwealth (Shoghi Effendi), outline by Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Moffett.
Suggested Compilation for Meditation, Reva R. Belcher.
- D. HULLEY, Secretary
- GENEVIEVE L. COY
- ADELLA QUINLAN
GEYSERVILLE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
The opening session of the eleventh annual Bahá’í Summer School at Geyserville was held under the Douglas fir landmark on the Bosch place, Sunday, July 4th. Some 210 people were in attendance to enjoy the sumptuous Unity Feast and the joyous messages from persons from every part of the United States and parts of the world.
Mr. George Latimer of Portland acted as chairman of the day and introduced Mr. J. D. Bosch, of Geyserville, who welcomed the guests to the school and said in part, “The study of the principles and belief in Bahá’u’lláh, will regenerate mankind.” Through the gift of 37 acres of their property Mr. and Mrs. Bosch set in motion the means, some ten years ago, for a school for Bahá’í learning which has shown a steady growth. Imposing buildings known as Bahá’í Hall, completed last year, and the Collins dormitory, occupied for the first time this year, have increased the facilities and conveniences for advancement of the public knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith.
Mrs. T. H. Collins, of Pacific Palisades,
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Calif., whose gift with her recently deceased husband, was the new
dormitory, thanked the assembled
friends for their comfort and remembrance in their prayers during her recent bereavement.
There were many expressions of interest by telegram and persons in the welfare of this first Bahá’í summer school on the American continent, which carry the fame of Geyserville beyond its own boundaries because it leaves the lasting impressions of a friendly town in the hearts of these former students.
Messages of greeting impressed many attending at this opening session. Mrs. Nell Griffith Wilson of Kenwood, Calif., welcomed the guests for the Geyserville Assembly. Mr. Chas. Bishop of London, England, and formerly of Portland, Oregon, told of his joy in being present and said that his spirit would always be here although an ocean stood between. Mrs. T. C. Smith brought greetings from Binghamton, N. Y. Mr. Chas. Reimer, of Milwaukee, Wis., had a word of greeting and expressed his satisfaction in finally being able to arrive after attempting the trip for three years past. Other appropriate expressions were given by Mrs. E. G. Cooper of San Francisco, Miss Y. Isobe of Japan, who is in Los Angeles for a short time. Both of these students spoke in Esperanto, their most fluent method of expression, which was translated by Miss Lorrol Jackson of Spokane, Wash., Mr. Gerge Sterris, an artist from Italy and France, spoke in French, which Miss Virginia Orbison of Hollywood, interpreted for the gathering.
Mr. S. Schopflocher, of Montreal Canada, recounted vividly his happiness in returning to Geyserville after his trip around the world. His first experience with Geyserville was his meeting with John Bosch in Haifa, Palestine, when he (Schopflocher) was not yet a Bahá’í. Mrs. Louise Caswell of Portland told briefly of her teaching work in Nashville, Tenn., from which she had just returned.
The accompanying printed schedule of the courses given at the Western States Bahá’í Summer School were built around fundamental subjects by speakers chosen from wide fields of experience in the Bahá’í Faith:—
- Islam: Its teachings,
- The Unfoldment of World Civilization.
Supplementing this program on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons was the teaching seminar in which the classes discussed six subjects by experienced public speakers,
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION—7.
Carving an Original Model.
Miss C. Linfoot and Mrs. Beulah
Lewis, N. F. Ward, Mrs. Mamie Seto
and Mrs. Louise Caswell. The subjects of the six seminars were:
- The Bahá’í Teacher—Prime requisites for teaching.
- Technique, and relation to Bahá’í Community.
- The Public Address—Preparation, presentation and supporting elements.
- The Class Work—Types and objects, teacher’s place, student participation.
- Teaching Opportunities—In Bahá’í community, new fields, and national teaching program.
- Introduction of the Faith in new States—Survey, contacts, publicity, lectures, classes, follow-up.
In addition to the formal classes the program provided four public meetings in the Bahá’í Hall at Geyserville, and one meeting in Santa Rosa at the Masonic Temple.
The attendance at the summer school session were as follows: Devotionals, maximum 68, minimum 28; at the teaching seminar, maximum 74, minimum 40; at daily meetings maximum 82, minimum 47; public meetings approximate average of 61.
Provision for study of correlated non-Bahá’í and Bahá’í literature was made in the rear space of Bahá’í Hall as a library. By personal gifts and discount from Bahá’í books sold by Western division of Bahá’í Publishing Committee. The value of this assistance to teachers has amounted to nearly $100. This convenience of up-to-date literature for the teachers at the school has proved invaluable for the reference of teachers and students. It will remain a perpetual gift for the progress of the Faith.
Other important features of the summer school program included a complete course of study of the Bahá’í Faith for all of the children in attendance. The children’s program included short recreation periods and handicraft during the morning and supervised play in the afternoon. Some twelve children were in attendance daily during the two weeks.
The youth program on Bahá’í subjects was held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. An additional responsibility of the youth group was the planning and execution of two public meetings at the Bahá’í Hall. These meetings proved to be of very high order and a credit to the youth in attendance.
- J. D. BOSCH, Chairman
- N. F. WARD, Secretary
- MRS. E. G. COOPER
- CHARLOTTE LINFOOT
- SEIGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER
- MRS. AMELIA COLLINS
- IRVIN SOMERHALDER.
- GEORGE LATIMER
- RUTH WESTGATE
LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
Last summer youth committee for the Louhelen Summer School located at Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan, planned and carried out three sessions. First was the youth session, June 27-July 1, with the following program daily: Devotions; The New World Order, Forum conducted by Willard McKay; History and Principles of the Faith, conducted by Annamarie and Margaret Kunz for new inquirers; Study of The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, conducted by Miss Garreta Busey; The Bahá’í Teachings applied to Daily Life, talks by Emeric and Rosemary Sala, Marion Holley, Kenneth Christian. These courses were attended almost a hundred percent. Each afternoon was a forum conducted by different young people which was particularly vital. There was opportunity in the afternoons for swimming and other recreation.
