Bahá’í News/Issue 125/Text
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PLANS FOR THIRD YEAR
OF SEVEN YEAR PLAN
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey
THE GUARDIAN’S CABLEGRAM TO THE THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
Brilliant conclusion (of) second year (in) Seven Year Plan evokes universal admiration (of the) Bahá’í world, deepens (its) spiritual consciousness (and) mitigates (the) hardships (of) its increasingly harassed communities. Closing phase (of) Temple ornamentation already entered. Initial stage (of) Intercontinental Teaching Campaign successfully terminated. Firm anchorage (of the) institutions (of the) Administrative Order permanently established (in) every State (and) Province (of) North American continent. Mexico, lying (in the) forefront (of the) southward marching army, recently enlisted. Pedro Espinosa’s auspicious attendance (at the) Convention (is) welcome evidence. Settlement (of the) Central American republics (is) next step (in) progressive, systematic penetration (of) Latin America. Upsurge (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s impelling Spirit can not, will not, be stemmed (nor) impeded. Methodical advance along (the) line traced (by) pen (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá irresistible. Guatamala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Dominica (and) Haiti immediate objectives. Though politically unsettled, religiously intolerant, socially backward (and) climatically inhospitable, these unexplored territories hold forth inestimable prizes (for) audacious adventures (in the) path (of) Bahá’í service. Dearly-beloved Martha’s unrivalled experience, indomitable faith (and) indefatigable labors will soon reinforce (the) powers released (for) contemplated campaign. Task admittedly laborious, hour laden with fate, privilege incomparable, precious divinely-promised aid unfailing, reward predestined immeasurable. Appeal all believers, white and Negro alike, (to) arise (and) assume rightful responsibilities. Urge prolongation (of) sessions (of) Convention (to) enable delegates (to) exercise (their) inalienable right (to) deliberate (and) formulate recommendations designed (to) aid incoming National Assembly resolutely (to) prosecute (this) momentous enterprise. Fervor (of) prayers intensified.
- SHOGHI.
- Received April 28, 1939.
“STERNER, MORE GLORIOUS CHAPTER”[edit]
THE THIRD YEAR OF THE SEVEN YEAR PLAN[edit]
“Momentous deliberations of Thirty-First Convention,” Shoghi Effendi cabled in reply to the message sent him by the Convention, “opening sterner, more glorious chapter in corporate life of ever-advancing, steadily-expanding American Bahá’í community.”
The third year of the Seven Year Plan transports us to a greatly enlarged theatre of Bahá’í activity, calls for a correspondingly increased responsibility and effort, and gives us assurance of a predestined reinforcement from the Divine Power.
This new intercontinental area of Bahá’í teaching has been clearly described by Shoghi Effendi in “The Advent of Divine Justice,” which brings into full action the Master’s Plan for America, and the Guardian has also strongly accented the purer attitudes and higher qualities that must characterize the new humanity created by the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
“Brilliant conclusion of second year in Seven Year Plan evokes universal admiration of the Bahá’í world,” Shoghi Effendi assured the delegates and friends in his message to the Convention. All present were immersed in the mighty sea of the vision of achievement, and the hearts of delegates and visiting friends were shaken by the forces released for the guidance of the American Bahá’ís throughout the coming year. At the Convention our Bahá’í host was augmented by four members of the Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City, the first Latin-American Bahá’ís to attend the annual meeting, and also by the honored Mr. and Mrs. Sabet of Tihran, thus creating an international gathering.
Now the National Spiritual Assembly, after studying the recommendations of the delegates and the reports of committees, presents to the American Bahá’í community the schedule of
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tasks deemed vitally important for the
third year of the Seven Year Plan, the
96th year of the Bahá’í Era.
I. The Annual Budget laid before the believers is | $150,000.00 |
Of this, $35,000 is required for International and Administrative Activities, including property maintenance and committee budgets other than teaching; to be devoted to teaching in North and South America, $40,000; and for continuance of Temple construction through the Bahiyyih Khanum Fund, the amount necessary to maintain the schedule is $75,000.
II. Inter-America Teaching. These activities include the following items: Training of teachers; Spanish correspondence; bulletins in English and Spanish; a Reference Library; translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in Spanish; projects for settlement of new countries; publicity for Latin-American press.
