Bahá’í News/Issue 169/Text
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July, 1944
Bahá’í Era
| BAHÁ'Í |  |
NEWS |
Messages From the Guardian[edit]
Dearly-beloved friends:
The one remaining and indeed the most challenging task confronting the American Bahá’í Community has at long last been brilliantly accomplished. The structural basis of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has, through this superb victory, and on the very eve of the world-wide celebrations of the Centenary of His Faith, been firmly laid by the champion-builders of His World Order in every state of the Great Republic of the West and in every Province of the Dominion of Canada. In each of the Republics of Central and South America, moreover, the banner of His undefeatable Faith has been implanted by the members of that same community, while in no less than thirteen Republics of Latin America as well as in two Dependencies in the West Indies, Spiritual Assemblies have been established and are already functioning — a feat that has out–stripped the goal originally fixed, for the valiant members of that Community in their inter–continental sphere of Bahá’í activity. The exterior ornamentation of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West — the culmination of a forty year old enterprise repeatedly blessed and continually nurtured by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has, furthermore, through a remarkable manifestation of the spirit of Bahá’í solidarity and self–sacrifice so powerfully animating the members of that stalwart community, been successfully completed, more than a year in advance of the time set for its termination.
The triple task undertaken with such courage, confidence, zeal and determination — a task which ever since the inception of the Seven Year Plan has challenged and galvanized into action the entire body of the American believers and for the efficient prosecution of which processes of a divinely appointed Administrative Order had, during no less than sixteen years, been steadily evolving — is now finally accomplished
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Due to the sudden illness of Mr. Holley, necessitating a complete rest for some weeks, this issue of Bahá’í News is only an an attempt to keep the friends informed of the Guardian’s messages to the Convention and Centenary and to bring them excerpts from his last letter, and to get out an issue which will contain certain reports and records of changes of addresses, etc., etc. A special Centenary issue of Bahá’í News containing accounts of the Convention and Centenary will be published separately. As we go to press, we are happy to report that Mr. Holley is now at home convalescing and indications are that he will soon be able to resume his innumerable activities for the Faith. |
and crowned with total victory.
The greatest collective enterprise ever launched by the Western followers of Bahá’u’lláh and indeed ever undertaken by any Bahá’í community in the course of an entire century, has been gloriously consummated. A victory of undying fame has marked the culmination of the fifty year long labors of the American Bahá’í community in the service of Bahá’u’lláh and has shed imperishable lustre on the immortal records of His Faith during the first hundred years of its existence. The exploits that have marked the progress of this prodigious, this threefold enterprise, covering a field stretching from Alaska in the North to the extremity of Chile in the South, affecting the destinies of so great a variety of peoples and nations, involving such a tremendous expenditure of treasure and effort, calling forth so remarkable a spirit of heroism and self-sacrifice, and undertaken notwithstanding the vicious assaults and incessant machinations of the breakers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Covenant, and despite the perils, the trials and restrictions of a desolating war of unexampled severity, augur well for the successful prosecution, and indeed assure the ultimate victory, of the remaining stages of the Plan conceived, a quarter of a century ago, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the North American continent.
To the band of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, who have forsaken their homes, who have scattered far and wide, who have willingly sacrificed their comfort, their health and even their lives for the prosecution of this Plan; to the several committees and their auxiliary agencies that have been entrusted with special and direct responsibility for its efficient and orderly development and who have discharged their high responsibilities with exemplary vigor, courage and fidelity; to the national representatives of the community itself, who have vigilantly and tirelessly supervised, directed and coordinated the unfolding processes of this vast undertaking ever since its inception; to all those who, though not in the forefront of battle, have through their financial assistance and through the instrumentality of their deputies, contributed to the expansion and consolidation of the Plan, I myself, as well as the entire Bahá’í world, owe a debt of gratitude that no one can measure or describe. To the sacrifices they have made, to the courage they have so consistently shown, to the fidelity they have so remarkably displayed, to the resourcefulness, the discipline, the constancy and devotion they have so abundantly demonstrated future generations viewing the magnitude of their labors in their proper perspective, will no doubt pay adequate tribute—a tribute no less ardent and well-deserved than the recognition extended by the present–day builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh to the Dawn-Breakers, whose shining deeds have signalized the birth of the Heroic Age of His Faith.