In charge of the sports and evening programs was the Lima youth group and they had their plans well worked out in advance. An effort was made to have the evening entertainments more distinctively Bahá’í both in character and excellence of presentation, for our Guardian urges that our summer schools gradually develop into “true Cultural and educational Bahá’í centers.” The pageant which the Urbana
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group put on Monday evening is
especially worthy of mention. This was
a presentation of “The Gate of Dawn,”
the pageant arranged by Mrs. Bowditch and Kenneth Christian. Although the equipment and costumes
were quite limited the presentation was
dignified and impressive and created
an atmosphere of reverence and inspiration. It made it evident that in the
line of pageantry and drama is a great
field for presenting the Cause. Tuesday evening the Chicago and North
Shore groups gave a varied program
of music and readings. Wednesday
evening the Flint group showed us
some of the wonders of chemistry and
electricity and Thursday evening put
on an original play which gave the Bahá’í message. This was well worked
out and impressive. All these programs had been planned at home.
Over ninety young people were in attendance at this session besides many more part time visitors and we feel that it was outstanding in earnestness and purposefulness. One thing that helped greatly in bringing high standards to this session was the presence of the National Youth Committee which chose this time and place for its annual meeting. The unexpected arrival of Mrs. Seto and Mr. Carl Scheffler Sunday afternoon gave opportunity for inspiring talks from them. A vital innovation was the quiet hour just before retiring when dormitory groups gathered with a counsellor for questions, reading and prayer. The honor system of self-government was successfully continued this year.
Immediately following the youth session was the July general session, July 3-11. This group was rather small, but there was something vital about the session. In general we have found before that small groups were especially blessed. Several wrote back after reaching home that they had never had so great a desire to spread the Cause as after returning home from this session. While the enrollment was small there was an unusually large number of visitors.
The following unusually rich program occupied the morning daily from nine to twelve: Devotions; The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, Allen McDaniel; Pillars of the New Civilization, Dr. Garreta Busey; The Science of the Love of God, Marion Holley. In the afternoons was round table discussion at which various teaching problems were discussed. How to use prophecy in teaching the Cause, How to present the Cause to the agnostic or atheistic type, How to present the Cause to the deeply religious type,—these were some of the subjects discussed. The period proved most valuable.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA.
Members of the Spiritual Assembly newly established on April 21, 1938.
The especial purpose in the evening
meetings was to present the Cause to
new people. On two evenings Mr. McDaniel gave illustrated lectures on religious architecture and the Bahá’í
House of Worship. One evening there
was a symposium on the subject of immortality and on another the story of
Mullá Husayn from The Dawn-Breakers was beautifully told by Miss Neysa
Bissell of Buffalo. The evening of
July ninth was devoted to a memorial
service in memory of the Báb.
In August (July 31-August 8) another group gathered, larger than the July group. At this time, too, a rich and inspiring program was presented: Devotions; The True Relation between Religion and Government, Dr. Glenn Shook; The World’s Debt to Islám, Mr. N. M. Firoozi; The Divine Art of Living, Mrs. Dorothy Baker.
An especial favor for the August session was the presence of Miss Agnes Alexander who had recently visited Haifa and had much to tell us of the Guardian’s words and wishes. Before she left Haifa the Guardian had instructed her to visit summer schools. Many of the afternoon meetings were devoted to hearing her notes and others to discussing teaching methods.
It is impossible to put into words what these summer schools, even in their still undeveloped state, mean to those who attend. Our Guardian has told us that these schools are the foundations of the universities of the future and that we should strive in every way for their growth and improvement each year. Moreover, in a letter dated November 8, 1937, he places responsibility for this growth upon each believer. “Every believer,” he says, “no matter what his gifts and position, has something to contribute to the growth of the school, and it is only by means of such collective support that Louhelen can gradually develop into a true cultural and educational Bahá’í center.” Here are words for reflection for every believer.
The committee greatly appreciates the cooperation of the various communities and individuals which have made possible the work and growth of the school. Those who come to teach and those who come to learn and those who remain at home and send others and those who pray are all essential to the continued growth and improvement of the school.
- L. W. EGGLESTON, Chairman,
- MRS. DOROTHY BAKER
- GARETTA BUSEY
- E. J. MIESSLER
- BISHOP BROWN
- BERTHA H. KIRKPATRICK, Sec’y
NATIONAL TEACHING[edit]
“Prosecute uninterruptedly teaching campaign inaugurated at last Convention in accordance with Divine Plan.” (1937 Convention message from the Guardian.)
“In a world perilously near cataclysmic convulsions ... well nigh staggering responsibility rests on America. ... Who among its stalwart defenders will arise, untrammelled (and) unafraid, to implant its banner in those states (and) provinces where its standard is still unhoisted. Entreat afresh American community heed vital urgency (of) my impassioned plea ....” (Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi, August, 1937.)
“World crisis inexorably moving toward climax, challenging torchbearers of Bahá’í civilization (to) scale loftier heights (of) individual heroism, (to) scatter more widely throughout length and breadth (of the) American continents, (to) participate more strenuously (in) concerted effort organized by National, Regional, local agencies dedicated (to the) prosecution (of) noble enterprise.” (Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi, October 29, 1937.)
“The seven-year plan ... must at all costs be prosecuted with increasing force and added consecration. All should arise and participate.... The American believers must gird up the loins of endeavor and step into the
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arena of service with such heroism as
shall astound the entire Bahá’í world.”
(Letter from the Guardian, November, 1937.)
These impassioned pleas of the Guardian to the American Bahá’ís reveal, step by step, a picture of the grave responsibility resting on us all during the seven remaining years of the first Bahá’í century. That they call for greater sacrificial unity, more enthusiastic display of individual heroism, and much loftier standards of service than we have ever known, is evident; as is also the assurance that such services will be attendant with the blessings of divine confirmation.
The believers, to an individual, have arisen to play their part in the divine drama now being enacted on the horizon of America’s spiritual destiny. The progress of the teaching work during the first year of the Seven-Year Divine Plan, if intensified as it gains momentum, will surely bring such spiritual motion in the life of the American continents that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will achieve renown as to “astound the Bahá’í world.”
