Bahá’í News/Issue 124/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
“POTENTIALITIES OF GOD’S CREATIVE PLAN”[edit]
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
I was deeply stirred by the news conveyed in your recent cable. The abiding assurance I derived from its contents eases the burden of my cares and fortifies me in my tasks. The illustrious community of the American believers, contemptuous of risk or peril, is driving ahead, relentlessly and with its whole vigor, towards the dual goal which the Seven Year Plan has set before it. The virtual completion of the contract for the gallery section of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, the inauguration of the First Story Construction Fund, the signature of the contract for the models of the Main Story, the prompt response to the Fund newly associated with the memory of the Greatest Holy Leaf, the consequent placing of a further contract for the construction of the molds, the acceleration of pioneer teaching activity and the resultant penetration of the Faith into practically every State and Province in the United States and Canada—all these have, in the course of the second year of the Seven Year Plan, followed in amazingly swift succession. With dramatic swiftness, with unyielding resolve, with uncompromising fidelity and superb courage, the community responsible for such a unique demonstration of Bahá’í initiative and enterprise is overcoming the barriers, whether material or moral, that threaten to interfere with the execution of its declared purpose.
The task regarded as an essential preliminary to the crusade destined to embrace the whole of Latin America is now in full swing and is being rapidly carried out. A further step, designed to hasten the conclusion of the final phase of the ornamentation of the Temple, has also been taken. As the days roll by, as the perturbations of an imperiled civilization are more alarmingly manifested, the potentialities of God’s creative Plan correspondingly unfold, and the valor and heroism of its intrepid supporters are more widely and convincingly demonstrated. With every successful effort to muster its young and scattered forces, to perfect its methods, to extend the range of its operations, to deepen its spiritual life and to scale loftier heights of individual heroism, there will, I cannot but feel confident, be granted to this community a greater opportunity to prove its worth, and a fuller measure of celestial strength to enable it to reenact, on the soil of the United States and Canada and throughout the entire Western Hemisphere, those stirring exploits that have shed such lustre on the apostolic age of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Though much has thus far been achieved, yet the processes now set in motion through the evolution of the Plan are still far too rudimentary to permit even a faint glimpse of the brilliancy of the epoch in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s own Plan must come to fruition. Not ours to attempt, at the present moment, a survey of the distant scene, or to seek to visualize its glories, or to dwell on the consequences of the eventual attainment of an as yet far-off goal. Ours is the solemn, the inescapable duty to labor faithfully and unremittingly to insure that no opportunity is being missed, that no avenues are left unexplored, that might, however indirectly, contribute to the furtherance of those tasks that claim so insistently our immediate attention. That those into whose hands this dynamic Plan has been entrusted are aware of the essential character of their obligations and will discharge worthily their duties, no one, viewing the range and quality of their achievements, can entertain the slightest doubt.
- Your true and grateful brother,
- SHOGHI.
- Your true and grateful brother,
- February 8, 1939.
THE ONENESS OF MANKIND[edit]
The Guardian, in “The Advent of Divine Justice,” has created a new and higher standard of loyalty to the principle of the Oneness of Mankind on the part of the American Bahá’í Community, and has specifically declared that this standard must become the keynote of the policy of the National Spiritual Assembly in its capacity of the national representative and the director and coordinator of the affairs of the community. The National Spiritual Assembly must set the example and facilitate the application of this vital principle to the lives and activities of those whose interests it safeguards and represents.
This new standard involves the obligation to encourage and protect the members of the racial, religious and class minorities comprising the American
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Bahá’í Community.
Its application in Bahá’í affairs requires the participation of, and the sharing of responsibility by, these minority elements in the conduct of the activities of the Faith through the various institutions, including Assemblies, Conventions, Conferences and Committees.
The Guardian declares that in cases where individuals belonging to these minorities are already qualified and fulfil the necessary requirements the communities are to arrange their affairs so that representation of as many of these divers elements as possible is to be secured.
It is recorded that the National Assembly has already taken a number of actions in accordance with the spirit of this instruction, namely, in preparing the program of the Annual Bahá’í Congress following the 1939 Convention, and in publishing two leaflets compiled from the Master’s words concerning race amity and the reconciliation of Christians, Jews, and Muhammedans.
The National Assembly understands that this recent instruction from the Guardian is to be considered by the believers in the light of his previous clear instructions concerning the character of Bahá’í elections and the qualifications of the membership of Assemblies, described in the following words: “only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, of recognized ability and mature experience.”
