Bahá’í News/Issue 130/Text
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The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois
HEIRS OF BAHA’U’LLAH’S COVENANT[edit]
“Lauded be Thy name, O Lord my God! Darkness hath fallen upon every land, and the forces of mischief have encompassed all the nations. Through them, however, I perceive the splendors of Thy wisdom, and discern the brightness of the light of Thy providence.
“They that are shut out as by a veil from Thee have imagined that they have the power to put out Thy light, and to quench Thy fire, and to still the winds of Thy grace. Nay, and to this Thy might beareth me witness! Had not every tribulation been made the bearer of Thy wisdom, and every ordeal the vehicle of Thy providence, no one would have dared oppose us, though the powers of earth and heaven were to be leagued against us. Were I to unravel the wondrous mysteries of Thy wisdom which are laid bare before me, the reins of Thine enemies would be cleft asunder.
“Glorified be Thou, then, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great Name to assemble them that love Thee around the Law that streameth from the good-pleasure of Thy will, and to send down upon them what will assure their hearts.
“Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. Thou art, verily, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
Beloved friends:
Our lives, in these days of the manifestation of the Divine Will, are immersed in mystery. Beneficent powers, supremely enthroned above the world of violence and denial, await to employ the Bahá’í community for the steady consolidation of The Most Great Peace. We must be more conscious of the sustaining power of God than ever before, more humble, more expectant of spiritual victory, more alive in the world of the soul than in the realm of physical personality.
That ours collectively is a significant and noble mission the Guardian attested in these words, written July 28:—
“Though powerless to avert the impending contest the followers of Bahá’u’lláh can, by the spirit they evince and the efforts they exert, help to circumscribe its range, shorten its duration, allay its hardships, proclaim its salutary consequences, and demonstrate its necessary and vital role in the shaping of human destiny. Theirs is the duty to hold, aloft and undimmed, the torch of Divine Guidance, as the shades of night descend upon, and ultimately envelop, the entire human race.”
In part, this unique mission given to a small and unassuming body of human beings must be exemplified in the world of public action, through the steady prosecution of Temple construction and the activities of the Teaching and Inter-America Committees. Nothing can divert our attention from the oft-reiterated command to continue the twofold task throughout the remaining years of the Seven Year Plan.
In part, this unique mission is spiritual, subjective, exemplified by capacity to attain a purer consciousness and a more consecrated being. Without this deepening of our lives, this individual striving for union with the Holy Spirit, the public work of the Cause will fall lamentably short of its full purpose. Therefore, pending the formulation and announcement of any particular general plans that might appear to be proper and befitting for the community of the faithful in time of war, let us give each one full attention to the need of fresh inspiration for our inner life. Let us ponder again the mighty Teachings on the regeneration of the soul. Let us strive for worthiness to drink of the Elixir that is the source of man’s real existence. Let us realize that without inspiration from on high we can not exemplify the firmness, the courage, the radiance and the wisdom of those who, in the very hour of battle, carry within themselves the evidences that God has ordained the Most Great Peace.
Our guidance for these special days is, of course, derived from the words of the Guardian. Nevertheless there is a Tablet revealed by the Master, translated by Shoghi Effendi on January 28, 1919, perusal of which cannot but illumine our hearts at so crucial a time.
“This world war has come to an end. We trust that at least it will lead to the preliminaries of Universal Peace, just as it is plainly foretold in the
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Blessed Tablets.
“The greatest means for its realization is in the entreaty and supplication of the friends to the Kingdom of God. Ye should all implore and pray, supplicate and beseech that through the Grace of God this world-consuming war may be changed into a world-illuminating Peace. It is certain that the entreaty and supplication of these servants will be acceptable at the Divine Threshold, for we wish naught save the tranquillity of the world of existence, purpose nothing but unity among men and aim at nothing save the eradication of ignorant prejudices, so that all religions and races, embracing one another, may gather under the shade of the pavillion of the Oneness of God.
“O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom! the most pressing need today is harmony and unity among the friends of God. Strive your utmost for this. Not until this intimate unity is realized can universal harmony be established. Therein lies the reasons of Christ’s saying: ‘Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted.’ Exert ye a great deal of effort on this momentous question.”
Since that Tablet was revealed the organic unity of Bahá’ís has forever been established by the Guardian as Head of the administrative order. The phrase “intimate unity,” however, reveals deeper layers of spiritual association that must be attained in prayer and communion.
In essence, we have come to a great and mighty hour in the history of mankind. All things are to be changed, and all things will be in perturbation. The condition of pure, conscious faith alone will be immune to the forces of destruction.