It is impossible to recount the unceasing sacrifices, the untiring efforts, the heroic deeds, and the depth of spiritual consciousness developed by the friends during the past year. Nor is it possible to gain more than a slight impression of this great collective action, carrying forward, as it did in all directions, the divine Banner of Bahá’u’lláh. In not one instance has the effort of even the humblest been without result. Certainly such a standard of service and such an outpouring of divine confirmations have never been witnessed in this country.
Pioneers have arisen and, forsaking their home ties, have moved into new areas and established the Faith. Many singly and alone have entered areas of spiritual darkness and brought the Light of Guidance. Others have diligently carried on the work of developing these new centers of attraction, while one and all have continuously increased their efforts to expand the Faith and strengthen the institution of its New World Order.
At Convention time a year ago the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh had not yet been established in seven states of the United States and two provinces of Canada. At this time, there are still seven states and two Canadian provinces without any known Bahá’ís.
A year ago there were twenty-six states without Assemblies or Groups, while at this time this number has been reduced to eighteen, and in six of these eighteen states there are flourishing study groups. It is encouraging to
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION—8.
Sculptor at Work.
note that active teaching work has been
carried forward during the year in
twenty of the twenty-six states which
were without Assemblies or Groups in
May, 1937.
At Convention time a year ago, seven of the Canadian provinces were without Assemblies. An Assembly now having been authorized in Toronton, Ontario, the number after April 21 is reduced to six. Another Province has a Bahá’í Group, and teaching work has been done in two others.
Twelve Bahá’ís have moved to new states as pioneer teachers, and extension pioneer teaching work has been actively carried on by thirty-eight others. The Regional Teaching Committees, too, have labored diligently to open up new cities, to assist isolated believers in their teaching efforts, and to cooperate with Bahá’í Groups in increasing their numbers. Add to this the unrecorded pioneer teaching work of all the Bahá’ís and we may gain a slight idea of the momentum that is being gained in the teaching branch of the Seven-Year Plan.
Thirty-four of the fifty-five Assemblies sending in reports show a total increase of 177 new believers during the year. In addition, fifty-three new isolated believers were enrolled in twenty states. Also nine new Spiritual Assemblies have been authorized this year, bringing the number of cities where the Faith is established up to 342 is against 303 last year. Worthy of note as an indication of the developing strength of the Faith, is the fact that of this large number of new Bahá’ís, most of them are able and anxious to become active supporters of the Cause, rather than only believers impressed with the spiritual gifts of Bahá’u’lláh.
Of the fifty-five Assemblies reporting, twenty-six opened eighty-two new cities to the Faith, with active followup work being done in forty-one of them. One of the most encouraging features of this work is that twenty-five of these Assemblies used local teachers for introducing the Teachings into new localities.
Fifteen Assemblies report teacher training classes where definite training is being given prospective Bahá’í teachers.
A new type of teacher training for Bahá’í youth was developed this year in the service rendered by Miss Marguerite Reimer who accompanied older, more experienced teachers into new areas, making arrangements for the public meetings, taking care of publicity and handling all details in connection with the pioneer work.
All Assemblies are unanimous in their views that the most successful method of teaching is still the fireside method. Public lectures and radio talks are the means of attracting souls, and while producing greater results than previously, they do not provide the opportunities to confirm the student that are offered in the informal study courses of the fireside meetings.
As the world draws nearer the hour of its greatest travail, the hearts of all are seeking more and more a true basis of spiritual life and a sound solution to the world’s ills. Thus the public is more receptive than ever before to the Bahá’í Faith. Evidence of this is borne out in the attitude of the press toward Bahá’í articles. Most reassuring is the liberality of the press in the new cities where the Faith has been established, some of the very best of newspaper articles appearing in these virgin areas.
It is regrettable that there is not sufficient opportunity to record the great sacrifices of the pioneer teachers, to outline the many problems and obstacles in their paths, how the doors of guidance have opened to them, and the confirmations of the Holy Spirit have reached them. Any one, contacting in the least degree the field of sacrificial service of all the friends, and particularly the teachers on the frontiers, can do no other than carry continuously in his heart a feeling of deep gratitude for their exemplary devotion and a continuous prayer for their success. With this conscious and spiritual unity of all the friends, both in deed and spirit, surely the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will move forward to ever new frontiers, achieving, ere the close of this century, the goal set before us by the Guardian.
- LEROY IOAS, Chairman
- CHARLOTTE M. LINFOOT, Sec’y
- GEORGE O. LATIMER
- MRS. THOMAS H. COLLINS
- FORSYTH N. WARD
- MRS. ARTHUR L. DAHL
REGIONAL TEACHING[edit]
New England[edit]
The teaching work in this region reflects the fine work done by our speakers and teachers in our Summer School at Green Acre, and we are frequently hearing of its far-reaching effects. And during the many travels of Mrs. Greenleaf throughout this country, she has interested a great many people who are constantly coming to Green Acre in the summer time to enjoy her famous hospitality and talks upon the Faith, carrying away with them many books and pamphlets to their far homes. We have again with reluctance loaned her to Florida this winter. With these two influences, New England has tentacles reaching into many of our states, far and wide.
Maine:—
In the mountains of Maine an extensive teaching work is still being carried out among summer people and interesting vacation travellers from many states, as well as the surrounding towns people. Books and pamphlets have been widely distributed, and addresses given by National Assembly members to large groups from Men’s Clubs and Women’s Societies of the larger towns. Several requests have already been received from many residents of those centers for group meetings this summer. This is a most successful and unique venture.
Contacts were made in two new localities, North Berwick and Lewiston. Mrs. Ives went to Lewiston en route to Moncton, N. B., to speak to a group of 12 students of Bates College and a professor and wife. All were so interested that a set of books was sent to the Department of Religion at the college for the use of students who had been requested to write theses on the Bahá’í Faith.
Mme. Orlova gave a lecture to the North Berwick group. Questions followed which enabled her to speak on The New World Order for half an hour to about 30 new people. Next day an invitation was extended to 50 friends in different towns, and Mme. Orlova spoke upon “What the World Is Waiting For.” To a group of 20 at Eliot she spoke on Prayer. It is encouraging to see so many inquirers from the towns surrounding Green
MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK
Members of the Spiritual Assembly newly established on April 21, 1938.
