Bahá’í News/Issue 157/Text
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| No. 157 | YEAR 99, BAHÁ’Í ERA | November, 1942 |
Supremely Urgent Call — Stupendous Exertions Required[edit]
Message From the Guardian
Fate (of) Seven Year Plan (is) perilously hanging (in the) balance. (This) pivotal year, born amidst high hopes (of) unprecedented upsurge (of the) unbreakable spirit (of the) American Bahá’í community, (is) already half spent. Obstacles, engendered by steadily-deepening, world-convulsing conflict, (are) hourly increasing. (I am) moved (to) plead afresh (for) immediate multiplication (of) pioneers in teaching field, North, South, (on a) scale far surpassing anything hitherto contemplated. (The) present tempo (of) teaching activities (is) clearly insufficient (to) insure definitive, all-embracing victory. (I am) impelled by extreme gravity (of this) swiftly-passing hour (to) address (an) appeal (to) individuals, groups (and) Assemblies, (to) embrace (an) irrevocable resolution, gird themselves (for) superhuman effort, and deputize pioneers (at) whatever cost, however inadequate (their) qualifications, for immediate settlement (of) areas needing assistance. Strictest economy (in) all administrative departments henceforth imperative. Still more abundant flow (of) resources (to the) National Fund, involving still noble self-sacrifice, (is) demanded. Definite removal (of) every restriction, (the) extension (of) every facility, (for) encouragement (of) prospective settlers, (is) urged. (The) adversaries (of the) Faith (are) jealously vigilant. (The) sister communities (are) watching (in) anxious suspense (to) behold befitting consummation (of) America’s epoch-making achievements. Swift action, boldly conceived, unanimously supported, systematically conducted, can alone retrieve present situation. (The) time (is) too short, conditions too critical, need too great, opportunity too precious, issues at stake too momentous, to justify slightest complacency, allow least relaxation (in the) stupendous exertions required (to) seal (the) triumph (of the) greatest collective enterprise launched during (the) fifty years (of) American Bahá’í history. Prayerfully, longingly awaiting a decisive answer, at this late hour, (to my) supremely urgent Call.
October 3, 1942
“Heroism Is Needed”[edit]
These, indeed, are the days when heroism is needed on the part of the believers. Self-sacrifice, courage, indomitable hope and confidence are the characteristics they should show forth, because these very attributes cannot but fix the attention of the public and lead them to inquire what, in a world so hopelessly chaotic and bewildered, leads these people to be so assured, so confident, so full of devotion? Increasingly, as time goes by, the characteristics of the Bahá’ís will be that which captures the attention of their fellow citizens. They must show their aloofness from the hatreds and recriminations which are tearing at the hearts of humanity, and demonstrate by deed and word their profound belief in the future peaceful unification of the entire human race.—Shoghi Effendi, in letter written through his secretary to Willard P. Hatch on October 26, 1941. This excerpt is published with the Guardian’s consent.
This Crucial Year[edit]
Progress Report No. 3 Issued by the National Spiritual Assembly for the Period Sept. 1- Oct. 31, 1942
The message from the Guardian,
which precedes this progress report
places the teaching activities on a
basis of spiritual obligation which
can but intensify the zeal and quicken
the conscience of every true believer.
Our collective undertaking
becomes nothing short of a mighty
crusade in which the American Bahá’í
community is thrown against
the spiritual ignorance, the social
[Page 2]
chaos and the ethical blindness of
the entire human race. The Sun of
the new day has risen above the horizon:
who are its rays by whose sacrifice
alone the glory of the Light
can be shed upon this world?
18. The Exhibits Committee has been authorized to prepare one hundred cut-outs illustrating the Temple, approximately twenty by twenty-one inches in size. The Committee furthermore has been requested to order fifty copies of the same illustration in a larger size, approximately twenty-eight by thirty inches, in a form suitable for hanging on a wall, like a map. This display material shows the Temple with exterior completed, and besides being most attractive it is light, easily transported, yet very durable. When ready, copies will be given to a number of Committees for teaching use, and the price at which Assemblies can obtain them will be announced.
19. The Archives and History Committee has been authorized to proceed with the preparation of a set of Temple slides, in black and white and also a set in color, for general teaching use. An announcement about these slides was published in Bahá’í News for October.