“Glorified be Thou, O my God! I beseech Thee by Thy Most Great Name to assemble them that love Thee around the Law that streameth from the good-pleasure of Thy will, and to send down upon them what will assure their hearts.” These words, taken from a Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh, may well be realized as the expression of that constant prayer our souls must learn how to become.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
SUFFERINGS OF THE BELIEVERS IN TURKISTAN AND CAUCASUS[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has learned with deep grief of the sufferings of the Bahá’í communities in Turkistan and Caucasus. Some years ago their Assemblies and Committees were dissolved, as reported at the time, and their literature and records confiscated.
| NATIONAL BAHA’I OFFICE
Contributions, however, and all correspondence with the Treasurer, should be addressed to the Treasurer’s Office at 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, N. J. |
At present many of the friends have been imprisoned, including women, and some have died in incarceration, while the majority have been deported to Iran and a few to Siberia, Bahá’í activities and teaching are forbidden.
The American Bahá’ís can assist at this time only through such contributions as the National Assembly may find it possible to offer for the relief of the Bahá’í refugees within Irán. As evidence of the unbroken and unbreakable solidarity of the believers throughout the world, it is hoped that sums adequate to the importance of the case, and commensurate with the number of those in want, may from time to time be dispatched with the love of the American friends.
A contribution in the amount of one hundred pounds sterling for the relief of these believers was recently cabled to the Guardian as a donation from the American Bahá’ís through the National Spiritual Assembly.
PUBLIC MEETING AND REGIONAL CONFERENCE AT TORONTO[edit]
The meetings at Toronto coincided with the receipt of the Guardian’s cabled message of August 28, and with the outbreak of international war.
A deep sense of responsibility permeated all the meetings, those of a public or regional character as well as the business sessions of the Assembly itself.
On Friday evening, September 1, a public meeting was held at the King Edward Hotel, arranged in consultation with the Toronto Assembly. The subject announced was “Order for a Chaotic World.”
The lecture hall was well filled when the meeting began, and a large number of newly attracted friends, as well as a number attending their first Bahá’í gathering, shared with the Bahá’í community in constituting the audience. Mr. Allen B. McDaniel presided at the meeting, presenting Mr. Harlan Ober who spoke on “The Oneness of Mankind—the Foundation” and Mrs. Dorothy Baker whose subject was “The World Tomorrow.” A beautiful spirit was manifest, and the gathering dissolved into small groups who remained in intimate discussion long after the meeting was over.
Another public meeting, specially arranged, consisted of an illustrated lecture by Mr. McDaniel on the Bahá’í House of Worship, delivered at the Theosophical Center on Saturday evening, September 2.
A regional teaching conference, with Mr. George Spendlove presiding, was held at the King Edward Hotel, Sunday afternoon, September 3. The conference dealt with many vital questions, with chief emphasis laid on the meaning of the Guardian’s latest cablegram, the needs of the National Fund, and the importance of developments in the National Teaching and Inter-America activities.
MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
To assure the necessary concentration of effort at meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly, when matters of such extreme importance require attention, it has been decided to publish the following memorandum as notice to the friends.
No interruption whatsoever in the business of the National Assembly is to be permitted during sessions. Plans for consultation and interviews are to be submitted in advance. Individual members of the Assembly are not to make personal engagements during business sessions, the pressure upon individual members having proved detrimental to the transaction of Assembly business. In dealing with the believers, the Assembly expects to receive matters in written or documentary form and not submitted in the form of oral statements reported to an Assembly officer or member.
RECTITUDE OF CONDUCT[edit]
Such a rectitude of conduct must manifest itself, with ever-increasing potency, in every verdict which the elected representatives of the Bahá’í community, in whatever capacity they may find themselves, may be called upon to pronounce. It must be constantly reflected in the business dealings of all its members, in their domestic lives, in all manner of employment, and in any service they may, in the future,
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render their government or people. It must be exemplified in the conduct of all Bahá’í electors, when exercising their sacred rights and functions.
It must characterize the attitude of
every loyal believer towards non-acceptance of political posts, non-identification with political parties, non-participation in political controversies, and
non-membership in political organizations and ecclesiastical institutions. It
must reveal itself in the uncompromising adherence of all, whether young or
old, to the clearly enunciated and fundamental principles laid down by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His addresses, and to the
laws and ordinances revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in His Most Holy Book. It
must be demonstrated in the impartiality of every defender of the Faith against its enemies, in his fair-mindedness in recognizing any merits that enemy may possess, and in his honesty
in discharging any obligations he may have towards him. It must constitute
the brightest ornament of the life, the
pursuits, the exertions, and the utterances of every Bahá’í teacher, whether
laboring at home or abroad, whether
in the front ranks of the teaching force,
or occupying a less active and responsible position. It must be made the
hall-mark of that numerically small, yet
intensely dynamic and highly responsible body of the elected national representatives of every Bahá’í community,
which constitutes the sustaining pillar,
and the sole instrument for the election,
in every community, of that Universal
House whose very name and title, as
ordained by Bahá’u’lláh, symbolizes
that rectitude of conduct which is its
highest mission to safeguard and enforce.
