Bahá’í News/Issue 131/Text
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No. 131 | YEAR 96, BAHÁ’Í ERA | November, 1939 |
“VIGOROUS, CONSTANT INTER-ACTION”[edit]
In a cablegram received October 3, 1939, the Guardian hails as an “historic act” the action of the National Spiritual Assembly in transferring its central Office to the Temple area, “signalizing auspicious conjunction (in) heart (of) North American continent (of the) institutions (of) Hazíratu’l-Quds (and) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, the twin foci (of) steadily evolving American Bahá’í community life”. The remainder of that message specifically describes and interprets their distinctive and also their joint significance.
CABLEGRAM FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
SHOGHI RABBANI.
|
The resulting condition, in the considered view of the National Spiritual Assembly, is one which involves not merely the national Bahá’í institutions and a relatively few believers, but likewise the local Bahá’í institutions and the entire Bahá’í community. What we now witness is a symbolic representation of the ever-deepening relationship between the social and the spiritual Teachings revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. What we are to realize is that this relationship is no mere formal tie between institutions, but a blending of motives in every Bahá’í heart. We Bahá’ís are being summoned to a higher plane of conscious faith, a new reality created by Bahá’u’lláh for the inauguration of that World Civilization, His Kingdom. We must, each one, and day by day, endeavor with all our hearts to attain balance between personal feeling and social responsibility, between freedom and discipline, between love and justice—the unique achievement of the Bahá’í life.
For the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár may be likened to a projection of the profound level of spiritual reverence which God has established as the endowment of the human soul; and the Hazíratu’l-Quds similarly may be likened to a projection of that social relationship which arises during the maturity of the human race. We can feel and realize the corresponding aspects of reality in our own personal lives, and this sense of intimate association between the person and the community is the sign of the Kingdom. For no citizen nor subject of any political body on earth can experience the working of a Divine destiny in his loyalty to that political entity.
The occasion, indeed, calls for a new and clearer understanding of some of the passages which the Guardian has inserted, like gems, in the pure gold of his exposition of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh:—
“Those priceless elements of that Divine Civilization, the establishment of which is the primary mission of the Bahá’í Faith ... the essential unity that underlies the spiritual, the humanitarian, and the administrative principles enunciated by the Author and the Interpreter of the Bahá’í Faith ... To dissociate the administrative principles of the Cause from the purely spiritual and humanitarian teachings would be tantamount
CABLEGRAM FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
SHOGHI RABBANI.
|
to a mutilation of the body of the Cause, a separation that can only result in the disintegration of its component parts, and the extinction of the Faith itself ... Not only will the present-day Spiritual Assemblies be styled differently in future, but they will be enabled also to add to their present functions those powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated by the recognition of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, not merely as one of the recognized religious systems of the world, but as the State Religion of an independent and Sovereign Power ... The administration of the Cause is to be conceived as an instrument and not a substitute for the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh ... it should be regarded as a channel through which His promised blessings may flow ... For Bahá’u’lláh ... has not only imbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit, He has not merely enunciated certain universal principles, or propounded a particular philosophy ... In addition to these He, as well as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a set of Laws, established definite Institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy ... a pattern for future society, a supreme instrument for the establishment of the ‘Most Great Peace,’ and the one agency for the unification of the world, and the proclamation of the reign of righteousness and justice upon the earth ... this priceless gem of Divine Revelation ... shall evolve within the shell of His law, and shall forge ahead ... till it embraces the whole of mankind ... That the Cause associated with the name of Bahá’u’lláh feeds itself upon those hidden springs of celestial strength which no force of human personality, whatever its glamor, can replace: that its reliance is solely upon that mystic Source with which no worldly advantage, be it wealth, fame, or learning can compare; that it propagates itself by ways mysterious and utterly at variance with the standards accepted by the generality of mankind, will ... become increasingly apparent ...”
Therefore as each one makes a mighty effort to attain his own degree of perfection, may we never overlook the truth that all sincere effort, of every kind and quality, is for a Bahá’í distinguished by its useful effects upon the unity and power of the entire community. May the American Bahá’í community become as one body striving, with thousands of ardent hands, to fashion the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as its supreme instrument of prayer, and augment its social institutions as its instrument of brotherhood and of peace.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
MARTHA L. ROOT[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly shares with the American friends a spirit of profound grief in the recent loss of our co-worker, Miss Martha Root, whose days of service on earth ended September 28, in Honolulu, while a guest of Mrs. Kathryn Baldwin. Her passing significantly took place on an island between the eastern and western continents; this great Bahá’í hero belonged to the world.
The following heart-stirring message came from our Guardian on October 3: “Martha’s unnumbered admirers throughout Bahá’í world lament with me (the) earthly extinction (of) her heroic life. Concourse on high acclaim her elevation (to) rightful position (in) galaxy (of) Bahá’í immortals. Posterity will establish her as foremost Hand which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s will has raised up (in) first Bahá’í century. Present generation (of) her fellow-believers recognize her (to be the) first, finest fruit (which the) Formative Age (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh has as yet produced. Advise hold befitting memorial gathering (in) Temple (to) honor one whose acts shed imperishable lustre (on) American Bahá’í community. Impelled share with National Assembly expenses (of) erection (of) monument (in) symbolic spot, (the) meeting-place (of) East (and) West, to both (of) which she unsparingly dedicated (the) full force (of her) mighty energies.”