It is for the believers to realize each for himself the extreme desirability of fostering the minority elements in the Cause and contributing to the safeguarding of human life in America as a vital spiritual privilege and responsibility in the light of the Guardian’s urgent appeal. The horizon of our Bahá’í love is to be extended, and our understanding of the true nature of Bahá’í unity is to be deepened and demonstrated in action. The ideal is so to develop the Bahá’í Community that it will become the haven of refuge for the grief-stricken and oppressed of all religions, races and classes in the land.
The National Assembly is confident that the believers will take the Guardian’s counsel to heart, and pray for wisdom in their effort to apply it to every aspect of their individual and collective Bahá’í life. The American Bahá’í Community must needs take a great step forward toward the goal of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
Bahá’í Exhibit, Temple of Religion, Golden Gate International Exposition
TEACHING ACTIVITY[edit]
“The companions of God are, in this day, the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such trustworthiness, such truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds and character that all mankind may profit by their example.... Vie ye with each other in the service of God and of His Cause.”
These Words of Bahá’u’lláh, drops only from the ocean of new bounties showered upon us by our Guardian, speak to us simply but directly of the responsibility which, for so many years, we have negligently carried. “Children of the half-light” we have been in many ways, content to serve this precious Faith with half our minds and bodies, loathe to loosen our grasp upon the world around us and sail “on the ark of complete independence, with ... faces set toward the Day-Spring of Beauty.” Such is our history; but today is there one soul among us, throughout this American continent, who can any more doubt that the time for choosing has come? Is this not truly the judgment, when God is requiring us to judge ourselves and elect our destiny? “How great is the Cause, how staggering the weight of its Message!”
| GOLDEN GATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION TEMPLE of RELIGION
DEDICATED TO THE LENT BY THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF SAN FRANCISCO |
Descriptive Card for Bahá’í Exhibit Prepared by Directors of Temple of Religion.
[Page 3]
The news of practical importance is
that all are pioneers, all are teachers.
Not one of the army of Bahá’u’lláh is
excepted by our Guardian as he rallies
us to the destined combat. “All must
participate, however humble their origin, however limited their experience,
however restricted their means, however deficient their education, however
pressing their cares and preoccupations,
however unfavorable the environment
in which they live. ‘God,’ Bahá’u’lláh,
Himself, has unmistakably revealed,
‘hath prescribed unto every one the
duty of teaching His Cause.’”
What shall be our plan, what the myriad points of attack, in what effective channels we shall pour out these energies of spirit quickened to birth by Shoghi Effendi’s vitalizing document.—these are questions for our private meditation and for the sober consideration of our representatives, in these next weeks, the most serious, the most priceless in our collective life as American Bahá’ís.
We need to review every accomplishment, scrutinize every effort, as a groundwork for the formulation of future developments. The teaching reports are the necessary materials for such study, and in this issue many new facts are added to the store already accumulated. May the exploits of our fellow-believers first in the field stimulate our thoughts, and cause in our hearts a yearning to join in the front ranks of “gallant members” who “will break down, one after another, the barriers that obstruct their progress towards a divinely-appointed goal.”
Arkansass has been the center of many efforts in these past months. Through an opportunity created by Miss Lydia J. Martin, the A.M. and N. College, a state college of five hundred students located at Pine Bluff, invited Mr. Louis Gregory to be their speaker during Religious Emphasis Week, beginning January 8th. It is believed that this is the first American college to
| CABLEGRAM SENT MARCH 26, 1939
|
| CABLEGRAM RECEIVED MARCH 24, 1939
|
give its entire religious week program to the Bahá’ís. A very fruitful program was arranged, during which Mr. Gregory spoke each Sunday at vespers, each noon at chapel, and maintained conference hours. In addition, he has addressed such groups as the Parent-Teachers Association, a conference on High School Education, a college class in government on the Bahá’í Administration, the Colored Ministers’ Alliance, the Catholic School, City High School and various grade schools, and five joint sessions of the college Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. He has also conducted a study class of about eighteen students, and was invited to tell some thirty faculty members of the Faith, including the President and Dean.
Miss Rezsi Sunshine returned to Hot Springs, Arkansas, in October and immediately established herself in the dressmaking business, through which she is making some of her most interesting contacts. Hot Springs, a resort city, “is like a melting pot. People from all over the country come here. And I am contacting many.” Also Miss Sunshine advertises three public meetings weekly, and has spent three weekends in Little Rock, speaking at the Hotel Marion and once on the radio. The public librarian in Hot Springs, whose comment on Prof. Cobb’s book was previously mentioned, now counts herself a Bahá’í.