20. Urgent efforts are being made continuously by the Inter-America Committee to place available pioneer teachers in the field. Philip Sprague left New York in October for an extensive tour of cities in Central and South America. In connection with business affairs, he will visit as many Bahá’í centers as possible, and make contact with the valiant pioneers. Mrs. Enos M. Barton is planning to visit her son, Wilfrid, in Montevideo during November if the necessary passport and reservations can be secured, and take advantage of the journey to visit Bahá’í centers en route. After much delay, Dr. Malcolm King has been able to secure papers enabling him to proceed to Jamaica, his native land, where he wishes to settle and serve the Cause. At the September meeting the National Assembly approved the following pioneer projects: Mrs. Marcia S. Atwater, to return to Chile; Jean Silver, to pioneer in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Mrs. Vivian Wesson to pioneer in Bahia, Brazil.
21. The teaching plans for North America have been greatly developed by the proposals advanced by the Teaching Committee in the bulletin
A Statement on the Master’s Will and Testament[edit]This issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS contains an insert published in connection with the distribution of the text of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The insert consists of a statement prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly to assist new believers to grasp the meaning of the Will. The insert, if removed from the issue, can be used as a separate pamphlet. |
recently sent to all the friends. Every believer can now examine the list of unsettled states and provinces and determine, not whether to help, but how — by settlement, by traveling teaching, or by contributing to the National Fund so that others may go. The projects approved since our last progress report, item 15, in October Bahá’í News, are:— Adrienne Ellis and Eva Lee Flack, settlement in Greensboro, N. C.; Mrs. Marcia S. Atwater, follow-up teaching in western Canada; Evelyn Cliff, Anne McGee, settlement in Calgary; Mrs. Mabel Ives, intensive teaching in Louisville, Ky.; Mrs. Sara Ellen Peake, settlement in Louisville; Orcella Rexford, intensive teaching in Omaha and in Colorado Springs; Mrs. Valeria Thornton, intensive teaching in Laramie, Wyo.; Nellie S. Roche, Regional Secretary, follow-up teaching in Birmingham, Ala., and Knoxville, Tenn.
22. To September 30 from May 1, the National Fund received $38,601.54. The September contributions amounted to $7,930.49. Seventy-four Assemblies contributed in September, sixty-four groups contributed, and seventy-six isolated believers sent donations to the Fund. September payments include: Temple construction, $12,752.46; Temple maintenance, $1,289.70; Administration, $1,214.58; National Teaching, $1,253.50; Regional Teaching, $687.00; Inter-America teaching. $992.76.
Arise with every power to assist the Covenant of God and serve in His vineyard. Be confident that a confirmation will be granted unto you and a success on His part is given unto you. Verily, He shall support you by the angels of His holiness and reinforce you with the breaths of the Spirit that ye may mount the Ark of Safety, set forth the evident signs, impart the spirit of life, declare the essence of His commands and precepts, guide the sheep who are straying from the fold in all directions, and give the blessings. Ye have to use every effort in your power and strive earnestly and wisely in this new century. By God, verily the Lord of Hosts is your support, the angels of heaven your assistance, the Holy Spirit your companion and the Center of the Covenant your helper. Be not idle, but active, and fear not. Look unto those who have been in the former ages —how they have resisted all nations and suffered all persecutions and afflictions, and how their stars shone, their attacks proved successful, their teachings established, their regions expanded, their hearts gladdened their ideas cleared and their motives effective. Ye are now in a great station and noble rank and ye shall find yourselves in evident success and prosperity, the like of which the eye of existence never saw in former ages.
El-Bahá and salutations be upon every one who is firm in the Covenant, free from dissension, sanctified from deceits and steadfast in the path — Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá page 162.
War Department Approves Bahá’í Symbol[edit]
A letter written by the Quartermaster General, War Department, Washington, August 14, 1942, to the National Spiritual Assembly, through its Chairman, is reprinted in Bahá’í News for the information of the friends. This letter, written in reply to an application made by the National Spiritual Assembly, approves the use of the Bahá’í symbol (the Greatest Name) on stones marking the graves of believers killed in the war and buried in military cemeteries or private cemeteries.
“Office of the Quartermaster General
“Mr. A. B. McDaniel 1000 Chandler Building, Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. McDaniel:
A receipt is acknowledged of your letter
of August 4th, requesting authority for[Page 3]
the use of the Bahá’í symbol on the
stones which will mark the graves of the
followers of the faith of Bahá’u’lláh, who
may be killed in this war and buried in
military cemeteries or private cemeteries.
