Bahá’í News/Issue 173/Text
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NEWS |
| No. 173 | FEBRUARY, 1945 | YEAR 101 | BAHA’I ERA |
“God Passes By”[edit]
“This Revelation,” Mulla Ḥusayn has further testified, “so suddenly and impetuously thrust upon me, came as a thunderbolt which, for a time, seemed to have benumbed my faculties. I was blinded by its dazzling splendor and overwhelmed by its crushing force. Excitement, joy, awe, and wonder stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant among these emotions was a sense of gladness and strength which seemed to have transfigured me. . .I felt possessed of such courage and power that were the world, all its peoples and its potentates, to rise against me, I would, alone and undaunted, withstand their onslaught.”
A claim to be no less than the mouthpiece of God Himself, promised by the Prophets of bygone ages; the assertion that He was, at the same time, the Herald of One immeasurably greater than Himself; the summons which He trumpeted forth to the kings and princes of the earth. . .these constitute the dominant features of that initial contact that marked the birth, and fixed the date, of the inception of the most glorious era in the spiritual life of mankind.
With this historic Declaration the dawn of an Age that signalizes the consummation of all ages had broken. The first impulse of a momentous Revelation had been communicated to the one “but for whom,” according to the testimony of the Kitáb–i–Iqán, “God would not have been established upon the seat of His mercy, nor ascended the throne of eternal glory.” Not until forty days had elapsed, however, did the enrollment of the seventeen remaining Letters of the Living commence. Gradually, spontaneously, some in sleep, others while awake, some through fasting and prayer, others through dreams and visions, they discovered the Object of their quest, and were enlisted under the banner of the new–born Faith. (Pages 6 and 7)
Messages From the Guardian[edit]
Dear and Valued Co-Workers:
1944, a year memorable for the sharp entrast between the rising tide of spiritual victories culminating in the Centenary celebrations of a world-embracing Faith and the swiftly ebbing fortunes of a war-ravaged, disillusioned and bankrupt society, is drawing to a close. In every continent of the globe; in the Holy Land, the Heart and Center of our Faith and Pivot of its institutions; in the land of its birth; in the adjoining territory of ‘Iráq; throughout the Western Hemisphere; in the British Isles, so severely subjected to the violence of a world tempest; throughout the length and breadth of India; in far-off Australasia and in the Nile Valley—all with the sole exception of the distant Republics of the West subjected in varying degrees to the imminent danger of becoming the theatre of war—the communities laboring for the promotion of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have, throughout five tumultuous years, been providentially spared to hold aloft its banner, to preserve its integrity, to maintain the continuity of its institutions, to enrich its annals, to consolidate its structure, to further disseminate its literature and to befittingly celebrate its centenary. Preponderant indeed has been the share of that privileged community, which has been invested by the Pen of the Center of the Covenant with a world–wide mission, in the prosecution of a task which, ever since the onset of this world upheaval and despite its mounting horrors, the builders of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have so unflaggingly pursued. Neither the participation of the Great Republic of the West in this fierce contest, nor the sorrows, burdens and restrictions which such direct association with the agonies of a travailing age has entailed have thus far been capable of dimming the splendor of the exploits that have immortalized the record of the services of this community since the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Indeed, coincident with the period of America’s direct participation in this world struggle and in direct proportion to the turmoil and the tribulations which such a participation has engendered, the members of this community have evinced a heroism and proved themselves capable of a concerted effort that have eclipsed the notable achievements that have heralded the establishment of the Administrative Order of the Faith as well as the first stage in the development of the Seven Year Plan.
What the year 1945, on whose
threshold we now stand, has in store
for the members of this determined,
this valiant, this watchful, this exemplary
community only the future
can reveal. That the trials and afflictions
suffered by their country
and its people must wax as this
world upheaval move towards a climax
no one can any longer doubt.
The challenge that will face this stalwart
community will no doubt be
severe. To allow the prizes so nobly
won, over so vast a field, at so great
a cost, at so critical an hour, to fall
into jeopardy would be unworthy of
a career so auspiciously initiated, so
completely dedicated to the Cause of
God, so rich in promise and so brilliant
in almost every phase of its
evolution. Every local Assembly, the
ordained pivot of a divinely-ordained
System, which has been established
in the States and Provinces of the
North American continent, as well as
in the Republics of Latin America,
must, through a supreme effort on
the part of pioneers, visiting teachers
and Regional Committees, be
steadfastly maintained. Simultaneously
a no less determined effort
should be exerted to enable the
admittedly large number of groups
scattered throughout the Americas
to attain Assembly status. No less
urgent is the obligation to proclaim
the verities enshrined in the Faith[Page 2]
of Bahá’u’lláh by every means which
individuals, Assemblies and committees
can devise, through the press
and radio, through an unprecedented
dissemination of literature, through
its systematic translation into Spanish
and Portuguese and above all
through active association with leaders
of public thought as well as direct
contact with the masses of the people.