Another visitor to Arkansas is Marvin Newport, lately of the New York community, who spent ten days in early January in Little Rock, en route to California. Through meeting a prominent young lawyer, talks were arranged for the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs which aroused great interest and received outstanding publicity. Many receptive persons were introduced to the Faith, including a columnist on the Arkansas Democrat who discussed it for four hours and asked for literature. Mr. Newport also spoke in Hot Springs to a group of eighteen, brought together by Miss Sunshine, and to several classes of the Synagogue in Little Rock. He reports that future prospects are promising, especially as many liberal leaders stated they were aware of the need for inter-racial amity, if the State is to progress.
| CABLEGRAM RECEIVED APRIL 1, 1939
|
Prior to arriving in Arkansas, Marvin Newport did other important work in Coleraine, Minn., where he had attended school. He was invited to speak before the Women’s Club, Chamber of Commerce, the College Assembly of two hundred students, and the College class on comparative religions. The Superintendent of Schools became so interested that he requested books for the College and public libraries, and the “whole town was buzzing Bahá’í.” Mr. Newport also made personal contacts and addressed clubs and schools in Grand Rapids, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Peoria.
Texas is another fertile region at this time. Five new believers have been listed at Dallas and four at Fort Worth. Mme. Orlova has been for some weeks in this area, addressing several large groups, one of more than a hundred in the home of Mrs. Roy Curby. In El Paso, Miss Myriam Grabler has secured employment and is hoping to establish a study class.
Houston has become, since December, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Calhoon of Milwaukee. Having chosen to pioneer, these friends have received
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most wonderful confirmations. Mr.
Calhoon found immediate employment
as director of public relations in a
large store, and in this position has
met many persons who were later invited to fireside groups. These are
held almost nightly and in addition,
a room has been rented in the Y. W.
C. A. where weekly study classes are
now held. The first class had an attendance of eleven, the last reported
drew nineteen. With the aid of Mrs.
Kathryn Frankland and Mr. Kluss, the
work is progressing rapidly and we
have just had a report of two newly-confirmed believers.
The following sentences written by Mr. Calhoon carry to us all the inspiration which descends so bountifully upon the “daring adventurer in the service of the Cause.” “Bahá’í work is progressing wonderfully; in fact the miraculous, or rather apparently miraculous ways new prospective truth seekers are being ushered into my presence would sound like a fairy tale, if I had the time to relate the many such instances which are happening here almost daily.... The unusual speed in acceptance has almost startled us. Last night at a fireside meeting, two stated their desire to become voting Bahá’ís, and at a previous meeting another stated that he felt like a potential Bahá’í. Bahá’u’lláh has showered such significant bounties and assistance on our humble efforts we are almost ashamed to lift our faces in prayer to Him, when we consider how undeserving we are of such unquestionable help as seems to be coming to us from the invisible realm.”
The words of Shoghi Effendi take on new meaning when related to experiences like these: “God’s own plan has been set in motion.... The powers of heaven and earth mysteriously assist in its execution ... Let the doubter arise and himself verify the truth of such assertions.”
A wonderful report has been forwarded by Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Eggleston of a teaching campaign conducted from October 16th to December 16th, in cities surrounding Louhelen Ranch. A total of 43 talks were scheduled for Mrs. Marzieh Carpenter, in thirteen towns, before non-Bahá’í organizations such as Rotary, Lions, Exchange, Shriners, University Women’s, Zonta, other Women’s Clubs, and High Schools. She was booked as a Bahá’í and at all times delivered direct Bahá’í talks. The results were most outstanding, from the standpoints of newspaper publicity, response, requests by other clubs for similar talks, and a greatly increased interest in the Faith and the Summer School. In fact, the publicity
Bahá’í Youth, Los Angeles, February, 1939
and interest obtained could not have
been duplicated, it was felt, had Mrs.
Carpenter spoken from Bahá’í platforms. The Committee attributes much
of this success to a combination of
efficient business methods and especial
reliance upon prayer. “Every hour for
some ten hours daily, members of the
nearby Flint community and others
have offered successive prayers; every
contact made, and every talk given, has
been preceded by especial supplication.”
This drive included exhibits of the
Temple model and placement of books
in libraries. It is hoped to follow with
another speaker before the coming
Summer School sessions.