The authorized design for the Government headstones of the general type is the Latin Cross for those of Christian Faith and the Star of David for those of the Hebrew Faith. However, if the emblem of the Bahá’í is desired on any Government headstone to be placed in a Military Cemetery or a Private Cemetery and information to that effect is furnished at the time the decedent is interred in the case of a National Cemetery or when application is made for a headstone in the ease of a Private Cemetery, the space for the emblem on the Government stone will be left blank in order that such emblem may be placed thereon at private expense.
For the Quartermaster General.
- Very truly yours,
Teaching Activities in North America[edit]
As the few remaining months of the Seven Year Plan speed relentlessly by, and we become increasingly concerned over the magnitude of the tasks still to be done, we cannot but take renewed hope and courage from the many evidences of the increasing momentum of teaching work in all parts of the country. Unfortunately, space does not permit the publication of any of the reports in detail, but the following brief review of the accomplishments of the past two months will serve to illustrate to what degree “a company of His holy angels goes forth” with those who have arisen to establish our beloved Faith in the pioneer states and provinces.
Since September first ten Bahá’ís have moved to pioneer areas, seven intensive teaching campaigns have been launched, six follow-up teachers have been established in the field, and many others are giving generously of their time and energy to circuit teaching.
To further accelerate the teaching work, teaching conferences have been held in sixteen of our twenty–three regions, each giving special consideration as to how the Bahá’ís of that region can best contribute to the accomplishment of the unfinished
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of San Salvador, El Salvador, newly established April 21, 1942. Clarence Iverson, pioneer teacher, seated in front row.
tasks of the Seven Year Plan.
The three Provinces of Canada are receiving the special attention of all of the Bahá’ís in the Dominion. Marcia Atwater spent September and October in Edmonton, Alberta, supplementing the teaching work of Muriel Warnicker, who had already attracted 35 persons in the Faith. Two believers have already been enrolled with the promise of several others soon. Unfortunately, it is necessary for both Miss Warnicker and Mrs. Atwater to leave soon, but it is hoped that other resident Bahá’ís will soon settle there. In the meantime the follow-up work will be carried on by the Calgary group.
Lulu Barr, who has been pioneering alone in Saskatoon, Sask., for more than a year, continues her weekly study class for five individuals who have become interested. Two members of this class attended the week’s teaching Conference in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, in August.
Sylvia King is devoting three months to intensive teaching work in Regina, Sask. An excellent exhibit of the photograph of the House of Worship and Bahá’í books, together with newspaper publicity and radio announcements preceded a public meeting which attracted over 40 new people. Following this meeting Miss King was invited to address two large important local organizations. Beginning October 20 Miss King, in collaboration with Mr. Robert Beath of the Canadian Institute for the Blind, conducted a series of four radio forums over Station CJRM on the subject of “World Reconstruction”.
In Eastern Canada, Prince Edward Island is still without a Bahá’í group. Doris McKay, Grace Geary and Rosemary Sala each spent several weeks in Charlottetown making contacts and new friends for the Faith. Harlan Ober, armed with letters from Service Clubs in the United States, made many excellent business contacts resulting in arrangements to speak before certain organizations on “Post War Reconstruction,” on his return visit to Charlottetown the last of October. Through contacts which Doris McKay had made in Charlottetown, she was invited to address a newly organized Writer’s Club on the subject of “Creative Writing.” The ten who were present included a well-known artist, librarians, and other leading people of the Island. Mrs. McKay was asked to return and give a course on this subject this fall. In her report she writes: “Now for the right pioneers to move there and carry on the social contacting while providing a home for fireside meetings.”
Gladys Anderson, our pioneer in
Brattleboro, Vt., was assisted in
increasing her contacts by a week’s
[Page 4]
lecture series by Mrs. Ruth Moffett
in September. An average of 16 non-Bahá’ís
attended the series, which
resulted in the organization of a
study class.
The Bahá’í Group in Providence, R. I., has recently enrolled another new member. Mrs. J. R. Bolles and Miss Jeanne Bolles addressed public meetings in both Providence and Pawtucket in October.
Following her work in the New England region in September, Mrs. Moffett spent October in Wilmington, Dela., giving an average of two lectures daily. In response to the call for additional Bahá’í settlers for Wilmington, Cynthia Powell of New York City has moved to that city and will be joined November 1st by Dorothy Champ also of New York City.