To the elected representatives of
all the Bahá’í communities of the
New World, assembled beneath the
Dome of the Mother Temple of the
West, on the occasion of the historic,
first All-America Bahá’í Convention[Page 2]
—a Convention at which every state
and province in the North American
continent is represented, in
which the representatives of every
Republic of Latin America have
been invited to participate, whose
delegates have been elected, for the
first time in American Bahá’í history,
by all local communities already
possessing Assemblies, by all
groups and isolated believers
throughout the United States and
Canada, and whose proceedings will
be forever associated with the celebration
of the Centenary of the Faith
of Bahá’u’lláh, of the Hundredth anniversary
of the birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
of the fiftieth anniversary of
the founding of the Bahá’í Faith in
the Western Hemisphere, and of the
completion of the exterior ornamentation
of the First Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
of the West to all the privileged
attendants of such an epoch-making
Convention, I, on my own
behalf, as well as in the name of all
Bahá’í Communities sharing with
them, at this great turning point in
the history of our Faith, the joys
and triumphs of this solemn hour,
feel moved to convey the expression
of our loving admiration, our joy and
our gratitude for the brilliant conclusion
of what posterity will no
doubt acclaim as one of the most
stirring episodes in the history of
the Formative Age of the Faith of
Bahá’u’lláh, as well as one of the
most momentous enterprises undertaken
during the entire course of
the first Century of the Bahá’í Era.
Haifa, April 15, 1944.
Message from Shoghi Effendi[edit]
I advise you to share the following facts with the believers at Convention celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
Bahá’ís have established residence in seventy–eight countries, fifty–six of which are sovereign states. Bahá’í literature has been translated and published in forty–one languages. Translations have been undertaken in twelve additional languages. Thirty–one races are represented in the Bahá’í world community. Five National Assemblies and sixty–one local Assemblies belonging to ten countries are incorporated and legally empowered to hold property. The Bahá’í international endowments held in the Holy Land are estimated at a half million pounds sterling. National Bahá’í endowments in the United States are estimated at one million, seven hundred thousand dollars.
The area of land in the Jordan Valley dedicated to the Bahá’í Shrines is over five hundred acres. The site purchased for future Bahá’í Temple of Persia comprises three and a half million square meters. The cost of the structure of the first Bahá’í Temple in the West has been one million, three hundred thousand dollars.
In every state and province of North America Bahá’í Assemblies is functioning. In thirteen hundred localities of the United States and Canada Bahá’ís reside. Bahá’í Centers have been established in every republic of Latin America, fifteen of which possesses Spiritual Assemblies. The Faith in the Western Hemisphere now stretches from Anchorage, Alaska, to Magellanes, Chile, the world’s southernmost city. Sixty–two Centers have been established in India, twenty-seven with Spiritual Assemblies.
Among the historic sites purchased in Persia are the Ṭihrán home of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb’s shop in Búshihr, the burial place of Quddús, part of the village of Chihríq, three gardens in Badasht, and the place where Táhirih was confined.
Bahá’í administrative headquarters has been founded in Tihrán, Delhi, Cairo, Baghdád, Wilmette and Sydney. Bahá’í endowments in the Holy Land and the United States have been exempted from taxes by the civil authorities. Civil recognition has been extended to Bahá’í Assemblies in five states of the United States to solemnize Bahá’í marriages.
I suggest you utilize the above information for publicity purposes wherever advisable. {{right|(signed) SHOGHI RABBANI}
Received May 9, 1944
Message to the Convention
Hail with glad, grateful heart the
historic Assembly of the elected
representatives of the followers of
the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh throughout
the Western Hemisphere participating
in the first All-America
Convention gathered in the vicinity
of the first Bahá’í Center of the
Western World beneath the dome of
the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the
West to commemorate alike the
Anniversary of the founding of the
Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and the Birth
of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Anniversary
of its establishment in the Occident
and to celebrate the completion of
the exterior ornamentation of the
most hallowed House of Worship in
the entire Bahá’í world. I recall
with profound emotion of this
solemn, auspicious occasion the
milestones in the progress of the
community whose rise constitutes
one of the noblest episodes in the
history of the First Bahá’í Century.
Called into being through the
operation of the Will of the Center
of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, energized
at the hour of its birth by
dynamic spirit communicated to it
by the band of first returning pilgrims,
purged in its infancy by fiery
tests involving the defection of its
acknowledged founder, nursed
through the dispatch of unnumbered
Tablets by the vigilant Master, as
well as by the successive messengers
designed to support its infant
strength, launched upon its
rapid career through series of
institutional acts and missionary
journeys signalizing the first stirrings
of its community life, infinitely
enriched by priceless benefits
conferred upon its members in the
course of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sojourn in
their midst, invested with a unique
mission through the revelation of the
Tablets of the Divine Plan, firmly
knit through processes proclaiming
the emergence of the Divinely
appointed Administrative Order,
immortalized through the signal acts of
its illustrious member who
succeeded in winning the allegiance
of royalty to its cause, consummating
its record of achievements
through total victory of the Seven
Year Plan thereby sealing the triumph
of the first stage in the Mission
bestowed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
this repeatedly blessed, much
envied community deserves to be
acclaimed the Torchbearer of the
civilization, the foundations of which
the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is destined
unassailable to establish in the
course of the Second Bahá’í Century.