Mrs. Gayle Woolson has spent the months of December and January in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she has found many opportunities for teaching which have carried her also to the near communities of Marion, Mt. Vernon, and Iowa City. Her public engagements have included such groups as Rotary, Optimists, High Twelve (Masonic), Hi-Y Clubs of four high schools, Coe College, and Phonetian Club of Syrian girls.
Meantime in Davenport, Iowa, Mrs. Gertrude Struven has been following up the work which she and Mrs. Woolson did, by spending at least one week a month there. During each visit a study class is held, a radio talk given, and personal teaching is carried on with eight or ten persons. There are now two believers registered.
Also in Iowa, we are informed by Mrs. Ruth Moffett, is a study group of twenty-two meeting in Independence, under the chairmanship of a well-known Unity leader.
This year finds a new and thriving Bahá’í community at Eagle River, Wis., where the work of Mrs. Moffett has resulted in a Group of eleven believers. The Regional Secretary, Mrs. Margery McCormick, recently visited them and reported almost twenty-five people studying the Cause faithfully since last October. These friends have applied for Assembly status, because “the majority felt that with world conditions being as grave as they are, they would like all the spiritual assistance that might come from functioning as a Bahá’í Assembly.” Thus do our new friends set us an example in Administrations!
Bahá’ís are spending the winter season in two cities of South Carolina. In Columbia are Miss Maud Mickle and Miss Alta Wheeler of Buffalo, who are holding two fireside groups weekly. They have also contacted key individuals, including the President of Allen University, the professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina, and the secretary of the Esperanto society. Meantime in Charleston Miss Louise Thompson and her sister, of Eliot, are continuing the work begun a year ago by Mrs. Hoagg, Mrs. Bodmer, and Miss O’Neill, with personal contacts and small study groups. Much stimulation to their teaching is anticipated from the visit of Mr. Charles Mason Remey, who left Washington in late January for a month’s trip to the
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groups and isolated believers of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Mention should also be made of Mrs. Olga
Mills, who has settled for the winter
in Tryon, North Carolina.
Mrs. Mabel Ives has forwarded a fine report of teaching in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, in which she and Mr. Ives have assisted since their move to Toronto the middle of October. Two or three study classes are held weekly, one of these at the King Edward Hotel with an attendance of fifteen to twenty. A Youth class is following the 36-lesson course, and some seventeen young people are vitally interested. To this work Miss Elsie Beecroft, lately of New York City, is valuably contributing. At the Sunday public meetings, attracting capacity audiences, Howard and Mabel Ives have been alternating as speakers. Three new believers recently enrolled. The Toronto Assembly is also conducting extension work in Hamilton, and hopes to open two or three other neighboring cities.
The Seattle Assembly has accepted thirteen believers this year, as the result of intensive fireside groups, and reports that “their vision and understanding of the New World Order was marvelous.” Seattle has also begun a correspondence campaign for developing out-of-city contacts.
Eliot, Maine, is sponsoring extension teaching in Portsmouth, Dover, and Salmon Falls, N. H.; and in South Berwick and Portland, Me. A weekly study class of eight or nine has been formed in Portland. On November 6th a dinner was given at Mrs. Greenleaf’s home, which was attended by sixty persons from these cities and visitors from Boston and Buffalo.
The New England Regional Committee is cooperating with the Radio Committee to open Vermont through radio. A registration was recently received from a new Bahá’í who first heard the Cause mentioned on the Springfield radio broadcast some months ago. Radio talks are also being arranged in Portland, Manchester, and Bangor.
These notes by no means represent the scope nor do they impart the full momentum of the Seven-Year Plan, as it surges forward on the teaching front. They are a cross-section merely, attesting nevertheless to the exertions, the ambition, the ingenuity and devotion of hundreds of our fellow-Bahá’ís. Beloved friends, even this is not enough. The Guardian is requiring more of us; indeed, we have been as a people asleep to this very hour. Now, by the bounty of Bahá’u’lláh, he wakens us!
“The field is indeed so immense, the period so critical, the Cause so great, the workers so few, the time so short, the privilege so priceless, that no follower of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, worthy to bear His name, can afford a moment’s hesitation.” “There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for the Bread of Life.... To try, to persevere, is to ensure ultimate and complete victory.”
- NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
“DRAW NIGH UNTO BAHA’U’LLAH”[edit]
“Every man of insight will, in this day, readily admit that the counsels which the Pen of this wronged One hath revealed constitute the supreme animating power for the advancement of the world and the exaltation of its peoples.” (Gleanings, p. 93.)