Our pioneers in West Virginia will have the assistance of Virginia Camelon for the next two months. Public meetings, fireside meetings, college contacts and radio programs are being planned in both Huntington and Charleston.
On October 15 Mrs. Mabel Ives began a two month’s teaching program in Louisville, Ky. This city has a group of five Bahá’ís, including Mrs. Sara Ellen Peake of New York City who moved to Louisville to assist Mrs. Olivia Kelsy in the preliminary work of Mrs. Ives’ campaign.
Although it was necessary for Muriel Stilson to leave Greensboro, North Carolina, due to ill health, prior to her departure three new believers was added to the Bahá’í group there. The addition of Eva Flack and Adrienne Ellis of Los Angeles the middle of October brings the number of Bahá’ís in Greensboro up to seven.
The teaching work in Birmingham, Ala., started by Mrs. Mabel Ives early in the year has gone forward steadily since May under the leadership of Virginia Camelon and Gertrude Gewertz. In September the activities were greatly accelerated as the result of the visit of Mrs. Dorothy Baker, who gave two public lectures with an attendance of 50 and 70, respectively. Winston Evans made many prior contacts with key people and secured outstanding publicity in newspaper columns that are read widely throughout the South. Mrs. Joy Earl spent a week in Birmingham in October assisting with the follow-up work among the Negro contacts. She addressed a number of women’s groups and started a study class of ten key Negro leaders.
In Jackson, Miss., where a year ago, there were no Bahá’ís, there is now a group of eight. Mrs. Margaret Ellis of Covington, La., who has spent several weeks in Jackson from time to time, has now settled there for a four months’ period. Two public meetings held in conjunction with the Regional Teaching Conference on October 3 and 4, resulted in excellent newspaper publicity which stressed the fact that the conference was attended by Bahá’ís from five states.
Following her work in Denver, Colo., Orcella Rexford conducted a campaign in Omaha, Nebraska in early October. Her three Bahá’í lectures were attended by 125, 75 and 50 people respectively. The follow-up work is going forward under the leadership of Mrs. Florence Holsinger of Chicago who conducts two classes daily. The afternoon meetings are attended by seven to ten students and the evening attendance averages 25. To further stimulate the work there, the Regional Teaching Committee for that area will hold a teaching Conference and public meeting in Omaha, November 8.
The enrollment of fourteen new Bahá’ís in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during Mrs. Mabel Ives’ visit there in September, brought to fruition the teaching work carried on by Mrs. Annie Romer and circuit teachers since last fall. Thus, Iowa is assured of at least one Assembly next April.
New Mexico is another unsettled State that has acquired enough Bahá’ís to re-establish the Assembly in Albuquerque next April. This was made possible by the response to calls for pioneers by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Walters of Brooklyn, N. Y. A Regional Teaching Conference scheduled for that city for October 18 featured as the guest speaker, Mrs. Dorothy Baker, who is visiting colleges in the Southwest.
Colorado is still another State that will no longer be listed as a pioneer area next year. The two disbanded Assemblies in Colorado Springs and Denver have now increased their membership beyond the required nine, and flourishing study classes are under way in both cities.
Mrs. Valeria Thornton, who moved to Laramie from California in July, has reported at length on a very successful Inter-Racial Musicale, which brought the Bahá’í Faith to the attention of many leading citizens of that city. Appropriate follow-up is being carried on through fireside meetings. A study class of twelve meets weekly and in October the group welcomed Mrs. Clair Gillespie of River Forest, Illinois, who answered the call for Bahá’í settlers. Commenting on her arrival Mrs. Thornton writes: “One can already feel the power that comes with the addition of another Bahá’í.”
The recent enrollment of another new member in Boise, Idaho, brings that Bahá’í group up to seven. Farrukh Ioas and Sally Sanor, the young California pioneers who settled there in July, report that a strong study is held weekly. Twenty-six attended an informal meeting addressed by Leroy Ioas in Boise in September.
Lead, S. D., has also received two new Bahá’í settlers,—Mrs. Charlotte Grover of Glendale, Calif., and Mrs. Lorrol Jackson of Butte, Montana. Although this addition brings the Bahá’í group membership to eight, there is a possibility that the number may be reduced owing to the impending transfer of four members of other parts of the country.