I am moved to pay a well
deserved tribute at this great turning
point in the career of so privileged
a community to the gallant
band of its apostolic founders whose
deeds heralded the dawn of the Day
of the Covenant in the West, to its
intrepid pioneers who labored to enlarge
the bounds of the Faith in the
five continents, to its indefatigable
administrators whose hands reared
the fabric of the Administrative
Order, to its heroic martyrs who followed
in the footsteps of the Dawn–Breakers
at the heroic age, to its
itinerant teachers who with written[Page 3]
and spoken word pleaded its cause
and repulsed the attacks of its
adversaries, to its munificent supporters
whose liberality accelerated the
expansion of its manifold activities,
and — last but not least to the
mass of its stout–hearted, self–denying
members whose strenuous,
ceaseless, concerted efforts so
decisively contributed to the
consolidation and broadening of its
foundations. I desire to direct a
particular appeal to the Latin American
representatives participating in the
Centennial Convention to deliberate
on measures to reinforce the ties
binding them to their Sister Community,
unitedly devise means for
the inauguration of teaching campaigns
in their respective Republics,
the dissemination of Bahá’í literature,
the multiplication of Bahá’í
administrative centers as preliminary
steps in the formation of
Bahá’í National Assemblies, and
lend impetus to the prosecution of
any enterprise launched to carry
still further the Plan conceived by
‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the American Bahá’í
Community.
Received May 15, 1944.
Message from Shoghi Effendi
I am overjoyed by the auspicious opening of the Centennial Convention. The dearly-beloved American Bahá’í community was remembered during the historic night of the glorious Declaration at the Báb’s Holy Shrine. Announce to the friends the joyful tidings that the hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of the Mission of the martyred Herald of the Faith was signalized by the historic decision to complete the structure of His sepulcher erected by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the site chosen by Bahá’u’lláh. The recently designed model of the dome has been unveiled in the presence of assembled believers. Praying for early removal of obstacles to the consummation of the stupendous Plan conceived by the Founder of the Faith and the hopes cherished by the Center of His Covenant.
Received May 25, 1944
Messages to Incoming Assembly
Praying fervently for newly–elected Assembly signal victories, abundant blessings in the opening year of the second Bahá’í century. Deepest love.
Received May 26, 1944
The magnificent victories achieved in the teaching field and the sphere
Bahá’í Administrative Quarters, Teheran, Irán, 1944
of administrative activity by the
American Bahá’í community crowned
with glory the historic services rendered
by the followers of Bahá’u’lláh
throughout the West during the last
fifty years of the first Bahá’í
century. I rejoice in the brilliant
celebrations befitting consummating
the record of splendid achievements.
Immediate attention should be
focused in the course of the opening
year of the Second Century on
consolidation of the noblest-won victories
through reinforcement of newly
formed Assemblies, multiplication of
groups and increase in number of
Assemblies as well as corresponding
effort through Latin America. Praying
for continuous flow of Divine
outpourings.
Received May 27, 1944
Messages From the Guardian[edit]
In connection with your Assembly’s two actions regarding the formation and dissolution of Spiritual Assemblies: The Guardian approves of your first action, which he understands is only for this last year of the first Bahá’í Century, as, of course, in the future Assemblies will be formed only during the month of April. As to the second action, however, any Assembly which is dissolved must immediately report to the national secretary, who must always keep an up to date list of Assemblies. Any dissolved Assembly cannot be reconstituted until the time of election in April. This is the general principle which must be followed in the future. In this last year of the Century, however, naturally any Assembly that is dissolved may be reconstituted as soon as the number of believers reverts to nine again.
Regarding your question as to the changing of pronouns in Bahá’í prayers: The Guardian does not approve of such changes, either in the specific prayers or in any others. They should be read as printed without changing a single word.
Rejoice success vitally needed timely conference Latin American representatives. Greatly welcome decisions reached plans formulated. First year second Bahá’í century should witness establishment Spiritual Assembly every remaining Republic and be signalized by steady increase pioneers both Latin (and) North America; further multiplication groups; wider dissemination Bahá’í literature both Spanish (and) Portuguese; closer relationships consolidating communities; more effective contact these communities with mass population all races (and) classes. Ardently praying mighty victories every field as essential preliminary emergence independent National Spiritual Assemblies and indispensable prelude launching in other continents, soon after termination world conflict, second stage momentous world plan so intimately associated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with future destinies illustrious American Bahá’í community.