“The ordinances of God have been sent down from the heaven of His most august Revelation. All must diligently observe them. Man’s supreme distinction, his real advancement, his final victory, have always depended, and will continue to depend, upon them. Whoso keepeth the commandments of God shall attain everlasting felicity.” (Gleanings, p. 289.)
“They whom God hath endued with insight will readily recognize that the precepts laid down by God constitute the highest means for the maintenance of order in the world and the security of its peoples. He that turneth away from them, is accounted among the abject and foolish....
“Know assuredly that my commandments are the lamps of My loving providence among My servants, and the keys of My mercy for My creatures ... Were any man to taste the sweetness of these words which the lips of the All-Merciful have willed to utter, he would, though the treasures of the earth be in his possession, renounce them one and all, that he might vindicate the truth of even one of His commandments, shining above the day spring of His bountiful care and loving-kindness.
“Say: From My laws the sweet smelling savor of My garment can be smelled, and by their aid the standards of victory will be planted upon the highest peaks. The Tongue of My power hath, from the heaven of My omnipotent glory, addressed to My creation these words: ‘Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.’ .... Think not that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice Wine with the fingers of might and power” (Gleanings, pp. 331-332.)
“Happy is the lover that hath inhaled the divine fragrance of his Best-Beloved from these words, laden with the perfume of a grace which no tongue can describe.” (Gleanings, p. 332.)
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
Sculptor carving central panel over doorway.
BAHÁ’Í EXHIBITS AT THE WORLD’S FAIRS[edit]
At this date, only a preliminary announcement can be made on the important subject of these two Bahá’í Exhibits. In a later issue, illustrations and full descriptions will be given the friends.
Golden Gate International Exposition: Here there are two different exhibits, one in the Bahá’í booth taken in the Homes and Gardens Building, and one in an accessory building of the Hall of Religion. The latter exhibit consists of the Temple model, accepted for display by the Exposition without cost to the Fund. The photograph of this model appears in the present issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
The booth in the Homes and Gardens Building includes an area of 19 feet by 7½ feet, beautifully designed, as will appear when an illustration is available. This exhibit features the Temple model and also includes Bahá’í literature and free literature for distribution to visitors.
A public meeting will be held in the Auditorium of the Hall of Religions once a month. Bahá’ís will also conduct frequently the Inter-Denominational Vesper Services held Sunday afternoons.
A broadcast of the Bahá’í Exhibit and the Temple was given from the Fair grounds on February 28, arranged by Mrs. Silvia Matteson King and Miss Claudia Coles Aldridge. The script, in the form of a fifteen-minute interview, was prepared by Mrs. King and Miss Aldridge, and delivered by the latter.
New York World’s Fair: A contract has been signed for a space measuring fifteen by ten feet, in the Communications Building. Mr. John J. Earley is preparing the design, for installation before the Fair opens on April 30.
LETTER FROM THE GUARDIAN[edit]
With regard to the Racine Assembly’s request for an explanation of the passage on page 231 of the “Gleanings,” beginning with the words: “From it (the earth) have We created you,” etc., this is a verse from the Qur’an and the quotation mark has been wrongly omitted from the text and should be added after “time.” Bahá’u’lláh in quoting this passage seeks to refute the argument of the Muslims, who attach a purely literal interpretation to this verse of the Qur’an, and therefore consider it as implying bodily resurrection. To these Muslims, He says, that you who literally believe that the human body will return to dust and will be raised from it again, and therefore attach so much importance to this mortal world, how then can you wax so proud, and boast over things which are but perishable and consequently void of any true and lasting value.
The Guardian is delighted at the steps which the N. S. A. has taken to arrange for a Bahá’í exhibit at the World’s Fair to be held in San Francisco next spring, and also at the New York World’s Fair, on both of which occasions, he hopes, the Faith will be befittingly represented and given effective and widespread publicity. He would urge your Assembly never to miss such opportunities of presenting the Cause to the general public, and would, in particular, recommend that such Bahá’í exhibits should in future be frequently and regularly held in various parts of the country, as they can be of far-reaching benefit to the teaching work in America.
In conclusion, he wishes me to stress, now that the Temple Fund is swelling through the munificent and steady flow of contributions from the believers, the necessity for the N. S. A. to exert every effort to place the contract for making the molds* before the coming Annual Convention, so that the assembled delegates, who will be meeting under the glorious dome of our beloved Temple next April, may have the full assurance that the ornamentation work on that Edifice will continue to progress with full pace throughout the coming year, and that they may also have a tangible proof of your Assembly’s unswerving determination and inexhaustible resourcefulness to carry out that task to full and speedy completion.