In North Dakota a Bahá’í group of 9 adults and 4 youth has been formed in the Muhammadan community of Glenfield through the efforts of Mrs. Marguerite Bruegger, our Fargo pioneer. This young group is to be given further teaching assistance by Mrs. J. Stapleton, and Miss Dahela Abas, of Minneapolis.
Mrs. Alice Dudley of Detroit has moved to Fargo to assist with the establishment of an Assembly there. With the assistance of the Regional Teaching Committee Mrs. Bruegger will conduct a series of 13 radio broadcasts beginning in November.
The five members of the group in Reno, Nevada, have had the assistance of Mrs. Eleanor Adler since the middle of July. Several fine inter-racial meetings have resulted in fine publicity for the Faith.
After four months of medical care
and rest in California, Honor Kempton
has returned to Anchorage,
Alaska, being one of only two women
who were able to secure passage.
By an odd coincidence her companion
was found to be an acquaintance
[Page 5]
made this summer who is going to
Anchorage to live.
Although these brief sketches are indicative of the confirmations which attend the teaching efforts of our pioneers the task is still far from being accomplished. Of the 24 pioneer states and provinces only three at this point have the promise of Assemblies by next April! The need is for more and more Bahá’í settlers.
“The gigantic enterprises which the American believers are pledged to consummate are as yet but partially concluded, the remaining two years, must witness an intensification of Bahá’í activity. . . on such a scale as to eclipse the splendor of all past achievements. . .”
Inter-America News[edit]
“Be not concerned with the smallness of your numbers, neither be oppressed by the multitude of an unbelieving world . . . Exert yourselves: your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise America will surely 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.” (The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 52.)
Argentina
Such glorious work is going on in Argentina and Sr. Tormo writes of study groups in three other cities which are being taught by the visiting friends from Buenos Aires. The friends are looking forward with great eagerness to the proposed visit of Mrs. Collins and Mr. Sprague.
Bolivia
Miss Hottes writes that she has not suffered from the great altitude of La Paz and that she is working constantly and with the assistance of Mme. de Cuellar and three other confirmed believers they foresee a great future for the work there. They are longing to establish a school for teachers and hope to open up a line of well chosen publicity which has not been attempted before.
Brazil
Mrs. Leonora Holsapple Armstrong,
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, newly established April 21, 1942.
is finally, we hope, to see the
consummation of her hopes for the
arrival of a resident teacher in Bahia
for plans are underway for such
a teacher, and possibly for two
teachers beside Mr. Sprague, who
plans to spend some time in Bahia
which was especially mentioned
with significance by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Costa Rica
We have not heard recently from the two Assemblies in Costa Rica except word which has come from Miss Orbison, who stopped in San José en route to her destination in Chile. We know however that the friends are very active and very devoted due to the teaching efforts of Mrs. Gayle Woolson whose work speaks for itself.
Chile
Miss Virginia Orbison, after much delay due to being many times “offboarded” from the planes which were to have carried her but were required for army transports, arrived at Santiago de Chile late in September. She has been especially fortunate in her connections which will open many avenues and permit her to carry on the beautiful work begun by Mrs. Marcia Atwater who also hopes to return to Chile in the near future.
Cuba
Miss Josephine Kruka has been in Washington for a much needed rest, but is eager to return to Havana where she has left a group of children who are our pride and joy; besides, there is a splendid Assembly in Havana where they have a center of their owners and are strictly observing all Feasts and holding classes.
Colombia
Our newly appointed pioneer for Colombia, Miss Ruth Shook, after weeks of waiting for her plane reservations to be made good, finally decided to proceed by rail to Mexico City and from there she proceeded via Guatemala and San Salvador. Great courage and great perseverance are being displayed by these intrepid pioneers of which Miss Gwenne Dorothy Sholtis is also one.
Dominican Republic
Miss Lentz is again pleading for some young university students to join her and assist her with the splendid group which she has brought together from the ancient university of Trujillo. We hope it is not too late to get exchange students into the Republic, but if it is there are other young people who should be thinking of this opportunity.
Ecuador
Three young men are now working with John Stearns and eagerly awaiting the arrival of visiting teachers who will put the finishing touches to their splendid endeavors. We confidently expect great results from this corner of the world.
Guatemala
John Eichenauer and his brother Marshall are now located in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, where they are employed by the Pan American Airways Construction Co. No one of all our pioneers has had the amount of splendid newspaper publicity that John has had for the Cause. All his articles have been written in Spanish and translations sent to the committee and we are impressed with the good judgment which John has used in publicizing the Cause.