The Honolulu Advertiser wrote: “Miss Root was born in Richwood, Ohio, August 10, 1872.... She was an international Bahá’í teacher, journalist, author, and lecturer, who literally carried the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to every part of the earth.... She was an ardent Esperantist, and attended their congresses both in Europe and America.... Some idea of the scope of her work may be glimpsed from the fact that she lectured in more than 400 universities of the world. She was received by kings, queens, princes and princesses, presidents, statesmen, and writers.... The Bahá’ís of Tihran regard her as an angel of purity and as a true Bahá’í—that is—a possessor of all human virtues. One fruit of her visit to Persia was the writing of the life of Irán’s greatest woman, ‘Táhiríh, the Pure’. She also prepared for publication a story called, ‘White Roses of Persia.’ ... This disciple of Bahá’u’lláh started life as a newspaper woman, and in that career achieved exceptionally high rank by virtue of unusual intelligence and extraordinary energy.... The amount of good she did can not be overestimated.”
It would be impossible for the Bahá’í world to trace in its full and rich detail her untiring services. In 1919, we find her visiting every important South American city. Possessing no Spanish or Portuguese literature, and without speaking knowledge of these languages, she was, with the help of translators, heard and read by thousands, and because of her, the first Bahá’í booklet in Portuguese was prepared by Brazilians for publication.
In Europe and Asia, thousands heard her message, from the humblest firesides, to the palaces of royalty. To Thomas Masaryk, first president of the Republic of Czechoslovakia, Martha gave the Bahá’í Teachings; and to King Faisal of Iraq; to Y. S. Tsao, president of the Tsing Hua University, who translated many Bahá’í writings into Chinese; to Prince Paul and Princess Olga of Yugoslavia; to Nishuama, head of the Board of Religions of Japan; and to Queen Marie of Rumania, of whose interview the Guardian himself wrote:
MEMORIAL GATHERING FOR MARTHA L. ROOT
PROGRAM
|
“One of the visible and potent effects which this historic interview proved capable of achieving was the remarkable appeal in the form of open letters which Her Majesty freely and spontaneously caused to be published to the world at large, testifying in a language of exquisite beauty to the power and sublimity of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.”
With what tenderness our hearts follow her on her journey of October, 1933, to Adrianople, where the Blessed Perfection had “planted a seed under every stone.” Through her we are welcomed by the Governor and Mayor. With her we kneel reverently in the Muradiyyih Mosque and sense “how far Bahá’u’lláh had come to meet our Western World!” Through her eyes, many times tear-dimmed in that city, we see the gentle Mustafa Big, who had been in the Presence of the Beloved and was able to tell us of His gardens, His house, His great generosity, and of the reverent esteem of His fellow citizens. Between the lines of Martha’s gentle pen appears the persuasion of her own indelible impression upon Adrianople.
Martha even traveled to the outposts of civilization. In 1935, she journeyed to Iceland, where a radio station turned over its News Hour to her dynamic message, and where newspapers printed for the first time Bahá’í utterances in Icelandic.
A last touching tribute comes to us from the Bahá’ís of India and Burma, who, unaware of her approaching departure from this life, wrote in their Convention report the news of her spiritual victories in the present year. “The most outstanding feature in the year under report has been the teaching activities of our beloved sister, Miss Martha L. Root. This star servant of Bahá’u’lláh toured from Bombay to Mandalay, and from Srinagar to Colombo. Wherever she went, she delivered the message of Bahá’u’lláh in her own convincing way, and published the divine Cause amongst almost all of the educated people of this great continent.... In Sindh, she visited Karachi and Hyderabad. In Karachi she attended the tenth Convention of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma, and probably did the greatest service of her life. She stayed in that town for three months, and got the book ‘Táhiríh, the Pure’ printed and mailed the world over. It was here in this city that she met Sadaq Viswani and made a deep impression on the mind of that saintly man.... In Simla she graced the first Bahá’í Summer School of India and Burma with her presence and drew down the blessings of God on this institution. In Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Amritsar, Jullundur, Ludhiama, Delhi, Patiala, Aligarh, Lucknow, Allahabad, Benares, and Patna, she visited colleges and universities, and delivered the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to students, professors, and intelligensia of the universities of India.... Miss Martha Root has opened the whole of India for us, and it now devolves upon us to so utilize these openings as to produce the best of results.”
American hearts today find thankfulness mingled with their grief as they view in retrospect the Divine bounty of such a life. Bahá’í pioneers of the entire planet, and more especially those from among her own countrymen, find themselves the spiritual beneficiaries of one to whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote: “Thou art really a herald of the Kingdom and a harbinger of the Covenant and doest self-sacrifice. Thou showest kindness to all nations; thou art sowing a seed that shall in the long run give rise to thousands of harvests; thou art planting a tree that shall till eternity put forth leaves, blossoms and fruits, and whose shadow shall day by day grow in magnitude.”
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.
OUR BAHÁ’Í PIONEERS[edit]
That our Bahá’í pioneers, in the field and at home, are resolved to support the Guardian’s call to “hold aloft (the) Torch whose infant Light heralds birth (of) effulgent World Order,” no one who reads the swiftly-mounting file of teaching reports can doubt. The American community is at work with the highest determination to spread the Faith in every part. The following notes are but highlights, inadequate representations of the achievements and spirit which the stress of our times calls forth.
In Rhode Island the Cause has been established through the ceaseless efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Don T. McNally, reinforced by the confirming power of the session at Green Acre. Mrs. Helen Wilson of Pawtucket and Miss Elena Marsello of Providence have registered as believers, and enrollment cards have been requested for two others. Mrs. McNally has been invited by a colored Episcopal minister to teach a class of fifteen girls in the church. Library books have been placed and are in use. “It is interesting to note that the Cause has attracted both Negroes and whites, Catholics, Christian Scientists, and two who termed themselves atheists, in addition to our Jewish friends. Your prayers and those of the many friends are being answered and the true seekers are being attracted, as though to a center, by a mutual gravitation to our great Cause.”