Through such means as these,
and through such means only can the
members of the American Bahá’í
Community, who have so audaciously
and successfully launched the first
stage of the Divine Plan, be enabled
to pave the way and usher in, soon
after the cessation of hostilities, the
succeeding stage in the evolution of
their world mission. My prayers and
loving thoughts surround them continually
in their devoted labors.
Haifa, December 24, 1944
In your letter of Sept. 20th you enclosed a copy of your amendments of the By-Laws of the N.S.A.: he fully approved of these changes rendered necessary by the States and Provinces themselves now being regarded as electoral units in the election of delegates to the annual Convention.
In that same letter you ask for his suggestions concerning possible plans for teaching in Europe, or helping the Bahá’ís there with literature, etc. Obviously, there will be a tremendous need for Bahá’í literature in these war-torn countries and for spiritual enlightenment and help. But as the whole situation is still in the throes of violent changes, and we cannot as yet foresee how soon or where assistance may be given, he feels that there should at present be no diversion into new channels of the energies of the American believers now concentrated on the tasks they already have on hand. Literature in German, French, and any other European languages that can be conveniently undertaken, should be translated and held in readiness for use whenever the time for action comes.
He has been very sorry to notice in various reports received from you that some of the new Assemblies, established at such cost of sacrifice on the part of those who arose as pioneers and overcame every obstacle in their path and those who generously contributed of their means to insure a supply of funds for this purpose, are falling below Assembly status. He realizes that your body and the National Teaching Committee and Regional Teaching Committees are well aware of this situation. But he wishes to personally add a word of appeal to the friends not to permit their hard–won prizes to now slip from their grasp through any relaxation of their vigilance and efforts. The believers, now more sure of their own powers and of the Divine help that has so unfailingly reached them than at any previous period in their fifty-year history, must continue to put forth a mature, dedicated and sustained effort so that these new Assemblies— whether in North or South America— may be preserved and reinforced and, where necessary, re-instated. Groups, though of secondary importance, should likewise be enlarged and built up to Assembly status so that the truly remarkable victory achieved by the American and Canadian Bahá’ís may not shrink in dimension as the months go by, but rather flower into still greater victories in the days to come.
He also wishes to call your Assembly’s attention to the great importance of Magallanes as a center, and of the necessity of extending it every assistance, so that this Bahá’í year an Assembly may be firmly established there. It, together with that of Alaska, may be likened to the extremity of the Bahá’í arms stretched out and waiting to embrace the whole world in the order of peace and love which Bahá’u’lláh has been established for the children of men in this day.
In closing the beloved Guardian wishes me to assure you and your fellow-members of his most loving prayers on your behalf and for the success of the many tasks of importance which you are, in collaboration with the mass of the believers, seeking to carry to a successful conclusion.
Haifa, December 24, 1944
Shoghi Effendi very much appreciates the desire of the American believers to participate in the erection of the completed shrine of the Báb. The preliminary plans are now being made, and he leaves it to the friends to contribute towards this sacred enterprise in whatever manner and to whatever degree they wish to.
Also, regarding your letter of Aug. 7th: you ask his advice concerning a school session at Englewood, N.J. He feels that the four Bahá’í schools at present in existence, namely Louhelen, Green Acre, Geyserville School and Temerity Ranch, are sufficient for the time being. There is, naturally, no objection to holding meetings and conferences in Englewood.
With loving greetings and the ardent hope that this new year will bring the believers over there many new victories,
- Yours ever,
Haifa, January 1, 1945
Gift of Land on Mt. Carmel[edit]
The Guardian has sent the National Spiritual Assembly the Certificate of Registration of a tract of land on Mt. Carmel adjacent to the Tombs of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Family there. It is registered in the name of The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada:
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Bahá’í News Bahá’í News in published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada as the official news-letter of the Bahá’í community. The first issue appeared in December, 1924. On April 10, 1925, the Guardian wrote: “The News Letter which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vital function. . . . I would urge you to enlarge its scope . . . than in time it may devote a special section to every phase of your activities, administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and otherwise. “It should become a great factor in promoting understanding, providing information on Bahá’í activity, both local and foreign, in stimulating interest, in combating evil influences, and in upholding and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause.” The contents include: material supplied by the National Spiritual Assembly, such as the Guardian’s messages, the Assembly’s letters and its general statements and reports; Committee plans which have been approved and authorized; Committee news reports of activities; annual reports from local Assemblies; news items from local Assemblies; activities in regional areas as reported by or through the National Teaching Committee; activities in Central and South America as reported by the Inter–America Committee; news from other lands gathered from the bulletins of the various National Assemblies; a record of new enrollments and transfers; a record of deaths; photographs of general Bahá’í interest. Bahá’í News is edited for the National 'Spiritual Assembly by its Bahá’í News Committee: Horace Holley, Secretary, Garreta Busey, Mabel H. Paine. Address: Bahá’í News Committee, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill. |
Palestine Branch. The covering letter states that the piece of land was recently given to the Cause by Mirza Enayatullah Esfahani of Haifa. “Some of the members of the N.S.A. will remember Mirza Enayatullah whom about forty years ago was in America and has ever since remained firm and disassociated himself entirely from his half-brother, Dr. Fareed and his sister, Mrs. Sprague.” (From a letter dated October 22, 1944)
Letters from the Guardian to Individuals[edit]
With the Guardian’s consent the National Spiritual Assembly publishes the following excerpts from letters addressed to individual Bahá’ís.