III. Teaching in North America. Under this general title the American believers are responsible for the maintenance of a large number of facilities and activities. These must be properly coordinated and made to function vigorously in concentration of effort upon the common aim. Among the items to be noted are:—
- The development of administrative communities in the areas which still lack a Spiritual Assembly.
- World’s Fair Exhibits. These are in active operation, and are producing lists of interested persons.
- State Fair Exhibits. A traveling exhibit is in preparation, and a schedule of Fairs is being developed to the extent of our financial capacity.
- Teaching literature—a field which can be greatly developed. It includes special bulletins, study outlines, the series of teaching literature pamphlets, the use of The Bahá’í World, Vol. VII, etc.
- Establishment of Latin-American activities in the United States and Canada. The Latin-American communities in many of our cities offer a remarkable teaching opportunity, and a beginning is to be made during the current year.
- Special projects by the National Teaching Committee.
- Development of groups and isolated believers by the Regional Teaching Committees.
- Radio. Publicity.
- Local Assembly extension teaching.
- Summer Schools.
- Bahá’í amity. The function of the race amity activities of former years is to be enlarged in order to fulfill the Guardian’s instructions concerning all minorities.
- Youth activities. Child training.
IV. Temple Construction. The annual budget contemplates the completion of the exterior decoration by 1942, and the success of this schedule of operations represents a vital aspect of the Seven Year Plan. For the coming year, the following task is assigned:
- Completion of gallery contract.
- Completion of first story models contract.
- Completion of first story molds contract.
- Completion of purchase of quartz needed for first story.
- Begin casting and application of external decoration to first story. This item has paramount importance, for delay in beginning this part of the work would interfere with the schedule adopted for the Seven Year Plan.
The keynote of Bahá’í effort and policy for the current year has been sounded by Shoghi Effendi in his words: “Sterner, more glorious chapter.” The element of self-discipline and sacrifice replaces the irresponsible happiness the American Bahá’ís have enjoyed in the past, with their freedom from physical oppression and the social ostracism heaped upon their co-workers in other lands.
“The Advent of Divine Justice” prepares us for the mighty task, strengthens our courage, centers our energies, and guides our steps along the true path. The Guardian has given a vast bounty to the American Bahá’í community. Our only adequate gratitude must be expressed through the carrying out of each year’s allotment of the Seven Year Plan.
The National Spiritual Assembly places this brief statement of plans and policies in the hands of the Bahá’í community with a heartfelt prayer that each local Assembly will continuously strive to promote its schedule, that groups will identify themselves with its success, and that each individual Bahá’í will feel that upon him or her there lies a weighty responsibility throughout the year.
Alone among the peoples of earth, the Bahá’ís are an organic body, moved by one Spirit. If we fail in the least part of the common task, it can only be because we ourselves prevented the Spirit from accomplishing its mission. Therefore, let us deepen our Bahá’í lives from day to day, and contribute with all our power to that unity which is the sole instrument through which the Spirit works.
“The one chief remaining citadel, the mighty arm which still raises aloft the standard of an unconquerable Faith, is none other than the blessed community of the followers of the Most Great Name in the North American continent. By its works, and through the unfailing protection vouchsafed to it by an almighty Providence, this distinguished member of the body of the constantly interacting Bahá’í communities of East and West, bids fair to be universally regarded as the cradle, as well as the stronghold, of that future New World Order, which is at once the promise and the glory of the Dispensation associated with the name of Bahá’u’lláh.” “The community of the organized promoters of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the American continent—the spiritual descendants of the dawn-breakers of an heroic Age, who by their death proclaimed the birth of that Faith—must, in turn usher in, not by their death but through living sacrifice, that promised World Order, the shell ordained to enshrine that priceless jewel, the world civilization, of which the Faith itself is the sole begetter.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI, The Advent, pp. 5, 6.
CONVENTION CABLEGRAM TO THE GUARDIAN[edit]
Thirty-first Annual Convention (of) American Bahá’ís, one hundred sixteen assembled delegates with host (of) visiting friends, reverently greet beloved Guardian, deeply conscious (of their) increased responsibilities (at) opening (of) third year (of) inaugurated Seven Year Plan, supplicate renewed power (to) fulfil your highest hopes, consolidate established foundations and meet challenging issues (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s glorious Faith in western hemisphere. Rejoiced (by) historic event (of) presence (of) two believers (from) Tihran and four members Mexico City Assembly. Thrilled (by) report (of) eighty-one volunteers (for) pioneer service. Entreat prayers your unerring guidance extend rapidly revivifying influence (of) Revealed Word to sorely
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distracted humanity (and) thus achieve
America’s spiritual destiny. Undying
love, loyalty and obedience.