Mrs. Beulah Proctor in Nova Scotia was successful in arranging a Bahá’í exhibit at the Halifax Exhibition beginning August 28th, featuring a large picture of the Temple, with book display and Persian prints. She is also conducting an enthusiastic youth class which met for five weeks during the Summer and has voted to continue this
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Central Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the
United States and Canada
536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois
Fall. Two of the larger department
stores with rental libraries have agreed
to place Bahá’í books on their shelves.
A Temple model was displayed without cost in the Fine Arts building of the Utah State Fair in September, through arrangements of Mrs. Marguerite Sears of Salt Lake City. Fireside meetings have resulted in two study groups, and Mr. and Mrs. Sears, who recently bought their home, have invited visiting teachers to stop to assist in this work. Much of their early success is due to the fine contacts made in the city by Mr. Sears, through his work in radio.
In far-away Juneau, Alaska, Miss Betty Becker is seeking employment and establishing contacts, both with those whom Miss Kempton had met and with new people. She has reported an initial fireside group with five inquirers, who have asked for weekly study. Despite certain unfavorable elements, such as the clannishness and transiency of many residents in this capital city, Miss Becker is working with the greatest confidence in future results.
Meanwhile in Anchorage Miss Honor Kempton has opened her bookshop lending library, calling it “The Book Cache.” She writes: “You know what a cache means in Alaska. They are familiar landmarks throughout the whole country. A little thatched hut built high up on stilts, to store the food away from the bears and wolves and to keep it dry. The law is that you may open up a cache and eat, but must never leave it empty; always leave something for the trapper or prospector who is lost or starving. So my cache will store books and I pray that it will never be empty.” Her most thrilling news, however, is of the first Alaskan Bahá’í, Miss Janet Whitenack, who had gone to Anchorage from New York to open a bookshop! On meeting Miss Kempton she relinquished her plans. During this meeting it was discovered that Miss Whitenack has studied the Cause in New York and she was immediately fired with renewed interest. A young woman, graduate of Syracuse University, she has moved to Fairbanks where she is already formulating plans for spreading the Teaching. In her own words: “The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that my whole life experiences, family background, training, education and travel all point to one thing—Bahá’í service in the Far North.”
A name recently added to our pioneer roll is Martha Fettig, who reached Birmingham, Alabama, on August 1st. Immediate employment as a nurse was found and accepted, although it was in a branch of nursing particularly uncongenial. This job ended the middle of September but Miss Fettig has every expectancy of placement. She has discovered two friends who sponsored a fireside for Ruth Moffett in 1935, and who were present at the World Parliament of Religions in 1893 when the Faith received its first mention in America. Another testimony to the joys of pioneering is added by Miss Fettig. “I have found ‘America’s Spiritual Mission’ a great help in spiritual stimulation and read parts of it every day. I will also say that on reaching Birmingham I felt an indescribable inner happiness which no doubt was due to the prayers of the friends.”
Another new pioneer is Mrs. Katherine Moscrop of Vancouver, who began in September a visit of several months to Regina, Saskatchewan. She arrived just in time to arrange a small fireside on September 8th for Rowland Estall, who was passing through the city on business. Miss Frances Mennzies and two former members of the Winnipeg Phoenix Club assisted her. “Nothing was allowed to go unchallenged, and it was most evident that these people were greatly impressed by the logical, sane and wonderful Teachings. I am indeed most fortunate to have such fine friends so early, and may God help me to lead them to their goal.”
A few days before this meeting Mrs. Moscrop, Mr. Estall, Miss Mae McKenna of Vancouver, and Miss Doris Skinner met together in Calgary, Alberta, to discuss the progress of the Faith in Canada. They represented four provinces. During this time a meeting of fifteen non-Bahá’ís was arranged by Miss Skinner, from which a study class is developing. Recently a radio talk was given in Calgary by Dr. Mariette Bolton. Many Bahá’í books are being circulated.
Recently the Teaching Committee has been advised of Bahá’í work done in Regina by Mrs. Clarice Blair of Los Angeles, shortly after she became a believer a few years ago. Many people were interested and Bahá’í literature was widely circulated. Undoubtedly this earlier effort will contribute to the spread of the Faith today.
The activities of Mr. Rowland Estall are heroic in scope. During his first business trip through western Canada as a manufacturers’ agent, in addition to the talks in Calgary and Regina mentioned above, he spoke in Vancouver and West Vancouver. He had earlier laid the foundation of his business in visits to Toronto and Montreal, in both of which cities he lectured, as well as in St. Lambert. He also made excellent contacts with two University professors who, with a few others, have started an important social and religious reform movement in Canada and have published a popular textbook of the movement. During July Mr. Estall taught regularly in Winnipeg a study
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group of six to eight inquirers, following an outline of seventeen lessons
which he developed on the World
Order, using as a basis of each discussion a different free literature pamphlet
which was distributed. The first result of his Winnipeg work is the registration of Miss Lillian Tomlinson. Dr.
Mariette Bolton also visited and spoke
in Winnipeg to the Quota Club.
In Reno, Nevada, Miss Helen Griffing is constantly widening her contacts for the Faith through active cooperation and membership in public welfare and civic organizations. On August 27th a “magnificent meeting” with fifteen new people was arranged on short notice for Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bishop and Mrs. Forsyth Ward, returning to California from Louhelen. Mrs. Bishop, who had spoken in Reno during May as well, reported the group much enlarged. “We were astonished that the work was so promising and the questions so keen ... Helen’s moving spirit is drawing the one Spirit to the work in Reno. Now she is making contacts at the University.” Other recent visitors to Reno were Miss Dagmar Dole, who addressed the first weekly study class, and Mr. Frederick Kluss.