“Regarding your question about vaccination: these are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently the Guardian cannot make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease becomes more perfect.”
“It is advisable to use both the Bahá’í dates, according to the Bahá’í Calendar, and the usual Gregorian dates as well. The friends at present are free to do as they please.
“The Guardian hopes that along with whatever other studies you take up, you will continually study the teachings and endeavor to acquire a profound knowledge of them. The importance of young Bahá’ís becoming thoroughly steeped in every branch of the teachings cannot be over-emphasized, as they have great teaching tasks ahead of them to accomplish.” (From letter to John C. Eichenauer, Jr., December 24, 1943).
“Regarding your questions concerning the advisability of changing the basis of the National Assembly’s election and confining it to the body of delegates or of limiting the term of office: He feels that as any such changes are of a radical nature and should therefore apply to the N.S.A.’s of other countries, they are inadvisable and premature, both for this reason and because of their very nature.
“What is needed is to get the administration in its present form to run more efficiently and at the same time to build up a higher sense of responsibility among the body of the believers. They should be encouraged to think more, not only about the qualifications of their elected bodies,
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Kenosha (Photograph by Walter Bohanan, September 15, 1912)
but also about such things as
you mention, the law of averages,
the age and indisposition of some of
the members, etc.
“When we look back and see what the Administration has accomplished in twenty odd years, indeed, what it has done in the last seven years, we see what strides forward have been made. Far greater tasks lie ahead, but the Guardian does not feel that the way to meet them is to change the present system, but rather to perfect it by educating the believers and training them, holding more conferences, publishing more news for Bahá’ís, getting more people active.” (From letter to Emeric Sala, July 6, 1944).
“Regarding your question about the need for greater unity among the friends there is no doubt that this is so, and the Guardian feels that one of the chief instruments for promoting it is to teach the Bahá’ís themselves, in classes and through precepts, that love of God, and consequently of men, is the essential foundation of every religion, our own included. A greater degree of love will produce a greater unity, because it enables people to bear with each other, to be patient and forgiving.” (From letter to Mrs. Annie Romer, July 7, 1944)
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved Friends:
In the intensity of spirit produced by the Guardian’s message for us this month, let us take up constructively some of the important matters arising in our current work.
Bahá’í Community
The preparation of the annual membership roll required for the State and Province Conventions enables us to examine the American Bahá’í community from a statistical point of view.
Briefly, as of December 15, 1944, the National Spiritual Assembly found that there are 4,920 adult Bahá’ís in the United States and Canada. Of these 3,261 live in local communities; 786 live in groups; and 873 are the only believers in their respective cities or towns. The result of this latest check shows an excellent growth in the past year.
National Fund
From the Treasurer’s report for December we quote the following items:—
Total receipts, March 1, 1944 to December 31, 1944, $81,763.97; needed by February 28 to complete the current annual budget, $53,236.03; receipts for the month of December, $6,739.12 (the average monthly total in support of the budget would be $11,250.00); 97 Assemblies sent contributions, leaving 36 which failed to lend their support to the national activities; December expenditures,
Auditorium 8:00 P.M. Monday, May 22, 1944, after the seats in the
Temple Foundation Hall were completely filled. A public address
system reproduced the program for this overflow audience.
$7,299.40 (Administration, $2,744.39;
Inter-America teaching, $1,144.00;
National and Regional Teaching,
$740.00; Temple Maintenance,
$667.00; Green Acre Maintenance,
$1,536.60); Cash on hand, December
31, $8,124.05.
Items from the Canadian Bahá’í Fund for November and December:
November receipts, $200.25; December, $213.30; November expenditures (teaching budgets) $425.00; December expense, also for teaching, $300.00. (This means that the total National and Regional Teaching expense in December was $1,040.00 as part is paid each month in Canada).