So great and transcendental is this principle of Divine justice, a principle that must be regarded as the crowning distinction of all Local and National Assemblies, in their capacity as forerunners of the Universal House of Justice, that Bahá’u’lláh Himself subordinates His personal inclination and wish to the all-compelling force of its demands and implications. “God is My witness” He thus explains, “were it not contrary to the Law of God, I would have kissed the hand of My would-be murderer, and would cause him to inherit My earthly goods. I am restrained, however, by the binding Law laid down in the Book, and am Myself bereft of all worldly possessions.” “Know thou, of a truth,” He significantly affirms, “these great oppressions that have befallen the world are preparing it for the advent of the Most Great Justice.” “Say,” He again asserts, “He hath appeared with that Justice wherewith mankind hath been
Baha’i Exhibit, Golden Gate International Exposition, San Francisco
adorned, and yet the people are, for the
most part, asleep.” “The light of men
is Justice,” He moreover states,
“Quench it not with the contrary winds
of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of
unity among men.” “No radiance,” He
declares, “can compare with that of
justice. The organization of the world
and the tranquillity of mankind depend
upon it.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI, The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 22-23.
CONSOLIDATION OF TEACHING IN SETTLED AREAS[edit]
While news from our Bahá’í “front” continues to mount in zest and achievement, including recent registrations of the first resident Bahá’ís of Delaware, Rhode Island, and Alaska, the consistent consolidation of teaching throughout the rest of the American continent cannot be neglected. Its scope has now outgrown our reports; the following items are but brief samples of the splendid work of Assemblies, Groups, and individuals in every part of the land.
The Temple models are gaining greatly in usefulness. In upper New York State a model was exhibited at the Syracuse Museum of Fine Arts and at the Museum in Schenectady, with accompanying talks by Mr. Allen McDaniel. It will also be shown at the New York State Fair from August 26th to September 9th. In Wichita during March, an exhibit at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company prepared the way for a lecture series by Mrs. Gayle Woolson, and in April this model traveled to Kansas City for a week’s display. Milwaukee arranged for space at the Wisconsin State Fair in August. The New England Regional Committee is planning a series of exhibitions in the Fall. A picture of the prize-winning floral display at the Sacramento Flower Show, in connection with a Regional Conference there in April, has already been reproduced. From Redbanks, N. J., Mrs. Ellen Sims has sent a thrilling account of the display in the local newspaper office, and later in a miniature World’s Fair at the largest department store in Newark. She writes: “All small communities would be pleasantly surprised at the good will which results from the exhibition of our beautiful Temple.... I believe that this display promoted a better spirit on the part of the business men and local citizens towards the Bahá’í Faith. Publicity was secured in two newspapers. ... The radio talk was also most successful.... We have just received word from Newark that the Temple is the outstanding display at the Fair-o-Scope, and has attracted
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great attention.”
Interesting work has been accomplished by Mr. Duncan McAlear, with the active help of the Boston Assembly, the New England Regional Committee, and the National Library Committee. Early this year he contacted libraries in many towns and cities of suburban Boston, placing books and receiving requests for book reviews and autobiographical sketches of the authors. Later he placed literature in twelve New Hampshire libraries in cities of over 10,000 circulation. He now plans to contact 25 to 30 other libraries throughout the Region, especially in Vermont.
Our Bahá’í Groups have flourished during the new year. Atlanta has organized a Group of eleven members. Omaha has increased to nine with the registration of a teacher of Spanish. San Diego has added a member to become five. Through the recent assistance of Mrs. Nellie S. French and Mr. Marvin Newport, Madison now numbers seven. Waukegan has organized with eight. After two years of patient teaching by Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Wells, with visitors from Los Angeles and elsewhere, Big Bear Lake is a Group of eight believers. In Atascadero (California) nine registered Bahá’ís are preparing for Assembly status in April.
The teaching campaign in Wichita was a fine success. Mrs. Gayle Woolson spent a month there until April 22nd, giving three public lectures after careful advance publicity arranged by the Regional Committee. A study class was formed, and also four direct Bahá’í talks were given to civic clubs. Mrs. Woolson wrote: “Everyone seems hungering for the Divine Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.... So many say that they have always had such ideas but did not know there was a great world organization representing them. There are so many openings to be had that one wishes he could be ten persons.”
From Santa Barbara Mrs. Marzieh Carpenter has reported a talk to the local chapter of the American Society for the Hard of Hearing. About 35 members heard the Bahá’í teaching for the first time, using auditory equipment provided. Similar groups throughout the country would doubtless welcome lectures. Mrs. Carpenter also carried on a teaching circuit of Central California cities in April, speaking twelve times in eight days to service clubs, church, public meetings and firesides, under the joint sponsorship of the Oakland and Sacramento Assemblies, and the Regional Committee. A further activity of Mrs. Carpenter, cooperating with the Santa Barbara Group and Mrs. C. E. Carpenter of Santa Paula, was a weekend campaign in the new territory of Ojai and Ventura. Principal speaker was Miss Virginia Orbison of Los Angeles.
In Knoxville, Mrs. Louise Caswell was invited to address 200 delegates to the Business and Professional Women’s Convention on “Woman’s Place in the New World Order.” Many inquiries resulted from her account of the life of Táhirih.