Honduras
News has come to us that Sr. Tany Viana, who was the first to accept the Faith in Honduras, is not only teaching the Faith but has organized a class in Esperanto which is very commendable.
Mexico
The two Spiritual Assemblies in Mexico, i.e., Mexico City and Puebla, are doing splendid work. Bulletins or news letters are sent to all believers every nineteen days announcing the various classes and urging the friends to bring their acquaintances and take up some of the subjects which are being taught preparatory to uniting with the Cause.
Nicaragua
At last reports Mathew Kaszab was about to return home for a visit, but he has been requested to remain if possible in view of the Guardian’s urgent appeal. Mr. Kaszab’s teaching work has been extended rapidly in recent months.
Haiti
Very encouraging news has come from Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell and at last they have been able to acquire some more French books. These have been very much needed and they are now asking for French translations of the Dispensation and the Will and Testament.
Peru
In Lima, where Miss Nicklin is working she is having great success with her little school and her class at the hospital, but the interest in the Cause is slow and she is longing for assistance. She has recently moved to a new address but will shortly have a post box which she will be able to use and will send us the number if anyone wishes to write her.
Panama
Panama is having all the visitors. They are happily on the path of all pioneers whether they travel by steamer or by plane, but they are still urging us to send them some permanent residents to bring their membership up to the nine required.
Puerto Rico
The friends in San Juan have entered unsparingly into the life of the country and are making friends and gaining the confidence of the people which is a sure way of progress.
San Salvador
Clarence Iverson writes that his organ programs are to be broadcast each Sunday morning and we are inquiring the wave length hoping to be able to tune in. He sends a fine photograph of the Spiritual Assembly and says his mother is still with him and in good health.
Uruguay
Wilfrid Barton always sends interesting reports of the teaching and translating work which is being done in Montevideo and makes us long to visit that lovely city and know these zealous friends.
Venezuela
Miss Priscilla Rhoads has been quite ill but we are happy to know that she has recovered and has anticipated the arrival of Miss Gwenne Dorothy Sholtis who arrived in Caracas late in September. Miss Sholtis gave up her plane reservations because of the many delays and travelled by steamer to Panama braving the perils of the Gulf of Mexico, but she arrived safely in Panama having made some very interesting contacts on the steamer despite the terrific storm which they went through. These two pioneers in Venezuela should be making good returns in the near future judging from their zeal and devotion.
Jamaica
Although not within the category of the Latin American Republics Jamaica is to have a resident teacher at Dr. Malcolm King who is returning to his native land to teach the Cause and has promised to keep the Inter-America Committee informed of the progress of his work there.
Announcement by Child Education Committee[edit]
To Groups and Isolated Believers:
The Committee on Child Education has been working for some time formulating a plan for the education of Bahá’í children in accordance with the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We have the beginning of such a plan.
Now we need to know our children. Your part in helping to set up this plan for universal education is to send us the information about them. Please send this speedily.
This is a child census. It is important that it be complete.
For each child up to and including fifteen years we need to know:
- Child’s name
- Child’s age
- Date of birth
- Parent’s name
- Address
Whatever other information will be helpful, grade in school, interests, etc. may be added.
Please send to the Committee within a few days.
Radio Teaching Activities[edit]
A most successful series of weekly radio broadcasts is being sponsored by the Baltimore Community in that city over station WFBR on Sunday afternoons at 5 o’clock.
After earnest consideration of teaching plans, the radio was chosen as the best means for bringing the Cause to public attention, and a sum of money was given by one of the believers for that purpose. In cooperation with the National Radio Committee, which supplied the scripts, the series was started on August 9 and the final talk will be given on November 8.
Intensive preparatory work was done, not only in the city, but in all the surrounding towns and cities, by the Baltimore friends and the Regional Teaching Committee for that area. Ten-minute talks were prepared under the general title “The Future We Face” and the radio announcer at the end of every talk gives briefly the Bahá’í principles, as well as the subject for the following week. As requested by the national committee to anyone giving radio talks, copies of the script are offered at the close of every broadcast. This is most important, and already the Baltimore friends have reaped the results by getting in contact with several new people who have written to the station for the talks. New classes are being formed with these people for further study.