Inter-America
The detailed news about Inter-America teaching work is presented by the Inter-America in its regular section of Bahá’í News, but we summarize the following items of particular interest:—
Recent pioneers who have left in the field—Dr. Malcolm King, Nicaragua; Miss Elisabeth Cheney, Asuncion, with visits en route to Venezuela, Colombia, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. A number of pioneers are poised in flight, awaiting passports —Miss Louise Baker, Miss Jean Silver, Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Miss Eleva Marsella, Mrs. Helen Roach, Miss Ophelia Montalvo, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reed Bishop, Miss Jessie Revell, Miss Ethel Revell, Hascle Cornbleth. The monthly budget for Inter-America, pioneers, not including travel expense, is $953.00. A special appropriation of $1,000.00 has been made toward the cost of printing Spanish editions of the Bahá’í literature in Buenos Aires.
Teaching Budgets
The National and Regional Teaching budgets expended from November to January amounted to $1,710.00, while $1,650.00 has been authorized until March. One new pioneer has arisen to volunteer services in response to the appeals sent forth by the Teaching Committee and the National Spiritual Assembly since November.
Publishing Cost
The friends have been informed through Bahá’í News of the printing schedule maintained by the Publishing Committee during the past year, leading to expense which the Committee has been unable to finance entirely from current income. In order to meet these bills, the National Spiritual Assembly is advancing the amount of $2,000.00 per month to the Publishing Committee for six months, a total of $12,000, all of which the Committee will repay as soon as possible. We are delighted to inform the friends that special donations have been made equal to the entire cost of printing The Bahá’í World, Vol. IX, now on the press.
A National Campaign
The National Assembly has given special thought to the coordination and expansion of our collective capacity for carrying the Message to a larger portion of the public and with increased force. The Assembly has accepted the principle of responsibility for planning and initiating the Bahá’í activity in the form of a unified national campaign, embracing all our important facilities such as meetings, circuits, displays, publicity, radio and advertising, and affording larger opportunities for service to National Committees, local Assemblies and the individual Bahá’í. The idea is for the National Spiritual Assembly to arise above its constant mass of detail and adopt a new and larger vision of the possibility of releasing the latent powers of the entire Bahá’í community, so that in future the year’s work can be planned as a whole, the objectives defined, the methods chosen, the agencies prepared and the budget requirements fixed in terms of the larger undertaking. The matter is entering the stage of action when announcements can soon be made to the believers.
Centenary Book[edit]
A number of letters have been received by the National Spiritual Assembly pointing out errors or omissions in the Centenary book. These are most welcome, and all corrections will be reported from time to time to enable the friends to note these in their copy of the book.
Six cities visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912 were omitted in the list on page 90, the reason being that this list was taken from “Bahá’í Year Book” Vol. I, based on the records of talks and public addresses given in the two volumes of “Promulgation of Universal Peace”: Worcester, Mass., Milford, N. J., Omaha, Lincoln, Neb., Glenwood Springs, N. Y., Berkeley, Calif.
The list of believers who made early pilgrimages omitted the name of Mrs. Sarah Herron (pages 141–143). Mrs. Kathryn Frankland’s name should be removed from this list.
The article by Thornton Chase on pages 156 and 157 was written in 1904 and not 1914, as stated in the footnote.
In the list of teachers given on pages 166 and 167, the name of Mrs. Fred Woodward should be changed to Mr. Fred Woodward.
The page of “Acknowledgments” should include Wm. Kenneth Christian as author of “Growth of the Literature,” page 145.
Government Regulations[edit]
The question whether Regional Teaching Committee members can receive extra gasoline rations for performance of religious work has again been taken up with the OPA in Washington, and the decision is that there is no change in their regulations which withhold supplementary gasoline for the administrative or the personal missionary type of religious work. Only Chairmen and Secretaries of local Assemblies, as reported some two years ago, are eligible, and their use of the extra gas is restricted to local transportation.
Another question recently presented again to a government bureau is whether identification tags can be issued to Bahá’ís in the armed forces bearing the letter “B” for “Bahá’í.” The War Department informed our representative that it adheres to its policy of indicating only three “major denominations, Protestant, Catholic and Hebrew, on soldiers’ identification tags.”
Directory[edit]
The following changes made since the last issue of Bahá’í News are reported:—
- 1. Local Assemblies
Halifax, N. S., Canada—Mrs. Edward Bellefleur, Secretary (formerly Miss Muriel Hutchings), 593 Gottingen Street.
Moncton. N. B., Canada—Miss Irmgard M. Mathews, 52 Enterprise Street.
Dayton. Ohio—Miss Hazel Voelz, Secretary, 351 Kenilworth Avenue,
Brattleboro, Vermont — Mrs. Eleanor Stone, Secretary, 2 Bonnyvale Road.