Orcella Rexford has reported a Bahá’í talk in Miami to 300 persons, in Jacksonville to 250, and in Atlanta to over fifty. Study classes have been organized as a result of each lecture.
The visit of Stanwood Cobb to Montreal and St. Lambert in February deserves special mention. In lectures to the Faculty Club of McGill University, Sir George Williams College, two high schools, and at several Bahá’í public meetings, “a vision of the beauty and scope of the Bahá’í ideal of education was presented for the first time to many people.” It is felt that Dr. Cobb “will leave a lasting impression in Montreal.”
As an example of the spirit of self-sacrifice which motivates our Bahá’í teachers, it is recorded that Mr. Walter H. Blakely has returned to the Teaching fund three hundred dollars advanced to him for pioneer work in Alabama.
A report of 1938-39 has been received from the New York Teaching Committee, and may well serve as a model to Assemblies of well-directed and intensive work. “The region was divided into six sections with separate committees.... The activities included all kinds of meetings, public meetings of varying sizes, study groups, fireside meetings, indirect approaches and intimate spiritual meetings. All have their uses and values.... About ten different fireside groups have been held each week (in Manhattan). Most of these were for new seekers.... In Harlem five fireside groups have been held with one Sunday meeting.... Enthusiastic meetings have also been held in Long Island and there will soon be an Assembly in this section.”
The three believers of Covington, although a contrast in size to large communities like New York, are setting a potent example by meeting each morning at Fellowship House for prayer. Mrs. Marion Little writes: “This I feel will cause the power of the Holy Spirit to radiate through this region by the use of the Word of Bahá’u’lláh.”
Such an example is perhaps the best conclusion to a teaching survey. Incomplete though it must be, the account of our corporate activity is a thrilling one, certain to impart vigor and freshness to future work. Beloved friends, may we not push on with highest confidence, remembering the promise of Shoghi Effendi: “I, for my part, am determined to reinforce the impulse that impels its members forward to meet their destiny. The Founders of their Faith survey from the Kingdom on high the range of their achievements, acclaim their progress, and are ever ready to speed their eventual triumph.”
- NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
INTER-AMERICA TEACHING[edit]
The Inter-America Committee through its chairman has received the following thrilling letters from different parts of the world. The first from Wilfred Barton on his way to Montevideo.
“The passengers on the S.S. Uruguay are German, English, French, Spanish, Brazilians, colored and white. They are friendly and seem to have no hostility to each other, the predominant attitude and atmosphere is dejection and hopelessness. I have had opportunity to give the Message to a number of them, received with sympathetic attitude of mind. I think we should all bear in mind, whenever the war passions and sabre rattling threatens, that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá predicted future glory for the German nation, of course spiritual glory. When we stopped at the Barbados I asked a colored boy, Mr. Ridley Wento, to have lunch with me and he asked to have Bahá’í literature sent him. I think the Barbados will be a wonderful post for teachers in the Faith. Besides your many contacts in Trinidad I have made a new one. C. O. Waterman, Trinidad, he would be glad to attend a study class when a teacher goes to that island. Arriving in Rio de Janeiro I found Mrs. C. M. Cooper at home and had a splendid evening with her, whenever a new library can be formed here, she will be glad to take it again. I expect to meet Miss Holsapple and the Worleys tomorrow.
“The New York believers gave me a very special send off, I cannot express how deeply their presence and their demonstration touched me, and what I felt for that group of staunch and devoted believers, perhaps we shall some day attain to the station set for
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us by the Master when He says ‘The
believers should become enamored of
each other.’ ”
From the Philippines have come two recent letters, one from Felix Maddela and the other from Alejandre N. Maza. From the former comes the following, “We have hard time here to finish our work, some members want to wait to hear more suggestions before enrolling in Spiritual Assembly, maybe you think this is best? However, I have suggested to the group that if we desire to be a part of Inter-America work we should write a joint letter to the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, Shoghi Effendi, and hear good advice and good words that would help us to wait till literature and enrollment cards come. We desire the authority to translate Principles and World Religion, then we take boat and go forth to convert other islands, these are the dialects into which they must go, Ilocano, Tagalog, Visayan, Cagayan and others. We could not finance printing but gladly do the work. Please write quickly and not wait at all as all eager to hear from you.” From Sr. Maza.
“I am now vice-chairman of our group and therefor write to tell you so, I wish to call your respective attention to send me many books and pamphlets so I could study night and day the beautiful scientific, and spiritual principles of my religion. Then I would be able to tackle all questions asked me even by the clergy and our many antagonists. Hoping for immediate action I remain,” (signed) ALEJANDRE N. MAZA.
And the following touching letter from the Argentina.
“I am disposed to work upon your books here, I am not looking so much for the benefice the sale would bring, but because I am sincerely and deeply interested in divulgating the Bahá’í spirit, myself I am not able to make material sacrifies, for the motifs already expressed, but be assured when I can I will do more.