- BAHÁ’Í CONVENTION.
- Sent April 27, 1939.
THE GUARDIAN’S CABLED REPLY[edit]
Inexpressibly moved, grateful (for) stirring, unique message. Momentous deliberations (of) Thirty-first Convention opening sterner, more glorious chapter in corporate life (of) ever-advancing, steadily-expanding American Bahá’í community. Admiration heightened, confidence immensely fortified (by) fresh revelations (of) community’s latest strength hastening inevitable hour signalizing spiritual conquest (of) entire Western Hemisphere.
- SHOGHI.
- Received May 1, 1939.
THE THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
Potent and fruitful for the future promotion of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh were the sessions of the 1939 Annual Meeting. The spirit of action, the inspiration of service through teaching and Temple construction, seized upon the hearts of those fortunate enough to be present during this memorable Convention and made of them willing instruments for consultation and testimony.
The first roll call disclosed the presence of 107 delegates. Before the end of the day, 117 had registered, and at election time Friday afternoon the second roll call was answered by 125.
The Convention was formally opened by Allen B. McDaniel, Chairman of the outgoing National Spiritual Assembly. Mr. McDaniel was elected Convention Chairman and Horace Holley its Secretary. Miss Julia Sobel served as reporter of the transactions.
The Agenda[edit]
- Opening of Convention by Presiding Officer of the National Spiritual Assembly.
- Roll call of delegates.
- Election of Convention officers.
- Convention message to the Guardian.
- Supplementary Reports of the National Spiritual Assembly: Secretary, Treasurer, Trustees.
- Annual election, Friday, April 28, 3:30 P. M.
- Convention photograph, Saturday, April 29, 2:00 P. M.
- Ridvan Feast, Saturday evening, April 29.
- Bahá’í Congress, Sunday, April 30, 3:30 P. M.
For Consultation[edit]
The Seven Year Plan: Entering the Third Year:
- Temple construction schedule.
- Teaching Plans:
- Pioneer Settlement.
- Assembly extension activities.
- Regional activities.
- Special projects.
- Inter-America Teaching:
- Mexico
- Central America.
- South America.
- Loyalty to World Order of Bahá’u’lláh:
- Cablegram of September 24, 1938.
- Cablegram of March 24, 1939.
- Child Education.
- Public Exhibits:
- World’s Fairs.
- State Fairs.
- Teacher Training:
- Summer schools.
- Local communities.
- The Advent of Divine Justice.
These items were followed, and time was found for consultation on each of the topics. By vote of the delegates, the Saturday afternoon session was continued until 6:30 P. M. The message to the Guardian, however, was transferred to the opening, in the hope that his reply could be received before the meetings concluded.
The Guardian’s Cablegram[edit]
The two messages received from Shoghi Effendi are reprinted in another section of this issue. The second cablegram indicates that the first was not sent in reply to the Convention’s message to the Guardian, but was his greeting and advice to the delegates. His reply was not received in time to announce at the Convention.
Early in the meeting it was voted to precede consultation on each subject with a reading from appropriate passages in “The Advent of Divine Justice,” the power and majesty of which sustained the consciousness of the believers on a high level.
A description of the sessions written afterward, even a verbatim report of all discussion and remarks, would fail utterly to re-create the quality of the radiant and soaring spirit which so firmly united the delegates and visiting friends.
An Inter-Continental Gathering[edit]
The presence of four members of the Spiritual Assembly of Mexico, and of two honored guests from Tihran, symbolized the widening of the horizon of Bahá’í effort by the American Bahá’í community in prosecution of the Seven Year Plan. Their remarks, their prayers, their gracious presence, all contributed to the inspiration of the swiftly passing day.
Indeed, a great part of the discussion centered upon the topic of Inter-American teaching, which now ranks equally with the teaching work to be accomplished in North America.
The Teaching Committee’s report that eighty-one Bahá’ís have volunteered for pioneer work, and that twenty-seven pioneers have been sent out, was concrete evidence of the new motion which the Guardian has communicated to the Faith in America.