Received July 17, 1944
Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Retrospect and Prospect
Dear Friends:
Impressive events marking the close of the first Bahá’í Century have attested the greatness of the Divine Cause. Ideal friendships are created. News of the Faith has been disseminated widely. Many inquirers have been attracted by the genial, friendly spirit of the gatherings. The bond of unity among members of the world-wide community of Bahá’ís has been strengthened. The two-fold task of the Seven Year Plan has been achieved. Confidence has been deepened through evident signs of selfless devotion. The praise of our noble Guardian has been generously given and the manifest Favor of God has been directed toward His servants.
The achievements which have been crowned with glory the end of the first Bahá’í Century had their foundations laid by the Dawn-Breakers, whose heroism illumined the early days with deathless fame. The station of becoming their spiritual heirs has been conferred upon the American Bahá’í community. Ours is now among the rarest of opportunities. If we evaluate this high privilege, with fidelity to its demands of service, the second century’s end may be fraught with such victories as are beyond fancy. While those now living may not behold them with mortal eyes, yet their fame may penetrate the worlds on high.
Auspicious is the opening of the new century. During the period covered by the last session of the National body, July 8th to 12th, six of the Latin-American delegates whose arrival at the Centenary had been hindered, responded to a new invitation. These were Sr. Salvador Tormo of Argentina, Sra. Angela Ochoa Velasquez of Honduras, Sr. Roque Centurion Miranda of Paraguay, Sra. Isabel Tirado de Barreda of Peru, Dr. Manuel Bergés of San Domingo and Srta. Clara Luz Montalvo of San Salvador. Latin American pioneers present were Miss Gwenne Sholtis, Miss Margaret Lentz, Miss Elisabeth Cheney and Mrs. Gayle Woolson, and also Mr. Raymond I. Betts of Lima, Peru. Mrs. Woolson acted as interpreter and translator for these friends.
Scenes and observances of the Centenary were re-enacted for the instruction and entertainment of these friends and there were several conferences among themselves and with the National body, with a view to ways and means of deepening and spreading the Faith throughout those regions. The spirit of the Centenary gladdened each and all and the zeal of efficient service took hold.
But now for the present tasks to be undertaken in the same spirit of loving and loyal devotion. One point of concentration should be the stability of the National Fund, which must meet increasing demands with the expansion of the Faith. It has been depleted by the unusual cost of recent great activities. The duty of every Assembly, community, group and isolated Bahá’í to aid is apparent. We can now express our gratitude to God by contributions as well as by prayer, labor, service and other forms of sacrifice. May the flame of unity inspire all in such lines of service as guidance and consultation may direct. Priority is given National activities in the domain of service by the wisdom of the Guardian.
The agenda of the Guardian concentrates our capacities, primarily at this time upon teaching; building up the work in the pioneer areas, laying an unshakable foundation upon which an enduring structure can be built; preparing the way for Bahá’í Temples in every land.
Some years ago, as a community we discovered, by the aid of the Guardian, the capacity for recent victories. While we have divine assurance that no one is burdened beyond capacity, yet the powers may continue forever latent until quickened by the divine spirit. The body of the Teachings, clarified and applied by the directions from the Guardian form an agenda for both our collective and individual lives and services. Indications are that souls of great capacity will be ere long join our ranks and swell the chorus of those who proclaim the Faith. Shall we not strive to the utmost to awaken them? The more we strive, the more strength is given. The more we sacrifice the more we grow. The more we teach, the more we know of divine mysteries and the illumination of souls. This is truly the time for intensified activities, viewing the world’s imminent chaos on the one hand and growing capacity on the other. All the universe is in motion. Intensities activity is the call. If our wish is to stir others, we must keep in motion.
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Meetings September 9, 10, ll, 12, 13 November 10, ll, 12, 13 |
Annual Election
The annual election created the National Spiritual Assembly with the following membership: George O. Latimer (Chairman), Allen B. McDaniel (Vice Chairman), Horace Holley (Secretary), Louis G. Gregory (Recording Secretary), Roy C. Wilhelm (Treasurer), Dorothy Baker, Amelia E. Collins, Philip G. Sprague, Leroy Ioas. The Assembly has appointed Siegfried Schopflocher the Treasurer of the Canadian Bahá’í Fund.