Cheering news has come from Mr. and Mrs. Hilbert Dahl in Charleston, W. Va. A number of contacts have been made with individuals and libraries in this City, Beckley and Parkersburg. Books were accepted by the West Virginia State College and its president has expressed his interest to have a Bahá’í speaker. “We are very happy, and thank God for the privilege of having become settled here for the purpose of endeavoring to serve in solidifying the outposts of the Cause on this continent. In the AEF in France I pioneered in going over the top ahead of the infantry as an observer and scout, but there victory was problematical, whereas it is now assured, as our goal is God-given and victory already established by Bahá’u’lláh’s Word.”
Nearby in Huntington, W. Va., Mr. Harold Hunt is expanding his teaching work. Fine publicity was received from a columnist of the leading newspaper, who wrote at length and very favorably of the Faith and its representative. As a result, literature was accepted by the Public Library and the librarian, as well as the librarian of Marshall College, have shown considerable interest. Recently Mr. Hunt spoke before the Townsend Club. He has been able to distribute a great deal of Bahá’í literature.
CABLEGRAM TO THE GUARDIAN
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY. |
Miss Neysa Bissell has reported the deep interest in the Faith of two women of Rutland and Woodstock, Vermont. The Rutland Free Library has received a donation of books from the Regional Committee.
Working against unfavorable conditions of intense summer heat and the opposition of two ministers who publicly warned their congregations of the Cause, Mrs. Ruth Moffett has achieved notable results in Iowa. After a series of daily meetings, a study group of fifteen was begun in Independence. She then traveled to Waterloo where her campaign consisted of four public lectures and broadcasts on the radio, resulting in a regular class of ten. Both of these groups are meeting twice weekly. In addition, Mrs. Moffett gave several talks at Iowa State College, Cedar Falls.
The New England Regional Committee, through its very active secretary, Mrs. Amelia Bowman, has forwarded registrations of two new members in the Three Rivers Group and the fourth believer in the Portland Group. A Group also exists in Dover and another has just been formed in Portsmouth. Much impetus was given to this Region by the splendid courses at Green Acre. The Committee is planning a circuit for the Temple model through perhaps ten New England cities, and is also financing the placement of 25 copies of Esslemont in Vermont libraries by Mr. Duncan McAlear.
A teaching campaign was carried on one week in August by the Group at Big Bear Lake, California. Nightly public meetings were scheduled in the Community Auditorium, featuring Mrs. Beulah Lewis of Los Angeles. A display of the Temple model was arranged near the post office of this mountain resort, which became “the center of attraction with the vacationists.” So effective was this work that it is planned to follow a similar schedule next year.
A multitude of items remain, before this teaching summary can claim even the most superficial completeness. There is nothing for it but to “continue in our next.” Yet as we await further news of far-flung activities, may not each of us ponder these words of our beloved Guardian, anxious to discover how we may yet exert our forces to win and merit the heights his faith discerns for us:
“With every fresh crisis that plunges a hapless humanity deeper and deeper into the morass of despair and degradation, the pioneers of the nascent Faith of Bahá’u’lláh are elevated to nobler heights of triumph, evince a rarer spirit of self-abnegation and courage, and disclose more compelling evidences of their capacity and power.” ... “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.”
- NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
INTER-AMERICA TEACHING[edit]
Louise Caswell sailed for Panama from San Francisco on September 25th, on the S. S. City of Norfolk. John Eichenhauser, Jr., embarked at Los Angeles bound for San Salvador by the same steamer.
Antonio Roca left by motor for Honduras via Mexico. Mrs. Cora Oliver sailed from New York September 29th bound for Panama City. The N. S. A. has ratified the appointment of Mrs. Gayle Woolson and Mrs. Ford for Costa Rica in October.
Mrs. Nourse has arrived in Montevideo for a three-months stay with her son, and Mr. Wilfrid Barton is there also ... living at present with the leader of our study group, Sr. Simon Rosenzweig. In Santos, Mr. Barton spent an evening with our friends from Washington ... Mr. and Mrs. Worley. On his way to the Argentine here he also found Miss Holsapple had come down from Bahia to greet the Worleys.
Our teacher—fresh from Latin America—Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart, has been asked to go to Washington and confer with the State Department. Also, she has had the opportunity of taking the pulpit Sunday night in a Presbyterian church. The ministers and rabbis of Utica all know that Mrs. Stewart is a Bahá’í and all ask her help in their work without any objections.
Guatemala City, 7A Ava, S 63.
“I am having splendid assistance from all three of the Theosophical Societies.
CABLEGRAM FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
SHOGHI RABBANI.
Received October 17, 1939. |
I have been informed of their resolution, namely, to put at my disposal their hall ... and have invited me to give a talk on the Bahá’í Faith from their platform.... Last night Sr. Baldizon introduced the Bahá’í Faith in a ten minute talk, quoting from the Spanish “No. 9”. About 35 persons were present and many of them came afterwards and offered to join a class when I opened one.”
65 Bucareli, Mexico City.
“A new public Bahá’í Center has been opened at the above address. We had far outgrown the small apartment in which my mother and I lived. Here we have children’s classes, a youth group combined with our regular activities made our first week register fifty-five persons.”
PROGRESS IN TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION[edit]
The Temple Trustees are gratified to report that the contract given to the John J. Earley Studio in August, for the external ornamentation of the lowest third of the nine first story pylons, has been completed well ahead of the schedule date of December 31, and with a saving on the estimated cost.