The walls of Foundation Hall were specially arranged with a display of the Master’s Tablets of the Divine Plan, and with a most interesting exhibit made by the Committee on Child Education.
Reports[edit]
The publication of the Annual Reports in advance of the Convention left but few to be presented during the sessions: a supplementary report of the National Assembly, its financial statement, and remarks concerning the properties administered by the Trustees. The Seven Year Plan was fundamentally the sole concern of the Thirty-First Convention, with its threefold branches of Teaching in North America, Teaching in Latin America, and completion of the exterior decoration of the Temple.
Significant was the sound of actual construction work proceeding on the gallery contract during the sessions, and joyous was the sight of the new work so far advanced since the Seven Year Plan was adopted only two years ago. Within two years, the friends have contributed almost one-half of the entire sum estimated for the entire construction work to be achieved before 1944.
Bahá’í Amity[edit]
The Guardian’s vital statement on the Bahá’í responsibility for the application of the principle of the oneness of mankind had impressed the friends deeply before the Convention opened, and the passages in “The Advent of
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Divine Justice” bearing upon this urgent matter were pondered and discussed at length. A resolution calling
upon the National Assembly to constitute Bahá’í Amity activities was the
fruit of this consultation, which
brought forth the sincere views of
white and colored friends.
Among the matters which came up during the sessions reference can be made to the following:—
The need for a more informative and complete form of annual financial statement.
The availability of a number of Bahá’í designers, architects and engineers for consultation and recommendation in connection with the function of the Temple Technical Committee.
The recommendation that the annual budget for the coming year be fixed at as large a figure as feasible.
The suggestion that local Assemblies provide Latin American Teaching Committees, and that contacts be made with Latin American students in American universities.
Presentation of the spiritual principle of donating to the Bahá’í Fund.
The recommendation that the principle of the oneness of mankind be applied to the living conditions of delegates during the Convention period.
Consultation on the first cablegram received from the Guardian. Consultation on his cablegram received September 24, 1938, which stressed the need of believers rising above the level of the subtle waves of propaganda now engulfing the world.
Consideration of the Guardian’s wish as reported by pilgrims, that a National headquarters be established in the vicinity of the Temple.
Presentation of the Guardian’s views on the attitude of believers in the event of war, with the recommendation that the National Assembly publish these views.
The Bahá’í attitude on voting in civil elections was discussed.
The Child Education Committee reported three new outlines for the year, and offered a few simple instructions for their use. The outlines were presented merely as techniques for reaching the child mind rather than as rules and teachings of a final nature. The freedom of every teacher to proceed with ingenuity and variation was made clear, and it was pointed out that any course of the kind had only relative value and perfection. Formal arrangements as used in Sunday Schools were discouraged.
Parent education is the new trend of this committee. An editorial column in BAHÁ’Í NEWS will suggest to parents from time to time new ways of inculcating
CONVENTION GUESTS AND NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY,
April 29, 1939
Mr. Pedro Espinosa, Mrs. Refugio Ochoa, Miss Zenay da Jurado, Mrs. Maria Luisa Jurado of Mexico City, Mr. and Mrs. Sabet of Tihran, Mrs. E. R. Mathews, Chairman, Inter-America Committee, with the National Assembly.
faith in the heart of a child, and
of producing those attributes so necessary to the Bahá’í life.
Discussions on children’s clubs and activities, devotion, home problems, and techniques for the scientific approach to creation added greatly to the general stimulus to child training. The committee voiced the hope that the friends would continue to make suggestions throughout the year.
Members of the Youth Committee also ably described the important activities fostered by the youth of the Faith, who have brought about the special Youth programs at Summer Schools, the publication of a Youth quarterly, and many special local activities as well as the International Youth Day.
Explanations about the Bahá’í exhibits at the two World’s Fairs, and a report on the preparation of a traveling exhibit for State Fairs were presented.
The three Summer Schools were discussed, and representatives of each Summer School Committee reported on current plans.
Consultation on the work of the Radio Committee.
In greater detail was presented the various activities of the National Teaching Committee, with reports on various phases of the work by individual members and teachers.