- February 7, 1939.
_____
* In the postscript to this letter, written
the next day, the Guardian refers to the
cablegram sent him to announce the placing
of this contract for the molds. The postscript is quoted at the beginning of this issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
SETTLEMENT OF THE NINE AREAS[edit]
Within two days after the Guardian cabled that the immediate obligation is to complete the settlement of the unoccupied areas, the National Assembly found it possible to announce that the necessary arrangements had been made. Three pioneers were reported in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for March. The action taken at the meeting held March 24, 25 and 26, in consultation with the Teaching Committee’s representative, authorized the following settlements.
Mr. and Mrs. Hilbert Dahl, West Virginia; Mr. Harold Hunt, West Virginia; Mrs. Marguerite Reimer Sears, Utah; Mr. and Mrs. Allah K. Kalantar, Delaware; Mr. Rowland Estall, Winnipeg; Miss Doris Skinner, Calgary; Mrs. Beulah S. Proctor, Nova Scotia; Miss Evelyn Cliff, Nova Scotia; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McNally, Rhode Island; Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, South Carolina.
“Assure each pioneer immeasurable gratitude” was Shoghi Effendi’s immediate cabled response.
The significance of this achievement is doubtless not clearly realized by any believer at present, but we may with reverence note that one great step has been taken in the prosecution of the Master’s Divine Plan. The way is open for concentration of effort upon the other American nations and peoples, and the international responsibility of the American Bahá’í Community has definitely begun.
FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS[edit]
The Importance of Child Training[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh enjoined education upon all. During the days of the historic visit of our beloved Master on this continent, He spoke many times of the training of Bahá’í children. He said, “Encourage the children from early childhood in the study of every science, and urge them to acquire every art, in order that through the favor and assistance of God, the heart of every one may become a mirror reflecting the mysteries of beings, and fathom the reality of everything, and that he may gain world-wide renown in sciences, knowledge and arts.”
The Bahá’í parent knows that scientific education is not enough. The spiritualization of character to the point at which it dominates one’s manner of living is in great achievement.” “Divine education,” stated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “is the sum total of all development. It is the safeguard of humanity. The world of nature is a world of defects and incompleteness. The world of the Kingdom is reached by the highway of religion and is the heaven of all divine virtues.” “Make ye an effort” He further writes, “so that these children may be trained and educated and that each of them may become perfect in the world of humanity.”
A child is like a green branch, tender and easily trained. The sacred duty of every Bahá’í parent is the development of the little children under the supreme guidance of the Manifestation of God through His life-giving Word. And if, through the divine education, belief is
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attained, the highest of all gifts is bestowed upon the children. Bahá’u’lláh remarks: “Such is the station ordained for the true believer that if to an
extent smaller than a needle’s eye the
glory of that station were to be unveiled
to mankind, every beholder would be
consumed away in his longing to attain it.”
Our children form the front ranks of the spiritual army of tomorrow. In their days divine justice must cover the earth; it is our supreme privilege to prepare them for the part that they will play.
PUBLISHING ANNOUNCEMENTS[edit]
The Advent of Divine Justice, by Shoghi Effendi: In addition to the paper-covered edition, distributed by the National Spiritual Assembly without charge, a permanent edition, bound in fabrikoid, is now available. Per copy, $0.75.
Character: A Sequence in Spiritual Psychology, by Stanwood Cobb: This work, consisting of material prepared originally for a Course at Louhelen Summer School, and in part published serially in World Order Magazine, can now be obtained in book form through the Publishing Committee. Per copy, $1.25:
Volume IV, World Order Magazine: The annual bound volume is now ready. The price is $2.50, postage additional. If the twelve copies of the magazine are furnished, the binding cost is $1.25. For details, write the Publishing Committee.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS[edit]
The Bahá’í World, Editorial Committee: The address of Mrs. S. W. French, Chairman, is now 786 Chester Road, San Marino, Calif.
International Auxiliary Language Committee: Mrs. Luella Beecher has been added to the Executive Committee.
GREEN ACRE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
- July 3-8: “Laboratory Course,” directed by Alice Bacon and Helen Bishop.
- July 10-15: “The Guardian’s Letters,” Allan B. McDaniel.
- “Islam,” Prof. Stanwood Cobb.
- July 17-22: “Meaning of Life,” George Spendlove.
- “Positive Living,” Orcella Rexford.