Before the series was arranged, very interesting meetings were held with station officials. The salesman took two of the believers in charge of radio arrangements to meet the program manager, who in turn became interested. Finally, when the series was arranged, these two believers were asked to meet with eight men of the station’s planning board who asked questions about the Faith for an hour and a half. The Bahá’í attitude toward war, the colored race, and what was meant by “world executive” and “international force” were among the questions asked by this planning board before the series was accepted.
A different speaker almost every week has added to the publicity value of the series, and fifteen newspapers in and near Baltimore have carried both paid publicity and news articles about the series each week.
A complete report will be given to this effort when the series is finished, so that the experience and value of the work may be shared with all the friends.
Race Unity Committee[edit]
Requests have come to us for statements on the subject of racial unity from the direct Bahá’í Writings. A more complete study can be made from references, and it is suggested that Feast readings or general presentations may be chosen from the same references. A helpful list is here supplied:—
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Havana, Cuba, Established April 21, 1942
Bahá’í References
A. Spiritual truth of the oneness of mankind.
- 1. All men are created in the
image of God.
- Gleanings, 65-66; Promulgation,
- 66-57.
- 2. Color variations not important.
- Star of West, 13:307; Promulgation,
- 65, 42, 54, 227; Racial Amity, 8
- 3. Diversity in unity.
- Advent, 32; Wisdom, 46-47.
- 4. Capacities and character the
true distinctions.
- Promulgation, 422-3, 227-8;
- Some Answered Questions, 247-51;
- Wisdom, 138.
- 5. Human unity manifest in
World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
- World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, 41,
- 156-7.
B. Grave importance of modern race problems.
- 1. All prejudice harmful.
- Promised Day, 15, 117-118;
- Promulgation, 293, 310, 281.
- 2. Negro-white discord critical.
- Advent, 33.
- 3. Unity a prerequisite of peace
and welfare of mankind.
- Advent, 33; Gleanings 286, 96;
- Epistle to the Son of the Wolf,
- 14; Promulgation, 259; Racial
- Amity, 11.
C. Solution of race problems: accomplishment of human unity in the Kingdom of God upon earth.
- 1. Spiritual power, ideals, necessary
for achievement of oneness.
- Promulgation, 65, 315, 217, 229;
- America’s Spiritual Mission,
- 17-18; Advent 45-46.
- 2. Bahá’u’lláh brings to world the
power of the Spirit.
- Gleanings, 95-96, 286-7, 254,
- 255; Promulgation 159, 197;
- World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,
- 197-8; Promised Day, 128.
To Jews, Promised Day, 78-79; to Eskimos, ASM 49-50; to white and Negro, Star of West 11:167; to Indians, ASM 10; to Latin America, ASM, 18, 19; to world, ASM 12.
- 3. Understanding of unity in
diversity important.
- World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, 41,
197.
- 4. Courageous action commanded.
- Unity a law today.
- Gleanings, 286-7; ESW 2; WOB
- 36; Promulgation 316. Responsibilities
- for development, association,
- marriage, etc., Wisdom,
- 11-12, 33; Promulgation,
- 43, 108-9; Advent 31, 32; Racial
- Amity, 20; Bahá’í Administration,
- 120-121; Bahá’í News, No.
- 90, p. 1.
- 5. Challenge to America.
- ASM, 18; Promulgation, 54, 33–34.
- 6. World-wide suffering to fuse
peoples.
- WOB 193-4; Promised Day, 127.
- 7. Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order plan
essential to Imity.
- WOB 19-20.
D. Guardian calls for immediate action in America.
- Advent, 28, 29, 30, 33-34, 45;
- Bahá’í Administration, 119.
E. Guardian describes design of unity in World Order.
- WOB 203-6.
Non-Bahá’í References
The friends will be interested in reading the November issue of Survey Graphic when it comes from the press, for it will be a special number Called “Color” and will consist of more than one hundred pages on the serious race situation throughout the world. Such writers as Edward C. Carter, Elmer Carter, Edwin R. Embree, Lester Granger, Syud Hussain, Charles S. Johnson, A. Phillip Randolph, Walter White, Lin Yutang and Sterling Brown will discuss aspects of the problem. The edition is to be specially edited by the well-known Negro scholar, Alain Locke, whose books on this same subject have given him a recognized place as an authority. Have you seen his recent book. “When Peoples Meet?”
The Changing Indian, edited by Oliver LaFarge. University, Oklahoma Press.
Indians of South America, by Paul Radin. Doubleday. Doran and Company.
Latin America, by Preston James. Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Co.