Ridvan Feast[edit]
Foundation Hall was thronged by Bahá’ís and attracted friends for the celebration of the Feast of Ridvan, Saturday evening. A beautiful program had been arranged by the local Assemblies of the Temple area, with readings, remarks from a number of friends, and addresses by Mr. Sabet and Mr. Espinosa. Then followed material refreshment and fellowship among the friends.
Locks of Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
With reverence the believers heard the reading of the Tablet on the Hair of Bahá’u’lláh, and gazed upon the precious locks which the Guardian last year committed to the care of the American Bahá’ís.
Unforgettable were the presentations of teaching work in various parts of Latin America by individual believers who found the doors open for establishing the Faith in the hearts of individuals. The recommendation that pioneer teachers be settled in Central America was an immediate result of the Guardian’s cabled advice and instruction. A number of pioneer offers were eloquently presented to the gathering.
Inspiring also were those remarks by teachers who have served the Cause
| THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
1939-1940
|
in France, Belgium, Hungary, and accounts of pilgrimages to Haifa.
Annual Election
The tellers reported that the nine highest names recorded as result of the counting of ballots were: Allen B. McDaniel, Horace Holley, Dorothy Baker, Roy C. Wilhelm, Amelia E. Collins, Leroy Ioas, Louis G. Gregory, Siegfried Schopflocher, Harlan Ober.
Thanks and appreciation were recorded for the services rendered by Miss Julia Sobel, the Wilmette Housing Committee, the Publicity Committee, and the Assemblies of the Temple area.
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT[edit]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada[edit]
The month covered by this supplementary report has been notable in the swift development of events, signifying a great acceleration in the field of Bahá’í action.
Communications from the Guardian received in this period include, first, the following cablegram dated April 1: “Assure each pioneer immeasurable gratitude. Such vigorous response, in such perilous times, to so vital a call, opens brilliant epoch in the formative age of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Impelled congratulate Assembly for its wise, efficient stewardship.”—And second, a letter dated March 17, which informs us that the roll of pioneers has been augmented by the names of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Bidwell, who had informed Shoghi Effendi that they have established residence in Greenville, South Carolina, in order to raise up a Bahá’í community in that State.
To the number of local groups qualified to form new Assemblies, the groups at Albuquerque can now be added.
From Miss Martha Root has come a bundle of newspaper clippings describing her activities in Australia, with a schedule indicating some thirty public meetings during the first few weeks after her arrival from India.
The far country of Lapland has been illumined with the light of the Faith by the indomitable energy of Mrs. Lorol Schopflocher, who has been traveling in that land and spreading the Message in recent months.
The reprint of the Master’s address at the Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at Chicago in 1912, already mentioned; has now been made, and copies are available to delegates and friends. In a few words, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave the American people so many years ago the reality of human oneness, and now it is our privilege to ponder His message on race amity with deeper understanding, and share it with the leaders of opinion throughout the country. Similar reprints of striking Bahá’í texts are to follow as rapidly as conditions justify, thus adding to our teaching literature a series of expositions that cannot fail to command the attention of awakened souls.
| NEWLY ELECTED ASSEMBLY CABLES GUARDIAN
|
The present Convention is privileged to receive visits from co-workers from other lands. Mr. and Mrs. Sabet are here from Tihran, on a visit that will take them to a few of the larger cities and perhaps also include both World’s Fairs.
Moreover, we have as honored guests not one, as had been anticipated, but four members of the new Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City: Pedro Espinosa, Mrs. Refugio Ochoa, Miss Zenay da Jurado, and Mrs. Maria Luisa Jurado, radiant in their enthusiasm and ardent in their service to the Faith. This visit is a great historic event, for it marks the true beginning of that new inter-continental teaching task which the Guardian has expounded for us in “The Advent of Divine Justice.” We join hands and hearts with these co-workers from Bahá’u’lláh’s own native land, and with the co-workers from the newest country blessed with the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. The Master, surely, beholds with joy from on high a gathering so blessed and so pregnant with promise of future achievement.