- July 24-29: Youth Week.
- July 31-Aug. 5: “The Dawn-Breakers,” Rinaldo Quigley.
- “Prayer and Meditation,” Mr. and Mrs. Willard MacKay.
| THE CONVENTION
Housing Committee: Mrs. Carl Hannen, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill. Hotels: Evanston Hotel (headquarters of the National Spiritual Assembly), Hotel Orrington, Ridgeview Hotel, The Evanshire. Convention Photograph: 2:00 P. M., Saturday, April 29, on Temple grounds. Ridvan Feast: Saturday evening, April 29. Bahá’í Congress (Public Meeting): Sunday afternoon. Pre-Convention: Foundation Hall will be open Wednesday evening for delegates who arrive that day and wish opportunity for an informal gathering. The Chicago Assembly also invites delegates and friends to attend an Amity banquet Wednesday evening (April 26) in the Blue Room, Auditorium Hotel. Make reservations through Mrs. Kathryn Mortensen, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Tickets, $1.25. Post-Convention: Reception by Chicago Assembly Monday evening, May 1, at Bahá’í Center, 116 South Michigan Avenue. |
- Aug. 7-12: “Seven Valleys,” Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan.
- “Spreading the News Behind the News,” Elsa Blakely.
- Aug. 14-19: “Answered Questions,” Archie Tichenor.
- “History in the Making,” Dr. Glenn Shook.
- Aug. 21-26: “Administration,” Horace Holley.
- “Humanity’s Coming of Age,” Lorol Schopflocher.
- Aug. 28-Sept. 2: Esperanto Course, directed by Roan Orloff.
- “Laboratory Teaching Course,” Dr. Genevieve L. Coy.
- Sunday Devotional meeting at 11:00 A.M., Agnes O’Neill, Chairman.
- Wednesday from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., course on “Pointers on Public Speaking” to be arranged.
- Saturday afternoons, a Teaching Seminar, Lorol Schopflocher, Chairman.
- July 15: Bahá’í Convention (Laboratory Course) directed by Harlan Ober.
- Aug. 26: Bahá’í Convention (Laboratory Course) directed by Harlan Ober.
TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
Completing the clay model of a unit to go on the first story.
Prayer and Meditation daily, 9 to 9:15 A.M.
Classes: 9:30 to 10:45 A.M., and 11 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.
Evening Activities[edit]
- Monday: Stories from Dawn-Breakers—Louis Gregory, Chairman.
- Tuesday: Open for visiting with local community.
- Wednesday: Cultural Subjects—Color Organ, etc., Dr. Glenn Shook, Chm.
- Thursday: A Bahá’í Views the News—Lorna Tasker, Chairman.
- Friday: Panel Discussions—Amelia Bowman, Chairman.
- Saturday: Resume of courses given during the week by teachers.
- Sunday: Concerts, interspersed with readings from the Writings, poetry, etc.
Youth Week[edit]
Note: A special rate of $10.00 will be given youth, up to twenty-five years of age, who enroll for Green Acre Youth Week.
Sunday, July 23:
- 8:00 P.M.—Symposium.
- Subject and speakers to be announced.
Monday through Saturday, July 24-29:
- 9:00 A.M.—Devotions.
- 9:30 A.M.—“Bahá’í Life,” (Talks to be based on recent Compilation made by National Youth Committee) Norman Smith.
- 10:45 A.M.—“Transformation of Human Society,” Horace Holley.
- 2:00 P.M.—Laboratory Course on the Organization and Systematic Teaching of the Bahá’í Faith.
- Teacher to be announced.
- 8:00 P.M.—Social Activities.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Lima, seven. San Francisco, five. Los Angeles, five. Lansing, two. New Haven, two. Indianapolis, three. Vancouver, two. New York, two. Detroit, one. Geyserville, one. Chicago, one. Montreal, one. Milwaukee, one. Philadelphia, one. Spokane, one. Teaneck, one. Jersey City, one. Peoria, one and one youth.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
It is clear and evident that when the veils that conceal the realities of the manifestations of the Names and Attributes of God, nay of all created things visible or invisible, have been rent asunder, nothing except the Sign of God will remain—a sign which He, Himself, hath placed within these realities. This sign will endure as long as is the wish of the Lord thy God, the Lord of the heavens and of the earth. If such be the blessings conferred on all created things, how superior must be the destiny of the true believer, whose existence and life are to be regarded as the originating purpose of all creation.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
- Mr. Otto Schneekloth, Muskegon.