“I beg to state that I am of Swiss nationality, and came to the Argentina in 1915, here I have to fight very hard for living never having learned the knavish tricks that lead to making money. Reading your letter and the booklet that you sent to me, a new ray of hope entered by soul. Since a boy I have loved goodness that speaks to me of God. But now since reading of the Bahá’í Faith new ideas come into my mind, all of a sudden I am awake and alive and I live to promulgate the big Faith and science of Bahá’u’lláh. This is my sincere wish to work for this cause—please help me to do it. Excuse my bad English, but hope you
Temple Model on Display at Joseph’s, Florist, San Francisco
will understand my meaning. Awaiting
your good news, I remain yours,”
(signed) F. SCHNWEISER.
Recent appointments ratified by the N.S.A. are:
Mrs. Louise Caswell and Mrs. Cora Oliver arriving in Panama City in time for Congress of Nations to be held there.
Mrs. Gayle Woolson and Mrs. Ford sailing in October for Costa Rica. Mr. Antonio Roca going overland to Honduras. John Eichenauer, Jr. leaving for San Salvador to enter school in that city.
Mr. and Mrs. Shaw of San Francisco have sailed for Haiti.
From Balboa in the very heart of the Canal Zone comes news of our first believer in that country, the first believer from central America, he is Sr. Joseph Wantuk, taught by our first pioneer to Panama, Mathew Kazsab. He is an American citizen, married, with one child and in active business. He is the first fruit of the Divine Message and will surely assist the teachers and visitors to that land. Speaking both English and Spanish he will be able to form groups of both races. He has written a full declaration of Faith.
We are thrilled to announce the departure for Montevideo of Mr. Wilfred Barton. He will assist the group left by Mrs. Francis Stewart and endeavor to find work in some orchestra so that he can remain.
Our great pioneer teacher Mrs. Francis Stewart has just returned from South America after an intensive effort which has left six groups and countless individuals studying the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Her last letter written from sea is quoted in part:—
“It was surely the will of Bahá’u’lláh—my staying on these additional weeks in Buenos Aires—and I am so happy I did. The Bahá’í work became an endless chain, as newly interested friends told others and our own weekly meetings finally had up to 60 attending the study sessions and still when I spoke at the last meeting, the evening of July 7th, several new people were present, telling me not to go yet for they knew of so many others that are prepared for this Cause. On this occasion, July 7th, I referred to the Martyrdom of the Báb and translated passages from that glorious message to the Letters of the Living. I had announced the names of the local committee that would remain in charge of the regular study work and urged all to cooperate and assist them in all ways so that soon it may be possible to establish the first Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of Argentina that in turn would take the Cause to the entire Republic.
“On July 11th our ship started the all day journey down the great rivers of Argentina and at 10 P. M. we passed the distant lights of Buenos Aires at an hour that the Bahá’í Committee
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in charge of the splendid Study
Group were meeting for the first time
without me. On Sunday, July 9th, the
friends had given me a very lovely
farewell tea in the famous Chinese
Restaurant ‘La Pagoda.’ July 9th is
the Argentina ‘4th of July,’ or their
day of independence. One of the
friends had gone early that morning to
reserve a private tea room for our
group and at first the manager said it
could not be done, as they would be
overcrowded and it was the one day
when no special parties could be
booked. Then this friend told him it
was a farewell party for me, who had
brought to Buenos Aires the Bahá’í
Message. Immediately all difficulties
were swept aside and it was really a
lovely affair. In speaking to the group,
I of course referred to their historic
day of liberty, then easily took their
thinking to the larger liberty from
prejudice and inherited errors that enslave our minds and spirits. I told
them of the glorious life of the Báb
and how Bahá’ís the world over recalled on that day His martyrdom and
rededicate their lives to greater sacrifice for this Cause. One woman who
never before had heard of the Cause
(having come with an interested
friend) wiped tears from her eyes and
said to me ‘Oh, something has happened to me. I feel the truth of this
great Message and when you mention
the names of the Báb and of Bahá’u’lláh a thrill of joy went through my
being and I am eager to know of this
Cause.’ O, Mrs. Mathews, how very
great has been my privilege to see this
awakened joy in so many faces, to witness a change from a blank wondering
to that Radiant Certainty of Knowing
that ‘God is mindful of His own’ and
that He has sent again a Shepherd to
guard and guide His children. So
rapidly did events follow on each other,
so filled were about 19 hours out of
every 24, that when I relaxed on board
my ship I was for 48 hours almost
collapsed physically.”
- INTER-AMERICA COMMITTEE.
- By: LOULIE A. MATHEWS, Chairman.
PIONEERING AT HOME[edit]
One of the friends has justly remarked that each local Bahá’í community is in reality a miniature America, a microcosm for the application of the Divine Plan. Each has its virgin areas, unexplored territories, and populations of varied custom and belief. Each is surrounded by its own Alaska, West Indies, and Latin American Republics. It is plain, then, that all may pioneer, if not by journeying to distant places, then through the application of the spirit and principles of the Divine Plan to a home region.