All three books are highly valuable in gaining an understanding of the Indians of the western hemisphere.
Publishing Announcement[edit]
A World Faith, studies in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh prepared by ten different contributors to a symposium published in the World Order Magazine. These ten brief papers provide an excellent introduction to the Cause. 68 pages. Paper cover. Per copy..$0.25.
Appreciations of the Bahá’í Faith. The series of remarkable statements written about the Faith by prominent persons in many countries, which the Guardian has made a feature in successive volumes of The Bahá’í World. This pamphlet reprinting these testimonials is very interesting and helpful to the new believer, and an impressive proof of the Cause to inquirers. Paper cover. 15c per copy. Sold only in lots of five. Five copies ..........$0.75.
The Publishing Committee wishes to obtain a copy of Star of the West, Vol. III, No. 16. This issue is needed to complete a volume.
Address orders and correspondence to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
Committee List[edit]
Additions and Revisions
BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS
To provide instruction and study courses; to train teachers; to conduct the school program; to encourage attendance at the school.
Green Acre
- Lorna Tasker, Chairman
- Roushan Wilkinson, Secretary,
- R.F.D. 190, No. Attleboro, Mass.
- Louis G. Gregory
- Harlan Ober
- Glenn A. Shook
- Rachel Small
- Mrs. Harry Ford
- Harry Ford
Geyserville
- Gladys Linfoot, Secretary, 156
- Nova Drive, Piedmont, Calif.
- Mrs. Amelia Bowman
- John Bosch
- Anita Ioas
- Irvin Somerhalder
- Mrs. Louise Groger
Louhelen
- Edmund Miessler, Chairman
- Mrs. L. W. Eggleston, Secretary,
- Louhelen Ranch, R. D., Davision,
- Mich.
Phyllis Hall, Corresponding Secretary,
- 2387 Woodstock Drive, Detroit,
- Mich.
- Mrs. Beatrice Eardley
- Harry Whang
- L. W. Eggleston
- Kenneth Christian
- Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick
- Mrs. Dorothy Graf
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
To provide instruction for the training of Bahá’í teachers wishing to serve in other lands, especially, at present, in Central or South America: to stimulate Latin American contacts and activities by local Assemblies in North America.
- Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews, Chairman
- Mrs. Wanden La Farge, Secretary,
- Fountain, Colo.
- Mark Tobey
- Max Greeven
- Mrs. Inez Greeven
- Mrs. Marion Little
- George O. Latimer
YOUTH
To stimulate and coordinate activities of Bahá’í youth throughout the American Bahá’í community; to initiate worldwide Bahá’í symposiums; to issue bulletins of suggestions, plans and news of youth activity; to provide study material.
- Anita Ioas, Chairman, 640 46th Avenue,
- San Francisco, Calif.
- Peggy Miller
- Leila Storch
- Alex Holcombe
- Marion Holley, Youth Advisor
Archives and History: Mrs. Carl Scheffler, 1821 Lincoln Street, Evanston, Ill., appointed Secretary.
Regional Teaching: Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia. W. B. Patzer unable to serve. Mrs. Paul Haney added. New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Agnes Tichenor added.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Enrollments — New York, nine. Detroit, four. Nashville, two. New Orleans, two. Milwaukee, two. Miami, one and one youth. Columbus, one. Flint, one. Beverly Hills, one. Enrollment of isolated believers in September, eleven and one youth.
Transfers — New York, six. Chicago, four. Detroit, three. Dayton, two. Geneva, two. New Haven, two. Los Angeles, two. Spokane, one. Flint, one. Portland, one. Beverly Hills, one.
In Memoriam[edit]
“. . . The true believer, whose existence and life are to be regarded as the originating purpose of all creation.”
- Mrs. Stella C. Dewart, St. Albans,
- Vermont.
- Dr. Florence McShane, Altadena,
- California.
- Mrs. Elizabeth F. King,
- Indianapolis.
- Mr. Oscar Charles Garrett, Chicago.
- Mrs. Flora F. Lybrand, Washington.
- Mrs. J. Mackett, Milwaukee.
Bahá’í Calendar[edit]
Anniversaries: Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, November 12; Day of the Covenant, November 26; Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, November 28.
Nineteen Day Feasts: Power, November 4; Speech, November 23; Questions, December 12; Honor, December 31.
Meeting of National Spiritual Assembly: November 12, 13, 14, 15, at Wilmette.