- Mrs. Molly Mosher, Foster, Quebec.
- Mrs. Janette Niles, Miami.
- Mrs. Gladys Eldora, Husted, Muskegon.
- Mrs. Nellie King, Teaneck.
- Mr. Greenville Talbott, New York.
- Mrs. Marion L. Vernon, Jacksonville.
ITEMS OF NEWS[edit]
The calendar issued this year by Conkling, Price & Webb, of 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, contains a beautiful reproduction of the Temple dome.
The Temple model is to be displayed permanently in the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.
A monthly magazine entitled Emir, published in Mexico City, contains in a recent issue an illustrated article entitled “Un Nuevo Mensaje Espiritual Nos Ilega de Oriente,” presenting the Faith directly and reproducing a picture of the Temple and of the Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles has begun publication of a monthly entitled The New World Order intended for non-believers. This interesting and ambitious Bahá’í vehicle will surely receive the best wishes and cooperation of the friends. The subscription price is 3 shillings, 6 pence a year. Postal orders are to be sent to “The Editor,” 46 Bloomsbury Street, London, W. C. 1, England.
A booklet entitled “Mrs. Eddy’s Successor” by Saxby Vouler Penfold, has been issued by New Canaan Publications, New Canaan, Conn. The author, a student of the Bahá’í Teachings, but not an enrolled believer, is seeking to bring the Cause to the attention of Christian Scientists. The booklet was issued without consultation with any American Bahá’í body, and therefore has no recognition as a Bahá’í publication. The text, however, does disclose excellent knowledge of many aspects of the Teachings.
MARTHA L. ROOT IN INDIA[edit]
(Continued)
One Professor said: “What we professors and students need is a great quickening of religion in our inner life. If the Bahá’í Faith brings that, we will study it.”
We met one Professor who is a relative of Qurratu’l- Ayn and he has made a deep study of the Bahá’í Teachings.
The Mysore University Library in the past year has gathered quite a good selection of Bahá’í books and these are being read by the students. The Librarian and the former librarian are most friendly to our Cause. I believe that great scholars from Mysore will write about the Teachings.
One Professor in the University is the Director of Broadcasting and Mrs. Fozdar and I both gave radio talks which were sent out to six newspapers and magazines in India. A young private secretary from a neighboring state told us that when he visited the Hill Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore in 1933, there was a book on the table, the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which he carefully studied. The Mysore University Library will have pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a picture of the Bahá’í Temple at Wilmette to hang on the Library wall.
Mrs. Fozdar, as I said, had been to Bangalore and Mysore ten months earlier and made many friends and this helped us very much. May she go again and many times to Southern India! She is not only a very fluent speaker but they called her the Bahá’í nightingale of India when she sang the Qurratu’l-’ Ayn songs!
Hyderabad, Deccan.—Then we came to Hyderabad, Deccan where we were the guests of the State and stayed in the State Guest House. We arrived at 5 p.m., and at 6:30 o’clock I broadcast. This radio talk was published in full in their newspapers.
I broadcast again and Mrs. Fozdar gave a radio speech about Qurratu’l-’ Ayn and sang. A gramophone record was made of her speech and song and the talk was published. We gave a public lecture the second evening under the auspices of the Writers’ Association of Hyderabad. We spoke before the Hyderabad Ladies’ Association to two hundred and fifty members and the wife of the second son of the Nizam presided. This beautiful young Princess is a grand-niece of the late Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey. Lady Akbar Hydari, wife of the Prime Minister is President of this Association. I spoke in Osmania University and at the same hour Shirin spoke at the Nizam’s College. Excellent articles appeared in the newspapers. The Secretary of the Prime Minister, a Cornell man, had attended a Bahá’í Conference in Geneva, N. Y., where he had been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay. There he had met Miss Mary Maxwell; he said he felt even then she had a very high destiny and that she was the most radiant girl he had ever met. We were invited to the home of the Prime Minister and to the home of Sir Amin Jung; the latter had received Mrs. Schopflocher, later myself, then Keith and then Mr. Schopflocher. He loves the Teachings and says they do not take away from any other Faiths. Says if he would be able, he would go to the Bahá’í Convention in Karachi in April, but he is quite ill. The Bahá’ís of Hyderabad met us at the train, helped us, and came with us to the station when we left. They came to the public lectures and brought booklets for distribution. Mrs. Fozdar spoke to a large group in a private home the last evening and I broadcast. We were in Hyderabad only three days, evening of January 31 to early morning of February 4.