| THE GUARDIAN’S CABLE TO INCOMING ASSEMBLY
|
Our foundation has been firmly laid in nearly ninety local Spiritual Assemblies, in the House of Worship rapidly nearing completion, in three Summer Schools, and in a Bahá’í community which has acquired a great diversity of experience and manifests a rich variety of gifts. Each successive general communication from the Guardian has clarified our vision, deepened our aims and extended our horizon of consciousness. And now, as the world trembles on its collapsing basis, the American Bahá’í community, numbering some thirty-five hundred souls, is bidden to exemplify the coming of the Kingdom to mankind. In reverence and in true humility we can but turn to the words of Bahá’u’lláh:
“O people of Bahá! Ye are the breezes of spring that are wafted over the world. Through you We have adorned the world of being with the ornament of the knowledge of the Most Merciful. Through you the countenance of the world hath been wreathed in smiles, and the brightness of His light shone forth. Cling ye to the cord of steadfastness, in such wise that all vain imaginings may utterly vanish. Speed ye forth from the horizon of power, in the name of your Lord, the Unconstrained, and announce unto His servants, with wisdom and eloquence, the tidings of this Cause, whose splendor hath been shed upon the world of being.”
“This is the day in which to speak. It is incumbent upon the people of Bahá to strive, with the utmost patience and forbearance, to guide the peoples of the world to the Most Great Horizon.
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Every body calleth aloud for a
soul. Heavenly souls must needs quicken, with the breadth of the Word of
God, the dead bodies with a fresh
spirit.”
HORACE HOLLEY, Secretary.
THE STATUS OF PILGRIM’S NOTES[edit]
It was moved, seconded and voted to record the view that in the light of the Guardian’s general instruction, as quoted below, the National Assembly cannot sanction the publication and distribution through official Bahá’í channels of notes and records of pilgrims, as—
“Bahá’u’lláh has made it clear enough that only those things that have been revealed in the form of Tablets have a binding power over the friends. Hearsays may be matters of interest can in no way claim authority. This basic teaching of Bahá’u’lláh was to preserve the Faith from being corrupted like Islam which attributes binding authority to all reported sayings of Muhammad. This being a basic principle of the Faith we should not confuse Tablets that were actually revealed and mere talks attributed to the founders of the Cause. The first have absolute binding authority while the latter can in no way claim our obedience. The highest thing this can achieve is to influence the activities of the one who has heard the saying in person.”
“He would also urge you to attach no importance to the stories told about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or to those attributed to Him by the friends. These should be regarded in the same light as the notes and impressions of visiting pilgrims. They need not be suppressed but they should not also be given prominence or official recognition.”
“He has also said that whenever he has something of importance to say, he invariably communicates it to the National Assembly or in his general letters. His personal letters to individual friends are only for their personal benefit and even though he does not want to forbid their publication, he does not wish them to be used too much by the BAHÁ’Í NEWS. Only letters with special significance should be published there.”
MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has adopted the following schedule of meetings for the current Bahá’í year. One more meeting is included than has been held in recent years. Detailed plans will be reported later concerning the public meetings and regional conferences the schedule provides.
- April 29, April 30, May 1, 1939—Evanston.
- June 16, 17, 18, 1939—West Englewood.
- July 15, 16, 1939—Green Acre.
- September 2, 3, 4, 1939—Toronto. Public meeting September 1.
- October 13, 14, 15, 1939—San Francisco. Public meeting October 12.
- December 1, 2, 3, 1939—West Englewood. Public meeting and regional conference at New York, November 30.
- January 19, 20 and 21, 1940—Chicago. Public meeting, January 18.
- February 29, March 1, March 2, 1940—West Englewood.
- April 5, 6 and 7, 1940—West Englewood.
- April 24, 1940—Evanston.
“NEWLY UNDERTAKEN CAMPAIGN CENTRAL AMERICA”[edit]
A strong foundation has been laid for Inter-America teaching work during the past few years, with the establishment of a Bahá’í community in Mexico City, the formation of study groups in South America by Mrs. Stewart, the teaching and publicity accomplished by Miss Beatrice Irwin, Mrs. Loulie Mathews, Mrs. Nellie S. French, Mrs. Joel Stebbins, Mr. Philip Marangella and Mr. William deForge, and the schedule of translation and publication into Spanish developed with the cooperation of the Spiritual Assembly of Mexico City.
A new and more powerful impulse has been given this activity by actions taken in consultation with the Inter-America Committee since the Convention. It has been decided to apply the language qualification as indicated by the Guardian, and also to make certain that each pioneer can enter the country under conditions making it possible to remain long enough to establish a Bahá’í group.