From the progress report dated November 2:—
“The entire quantity of 600 tons of the white quartz from Annapolis Rock, Maryland, has now been accumulated, at the rate of fifty tons per month for one year. This material is stored and on hand in the yard of the Earley Studio at Rosslyn, Virginia, and will be available for the ornamentation of the main story of the Temple next year.
“The casting of the last section of the lowest lift of the main story pylons was completed about the middle of the month (i. e., October). Subsequently, Mr. Earley’s men have pointed up, cleaned and finished the surfaces of the nine sections of the pylon ornamentation. Before leaving the work, the scaffolding was removed about the pylons and the foundation structure and grounds were cleared of material and debris so as to leave the structure in a presentable appearance until work is resumed next April.”
THE MASTER’S TABLET ON TEMPLE ACCESSORY BUILDINGS[edit]
HE IS GOD!
CABLEGRAM TO THE GUARDIAN
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY. From San Francisco meeting, October 13, 14 and 15, 1939. |
O ye two attracted ones of the Reality:
... I am hopeful by Divine Bounty and Grace, that the beloved ones of God may be confirmed in the building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár and all its accessories, for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár has important accessories, which are accounted by the basic foundations. These are:
- School for orphan children.
- Hospital and Dispensary for the poor.
- Place for the incapable (i. e. home for the crippled).
- College for the higher Scientific Education.
The meaning is this that in every place first a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár must be founded; then a School for the education for orphan children, and the poor; then the Hospital and Medical Dispensary must be founded; then the Home of the Cripple; then the College of higher Scientific Education. In every city a great Mashriqu’l-Adhkár must be founded after this order. Now we hope, the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár may be founded in Chicago. After its foundation the important accessories may gradually be founded....
- (Signed) ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ ABBÁS.
Mount Carmel, Haifa, Palestine, November 25, 1908.
“THE NECESSARY FOUNDATION” FOR INTER-AMERICA TEACHING[edit]
- “These undertakings ... require ... on the part of the National Spiritual Assembly and of both the National Teaching and Inter-America Committees, painstaking investigations preparatory to the sending of settlers and itinerant teachers ...”
- “The number of Bahá’í teachers, be they settlers or travelers, must be substantially increased.”
- “The material resources to be placed at their disposal must be multiplied, and efficiently administered.”
- “The literature with which they should be equipped must be vastly augmented.”
- “The publicity that should aid them in the distribution of such literature should be extended, centrally organized, and vigorously conducted.”
- “The possibilities latent in these countries should be diligently exploited, and systematically developed.”
- “The various obstacles raised by the widely-varying political and social conditions ... should be closely surveyed and determinedly surmounted.”
- “The careful translation of such important Bahá’í writings as are related to the history, the teachings, or the Administrative Order of the Faith, and their wide and systematic dissemination ... would appear to be the chief and most urgent measures to be taken simultaneously with the arrival of the pioneer workers in those fields.”
- “In countries where no objections can be raised by the civil authorities or any influential circles, this measure should be reinforced by the publication, in various organs of the Press, of carefully worded articles and letters, designed to impress upon the general public certain features of the stirring history of the Faith, and the range and character of its teachings.”
- “Every laborer in those fields,
whether as traveling teacher or settler,
should ... make it his chief and constant concern to mix, in a friendly manner, with all sections of the population ... study the approach best suited to
them, to concentrate ... on a few ...
and to endeavor ... to implant such
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love, zeal and devotion in their hearts as to enable them to become in turn self-sufficient and independent promoters of the Faith in their respective localities.”
- An effort ... can and should be made, not only by representative Bahá’í bodies, but also by prospective teachers, as well as by other individual believers ... to seize every opportunity ... to make the acquaintance, and awaken the genuine interest, of such people who are either citizens of these countries, or are in any way connected with them ...”
- “Care ... should ... be exercised lest in their eagerness to further the international interests of the Faith they frustrate their purpose, and turn away, through any act that might be misconstrued as an attempt to proselytize and bring undue pressure upon them, those whom they wish to win over to their Cause.”
- “I would particularly direct my appeal to those American believers ... who may find it possible, whatever be their calling or employment ... to establish permanently their residence in such countries as may offer them a reasonable prospect of earning the means of livelihood.”
- “Should they find it impossible to take advantage of so rare and sacred a privilege, let them ... determine ... to appoint a deputy who, on that believer’s behalf, will arise and carry out so noble an enterprise.”
- “As to those who have been able to leave their homes and country ... a special duty ... devolves upon them ... to keep ... in constant touch with the National Committee specifically entrusted with the promotion of their work, and to cooperate ... with their fellow-believers in those countries.”
- SHOGHI EFFENDI,
- The Advent of Divine Justice, pages 53-56.
- SHOGHI EFFENDI,
HOW TO LIST BAHÁ’Í PUBLICATIONS[edit]
A recent letter from the Guardian advises the National Assembly that all Assemblies, in issuing programs or any pamphlet containing a list of authorized Bahá’í literature, should place the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá before, and not after, the works of any Bahá’í, including those of the Guardian himself. This is a mark of respect and in deference to the Master’s unique station.
MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES AT SAN FRANCISCO[edit]
CABLEGRAM FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
SHOGHI RABBANI,
October 23, 1939. |
Between October 12 and 15 the National Spiritual Assembly, with the help and cooperation of the Assemblies of the Bay region, conducted three public meetings, a regional conference, and also met in consultation with the Teaching and Inter-America Committees on important current projects.
The first public meeting was held Thursday Evening, October 12 at the Fairmont Hotel. The program included: Leroy Ioas, Chairman, and addresses by Dr. Herbert I. Priestly, Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Horace Holley.