Acre becoming more and more interested.
Mrs. Greenleaf followed up the Summer School at Eliot this autumn with Sunday afternoon meetings for the study of “Gleanings.”
Mason Remey and Horace Holley also have helped with many of the groups and new contacts are always being increased. The young people in this region have been very active and 6 of them have joined the Eliot community as the result of a half-year’s efforts, in and around Green Acre.
A set of six books has been placed in the Portland Library for the use of interested residents.
New Hampshire:—
Several people have been interested in the Bahá’í Faith in Manchester and Dover, and groups are forming. Six books have been placed in the libraries of each city for their use.
In Ashuelot, the large group has been broken up on the eve of forming an Assembly, by the death of three believers and five others have moved away. These were all believers. This leaves three believers now with two interested to study with them. The Feasts have been regularly held here among the believers for several years.
Vermont:—
A public meeting was arranged in Newport at The Women’s Club, and Lorol Schopflocher gave an interesting and well-received talk, and “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” was sent to the Library for the use of those who had expressed interest, which was announced at the meeting. This is new territory.
Massachusetts:—
An interesting Inter-Community Teaching Conference was held last autumn in Boston, Eliot and Worcester participating. A most helpful series of talks and discussions was followed by refreshments, and Roy Wilhelm spoke on “Making Contacts.” In the evening Mme. Orlova spoke to a large audience in the Victoria Hotel, on “The Bahá’í Faith.” This Conference was so enthusiastically received that Boston decided to continue with public meetings twice monthly.
Northfield:—Marion Holley of Visalia, California, spoke to a group of 30 from surrounding towns, after a picnic lunch held on the grounds of The Youth Hostel. The two in charge of The Hostel were deeply interested and have asked for another meeting there. Marion also spoke to a large group gathered at Monson, who greatly enjoyed her intelligent presentation of The Faith, and they have all kept up their interest.
Agnes Alexander made a brief visit to Boston, Springfield and Worcester, telling us of her experiences at Haifa.
Upton:—A new group of seven deeply interested people was recently
[Page 8]
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
Members of the Spiritual Assembly newly established on April 21, 1938. Photograph shows tree under which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stood in 1912.
formed here, and a meeting well attended was held for questioning. They
decided to begin the study of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” with “Promulgation of Universal Peace” for
reading and reference.
Amherst:—A new territory is being opened. An interested friend arranged with the librarian of a large, beautiful Memorial Library, a true community center for all town activities and educational work, for Mountfort Mills to speak on “The World Crisis and Solutions.” The audience was most representative of this famous old college town. One in the audience was so interested that he wrote a long detailed report of Mr. Mills’ talk and sent it to the Amherst and Springfield newspapers. He ended his report by saying that of all the series of lectures lasting through the college year, he considered Mr. Mills’ talk the most excellent.
I have omitted our large annual Inter-State picnic gathering which is always held in June in the large, beautiful Forest Park near Springfield. In the spacious Mansion we meet, children, young people and older, to lunch together which provides a happy reunion of many members of the various Bahá’í Communities, groups and isolated believers, with all possible of the newly interested friends, which is building up a fine fellowship in New England. Lunch was followed by a public meeting in the afternoon when Mountfort Mills gave a most stirring address which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Another new study group has been formed with believers in Salem, Beverly and Wenham at the home of Mrs. Clarence Lunt, and by her invitation friends who became believers at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit in this country, will be gathered for a regular fireside study, reading and discussion. This is an entirely new plan and is by invitation only, to be worked out with the aim of bringing together all the believers in these regions for The Feasts, and to seek out all those representative friends whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself taught, for the study of the New World Order and the Guardianship. This group is to be constantly under the supervision of the Regional Committee which is aiding them with all possible plans. We feel this is the beginning of a most promising venture. Very soon a member of the National Assembly is to address them.
Providence, Rhode Island:—A new state.
Much very active and constructive work in disseminating literature has been done by the very able Three Rivers Group, and out of it, contact has been made in Providence, and a group of 11 young teachers was formed last autumn. We were privileged to have Dr. Shook give a series of talks to them. They were all enthusiastic and are now waiting for a meeting for questions with other of their friends, soon to take place.
This series was extended to Worcester and Palmer fireside gatherings of newly interested people, some well attracted, and friends from surrounding towns. This series was designed to confirm those who do not study themselves, on Administration and the Guardianship, and resulted in three believers forming a group in Three Rivers.
We have made out a new teaching plan for this region:—we have turned our attention to the radio, to prepare to arrange a series of talks that shall extend over a large area of New England, hoping to find a great many through one series of broadcasts, given in five different centers, as near the same time as possible, in order to form groups more quickly than formerly and more extensively. Winter weather prevents effective work all winter long here, so we are working to get this plan well on the air and groups formed before another autumn.
While considering the work and outlining our talks, an opportunity came surprisingly soon. The Springfield newspaper announced that a new station WSPR, a small station, had opened in Springfield, offering 15 minutes each morning for a devotional period. By the kind and complete cooperation of the announcer, the station was opened to the Bahá’í Faith. Then two hectic weeks preparing the six talks followed, using mostly the direct quotations of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, under the subject, “The Divine Remedy Brought by The Divine Physician, Bahá’u’lláh.” Each talk was linked with the preceding one by the announcer in place of music, and at the end an invitation was given by WSPR to those interested to send for a copy of the talks, and several responses were received. Personal calls keep up their interest, and even further journeys will be made to meet others who sent for talks.
Encouraged by this success, we are now preparing a series of talks for the educational periods which The National Radio Corporation has announced in the newspapers recently,—to be ready as soon as possible to give these broadcasts from five central points of New England, that we may the better take advantage of the time:—A series consisting of a most impressive framework of Bahá’í information to hold “The Pearl of Great Price” is the ideal toward which we are striving, so when the Message is given, the public will receive it with reverence, understanding and interest. We believe with the aid of Bahá’u’lláh, this will be done.
We have tried to plan wherever possible close, sustained follow-up work
[Page 9]
for all these groups.
Paxton:—Arrangements were started last summer for group teaching in Paxton, which will be carried forward extensively this summer. This is also a new area.