Committee List[edit]
Index Committee—a new Committee appointed March, 1944, with the function of completing the preparation of a general index to Bahá’í literature and a complete Bahá’í glossary. W. Kenneth Christian
- Roberta Christian
- 959 Lancaster Avenue,
- Syracuse, 10, N.Y.
Other members to be appointed later.
Inter-America Committee
Relative to use of name, Inter-America Committee, by Assembly local Committees the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to inform the believers through Bahá’í News that the National Spiritual Assembly can recognize only one Inter-America Baha Committee because of the international implications of the title, and therefore local assemblies making contacts and teaching the various racial elements in their local communities, will have to use a different designation for such committees.
Race Unity Committee[edit]
Highlights from the report of Mrs. Mary Stevison of Chicago bring us close to the western Indian friends. In May, immediately before the convention, Mrs. Stevison journeyed to Nebraska and gave the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the Omaha and Winnebago tribes, visiting Sioux City, Nebraska and Macy.
Much of the work was among individuals. Many of the friends called upon Mrs. Stevison and received her in their homes. One family became so enthusiastic that on one of their calls, they remained until long after midnight, talking of the future world and about the future of their great race, in the light of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. Eight Indian families showed special interest, and some of these friends not only entertained their Bahá’í guest at dinner, but invited other Indian friends to meet her from time to time. Thus a nucleus of interested Indian friends has been formed.
Mrs. Stevison reports that pictures of the Temple were especially appreciated, and in the case of three of the families, large framed pictures were hung in the homes. “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” and “Race and Man” were also given to these families.
Contacts were made in a variety of ways. For example, many Indians came to the Community Building to obtain garden seeds for their spring planting. These friends met Mrs. Stevison and received pamphlets from her, as well as postcard pictures of the Temple and a few friendly words of explanation. This did much to open the doors.
Books and many pamphlets were distributed in community centers, missions, public schools and hospitals. In one school, post card pictures of the Temple and pamphlets on the principles of the Faith were distributed among the students. In another, talks were given before a number of classes and not only pamphlets were distributed, but adequate text books were placed in the library for general reading.
The friends who would be interested in following up Mrs. Stevison’s splendid Nebraska effort are requested to write to the Race Unity Committee for further information. Mrs. Stevison can supply a list of names of the Indian friends who responded to the Faith.
Speakers at Race Unity Banquet held at Lima, Ohio.
Approved Radio Scripts on File With National Bahá’í Radio Committee April 25, 1944
Following are 13½ Minute Scripts used first in California over Station KYA:
- The First Hundred Years (also
- available in 5-minute script)
- Humanity’s Coming of Age
- World Crisis—World Birth
- The Oneness of Mankind
- Basis of a New Society
- World Economics
- Blueprints for World Peace
- Rebirth of Religion
- A New Age Is Born
- Bahá’u’lláh—World Educator
- Pattern of a Future Society
- Bahá’í Temple—Symbol of
- Tomorrow
- World Order of Bahá’u’lláhah
- America’s Place in World Order
- The Dynamic of Civilization
- Evolution of Religion
Miscellaneous Scripts
- Religious Unity—11 minutes
- Women Will Keep the Peace—
- 10 minutes
- The Real Victory—Eternal Life—
- 10 minutes
- The Question of Prejudice—
- 11 minutes
- Peace and the Heart of Humanity—
- 15 minutes
- Interview—World Reconstruction—
- 13½ minutes
- Century of Scientific Unity—
- 5 minutes
- America’s New Adventure—
- 13 minutes
- The Old Frame House—
- 10 minutes
- The Temple of God for This New
- Age—12 minutes
- The Breaking Dawn (Semi-Bahá’í)
- —15 minutes
Request for Convention Pictures[edit]
All photographers who obtained good pictures, one or more, at the recent Centennial Convention are requested to send prints or to loan the negatives to the National Archives Committee so that a more complete photographic record of the Centenary can be made. Kindly mail pictures or negatives to,
Bahá’í Schools[edit]
Programs from August 1, 1944
- GEYSERVILLE
- July 23—August 6, 1944
This summer the Geyserville School will enter its eighteenth year as a center for the training of Bahá’í teachers and workers throughout the West. Ours is a period of immeasurable opportunity for the Faith. It is our plan and hope that this session at Geyserville will contribute a full share in preparing the friends for the responsibilities to come.
The theme of this session will be “Inaugurating the Second Bahá’í Century”—in the spirit of the Guardian’s words: “The opening of the second century of the Bahá’í era must needs disclose greater vistas, usher in further stages, and witness the initiation of plans more far-reaching than any as yet conceived.”