On Sunday, October 15, a Vesper Service was held at the Temple of Religion and Tower of Peace, Treasure Island, and a public meeting was conducted in the same hall that evening.
The Vesper Service program: Mrs. Charles M. Cooper, Chairman, address by Harlan Ober, and readings by Mrs. Thomas Collins. Music by Roberta Butler McDonell, Soprano, Esther Hjelte, Organist and Laura Kelsey Allen, Violinist.
The Public Meeting: Mrs. Stuart W. French, Chairman, addresses by Louis G. Gregory and Allen B. McDaniel, Music, Alexander Davis, Baritone, George Nyklicek, Organist.
Sunday, October 15, 1939 was designated Bahá’í Day at the World’s Fair.
The Regional Conference, with Mr. A. Y. Seto presiding, brought together a good number of believers with the members of the National Assembly, and an extensive agenda was presented for consultation, the essential items being; recent Messages from the Guardian, the Plans for the Third Year of the Seven Year Plan, progress of Temple construction, and current Teaching activities in North and South America.
CREDENTIALS OF BELIEVERS FROM THE ORIENT[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly feels that Oriental believers visiting America should transmit their credentials to the Secretary of the National Assembly, so that proper credentials may be issued by the National Assembly for their use while in America. If, therefore, a Bahá’í from the Orient should hereafter present his credentials to any local Assembly, that Assembly is requested to see that the credentials are transmitted.
BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE[edit]
The Publishing Committee announces two new pamphlets.
Assurance of Immortality, a brief compilation on immortality very suitable for giving to non-Bahá’ís who suffer bereavement and need Divine assurance. Four pages, sold in lots of ten copies only. Price per ten copies...$0.50
The Bahá’í Teachings On Universal Peace, a statement by the National Spiritual Assembly submitted to the United States Government in 1934 and to the Government of the Dominion of Canada in 1935 as basis for any necessary subsequent appeal for the exemption of Bahá’ís front active military duty in war. Sold in lots of ten only. 12-page pamphlet. Price per ten copies...$0.50
The friends are reminded of the extreme importance of the Guardian’s The Goal of a New World Order as the Bahá’í exposition of the vital question of international order and peace. Shoghi Effendi himself has attributed special importance to this pamphlet for public teaching use. Sold in lots of ten only. Price per ten copies...$0.50
BAHÁ’Í RING STONES[edit]
For a long time, Bahá’í ring stones have not been available, but notice is now given that the Photograph and
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Sales Committee is again in a position
to fill orders. The stones are oval,
some brown and some green, with the
Bahá’í text gold inlaid. The price each
is $2.50 or $3.00, according to size.
The ring stones can be obtained from Mr. Harry E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago, Illinois.
PROPERTY AT COLORADO SPRINGS TRANSFERRED BY MRS. LOULIE A. MATHEWS TO BAHÁ’Í TRUSTEES[edit]
On September 4, 1939 Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews executed an Indenture of Trust under which title to property at Pine Valley, Colorado Springs, is to be vested in Trustees for the benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly, Mrs. Mathews retaining full use and control of the property during her life.
This munificent donation is an important contribution to the facilities of the American Bahá’í community for service to the Faith, Mrs. Mathews having plans for developing at Pine Valley a School for the training of Bahá’ís for international teaching.
This plan was welcomed by the Guardian in a letter addressed to Mrs. Mathews on December 14, 1938: “The Guardian feels also deeply appreciative of your generous offering to the N.S.A. of your ranch in Colorado Springs. Your idea to turn this property into a training school for Inter-America teaching work, he feels, is splendid.”
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT MATERIAL FOR THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD VOL. VIII[edit]
In order to comply with the instructions of the Guardian all material for The Bahá’í World Vol. VIII, must be ready and in the hands of the chairman of the editorial staff by December first. Any manuscripts received after that date cannot be assured of either safety in transmission or acceptance by the Guardian. Many important assignments are still unfulfilled and the editors would emphasize the need for careful attention to the instructions of Shoghi Effendi.
Address all manuscripts to: Mrs. Nellie S. French, Chairman, 786 Chester Avenue, San Marino, California.
FALL CLASSES OPEN FOR CHILDREN[edit]
The Child Education Committee extends its thanks to the forty-three communities
View of Property at Pine Valley, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Transferred by Mrs. E. R. Mathews to Trustees for the Benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly
who responded to roll call this
fall. Many expressed real regret that
no organized work for children had yet
been started in their cities, although a
number of Bahá’í children could be
counted among their numbers. We call
the attention of the friends to the appeal
of the beloved Master during His sojourn among us, for active teaching
among the children. For as few as two
Bahá’í children, He would often say,
classes in spiritual education should be
formed. These children are the next
line of defence; they will become Bahá’í teachers!
From, New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, East Cleveland, Peoria, Urbana, Racine, Riverton, Philadelphia, Manoa, Cincinnati, St. Paul, Binghamton, Maywood, Helena, Flint, Wilmette, Toronto, and Lima, reports of organized work were received, and in addition to these have come encouraging accounts of done by some parents with individual children removed from group life.
A few of our groups have kindly permitted us to share their pictures with the friends. We hope for many more pictures, and reports of their noble and inspiring work.
WINTER SESSIONS AT LOUHELEN SCHOOL[edit]
Louhelen is no longer merely a summer school! A winter session has been arranged, for those Bahá’ís who have sufficient pioneer spirit to face the inconveniences of December weather at the ranch in order to learn how to study and to teach the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, both at home and abroad. For seven days, December 26th through January 1st, instructors, experienced in the fields they represent, will give courses in:
- Pioneer Teaching, especially in Central and South America. This will include practical information for those who wish to prepare themselves to teach, sooner or later, in those localities.