- 2. National and Regional Teaching Committees
Radio—reconstituted with the following
membership. William Sears, Chairman;
Emeric Sala, Secretary, 423 Mayor
Street, Montreal, Quebec; Mildred
Mottahedeh, Mrs. Florence Morton, Mrs.
Alice Bacon, Mrs. Nina Matthisen, Wendell
E. Bacon, Reginald King.
Reviewing—Mrs. Wm. H. Hart added.
Temple Guides—Mrs. John McHenry added. Laurence LaRocque has moved from the area and is unable to serve.
Regional Teaching Committees—New England, Ruth Ziebell unable to serve. North and Smith Dakota and Minnesota —Mrs. Helen Frink added. Mrs. Catherine Whitmore, his moved from the area and is unable to serve. California, Nevada and Arizona—Dr. Clyde Longyear added.
Latin-American Session, Centenary Convention, May 19-24, 1944, Temple Foundation Hall. Dr. Edelberto Torres of Guatemala, Co-Chairman; Carlos Vergara of Mexico speaking; Mrs. Gail Woolson, translating.
National Committees[edit]
Assembly Development
The purpose of this series of statements* is to recreate in our hearts and minds the spiritual conception of the Bahá’í community; its significance, its importance, and its attainments.
Our beloved Guardian in a letter dated March 5, 1922, early emphasized the vital and sacred status of the Local Spiritual Assemblies in these words:—
“A perusal of some of the words of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the duties and functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in every land (later to be designated as the local Houses of Justice) emphatically reveals the sacredness of their nature, the wide scope of their activity, and the grave responsibility which rests upon them.”
Unless and until each Local Spiritual Assembly acquires the spiritual status of a united, harmonious body, functioning solely, selflessly, and devotedly for the spread of the Faith and the upbuilding of its Bahá’í community, growth and progress of our Faith will not prevail in that community. Personal jealousies, bickerings and dissension are poison in the body of the community and unless eliminated will result in division, disintegration and probable dissolution of the community. Each believer constitutes a unit of the community, ______
- In order to assist new and inexperienced
Assemblies, the Assembly Development Committee has been given a special section of Bahá’í News for the presentation of relevant material, and it becomes his or her spiritual responsibility to labor, selflessly, humbly and ceaselessly as a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly, of a committee or of a group to bring about complete unity, harmony and progress.
Let each and every one read, and re–read, until they become an unconscious part of our very lives, the words of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, and the instructions of the National Spiritual Assembly concerning the Local Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í community, set forth in “Bahá’í Procedure,” Section Two. Then let us strive day by day, to truly function in full obedience to these basic spiritual principles and commands given to us for our guidance by the Founder, by the Exemplar, and by the Guardian of our Faith.
Newly formed Local Spiritual Assemblies should realize that they have two principal functions:
First—the development of a Bahá’í community through the complete observance of the principles and practice of Bahá’í administration as set forth in Bahá’í Procedure;
Second—the spread of the Faith by teaching through individual effort, fireside groups and public meetings.
The development of a Bahá’í Community
is effected by the unified and
harmonious functioning of the Local
Spiritual Assembly in regular weekly
and occasional special meetings.
Each and every member of the
Assembly must become familiar with[Page 6]
the purpose and significance of the
institution of the Local Spiritual Assembly
and the basis of the Bahá’í
community as set forth by Bahá’u’lláh,
‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.
(See Bahá’í Procedure, Part Two,
pages 29 to 33).
The conduct of the meetings of the Local Spiritual Assembly is based on the spiritual principles of justice, love, purity of motive, radiance of spirit, humility, and servitude. The members must realize at all times the dignity, power and importance of the Assembly, which will evolve into the local House of Justice in the future. (See Bahá’í Procedure, Part Two, pages 34 to 36.)
Promptness, orderliness and efficiency should mark the conduct of the affairs of the Bahá’í community and especially of the meetings of the Local Spiritual Assembly. The calling of the meetings, the order of business and the conduct of business follow the procedure outlined in the “Procedure for the Conduct of a Local Spiritual Assembly.” In the Bahá’í Assembly, while the Chairman generally acts as the presiding officer, he or she must consult and vote, with equal voice and responsibility, with the other eight members. In all Assembly actions, as well as activities, wholehearted consultation and cooperation are required. (See Bahá’í Procedure, Part Two, pages 37 to 39).
The Nineteen Day Feast is the foundation of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, it is the period of consultation for the members of the community, and for the Local Spiritual Assembly with the community. Of such great importance is this meeting that only illness or absence from the community are excuses for non–attendance. The Feast is conducted in three parts; first, the reading of prayers and extracts from the holy utterance; second, a period of consultation of the members of the community with the Local Spiritual Assembly; and third, the material feast and social gathering of all the believers. A regular order of procedure for the conduct of the period of consultation has been provided by the National Spiritual Assembly. (See Bahá’í Procedure, Part Two, Pages 39 to 43). The Local Spiritual Assembly will provide for the community observance of the Bahá’í anniversaries, festivals, and days of feasting. (See Bahá’í Procedure, Part Two, page 44.)