- MORNING CLASSES
- I. “God Passes By”
- Two weeks devoted to outline
- and study of the Guardian’s
- forthcoming book on the first
- century of the Bahá’í Faith, reviewing
- “the salient features
- of its birth and rise, as well as
- . . . the initial stages in the
- establishment of its administrative
- institutions.”
- II. “The Reality of Man” — First
- Week
- A basic course on Bahá’u’lláh’s
- spiritual Teachings concerning
- the human spirit, man’s relation
- to God, his potentialities
- and conditions of progress.
- III. “The Evolving World Order” —
- Second Week
- A study of the Bahá’í Administrative
- Order in terms of process,
- as the dynamic source,
- nucleus, and pattern of that
- World Order “destined to embrace
- in the fullness of time the
- whole of mankind.”
- AFTERNOON ROUND TABLE
- IV. “Teachings—the Creative Bahá’í
- Life”
- First Week — “Expanding the
- Faith”
- Second Week — “Consolidating
- the Faith”
- Informal discussion under the
- Big Tree of teaching as a way
- of life, and of its application to
- the vast opportunities unfolding
- through “the promulgation of
- the Divine Plan.”
- FOUR EVENINGS
- V. “The World Moves On to Its
- Destiny”
- First Week — “The New Social
- Horizon”
- Second Week—“The Growth of
- World Society”
- A bird’s-eye view of Bahá’í
- humanitarian and social principles
- operating in the world today,
- through “the irresistible
- diffusion” of the Faith’s “worldshaking
- world–energizing, worldredeeming
- spirit.”
Reservations and rates may be
- obtained through:
Gladyce Linfoot, 156 Nova Drive,
- Piedmont, California
- LOUHELEN
“Until the people of the world see a shining example set by us they will not embrace the Cause in masses, because they require to see the teachings demonstrated in a pattern of action.”
Subjects for all sessions will be based on facets of a Bahá’í Pattern of Action inspired by the Centenary. “The Guardian suggests that the school committee discuss, after attending the convention, what subjects would be of great help in facing the new projects, plans and needs of the Faith brought to light during the Convention.”
- GENERAL SESSION
- (August 4 to 13, inclusive)
- SENIOR YOUTH SESSION
- (August 16 to 23, inclusive)
- Rates (including meals)
ADULTS—Dormitory rates $1.75 per
- day per person; double rooms $2.25
- per day per person; single rooms
- $2.75 per day per person.
YOUTH—Rates for youth at youth
- sessions only, all dormitories, per
- youth, per day $1.65.
Please make your school and travel
- reservations early.
MORNING CLASSES
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
General Subject: Basic Bahá’í
Teachings
Aug. 7-11—The Unity of Religions. F. St. George Spendlove, F.R.S.A., F.R.G.S., Graduate of School of Archaeology, University of London, Specialist in Archaeology of the Far East, Royal Ontario Museum of Archaeology, Toronto, Canada.
Aug. 14-18 — Universal Peace. Speaker to be announced.
Aug. 21-25 — International Justice, Heshmat Alá’i, Washington, D. C.
Aug. 28-Sept.1 — The Oneness of Mankind, Mrs. Robert Lee Moffett, Chicago, Illinois, author of “Do’a, the Call to Prayer.”
Teacher Training Courses
Aug. 7-11 — Bahá’í Consultation, Genevieve Coy, Ph.D., Psychologist at the Dalton School, New York City.
Aug. 14-25 — Ninety-five Questions in the Study of the Bahá’í Faith, Ali Kuli-Khan, N.D., New York, N. Y.
Aug. 28-Sept. 1—“God Passes By” by Shoghi Effendi. Speaker to be arranged.
EVENING MEETINGS
Mondays—The Search for Reality in Past Holy Books, Louis G. Gregory.
Tuesdays—Open.
Wednesdays — Special Lectures including
- three on music by H. R.
- Austin, with illustrations drawn
- from the keyboard literature; two
- by Mrs. Mary Coristene on Psychological
- Analysis—East and West,
- and Geopolitics for All of Us.
- (Other lectures and dates to be arranged.)
Thursdays — Transformation of Human
- Society—a series of lectures
- in charge of Harlan Ober.
Fridays (except Aug. 11) — “The
- Dawn–Breakers,” Mrs. Nancy Bowditch.
Saturdays—Guest Speakers (to be arranged).
- Dancing.
Sundays—Special Concerts and Lectures (to be arranged).
- SATURDAY MORNING CLASS
- (throughout the summer)
Study of the Qur’án, in charge of
- Ali Kuli-Khan, N.D.
- SPECIAL MEETINGS
Aug. 11-13 — Amity Conference, in charge of Louis Gregory.
Aug. 20—‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Feast, in charge of the Eliot Local Assembly.