A new kind of search has been carried out by us in this district:—We have tried to gather home groups from the surrounding towns through friends, their relatives, and their newly interested inquirers, in two of our homes this past year, which give fine promise for another year.
Connecticut:—
A new representative group including men of high position has been formed in Hartford at the home of an early believer, and Mountfort Mills is the speaker and teacher. We are anticipating great results from this successful beginning.
The work in Hartford has suffered greatly as we have not been able to find a teacher to settle there and teach, as we had planned to do.
Another Inter-Community Teaching Conference is planned for March 26th in New Haven, with basket supper, and two sessions,—one in the afternoon, one in the evening, so we may have the help of the men. Worcester, Springfield and isolated believers as well as the groups are participating. A very fine program is ready, and in the evening Mrs. Bolles is going to tell us of her experiences in Germany Teaching work, and in Haifa. The fellowship at supper is most enjoyable for all and renews old friendships. We have work and pleasure, happily combined.
- FLORENCE MORTON, Secretary
- AMELIA BOWMAN
- HELEN ARCHAMBAULT
- ALICE BACON
- HEBE STRUVEN
Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan[edit]
During the year now drawing to a close, the Regional Teaching Committee of the states of Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan has been able to render assistance to a number of communities just opening to the Bahá’í Cause.
Warrenville, Ill., a village of about 250 inhabitants in the Fox River Valley, has three vitally interested souls, through whom two well attended public meetings were arranged. The responsive friends are now attending study classes in nearby Batavia and Aurora.
Batavia, Ill., a town of 5000 inhabitants, has one declared Bahá’í. This friend has arranged public meetings and weekly study classes, which are attracting the key men and women of the community.
Aurora, Ill., another city in the Fox River Valley has two Bahá’ís. No public meetings have been held as yet, but weekly study classes are in progress and these are attracting a small but fine group of people. Yorkwille, Ill., has two believers, this is a small village, also in Wheaton, Ill., there is one believer. No public meetings have been held in these two towns, but these friends meet with the Batavia and Aurora Bahá’ís, they also have meetings in their homes, and together they are doing splendid inter-group work which shows promise of developing real Bahá’í centers.
In Waukegan, Ill., a group of eight fine men and women have been attending a weekly study class during the winter months, and all have signified their desire for membership as full-fledged Bahá’ís as soon as they have reached the proper stage of development.
Maywood, Ill., Group and Grand Rapids, Michigan Group, as you know have been progressing beautifully until now they are ready for real Spiritual Assembly Life. The Committee has given assistance to both groups on various occasions.
The North Shore communities of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee have been furnished with speakers for nearly all Sunday public meetings.
Madison, Wis., group has been very busy and energetic all winter. Teachers have been sent monthly to assist and many people have been deeply attracted to the Cause.
Peoria, Ill., Milwaukee, Wis., have opened up new towns as the Assembly questionnaires no doubt will convey to your committee, Chicago, Ill., although not having opened up new territory, continued work in Oak Park this year with most satisfactory results.
The Committee will not report on local Assembly activities as the questionnaires sent directly to each Assembly will completely cover work done in each instance.
The Committee is happy indeed to have been permitted to serve in this work of opening new territory and assisting those communities already established, and wishes to express its deep appreciation of the privilege.
- FLORENCE ROLFE
- EDRIS RICE-WRAY CARSON
- ROBERT THIESS
- MONROE IOAS
- CHARLES REIMER
- SARAH S. WALRATH, Sec’y.
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania[edit]
(Continued)
At the first meeting of the Regional Teaching Committee, which met at the home of Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, plans were formulated for carrying out the teaching program of the National Spiritual Assembly.
It was suggested that each member of the Regional Committee bring to the attention of the Local Spiritual Assemblies the result of our consultation and ask their cooperation in helping to carry out the plan. The plan was brought to the attention of the Spiritual Assemblies of Montclair, Newark, Jersey City and Teaneck, N. J.
All of the Assemblies decided that the best way they could help in the teaching work this year was to concentrate on plans they had already developed and also that if, during the year, anyone was free to do additional work it would be brought to the attention of the Regional Member of New Jersey.
One of the friends from the Jersey City Assembly, Mr. Bernard B. Gottlieb, took charge of a class held at Elizabeth, New Jersey, and the work here has been carried on with a number of people attending these classes about once every two or three weeks.
Mr. Gottlieb was also assigned to work with two friends in Paterson, N. J., Mr. James Morten and Mr. Mason and plans were arranged to carry on a series of classes at one of the hotels. This work was finally started during the first part of March and is coming along very nicely.
At Redbank, N. J., a class has been formed and Mr. Archie Tichenor took charge of this class and several friends here are becoming actively interested in the work.
At Atlantic City, N. J., two or three friends in cooperation with Mr. William De Forge have been holding a class meeting about once a month and this work is still active.
At Colonia, N. J., a class has been held at the home of Mrs. Pattison. Miss Esther Foster and Mrs. Louise Talbot have been cooperating with Mrs. Pattison and Mrs. Olivia Kelsey has given several public talks to this group and good newspaper publicity was given to these meetings. This group is active and is continuing their work.
A class was started at the home of Mrs. Hoar, at Montclair, N. J., and one or two meetings have been held there. Mr. Philip Sprague of New York spoke.
[Page 10]
Tentative plans were formulated to
begin a series of lectures at Ridgewood, N. J., under the supervision of
Mr. Charles Krug and the committee
hopes to carry these plans out in the
very near future.
The teachers from the Spiritual Assembly at Teaneck, carried on Fireside Groups in Bogota, N. J., Englewood, N. J. and Haworth, N. J.
All of the friends in these different groups have cooperated enthusiastically in this work and while the committee is not able to report the possible formation of any new Assemblies this year, the friends as well as the committee, feel that the work will result in several new groups and possible formation of Assemblies during the coming year.
Bahá’í literature for all of these meetings has been supplied by different groups and members cooperating in the teaching work.
INTER-AMERICAN TEACHING[edit]
The written instructions of our Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, have inaugurated a new chapter of Inter-America Committee work. A definite program has been outlined and it is hoped that all the believers will read carefully the following quotations from letters received during the past Winter from the Guardian and thus become informed of Shoghi Effendi’s earnest desires and hope that the friends cooperate with the program and help to carry forward his exact instructions.