The definite projects already approved include: Mrs. Louise Caswell to remain six months in Panama for study and survey of conditions. Mr. Philip Marangella is to proceed to Cuba. Miss Eve Nicklin will return to Brazil for settlement in Rio de Janeiro. Antonio Rocca will go as pioneer to Honduras. Mr. Mathew Kaszab has notified the National Assembly of his departure for Panama.
Other important projects are under consideration and in process, and will be reported as soon as possible.
An entirely new phase in the development of the Seven Year Plan is definitely under way, and its success requires the most ardent support of the entire American Bahá’í community.
GEYSERVILLE SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
Program of Thirteenth Annual Session
July 2-23, 1939[edit]
Devotions: 9:00 A. M. daily, Bahá’í Auditorium.
Unity Feasts: The annual reunion of believers and guests, 12:00 noon, Sunday, July 2 and July 16.
Study classes: 10:00 A. M. to 12:00 noon daily, except Sundays, in Bahá’í Auditorium.
Courses of Study: The Advent of Divine Justice.
- The Spiritual Unfoldment of Humanity.
- Bridges of Human Relationships.
- World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Program of first week to be repeated the third week.
Public meetings: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 8:00 P. M.
Children’s activities: Study classes daily, 9:45 A. M., except Sundays.
Youth Panel discussions: Daily except Sundays.
Subjects—The Young Bahá’í in the world today; The practice of Bahá’í teaching.
Accommodations[edit]
Reservations should be made immediately through Miss Ruth Westgate, Herbert Hotel, 161 Powell Street, San Francisco.
Rates per person: $2.00 per week in outside rooms; $3.00 per week in upstairs room of dormitory; $5.00 per week in first floor rooms of dormitory.
GREEN ACRE RESERVATIONS[edit]
Special rate during Youth Week for young people up to 25 years of age, $10.00.
The rate for room and board at Green Acre Inn, $13.00 to $22.00 per week. Corner rooms on second or third floor, $22.00 single, $20.00 as double room.
Front rooms, second floor, $20.00 single, $18.00 double.
Other main hall rooms, second floor, $18.00 single, $16.00 double.
Rooms in wing, second floor, $16.00 single, $14.00 double.
Rooms on third floor, $14.00 to $20.00.
Inn dormitory rooms, $13.00 double.
Cottage rooms, first floor, $15.00 single, $13.00 double. Second floor, $13.00.
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THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION
April 27, 28, 29, 30, 1939
The above rates include room and
board per week.
Reservations should be made as soon as possible through Mrs. Flora Valentine, Manager, 142 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., to June 1. After June 1, address Green Acre Inn, Eliot, Maine.
LOUHELEN SUMMER SCHOOL[edit]
Special Notice[edit]
Those coming to the Laboratory Session of Louhelen Summer School are requested to bring as far as possible: “Some Answered Questions”, “Bahá’í Scriptures”, “Gleanings”, “Promulgation of Universal Peace,” “Foundations of World Unity”, “Hidden Words”, Mrs. Hoagg’s outline entitled “Conditions of Existence: Servitude, Prophethood, Deity”. Also please study in advance pages 6-9 in this outline (formerly entitled “The Three Worlds”).
LIBRARY COMMITTEE[edit]
The Library Committee announces that the following books are available for presentation to new public, college and university libraries: The Bahá’í World (current volume), Some Answered Questions, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Foundations of World Unity, Security for a Failing World. Several of these titles will be sent to any librarian who will place our books on her circulating shelves.
We suggest that traveling teachers contact us for library information on the states which they plan to visit. Also, would the teachers try to drop a card immediately upon making a library contact giving the librarian’s name and address to facilitate placing books? Books will reach the library within a week or so.
All library information is welcomed by this committee; lists of Bahá’í books already on the shelves; reports of circulation ; librarian and reader receptivity; a brief summary of local Bahá’í activity. This enables us to judge library needs. It is also important that we do not duplicate books already available.
We supply book reviews to be published in local newspapers. We advise that you secure the librarian’s approval and cooperate with her at all times before publishing any announcement or reviews. Make the librarian a friend of the Cause whenever possible.
This committee would like to make our library records as complete as possible to be of greater service to the teachers, and to enable us to indicate
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where library pioneering is needed.
May we have a record of all presentations for our files?
For this committee, address the secretary, Mrs. Stuart Sims, Leroy Apartments, Red Bank, New Jersey.