- Study Methods for Deepening in the Faith, a course which will provide a frame of reference for an orderly study of the teachings.
- Methods of Teaching without Public Speaking. This will be valuable to local communities wishing to conduct classes in which the members themselves can take part. It will include instructions for actual study during the class period.
- The Psychology of Individual and Group Approach, a study of methods for attracting persons and groups of persons to the Faith.
Because winter accommodations at the ranch are at present limited, not more than ten students can be registered for this session, and these must be willing to sacrifice a measure of personal comfort for this opportunity to increase their understanding of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and to teach it.
To make reservations for this session, write to Mrs. L. W. Eggleston, Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan. The rates are $2.25 per day.
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE[edit]
What is without doubt the most detailed and carefully prepared “Bahá’í Reminiscences” to be written by any American believer, has been completed and placed in the National Archives by Mr. Charles Mason Remey. This work
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was typed in duplicate on standard letter size paper, and consists, at present, of fifty-one bound volumes. It will grow in size as time goes on. In addition to the typed material this work is profusely illustrated with facsimiles of many historic Bahá’í manuscripts and with numerous photographs.
As time goes on Mr. Remey’s Reminiscences will increasingly be regarded as an invaluable source book for future historians and biographers of the Cause.
It is hoped that this important gift will encourage many of the believers, particularly those who have been active as international teachers, to place a complete collection of their Bahá’í papers and correspondence in the National Archives. It is particularly important just now, in order that the history of the achievement of the Seven Year Plan may be complete and may be preserved for posterity, that the Bahá’í papers or manuscripts of the pioneer teachers in Central and South America, in Mexico, in Alaska, and in the United States and Canada, may come into the Archives of the National Spiritual Assembly under which these teachers are functioning. Doubtless this can be arranged in cooperation with the Teaching and Inter-America Committees.
The Archives and History Committee wishes to correct a former announcement with reference to the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed to Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, which were presented to the Archives recently by Miss Leona Barnitz of Washington. In this collection were forty-one original Tablets to Mrs. Parsons with an original translation of one Tablet and typed copies of original translations of the others; also, six original Tablets to other members of Mrs. Parson’s family.
LIBRARY COMMITTEE[edit]
The Library Committee would like to make the following suggestion to the various Assemblies in order to increase the circulation of the collections of Bahá’í books in Main Public Libraries. Many readers do not visit the Main Libraries excepting for further reference study, and being unaware of the teachings, do not call for our books which are frequently not placed on open shelves. If these books are to be used more extensively, it seems necessary to call attention to them by placing more basic books in Branch Libraries. Some time ago, the Philadelphia Assembly made a survey of the thirty-six Branch Libraries in that city and presented a
Bahá’í Exhibit, Wisconsin State Fair, August 19th to 27th, 1939, Maintained by the Bahá’í Communities of Kenosha, Racine, Wauwatosa and Milwaukee
copy of Esslemont or Spirit of the Age to each of these libraries. The National Teaching Committee has asked this committee to bring this matter to the attention of the Assemblies in the hope that more Assemblies will try to arrange to place at least one basic book in as many Branch Libraries as possible this year. Since the library systems differ in their distribution of books to Branch Libraries, it is suggested that the Main Public Library be contacted before presenting books. In some large cities, as New York City, the Branch Libraries will accept books for their shelves which have been previously approved and accepted in the Main Library. In such library systems, the presentation can be made directly to the Branch Libraries. This committee will be glad to assist the Assemblies in giving information which will aid them in making the contacts and attracting the interest of the librarians to our books. Such a project would of necessity take a long period of time before its accomplishment, especially in the larger cities; but no matter how small a beginning is made, it will fill an urgent need.
ENROLLMENT AND TRANSFERS[edit]
Cincinnati, one. Flint, two and one youth. Detroit, two. Peoria, four. Wilmette, four. Los Angeles, five. Chicago, five. Cabin John, one. New York, two. Eagle River, two youths. Toronto, four. Jamestown, one. Kenosha, one. Milwaukee, two. Washington, one. Muskegon, one. Philadelphia, two. Teaneck, one and one youth. Miami, one. Huntington Park, one. Pasadena, one. Glendale, Calif., one. Boston, one. Helena, one youth. Phoenix, one youth. Binghamton, one.
Pioneer area enrollments: Rhode Island, three. Alaska, one. Manitoba, one.
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 assunder, 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.”
- Miss Martha L. Root, Honolulu.
- Mr. George Burbank, Flint.
- Mrs. Pauline Hannen, Cabin John.
- Mrs. Carrie C. Peterson, Lead, South Dakota.
- Mrs. J. H. Thurber, Dexter, Michigan.
- Mrs. J. O. Whicker, Barston, California.
- Mrs. Carol Falin, Jacksonville.
- Mrs. Charles Davies, Jacksonville.
- Mrs. Gertrude Christine, Louisville, Kentucky.
- Mr. Clarence Cline, Glendale, California.
BAHÁ’Í DIRECTORY[edit]
Local Assemblies
Albuquerque, N. M., newly elected Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Amy Brady Dwelly, P. O. Box 185, Albuquerque, N. M.
Eliot, Maine, newly elected Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Dorothy Cress, Eliot, Maine.
Groups
Burbank, California. Correspondent, Mrs. Shirley Warde, 927 Lima Street, Magnolia Park, Burbank, Calif.
West Haven, Connecticut. Correspondent, Mrs. J. H. Steed. Sr., 505 Main Street, West Haven, Conn.