- YOUTH PROGRAM
Classes for children under 16 years of age will be conducted throughout the summer, with art and religious instruction under the direction of Mrs. Mary McClennen, and nature study, folk dancing, etc., under the direction of Harry Ford.
SUNDAY MEETINGS—11:00 A.M.
Aug. 6 — The Ecstasy of Prayer, Jessie Revell.
Aug. 13—Lights and Shadows of the Inner and Outer World, Louis G. Gregory.
Aug. 20-The Spiritual Meaning of Spring, Mrs. Mary McClennen.
Aug. 21 — Divine Love, Defense Against Changes and Chances, Jeanne Bolles.
Sept. 3—The Mystery and Revelation of the Day of God, Harlan Ober.
For reservations, Write Mrs. Margaret Newman, Green Acre, Eliot, Maine.
GREEN ACRE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Lorna Tasker, Chairman, 15 Ives St., Beverly, Mass.
Roushan Wilkinson, Secretary, Room 607, 140 Federal St., Boston 10, Mass.
Louis G. Gregory, Dr. Glenn A. Shook, Harlan Ober, Rachel Small, Mary McClennen, Helen Archambault, Margaret Newman.
Host and Hostess in Dormitory: Harry and Bahiyyih Ford.
Bahá’í Publications[edit]
The Publishing Committee regrets exceedingly the delay in bringing out the Guardian’s historic book, God Passes By, planned for the Centenary, also The Bahá’í Centenary, 1844-1944 which should have been ready for the May anniversary. The printers have been doing so much Government wartime printing that all other work suffers. We can only hope to have copies of both books in the early fall.
Bahá’í World Faith, Centennial edition bound in red leather stamped with dates in gold. This is an attractive remembrance of the Centenary, and we feel that every Assembly will be happy to have a copy in their library. Copies still available, price $5.00.
New Pamphlets[edit]
Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith, a revised edition of Principles of the Bahá’í Faith, sold in lots of 100. $2.00.
The Spiritual Meaning of Adversity by Mamie L. Seto, formerly published under the title of Tests, Their Spiritual Value, sold in lots of 100. $2.00.
Oneness of Mankind by Hussein Rabbani, reprinted, sold in lots of 100. $2.00.
The Lesser and the Most Great Peace by George Orr Latimer, sold in lots of 100. $2.00.
Prophecy Fulfilled, by Elisabeth H. Cheney, sold in lots of 100. $2.00.
World Order Magazine[edit]
Copies of May and June issues at special price of ten copies for one dollar are still available. These issues contain many of the talks given at the Centenary meetings and are of paramount interest especially to send to interested friends.
The Spiritual Assembly and Community of the Bahá’ís of Lima, Peru. June, 1944.
Excerpts from an Inter-America Report Received Prior to the Convention[edit]
Latin-America and the Caribbean Islands are indeed astir with new teaching enterprises, and with preparations for the celebration of the first Bahá’í Centennial. Assemblies, or Groups, in each country are arranging local festivities in tribute to this historic occasion. Word of the representative elected to attend the Centenary Convention has been received from nearly all countries. Mail wings its way southward providing detailed instructions from the National Spiritual Assembly, the Centenary and Inter-America Committees, for the privileged journey to the Temple in the heart of the North American Continent.
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Dorothy Baker’s return from a two months’ visit in Colombia and Venezuela brings us her radiant account of the blessings Bahá’u’lláh has bestowed upon these countries.
Under the guidance of Mr. Gerrard Sluter, and with the assistance of Winifred Louise Baker, new souls were confirmed and the establishment of the Spiritual Assembly of Bogota, Colombia, was recorded. Shortly after this memorable occasion Mrs. Baker bade farewell to the two valiant pioneers and the beloved members of Colombia’s first Assembly. En route to Venezuela she made a brief stop in Barranquilla to see the first believer of Colombia, young Sr. Carlos Nieto. Wistfully he expressed his longing for the day when other believers would join him in service to the Faith in Barranquilla. Through the help of Sr. Nieto several Bahá’í books were accepted by the Library for display and circulation.
VENEZUELA[edit]
“Venezuela, land of budding agriculture and modern education!” Eight enrollment cards, and precious new friendships, are the treasures brought back from Venezuela by Dorothy Baker. Her loving words share with us the awakening of this country at the dawn of its spiritual destiny.