NO GREATER DEMONSTRATION[edit]
A STATEMENT BY THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]
“No greater demonstration can be given to the peoples of both continents of the youthful vitality and the vibrant power animating the life, and the institutions of the nascent Faith of Bahá’u’lláh than an intelligent, persistent, and effective participation of the Bahá’í Youth, of every race, nationality, and class, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity.”
Who among the Bahá’í youth of America has failed to thrill at these stirring words of our Guardian in “The Advent of Divine Justice”, as he calls us to active participation in the teaching program of the National Spiritual Assembly?
“Though lacking in experience and faced with insufficient resources, yet the adventurous spirit which they possess, and the vigor, the alertness, and optimism they have thus far so consistently shown, qualify them to play an active part in arousing the interest, and in securing the allegiance, of their fellow youth in those countries.”
Thus does he tell us that we, too, have a part to play in the establishment of the Faith in the countries of Latin and South America.
“Through such a participation the critics and enemies of the Faith, watching with varying degrees of skepticism and resentment, the evolutionary processes of the Cause of God and its institutions, can best be convinced of the indubitable truth that such a Cause is intensely alive, is sound to its very core, and its destinies in safe keeping. I hope, and indeed pray, that such a participation may not only redound to the glory, the power, and the prestige of the Faith, but may also react so powerfully on the spiritual lives, and galvanize to such an extent the energies of the youthful members of the Bahá’í community, as to empower them to display, in a fuller measure, their inherent capacities, and to unfold a further stage in their spiritual evolution under the shadow of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.”
How, then, can we best prepare ourselves to carry out these new responsibilities? For an answer to this question we have but to turn again to page 41 of that same book.
“Those who participate in such a campaign, whether in an organizing capacity, or as workers to whose care the execution of the task itself has been committed, must ... thoroughly familiarize themselves with the various aspects of the history and teachings of their Faith.... They must strive to obtain, from sources that are authoritative and unbiased, a sound knowledge of the history and tenets of Islam. ... They must devote special attention to the investigation of those institutions and circumstances that are directly connected with the origin and birth of their Faith, with the station claimed by its Forerunner, and with the laws revealed by its Author.
“Having acquired, in their essentials, these prerequisites of success in the teaching field, they must .... endeavor, whenever feasible, to acquire a certain proficiency in the languages spoken by the inhabitants of those countries, and a knowledge of their customs, habits, and outlook.”
First, then, we must become thoroughly familiar with the history and teachings of our own Faith, as well as that of Islam, and next we must “acquire a certain proficiency” in the Spanish and Portuguese languages.
It is to this second requirement that the National Youth Committee wishes to call attention at this time. Some young people, no doubt, are already familiar with Spanish, having studied it in high school or college. Many others who are still in school will make it a point to include this in their program of study when returning to classes next year.
For the benefit of the remaining young people who have finished their schooling, we recommend that each Youth Group, wherever possible, provide its members with the means for studying these two languages. It may be possible to do this by employing government-paid teachers, or by sharing the cost of lessons once or twice each week. Whatever method is used, we should keep always in mind our objective, which is to prepare ourselves for service under the Inter-America Committee.
There can be no doubt that if we do this we shall have taken another significant step toward the fulfillment of our destiny “under the shadow of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh”, and it is hoped that every young Bahá’í in America will arise to “intelligent, persistent, and effective participation ... in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity.”
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Indianapolis, 8.* New York, 6. Rochester, 1. Baltimore, 1. Washington, 1. Muskegon, 3. Binghamton, 1. Pasadena, 1. Boston, 1. Detroit, 4. Peoria, 1. Chicago, 9. Los Angeles, 2. New Haven, 1 and 1 youth. Winnetka, 2 and 1 youth. San Francisco, 5. Milwaukee, 2. Seattle, 1.
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* In the March issue this enrollment of 8 was by error assigned to Cincinnati.
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.
- Mrs. Corinne Westerman, Peoria.
- Mrs. Elma Miessler, Lima.
- Mrs. Cora Lyon Houston-Brown, San Antonio.
- Mr. Will C. Allen, Berkeley.
- Mr. Omar Wolfe, Racine.
- Mr. Mathew A. White, Phoenix.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Rudisile, Bellingham, Washington.