The suggestion is that each Assembly, alive to its responsibility within its own city limits and in nearby communities, should survey these areas which so literally depend upon its resourcefulness and conscientious administrations of the teaching program for that news which is the priceless introduction to God’s guidance and Word. Through the use of a map, mounted on cardboard and displayed for all to see, the soldiers of the campaign could be charted, just as we chart the centers of Bahá’í life throughout the continent. Based on the position of each believer, as well as upon those factors which determine normal regions of activity in any city, the Assembly could then outline its pioneer plan. Contacts could be made, neighborhood newspapers utilized, firesides established, teaching circuits arranged; in fact, all the techniques of our national and international work could be locally applied. Such a program, comprehensive in scope, effective in method, aimed to cut down and eventually to obliterate the blank spaces on our Bahá’í maps, could well rally and direct the energies of every individual. Thus each Spiritual Assembly, at the head of its own “army of life,” might join the heroic campaign in which our valiant brothers are already engaged.
This, or a similar project, the National Teaching Committee would recommend to Assemblies and Groups for study and action. For it must surely be apparent that the intent of the Guardian, already written in “The Advent of Divine Justice,” is for each one of us to carry his full weight in the tremendous pioneer opportunity vouchsafed to America.
“It is the bounden duty of every American believer, as the faithful trustee of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ís Divine Plan, to initiate, promote, and consolidate, within the limits fixed by the administrative principles of the Faith, any activity he or she deems fit to undertake for the furtherance of the Plan.... 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.... Let these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, gleaned from the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ring likewise in their ears, as they go forth, assured and unafraid, on His mission: ... ‘Exert yourselves; your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established.’ ”
- NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
CHILD EDUCATION[edit]
Justice[edit]
“Each man has been placed in a post of honor which he must not desert,” wrote ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “A humble workman who commits an injustice is as much to blame as a renowned tyrant. Thus we all have our choice between justice and injustice. I hope that each one of you will become just and direct your thoughts toward the unity of mankind, that you will never harm your neighbors nor speak ill of anyone; that you will respect the rights of all men and be more concerned for the interests of others than for your own.” This is the standard that we desire for our children. Let them memorize it!
The first justice is concerned with their thinking. Bahá’u’lláh wrote: “The source of all these utterances is justice. It is the freedom of man from superstitions that he may discern the Manifestations of God with the eye of oneness, and consider all affairs with keen vision.” With this statement in our minds, how are we to apply the principle of justice? Yesterday the basis of child guidance was a set of rules set down by great-grandmother, grandmother, and a whole host of anxious relatives. Today we have Teachings direct from God. Let us, then, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said, “Be willing to clear away all that we have previously learned, all that would clog our steps on the way to Truth; we must not shrink, if necessary, from beginning our education all over again.” The first step to justice for a Bahá’í child, then, is to grow in the knowledge of the Word, so that he will possess a true measuring rod of Truth.
The second justice has to do with the child’s social relations. Bahá’u’lláh has told us, “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” And again, “Close your eyes to racial differences, and welcome all with the light of oneness.” “The purpose of justice,” He declares, “is the appearance of unity among men.” “No radiance can compare with that of justice.” Does this not mean, then, that our children should be permitted to play with all of the little children of the earth, regardless of color, race, or creed?
The third justice must regulate the child’s affairs. To allow our children
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to work and play with many others is
not enough. If the children quarrel,
for instance, we have no right to prefer
our own to other children, for this is
detrimental to all. Bahá’u’lláh reminds
us, “Decide justly between men and be
ye the emblems of justice amongst
them.” Mrs. Peggy True, in a recent
letter to this column, reminds us that
justice can be taught from a window!
We often see one child taking advantage of another. This is the ideal opportunity to teach justice by insisting
upon fair play, whether the child be
our own or a friend. Very often, in
quarrels, she writes, children have
their own methods of establishing justice. One boy who was playing selfishly
with a steam-shovel, aroused the animosity of the group with his own
greediness. “We will not play with
you,” they insisted, “unless you take
your turn with the rest of us.” Soon
he was left to himself, and in due time
was quite willing to divide fairly with
the group, in order to have the enjoyment of their company. The rights of
others are a very important part of
justice. Bahá’u’lláh tells us, “Lay
not on any soul a load which you would
not desire for yourself.” And again,
“They who dwell within the Tabernacle
of God, and are established upon the
seats of everlasting glory, will refuse,
though they be dying of hunger, to
stretch forth their hands and seize unlawfully the property of their neighbor,
however vile and worthless he may be.”
From Mrs. True comes also the suggestion that a common injustice on the part of parents is comparison. It is not fair to either child to say, “John isn’t as bright as Mary,” or, “Henry can play the piano and swim beautifully, but Jack can’t do either.” Instead of comparing one child with another, let us praise all of the gifts quite impersonally as to their relation to others. Let us also compare each child’s progress with his own past record; as, “How much better Mary swims now than she did last year.” Bahá’u’lláh points out this type of justice in “Gleanings” wherein He says, “The whole duty of man in this Day is to attain that share of the flood of grace which God poureth forth for him. Let none, therefore, consider the largeness or smallness of the receptacle. The portion of some might lie in the palm of a man’s hand; the portion of others might fill a cup; and of others even a gallon-measure.”