National Committees
Bahá’í News Service. Members added: Mrs. Laurence LaRocque, Mrs. Hazel Rawitsch, Melvin Rawitsch. Gertrude Eisenberg unable to serve. Mrs. Virginia Camelon unable to serve as Chairman. New officers to be reported later.
Regional Teaching Committee of Tennessee. New member, Mrs. George Creech.
Regional Teaching Committee of Kansas and Missouri. New member, Mrs. Paul H. Brown.
Inter-America Committee. Miss Myrtle Dodge, Acting Secretary, 2139 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, Calif. The Associate Members of the Race Unity Committee have been transferred to the Inter-America Committee, where their contacts with Latin American groups and individuals in the United States and Canada can be developed as a contribution to the promotion of the teaching work in the Latin American nations.
Geyserville Summer School Committee. John Bosch, Chairman. Leroy Ioas, Vice-Chairman. N. F. Ward, Secretary, 2330 Rose Street, Berkeley, Calif. Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Mrs. Amelia E. Collins. George O. Latimer. Charlotte Linfoot. Joy Allen. Mark Tobey. Irvin Somerhalder.
Geyserville Maintenance Committee. George O. Latimer, Chairman. Leroy Ioas, Secretary, 12 Tenth Avenue, San Mateo, Calif. Charles Bishop. N. F. Ward. John Bosch. Mrs. Amelia E. Collins.
Youth Committee. Miss Fayrook Ioas, 12 Tenth Avenue, San Mateo, Calif., previously announced as Acting Regional Secretary for the West, is now Regional Secretary. Miss Barbara Rutledge added as Associate Member. This corrects the erroneous announcement of the addition of Miss Ann Rutledge to the Committee.
Louhelen School Committee. The Secretary is: Mrs. Walter Holsinger, 3319 Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
NEWS OF EAST AND WEST[edit]
Page 8 of an attractive illustrated booklet published by Universal Atlas Cement Company consists of an illustration of the Temple, with accompanying description. Page 13 is a colored photograph of the Reception Room of the Company in New York, showing a mural of the Temple directly behind the reception desk.
American Astrology Magazine for November, 1939 contains an article entitled “New World Religion” by Dane Rudhyar in which the author writes many excellent ideas about the Faith.
Writing of the Bahá’í Exhibit at the Wisconsin State Fair (illustrated in this issue of Bahá’í News) the local Teaching committee says: “The Temple was a magnet and with the added potency of the Creative Words of Bahá’u’lláh, attracted many people. One of the great barriers of World Peace, Prejudice, was broken down in many instances through contact with visitors at the Booth. A number of books were on display and attracted great attention. Some 190 names were registered in the guest book, many of whom expressed the desire of attending classes and lectures, and about 1800 people stopped and asked questions about the Temple itself and the Cause.”
From far-off Baghdad on October 12 came this cablegram: “Sudden passing beloved Martha Root caused inexpressible grief. National Assembly extend heart-felt condolences (to) dear American Bahá’ís.”
The new Assembly of Helena, Montana writes that “Helena is awakening. We recently moved into a centrally located room and have attracted several new people of capacity. They have purchased books and study outlines and have attended study class regularly and show a genuine interest in the Cause. Already they have expressed their desire to become able to tell the world.”
Nearly ninety believers attended the meeting conducted by the Oakland Assembly on October 16 to commemorate the Visit made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the Goodall home at Oakland in 1912. Dinner was served at the Women’s City Club, after which remarks were made by Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper, J. V. Matteson, Miss Ella Bailey, Mrs. S. W. French, Louis G. Gregory, Mrs. Katherine Frankland, Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, Lorne Matteson, Mrs. Matteson, Horace Holley, and Leroy Ioas. Arthur Ioas presided at the meeting.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles incorporated under The Companies Act, 1929, as an unlimited company without a share capital, on August 5, 1939. The incorporation papers are published as a Memorandum of Association, accompanied by Articles of Association corresponding to By-laws. This action is an important achievement by the National Assembly. The document will no doubt be published in the next issue of The Bahá’í World.
Correction is made of an error on page 8 of Bahá’í News for August. The correct name should have been Miss Bertha Matthiesen.
Oglethorpe University, Georgia, has selected the Book of Certitude (Tablet of Iqán) for preservation in the Crypt of Civilization. “The world’s most authentic sources of knowledge contained in books are being selected by a committee of experts for microfilming, page by page, so that they may be preserved for the world of the future. This work has been going on now for nearly two years and will culminate when the records are sealed with the closing of the Crypt in May, 1940. It is to remain inviolate until the year 8113 A. D.”
I implore Thee, O my God, by Thy Most Great Name, to enrapture the nations through the potency of the Word which Thou didst ordain to be the king of all words, the Word whereby the goodly pearls of Thy hidden wisdom were uncovered, and the gem-like mysteries which were wrapped up within Thee were unraveled. Deprive them not, by Thy grace and bounty, of the things Thou didst desire for them, and suffer them not to be far removed from the shores of the ocean of Thy presence.
Every existence, whether seen or unseen, O Lord, testifieth that Thy mercy hath surpassed all created things, and Thy loving-kindness embraced the entire creation. Look upon them, I entreat Thee, with the eyes of Thy mercy. Thou art the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Compassionate. Do with them as beseemeth Thy glory, and Thy majesty, and Thy greatness, and Thy bounteousness and Thy grace. Deal not with them according to the limitations imposed upon them, or the manifold vicissitudes of their earthly life.
- BAHÁ’U’LLÁH
- Prayers and Meditations, pages 113-114.
- BAHÁ’U’LLÁH