November 18, 1937
“The Guardian hopes that the National Spiritual Assembly has given careful consideration relative to the various aspects of the teaching plan, especially the question of Bahá’í publications in Spanish which is, of course, of paramount importance. It is quite indispensable to have a sufficient quantity of literature in Spanish if the friends wish to effectually teach in South American states. The ways and means for meeting this problem the Guardian prefers to leave to the discretion of Inter-America Committee, working under the close supervision and guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly. He hopes that a satisfactory decision will be soon reached in this matter.
December 19, 1937
“The matter of Spanish Bahá’í publications is, indeed, most vital, as the teaching work in South and Central America cannot possibly advance until there is a sufficient supply of books and pamphlets available for distribution among the Spanish speaking masses throughout that continent.
“It is also most important that those who undertake to teach in South America should have a sufficient knowledge of Spanish, so that they may be able to reach the masses, and not merely a few individuals.
“The National Spiritual Assembly in conjunction with the Inter-America Committee must endeavor to carry out these two points, preliminary to any extensive teaching campaign throughout Latin America. The ground should first be carefully prepared, so that the revenues which the friends are ready to expend for the furtherance of the teaching work in that continent may yield the best and maximum result.”
January 14, 1938
“The Guardian has just received your very welcome communication of the 27th of December and is pleased to know that you have taken up with the National Spiritual Assembly the question of the publication of Bahá’í literature in Spanish. He hopes that the outcome of your joint efforts will be to expedite the publications of the Spanish translations now available and thus prepare the way for the intensification of the teaching work in Latin America.”
February 11, 1938
“Your letter of January 20th addressed to our beloved Guardian has just come, and the news has greatly rejoiced and refreshed his heart. The Guardian hopes that you will meet with increasing success in Inter-America work, for the extension of which, he trusts, you will succeed in arousing the interest and in obtaining the whole-hearted and effective support of our American believers.”
In order to prepare Spanish literature for the teaching work of the coming year, Miss Leonora Holsapple, living in Bahia, Brazil, contributed her own translations, prepared by the Guardian’s wishes and published in Brazil. Of these we have two pamphlets, “The Bahá’í Revelation” and “What Is the Bahá’í Movement?” Also the longer works of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” and the “Iqán.” Signor Pedro Espanoza, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City, has translated the book of prayers, and this will be available in the near future. Our teacher, Mrs. Frances Stewart, who has done such sublime work already, contributes “The Administration.” The committee prepared and multigraphed “The Seven Valleys,” “The Goal of the New World Order” and “The Future World Commonwealth.” Thus we have a small quantity of literature ready for the coming months (important in South America because it is the Winter season) and therefore the best time for teaching. Our task in translation has only begun and a more strenuous effort is yet necessary before we can rest from this all important work.
During the past year, since the Convention of 1937, our teachers have given outstanding tribute to their zeal and perseverance. An interesting account of Bahá’í pioneer work comes from Isabel Stebbins Dodge who is living in Peru, South America:
Peru[edit]
“On Monday, June 21st, Sra. Garcia Rosell and her son, Dr. Rosell, introduced us to Senorita Leonora Salvatierra, one of the very few women in Peru before whom one could speak freely of liberal ideas. We discussed some of the chief principles of the Bahá’í Cause with which both of the women were in complete accord. Sra. Garcia Rosell explained to her friend in Spanish that these doctrines were the highest, the most elevated in the world. As she continued to talk about the Bahá’í Cause, its world-wide significance and vision of the future, Dr. Rosell translated into Spanish, with some help from me, on the meaning of the English. His mother became intensely interested and was eager to plan a meeting. She would put notices in the papers and send out invitations so that as many people as possible could hear mother speak. Some would be able to understand English, and her son would translate for the benefit of the rest. A meeting was planned for July 10th and mother prepared a paper on the principles of Bahá’u’lláh (Oneness of Mankind). Dr. Rosell read ‘Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era’ and thought it a magnificent plan for the world. His mother said that he could be a Bahá’í because he had the essential qualities of simplicity and sincerity, disliked all ostentation and was not ambitions for money. ‘In his work he treats the poor as well as the rich and does not care if they can not pay him.’ This confirmed our previous impression of Dr. Rosell’s modesty, kindheartedness and patience. By seven-thirty, Saturday evening, July 10th, twenty persons, all Peruvians, had assembled in the salon of the Garcia Rosell home to hear the Bahá’í message. How we longed to be able to speak to them in their own language or through an international language! After a short introduction by Sra. Garcia
[Page 11]
Rosell, mother gave her talk stopping
after every sentence or two to enable
Dr. Rosell to translate. He had already written out a complete translation into Spanish of mother’s paper, so
he was able to interpret rapidly. It
was a distinguished company of men
and women, engineers, business men,
naval and military officers, and their
wives, and also a number of young
men and girls. After mother had finished, I gave my talk on the Temple
which Dr. Rosell translated almost extemporaneously, and we passed
around pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and
the Temple. The meeting was then
thrown open for questions. A naval
captain, relative of the Garcia Rosells,
inquired about the type of services to
be held in the Temple. He was pleased
to hear that there was no clergy in the
Bahá’í Faith ‘because as you have already told us,’ he said, we must ‘know
with our own understanding and not
by the understanding of any in the
world.’ There were questions concerning immortality and whether the Bahá’ís believed in reincarnation. One
young man wanted to know the Bahá’í
definition of religion. Dr. Portal, a
physician who had lived twenty years
in Cerro de Pasco, remarked to me
that these principles were very good,
very important. There seemed to be a
considerable amount of interest
aroused as people began to discuss our
answers, more questions were asked
and the engineers present were especially interested in the construction of
the Temple. A young lieutenant and
his wife were especially interested to
find out more about these teachings, so
I gave them a copy of Esslemont. We
had brought only a half a dozen copies
with us which were distributed in no
time, but we said if they would come
back the next Saturday, we would
have more books and would tell them
more. A young man studying to be a
lawyer said that absolutely nothing was
known about this in Peru. He suggested that I write an article about it for
the newspaper. I told him that I had
written one, sent it to the leading
newspaper but had received no answer.