Reward and punishment is an ever-present problem. The parent, being in a position of authority, becomes the exponent of the words, “O people of God! That which traineth the world is Justice, for it is upheld by two pillars, reward and punishment. These two pillars are the sources of life to the world.” Neither flabby lawlessness on the one hand, nor unreasoning dictation on the other, should be regarded as wholesome. Divine Justice will exact from a whole world obedience to divine law, and the pillars of reward and punishment will “maintain the world in uprightness and protect the nations.” How can the child understand Divine Justice, if these pillars are entirely unknown to him, and his relations to society is fundamentally lawless from the beginning?
Every child is a potential governor in the New World Order. Will he be ready? Will his every thought and deed be just? Will he have regard for law? Will his membership exalt his House of Justice to a God-like stature? Will he be a “Trustee of God on earth”? “Bestir yourselves, O people, in anticipation of the days of Divine Justice, for the promised hour is now come.”
We will be aided in all of our efforts to establish justice among this new little generation, for Bahá’u’lláh says, “Should thou cause the rivers of justice to spread their waters amongst thy subjects, God would surely aid thee with the hosts of the unseen and the seen, and would strengthen thee in thine affairs.” We would find this as true today as when spoken to Sultan ‘Abdu’l-Aziz. The Kingdom of God is primarily the Kingdom of Justice; let us then prepare ourselves and our children for this Kingdom, so that the Most Great Peace may be established in the world.
MAKING BAHA’I HISTORY[edit]
Four women of the era of Bahá’u’lláh may together, develop almost any constructive idea! Returning from the Convention in Georgia Wiles’s car a plan was discussed that has already borne fine fruits.
A Summer School for the South has not yet seemed a possibility, so why not try a traveling Bahá’í Institute? So after much consultation and the careful laying of local plans, Georgia Wiles and the Regional Secretary, left Nashville, Tennessee, on the morning of Sunday, June 18, with Knoxville as the first objective.
We were received with open arms by the Knoxville Bahá’ís and their friends, about thirty in all, (including two babies of seven months each and their grandmothers!) at the suburban home of Mrs. Eva Weiss. We had a beautiful meeting, an abundant picnic supper, eaten indoors because of a sudden storm, then were called to the porch to see the perfect arch of the rainbow, and we joyfully accepted it as a promise of many confirmations on our journey.
Monday afternoon we enjoyed an informal meeting with Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís at the home of Mrs. Earl Shedderly. In the evening, at the Andrew Johnson Hotel, with Mrs. Louise Caswell presiding, some 18 persons heard the Message, given under the general subject of “This Changing World.”
Mrs. Terah Smith, of Atlanta, spoke on “Seeing Beyond the Impending Crisis,” Mrs. Georgia Wiles, of Nashville, on “The Individual’s Responsibility to the New World Order,” and Nellie Roche’s subject was “The New World Order.” This program, in general, was carried out in Atlanta and Augusta. In both these cities Louise Caswell spoke also. Characteristic of Bahá’í meetings there was much conversation after the program, and all seemed loth to separate.
Leaving her classes in Spanish at the University of Tennessee for the most important work, Louise Caswell went with us to Atlanta, where we first enjoyed a delightful supper as guests of Miss Rena Gordon, a radiant Bahá’í from Montreal, whose business has taken her to Atlanta.
Later, there were present a company of 21, 8 Bahá’ís and the others present members of the new class studying the Teachings under Terah Smith. Orcella Rexford has conducted classes in Atlanta, recently, and most of those present had become interested in the Bahá’í Faith through her.
Arriving in Augusta for luncheon, we were welcomed by Dr. Marie Kershaw, our hostess, and her house guest, Miss Alma Knobloch. A delicious luncheon and much conversation inspired us all.
Then to the lovely and hospitable home of Esther Sego, set among the fragrant pine trees, where we were her guests for the night. At five, a company of some thirty women, mostly non-Bahá’ís, came in for tea. Miss Alma, and all four of us spoke, and the company lingered until after seven o’clock!
Then back to the Bahá’í Center, which serves also as the office and home of Dr. Kershaw, and an audience of twenty-five, in terrific heat, listened most attentively to our talks. We were delighted to have in that audience one colored believer, a teacher, who had brought a young friend with her.
At Georgia Wiles’s suggestion, several
[Page 8]
of us stopped on our way home
at the grave of Dr. Zia Baghdadi for
prayers, and we all felt a strong spiritual sense of oneness.
Next morning we held a meeting of the Regional Teaching Committee at the office of Dr. Kershaw, with much discussion and much work accomplished.
Arriving in Atlanta too late to dress, we went travel-stained to the home of Mrs. Whittaker, the mother of Mrs. Thelma Allison, a colored believer of the Nashville Community, and had a most impressive meeting with twelve present, three non-Bahá’ís, five colored persons, and seven white.