ASSEMBLY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Public Meeting, Bahá’í Centenary, Temple Foundation Hall, May 23, 1944. Subject:
- “North America, Citadel of Universal Pence.” Chairman, Leroy Ioas;
- Speakers, Albert R. Windust, Mrs. Harold Gail, Rowland Estall.
- “North America, Citadel of Universal Pence.” Chairman, Leroy Ioas;
Inter-America News[edit]
In the Guardian’s letter published in December Bahá’í News he urges “. . .the entire Bahá’í community of the Western Hemisphere to focus its attention during the remaining months of the opening year of the second century on the formation of local Assemblies in the remaining Republics of Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, Bolivia and San Domingo . . .”
No less than ten North American pioneers are ready and waiting to depart for those Latin American countries where the need for teachers seems to be greatest. Up to the present, however, their departure has either been long delayed or prevented due to lack of favorable response to passport applications. Intensive efforts are being made to find ways of obtaining permission for the departure of these pioneers. We trust that the entire Bahá’í community will pray that this difficulty shall he removed.
This difficulty, which both the former and the present Inter-America Committees have experienced, no doubt offers increasing evidence, however, as was indicated by the Guardian himself in a published letter of last September 24th, that “. . .native (Latin American) Bahá’ís should, whenever qualified, be urged and assisted to pioneer, to travel and to teach in Central and South America. . .” The work of native pioneering has already been nobly initiated by two of the South American friends. Sr. Esteban Canales of Santiago, Chile, is teaching in Punta Arenas at the extreme southern tip of the Continent, and Sr. Haig Kavorkian of Buenos Aires is now on his way to assist in the establishment of an Assembly either at Quito or Guayaquil in Ecuador. There are at least five resident believers in each of these cities at present.
Of the five “remaining Republics” mentioned above, the Committee rejoices in being able to share the glorious news that both Bolivia and Venezuela now have sufficient believers residing within a given city to elect their first Spiritual Assemblies on April 21. The membership of the La Paz group has reached the number nine, and in Caracas there are fourteen adult believers and three youths.
While the latest report from Panama indicates the presence of a group of fifteen believers, the problem there is one of residence. The Guardian’s wish is that an Assembly be established in the Republic of Panama or Panama City, rather than the Canal Zone which is United States territory. It seems that the opportunity is open here to achieve the blessings of a pioneer by moving across the street, so to speak. We are confident that by this means and by the addition of new believers a Spiritual Assembly will be born April 21 in Panama City.
Present membership records for Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic show only three Bahá’ís in each of the cities of Managua and Ciudad Trujillo. We have been able to send just one pioneer to these countries. In December Dr. Malcolm King left New Orleans for Nicaragua on a British passport. We have faith in miracles,—that when our Guardian calls for a certain accomplishment, such an accomplishment is possible. From what direction shall we look for settlers and pioneers to proceed to these Republics? From Central America?
Word has been received that the Bulletin Committee in Panama expected to issue its first Spanish Bahá’í Bulletin in January, 1945. The cooperation of each community and group in Central and South America and the West Indies in sending local news of the Cause each month will be of great assistance to the Committee. The Inter-America Committee would greatly appreciate receiving a copy of these local news reports, so that they can be drawn upon in our summaries for Bahá’í News. We hope to include news of all the countries in successive issues and not to emphasize three or four countries from which we hear frequently, chiefly through the pioneers. Two members of our Committee are able to translate Spanish communications very readily.
A few of the Bahá’í communities in Latin America are beginning to issue local bulletins or newsletters, and several of these communities are carrying on extension teaching in nearby cities. A splendid example of a local bulletin is one which is printed monthly by the Bahá’ís of Tegucigalpa under the title, Neuva Era.
From numerous centers comes the call for Bahá’í literature in Spanish, for more translations. The plea for assistance to the Publishing Committee in Buenos Aires is being answered in the person of Elizabeth Cheney, who arrives there on January 25th. Heading the list of Spanish publications to be brought out as soon as possible are The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, a new book of Bahá’í Prayers, and a pamphlet, El Alba de la Nueva Era, containing an excellent compilation made by Gerrard Sluter of Bogota. We understand that translations of several other titles have been received and reviewed. Assembly growth and development is dependent upon the availability of literature in the languages
Bahá’ís and Friends of the Faith, San Salvador
of Latin America. May God
speed this work!
Temple Visitors[edit]
November-December, 1944
The number of visitors to the Temple for the twelve month period ending December 31, 1944 totaled 17,549, an increase of 2,200 over 1943 for the same period.