He said there were many fanatical and
conservative people here and suggested
that if my article were translated into
Spanish, some newspaper would publish it. I have complete confidence
in Dr. Ovidio Garcia Rosell. We had
been somewhat anxious about offending anyone in this very Catholic country, but no one criticized or attempted
to argue with us on any point. This
was largely due to Sra. Garcia Rosell’s
wisdom in selecting the audience. She
said there were few liberal people in
Lima, but she would try to secure the
most receptive ones, and we found
them to be intelligent, charming and
responsive. All thanked us for our
efforts and many said they would be
interested and grateful if we could
give them more of our time. Sra.
Garcia Rosell promised to advise them
of the next meeting. We were delighted that our audience had been entirely Peruvians and if it were not for
the Rosells we would have met only
Americans and English in Lima. If
a Bahá’í teacher could come here with
a knowledge of Spanish, a great work
could be done. We are hoping Mrs.
Stewart can come soon. There is also
a crying need for more Spanish translations of Bahá’í literature. We have
only the Esslemont book so far but
hope to get Shoghi Effendi’s, ‘World
Religion’ translated and printed here
this summer.
“Another meeting was held on Saturday, July 24th, at the Garcia Rosell home. Again the group was comprised of about twenty people, some the same as in the first audience and other new ones. Mother read a paper which was a book review of ‘Security for a Failing World,’ which Dr. Rosell translated sentence by sentence as she went along. Then I read a paper on ‘Science and Religion’ in Spanish. We gave away five more Esslemonts and proposed the formation of a study group to take up ‘Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era’ chapter by chapter. A professor of economics from San Marcos University said he would read Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the subject of economics with much interest. Sra. Rosell promised to carry on after we left.”
Bahia[edit]
Also an act of selfless devotion was given to the Bahá’í Faith, by Miss Eve Nicklin of New Castle, Penn., who set sail for Brazil intending to make it her home permanently and to assist Miss Leonora Holsapple in carrying out the work in Bahia. Immediately upon her arrival, she began studying Portuguese and teaching kindergarten, thus becoming self-supporting. Just as she was establishing herself and preparing to teach the Cause, which was the purpose in giving up both her home and her profession, the Brazilian government announced that all persons not resident two years in Brazil must leave. Thus was her career abruptly ended, and the return journey taken with the knowledge that her old affiliations were no more. Nevertheless, this intrepid soul immediately started a new life by serving and teaching in West Virginia at Wayside Farm in Parkersburg. Here she combined teaching in a pioneer state, with earning her living, and is ready to go to a foreign country whenever another opportunity offers.
Mexico[edit]
More news comes from Mexico through Miss Beatrice Irwin, our brilliant teacher:
“Through the medium of illustrated news articles, four Bahá’í Forums held at the International Club (April and May last), a three weeks’ window exhibit of Bahá’í literature at Misrachi’s, also an address and world broadcast on the Bahá’í Temple, given before 1,000, at Brotherhood Festival, Institute of Impersonal Life, Mexico City on July 1, 1937, it was possible not only to attract hundreds of souls to the Faith, but also to establish a more serious study of the Bahá’í teachings among a few progressed souls. In this connection some recent comments may be of interest. Dr. Gonzale Z. Burns, Director of the ‘Institute for Impersonal Life’ writes: ‘We are very glad to know of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and the high principles they embody.’ Senora Palassio writes: ‘I like the “Gleanings” best of those books I have studied. This is really a sublime Revelation, and claims my deepest respect.’ Senora Rodriguez of the International Club says: ‘Thank you for the receipt of recent literature.’ The Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Masonic Library says: ‘I am eager to improve my English, so that I might be able to translate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “Promulgation of Peace.” ’
“These persons number among the five regular subscribers to World Order resident in Mexico City, and are doubtless promulgating knowledge of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teaching within the wide sphere of the various activities.”
Mrs. Frances Stewart, Secretary of the Inter-America Committee, sent a most interesting account of her experiences in taking the Bahá’í Message to Mexico last summer, which was published in full in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for April, 1938.
The result of this visit has been the founding of the first Latin-American Assembly. The election of officers took place under the direction of our National Spiritual Assembly and on April 21st the following offices were voted upon: Signor Pedro Espinosa, Chairman; Signora Maria del Refugio Ochoa, Vice-chairman; Signor Andres Basurto, Secretary; Signorina Maria Luisa B de Jurado, Corresponding Secretary; and Signorita Zenaida Jurad, Treasurer.
[Page 12]
A signal victory for the Seven Year
plan is thus gained. Shoghi Effendi
in his plea to the believers at the 1936
Convention spoke of the progress of
the faith in both North and South
America. During the remaining years
of that Plan they are to advance in
knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith together. The unity of the Guardian’s
expression must be made our own.
Man-made boundaries have naught to
do with the Divine Plan. The Oneness of mankind must become our pattern and he who advances along this path, fully cognizant of Shoghi Effendi’s wishes, will find sacrifice the gateway to spiritual achievement.
In the Tablet to the Americas, Bahá’u’lláh says:
“O people, avail themselves of the Day of God. Verily it is better for you to meet Him in this Day than in any upon which the sun rises, were you of those who know!”
- LOULIE A. MATHEWS, Chairman
- E. R. MATHEWS
- FRANCES STEWART, Secretary
- SIGNOR F. CALDERON
ROLL OF SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES[edit]
Elected April 21, 1938[edit]
- Glendale, Arizona, Mrs. Emma Jones, Route 1, Box 460.
- Phoenix, Arizona, Mrs. Zahrah Schoeny, P. O. Box 4053.
- Berkeley, California, Mrs. Laura Kelsey Allen, 537 Santa Barbara Road.
- Geyserville, California, Mrs. John D. Bosch.
- Glendale, California, Mrs. Zuna S. Larson, 461 West Vine Street.
- Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Margaret Campbell, 7058 Hawthorne Avenue.
- Oakland, California, Mr. Lorne H. Matteson, 160 Athol Avenue.
- Pasadena, California, Miss Emmalu Wever, 402 Waldo.