“The extreme cordiality of the people forbids the “foreign” feeling in Caracas. What a happy task, it was to find, one by one, the friends of Gwenne Sholtis, former pioneer, and remind them of the great Cause which had been the object of her love and devotion while among them. They had not forgotten, and some of them were glad to come to the little meetings at the Gran Americana. Delightful contacts of Mr. and Mrs. Emeric Sala were later added, and new friends found their way to the little gatherings. Through the courtesy of Sra. Trina Courlaender, editor of the magazine “Pro-America”, and president of the National Club of the Union of American Women, a world of friendships opened up. The meetings grew to about forty in attendance.
“At the close of a period of five weeks, eight historic souls accepted the joy and responsibility of the World Order under the Guardian, and in addition, one youth, and one adult who lacked permanent residency. Sra. Courlaender herself, became one of the group that organized on that memorable night. All were present when Dr. David Escalante was elected the first Secretary, and all assisted in laying the first plans for feasts and regular classes.”
The Costa Rican Bahá’ís rejoice that Dr. Escalante is giving his able assistance to the establishment of the Faith in Venezuela, for it was in San Jose that Dr. Escalante first heard and accepted the call of Bahá’u’lláh.
PERU[edit]
The spiritual flowering of Peru is precious testimony to the many months of Eve Nicklin’s devoted services in Lima. With patient care she has built strong foundations of friendship and deep respect for herself, and the Faith she loves and teaches. Her painstaking preparations for a Bahá’í Center in Lima have taken form in a bright and charming apartment, centrally located, and admirably suited in size and arrangement for the Bahá’í gatherings she had prayed and worked for.
A new acceleration of interest in the Faith has become increasingly apparent in recent months. Flora Hottes’ visit provided the opportunity for many pleasant meetings in Eve’s apartment. Acquaintances new and old came to hear with fresh eagerness of the Message of peace and progress enshrined in the Bahá’í Revelation. Flora also found a most receptive heart in kindly Sra. de Barreda, owner of the pension in which Eve had engaged a room for her.
Arriving a few days after Flora’s return to La Paz, Virginia joyfully went to stay at this same pension. Soon buoyant letters from Eve and Virginia brought us the glorious news that Sra. de Barreda had accepted the Faith. Virginia gaily comments— “At the Feast in Eve’s home the first believer to sign in Peru enrolled as a member of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause!”
Other activities on a breath-taking scale were also being developed by these two glorious pioneers. Writes Eve, “These are busy times! I have taken a job teaching in the first
Memorial to Keith Ransom Kehler erected in Isfáhán, Irán in January, 1944 to commemorate her work in Irán. She was the second American Bahá’í to die in Irán, while serving the cause of unity and universal peace.
Summer School ever held here in
Peru, for Peruvian teachers of English
— one hundred teachers from
all over Peru. Virginia could fit in
wonderfully as a guest speaker, having
done Library work at the Paramount
Studios. She brought a “New
Day” aspect to the subject and made
it easy for me to ask these people
into my home. We have had startling
results, and now interested friends
have asked us into their homes, too,
to tell the Message to their families
and friends. Everything seems to be
awakening all at once here in Peru.”
Virginia adds zestful words of the response of these Peruvian teachers —“They are mostly young, intelligent, alert. Eve invited them all to tea, when we could discuss further these ideas of world unity, and world culture. They all wanted to come, so we are booked solid for the next week or so!” Exciting glories are anticipated for Peru before the close of the Century and humble prayers blend with delighted hopes that several of these new friends may soon become confirmed believers.
Correction of Errors in Annual Report 1943-1944[edit]
Page 48
The name of Nate Goldstein was omitted from the membership list of the Contacts Committee.
Page 54
Under “Reviewing” the name of the author of CHRISTIANS AWAKE should be “Peggy True.”
IN MEMORIAM
“l testify, O my Lord, that Thou hast enjoined upon men to honor their guest, and he that hath ascended unto Thee hath verily reached Thee and attained Thy Presence. Deal with him then according to Thy grace and bounty!”
Mrs. Catherine De Moure, Peoria, Illinois.
Mrs. Judson M. Saunders, New Haven, Conn.
Mrs. Robert Sully, Buffalo, New York.
Mr. Achill Bippart, East Orange, N. J.
Miss Adrienne de Vere, Chicago, Ill.
Mr. Hugo Taylor, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Enrollments of new believers reported by local Assemblies:
Sioux Falls, one; New York, two; St. Louis, two; Reno, one; Chicago, seven; Grand Rapids, two; Denver, one; Phoenix, one.
Enrollments by transfer reported by local Assemblies:
Buffalo, one; Philadelphia, one; Chicago, two; Beverly Hills, one; Sioux Falls, two; Washington, D. C., one.
- Enrollment of isolated believers:
- April—twenty-five and five Youth.
- May—thirty-one and three Youth.
- June—eighteen.