Due to the activities of Communists, laws in Georgia and especially Atlanta, are drastic prohibiting interracial gatherings, even in private homes, but a beautiful spirit of love and unity was felt here by all of us.
Everywhere we found the greatest spirit of enthusiasm and dedication to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. In Knoxville, we found that the believers are rapidly developing themselves to administer the affairs of the Community, that they may be prepared for the day when Louise Caswell leaves them, and great things can be expected from that Community.
In Atlanta and Augusta, we found earnest groups of highly intelligent and well-educated people, vitally interested in the study of the Teachings, and in the application of the Teachings to their daily lives.
And when in Atlanta and in Augusta, in the heart of the deep South, we find the colored and white races meeting together in love and unity, and now in this New Day, seeking to create between themselves and for the example of others, a new interpretation of their older relationship of mutual dependence, and of loving service one to the other. We believe that through the power of Bahá’u’lláh, we of the South are greatly blessed that to us has been given the delicate task of leading others to a realization of the Oneness of Mankind, when, given more time, we can bring together, under the Shield of Bahá’u’lláh, the two races most widely separated, and yet most closely knit together by many precious ties! It is one of the Mysteries and Bounties of God!
This is all a long way from a Summer School, but everything must have a beginning, so at least our pioneering has begun, and the Summer School even now has a small savings account in the bank!
As we rode along at high speed over a fine road, and in safety, we, four women, felt awed at our priceless privilege of being granted this opportunity of contributing our time, money, and energy to spread the Bahá’í Faith. For Who but Bahá’u’lláh has given women their opportunities in this day for self-development, for the freedom of thought and action made possible by their financial independence?
It was a loving and joyous service in His Name, and Georgia Wiles and the Secretary arrived home after travelling nearly twelve hundred miles, tired, but jubilant!
- NELLIE J. ROCHE,
- Secretary, Regional Teaching Committee, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, City of Birmingham, Ala.
BAHA’I DIRECTORY[edit]
The following additions and revisions should be noted:
National Committees
Inter-America—Mrs. Sara M. Kenny, Secretary, new address, 1941 North Serrano Street, Los Angeles, Calif.
Regional Teaching Committee of California, Arizona and Nevada—Mrs. Valeria L. Thornton, Secretary, new address, 506 No. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif. Mrs. Shirley Warde unable to serve. Miss Emmalu Wever added to Committee.
Green Acre Youth Week—Miss Ida Noyes, Chairman, Miss Betty Shook, Norton, Mass., Secretary, Miss Hazel Bowman, Miss Deane Raitt, Miss Jane Carton, Miss Zabelle Ogasapian, Lucien McComb.
Green Acre Summer School—Mrs. Harold Bowman, Chairman, Miss Marjorie Wheeler, Secretary, 84 Pleasant Street, Worcester, Mass., Miss Lorna Tasker, Mr. Harold Bowman, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ford, Mr. Harlan Ober, Mr. Howard McAusland.
Louhelen Summer School—Mr. L. W. Eggleston, Chairman, Mr. Carl Scheffler, Mr. Edmund Meisler, Mr. Clarence Niss, Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Miss Flora Hottes, Mrs. Florence Holsinger, Mrs. Dorothy Graf, Mrs. Helen Eggleston, Mr. Kenneth Christian, Miss Gareta Busey, Mrs. Dorothy Baker. (Committee Secretary to be appointed.)
Annual Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Mr. William deForge, Chairman, Mr. Andrew Joachim, Miss Jean Silver, Mr. Bernard Gottlieb, Miss Ophelia B. Crum, Mr. Norman Smith, Mr. Carl Krug, Miss Bertha Herklotz.
Youth—International Correspondent, Miss Betty Shook, Norton, Mass., Acting Regional Secretary for the West, Miss Fayrook Ioas, 12 Tenth Avenue, San Mateo, Calif., Regional Secretary for the East, Joseph Noyes, 43 Davis Street, Binghamton, N. Y., Miss Ann Rutledge added as Associate Member.
Regional Teaching Committee of Missouri and Kansas—Miss Velma Vetter added.
World Order Magazine, Editorial Office—Address changed to 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill.
Local Assemblies
Montreal, Quebec—Until further notice send communications to Mr. E. V. Harrison, 30 Staynor Avenue.
Oakland, Calif.—Change of address, Miss Gladyce Linfoot, Secretary, 156 Nova Drive, Piedmont, Calif.
Eliot, Maine—Change of address, Mrs. Georgie d’Garcie, Mountain View Farm, Springvale, Maine.
Baltimore, Md.—Change of address, Miss Mildred Elmer, Secretary, 3302 Clifton Avenue.
ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Los Angeles, four. Vancouver, two. Maui, three. Miami, one. New York, five and one youth. New Haven, one youth. Cabin John, one. Indianapolis, two. St. Lambert, one. Eagle River, two. San Francisco, one and two youth. Huntington Park, one. Cincinnati, two. Augusta, one. Urbana, one.