During November visitors numbered 717. They came from 25 states, the District of Columbia, the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan, and the countries of Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Ireland, Belgium, Australia, Paraguay, Argentine and Jamaica.
During December visitors numbered 431. They came from 20 states, the District of Columbia, Hawaii and the Canadian province of Ontario.
It is interesting to note that in spite of transportation difficulties and the unusually cold and disagreeable weather there was an increase of 216 in the number of visitors during November and 113 during December this year as compared with 1943.
The following statistics might be of interest:
Total visitors for the twelve month period ending December 31:
- 1944 ................... 17,549
- 1943 ................... 15,349
- 1942 ................... 13,682
- 1941 ................... 16,542
- 1940 ................... 16,822
Total visitors since July 1, 1932 through December, 1944—181,428.
The following specially conducted tours were arranged during November and December:
- Hi “Y” Group of Chicago 28
- Moody Bible Institute 46
- Chicago Parks Outing
- Club 20
- Turkish Delegation to
- the International Civil
- Aviation Conference .. 8
A class for prospective guides will be conducted in the Temple each Sunday beginning January 21, 1945 from 1:30 to 3:00 o’clock. We are striving for a large enrollment on that date.
- TEMPLE GUIDES COMMITTEE
Publishing Announcement[edit]
Selected Writings—Three pamphlets,
one containing selections from
Bahá’u’lláh, one from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
and one from the Guardian, forty–four
pages each, paper covers. This
set of small and convenient pamphlets,
offers every Bahá’í a representative
compilation of Bahá’í literature,
which may be described as the basic
teachings. For personal study, for
informal group and fireside group
reading and discussion, the Selected
Writings are ideal. Because 75,000
pamphlets were sent to press at one
time, this set is available at the
extraordinary low cost of 25c for all
three pamphlets. (Individual copies
not sold separately). The Publishing
Committee has set itself the goal of[Page 8]
placing a set in the hands of every
American Bahá’í, both adult and
youth, by December 31, 1945.
News item reported by the Honolulu Assembly: “The newspapers gave a review of God Passes By and we have had calls for copies from strangers, also a number of the service men have bought one.”
World Order Magazine[edit]
World Order has compiled the Centenary articles, compilations and other material concerning the Centenary published during 1944. The list is presented here as a source of reference.
- 1. Selections from Bahá’í Writings
1. The First Bahá’í Century, by Shoghi
- Effendi. March.
2. Bahá’í Holy Days: Declaration of
- the Báb. March.
3. The Birth of the Bábi Revelation, by
- Shoghi Enendi. April.
4. The Day of God, Bahá’u’lláh. May.
5. Bahá’u’lláh’s Tribute to the Báb.
- May.
6. The Báb’s Farewell Address to the
- Letters of the Living. May.
7. Utterances of the Báb. May.
8. The Second Coming of Christ.
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. May.
9. The Báb’s Captivity in Adhirbáyján,
- by Shoghi Effendi. May.
10. Dedication of the Bahá’í House of
- Worship. September.
- (Selected Bahá’í readings)
11. Commemoration of the Declaration of
- the Báb. September.
- (Selected readings from Old and
- New Testament, the Qur’án, and
- Bahá’í Sacred Writings)
- 2. Articles and Editorials
12. Reflected in the West, by Garreta
- Busey. January.
13. Bahá’í Teachings for a World Religion,
- by Horace Holley. February.
14. He Calleth the Nations, by Bertha
- Hyde Kirkpatrick. February.
15. Headlines Tomorrow, by Marzieh
- Gail. March.
16. The First World Holy Day, by Horace
- Holley. March.
17. His Heavenly Example, by Horace
- Holley. May.
18. A Personal Impression of the Báb,
- by Dr. Cormick. May.
19. 1844—Orient and Occident, Bertha
- Hyde Kirkpatrick. June.
20. A New Heaven, by Garreta Busey.
- July.
21. Bahá’í Centenary Banquet, by Gertrude
- K. Henning. August.
22. The Gifts of God, by Bertha Hyde
- Kirkpatrick. September.
- 3. Public Addresses and Radio Programs
23. A Universal House of Worship. June.
- Its Construction, by Allen B.
- McDaniel.
- Its Significance, by Carl Scheffler.
24. The Meeting of the Americas. June.
- Cosmic Mission in the Americas,
- by Philip Leonard Green.
- Bahá’u’lláh’s Gift to Latin
- America, by Octavio Illescas.
The Awakening of Latin America,
by Mrs. Stuart W. French.
25. The Oneness of Humanity, by William
- Kenneth Christian. June.
26. America and the Most Great Peace,
- by Rowland Estall. June.
27. The Architect’s Design, by Earl H.
- Reed. July.
28. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America, by Marzieh
- Gail. July.