- Sacramento, California, Miss Elizabeth L. Duffy, 1821 M Street.
- San Francisco, California, Miss Nadeen G. Cooper, 748 Page Street, Apt. 7.
- Montreal, P. Q., Canada, Miss Anne Savage, 99 Guilbault Street.
- Moncton, N. B., Canada, William F. Byrne, 234 Dominion Street.
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada, William Suter, 301 Metropolitan Building.
- St. Lambert, P. Q., Canada, Mrs. Emeric Sala, 194 Riverside Drive.
- Vancouver, B. C., Canada, Miss Doris Skinner, P. O. Box 744.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mrs. Gladys Roberts, 915 North Hancock Avenue.
- Denver, Colorado, Dr. C. E. Meyer, 4495½ Perry Street.
- New Haven, Connecticut, Mrs. Elsa Isaacs, 559 Whalley Avenue.
- Washington, D. C., George D. Miller, 1717 Kilbourne Place, N. W.
- Jacksonville, Florida, Miss Kathryn L. Vernon, 707 Post Street.
- Miami, Florida, Miss Dorothy Logelin, 2020 S. W. 6th Street.
- St. Augustine, Florida, Mrs. Allston Speissegger, 20 River Road.
- Augusta, Georgia, Mrs. C. T. Sego, Bransford Road.
- Honolulu, Hawaii, Mrs. Elma Adolphson, 712 17th Avenue.
- Maui, Hawaii, Mrs. Mary T. Fanton, Sprecklesville.
- Chicago, Illinois, Mrs. H. E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street.
- Evanston, Illinois, Miss Virginia Russell, 2622 Prairie Avenue.
- Maywood, Illinois, Mrs. Gladys M. Amerson, 1413 Washington Boulevard, Box 123.
- Park Ridge, Illinois, Mrs. J. H. Redson, 612 S. Washington Street.
- Peoria, Illinois, Mrs. Marion Rhodes, 142 High Street.
- Springfield, Illinois, Mrs. Anna K. Jurgens, 1136 North 4th Street.
- Urbana, Illinois, Mr. H. J. Snider, 506 W. Penn Avenue.
- Wilmette, Illinois, Mrs. Virginia Camelon, 125 Fourth Street.
- Winnetka, Illinois, Mrs. Willis Hilpert, 455 Chestnut Street.
- Indianapolis, Indiana, Mrs. Golda Mae Cooper, 1 West 28th Street.
- South Bend, Indiana, Mrs. Sarah M. Russell, 1031 Lincoln Way West.
- Topeka, Kansas, Miss Fern Latimer, 814 West 8th Street.
- Eliot, Maine, Miss Louise Thompson, Baltimore, Maryland, Miss Mildred Elmer, 838 Park Avenue.
- Cabin John, Maryland, Mrs. Margaret R. Patzer, P. O. Box 133.
- Boston, Mass., Miss Louise D. Wright, 82 Ivy Street, Brookline, Mass.
- Springfield, Mass., Mrs. Wendell E. Bacon, Route 1, Monson, Mass.
- Worcester, Mass., Miss Fanny M. Holmes, 103 Webster Street.
- Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. Jessie B. Hall, 49 E. Willis Street.
- Flint, Michigan, Miss Elizabeth J. Phelps, Box 355.
- Grand Rapids, Michigan, Miss Virginia Nel, 2446 Cherrywood Court, Wyoming Park.
- Lansing, Michigan, George E. Angell, R. F. D. 3, Box 540.
- Muskegon, Michigan, Mrs. Iva Smack, 132 Allen Avenue.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mrs. Helen W. Frink, 1216 Nicollet Avenue.
- St. Paul, Minnesota, Julian Abas, 235 Fuller Avenue.
- Kansas City, Missouri, Miss Betty Becker, Hotel Ricardo.
- Jersey City, New Jersey, Arthur W. Foster, Bahá’í Center, 41 Tonnele Avenue.
- Montclair, New Jersey, Miss A. E. Van Blarcum, 19 Walnut Crescent.
- Newark, New Jersey, Mrs. F. W. Clark, 21 Milford Avenue.
- Teaneck, New Jersey, Mrs. Ethel Crane, 116 Cane St., Bogota, N. J.
- Binghamton, New York, Miss Roberta Maybin, 178 Court Street.
- Buffalo, New York, Mrs. Morris S. Bush, 406 West Utica Street.
- Geneva, New York, Mrs. Lucy Heist, 46 Park Place.
- New York City, N. Y., Miss Bertha Herklotz, Room 615, 119 West 57th Street.
- Rochester, New York, Mrs. P. R. Meinhard, 335 Wilmot Road.
- Yonkers, New York, Mrs. Dorothy W. Jackson, 72 Rossiter Avenue.
- Cincinnati, Ohio, Miss Hilda Stauss, 3640 Epworth Avenue, Westwood.
- Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Dale S. Cole, 3174 Corydon Road, Cleveland Heights.
- Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Margarete Acebo, R. F. D. 1, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
- Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Helen McCoy, 24 Lexington Avenue.
- Lima, Ohio, Mrs. Elma Miessler, 1019 Lima Trust Building.
- Toledo, Ohio, William Thiele, 402 Rockingham Street.
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mrs. A. P. Entzminger, 423 N. E. 10th St.
- Portland, Oregon, J. W. Latimer, 1927 N. E. 40th Avenue.
- Philadelphia, Penna., Miss Jessie E. Revell, 2531 North 19th Street.
- Pittsburgh, Pa., Mrs. Bishop Brown, P. O. Box 9, Ingomar, Penna.
- Nashville, Tennessee, Miss Nellie J. Roche, 713 Nashville Trust Bldg.
- Monroe, Washington, Mrs. Levina Sprau, Box 277.
- Seattle, Washington, Miss Doris Foye, P. O. Box 228.
- Spokane, Washington, Mrs. Isabelle M. Campbell, 1427 South Madison Street.
- Kenosha, Wisconsin, Louis J. Voelz, 6108 Sheridan Road.
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mrs. Jeannette A. Clark, 1814-A North Oakland Avenue.
- Racine, Wisconsin, Harold R. Olsen, 1332 Russet Street.