29. The Spirit or Inter-American Fellowship,
- by Loulie A. Mathews. July.
30. Social Basis of World Unity, by Elsie
- Austin. July.
31. The Oneness of Religion, by Mrs.
- Charles Reed Bishop. July.
32. The Chairman’s Introductory Remarks,
- by Albert R. Windust. August.
33. Religious Foundations of World Unity,
- by Raymond Frank Piper. August.
34. Bahá’í Centenary Radio Program, by
- Mrs. Shirley Warde, Albert R. Widust,
- Alfred E. Osborne, Elsie Austin,
- Eduardo Gonzales Lopez, Dr.
- Fernando Nova, Firuz Kasemzadi
- and Hilda Yen. August.
35. Religion Comes Again to Mankind,
- by Dorothy Baker. September.
36. The Growth of the American Bahá’í
- Community, by Marion Holley. September.
37. A Radio Symposium, by WMAQ Station
- Announcer, George O. Latimer,
- Marzieh Gail, and Octavio Illescas.
- October.
Custodian of National Bahá’í Headquarters, Cairo, with broken arm after attack by fanatical mob on August 31, 1944. The building has been under police protection since that episode.
38. The Transformation of Society, by
- Horace Holley. December.
39. The Call to Unity, Radio script by
- Shirley Warde and Marion Holley.
- December.
Local Communities[edit]
Annual Reports 1943-1944
Much can be learned about methods of spreading the Faith from the experience of the various local Assemblies and groups. The reports of the past year sent in to the National Spiritual Assembly give an impression of earnest and self-sacrificing activity on the part of the believers.
In Arlington, Virginia, the teaching work took the form chiefly of monthly informal public fireside meetings in one of the homes, with guest speakers. There were also study classes for some of the Negro friends. Books have been placed in the public library and have been read by several interested persons. Also “the Bahá’ís have made an effort to cooperate with community programs promoting any Bahá’í principles. Contact was made with an Inter Racial Commission newly formed of white and Negro ministers and laymen, and ‘A Pattern for Future Society’ sent be each member. . . .Bahá’ís were invited to attend a meeting sponsored by women of the Federation of Churches for representatives of all religious groups.”
The Bahá’ís in this community have not only been teaching; they have been studying also on subjects commonly introduced by non-Bahá’ís. Discussions following consultation at the 19 Day Feasts included “Baptism,” “Trinity,” and “The Second Coming.”
The Assembly is to be congratulated on having made a regular contribution each month to the National Bahá’í Fund.
The Bahá’ís at Atlanta, Georgia, have been very active and have made some interesting contacts. Not only have they brought outside speakers regularly to Atlanta (Virginia Camelon Foster, John Inglis, Jean Bolles, Nellie Roche, Alta Krueger, Stanwood Cobb, Marion Little, and Homer Dyer), but they have sent out speakers from their own community. Margaret Ruhe, as representative of the Bahá’í College Speakers Bureau, appeared at seven southern colleges in three southern states, and Terah Smith talked at Berry College and Darlington School for Boys, both in Rome, Georgia.
At one public meeting at the Henry Grady Hotel in Atlanta, when Dr. David Ruhe acted as chairman and Mrs. Ruhe and Mrs. Smith talked on progressive revelation and the
|
Nineteen Day Feasts: Mulk (Dominion)
Period of the Fast, nineteen days beginning
Feast of Naw-Ruz, March 21. State and Province Elections,
Meeting of the National Spiritual
|
working principles of the Bahá’í Faith, Dr. Garber, professor of Religious Education at Agnes Scott College, accompanied by his wife, brought fifteen girls from the college to hear them. It may be added that whenever a public meeting was held for the whites, a corresponding one was held for the Negroes.
Mrs. Marion Little was able to make a number of interesting contacts in Atlanta, among them the superintendent of the public schools; Mr. Skidmore at the High Museum of Art; and Miss Sumner, connected with the Atlanta Constitution. The Editor of that paper sent a reporter to interview the Atlanta Bahá’ís and published an interesting and comprehensive article entitled, “A True World’s Peace by 1963.”
The report from Berkeley, California, is full of interesting projects, not the least interesting of which is a public speaking class for both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. Bahá’í material was used in all five meetings, and the results are summed up as follows: “Enthusiasm for Bahá’í Faith; appreciation of Bahá’í literature; many Bahá’í books read and circulated; general improvement in understanding and ability in reading writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. Average attendance sustained at eighteen, about half Bahá’ís and half non-Bahá’ís. The most successful teaching medium we have used, with several close to membership.” The instructor, who teaches dramatics at two colleges and does private studio and recital work, “gave her services in a true Bahá’í spirit with sympathetic understanding of the purpose of the class.”
Four kinds of fireside meetings were carried on in Berkeley: youth firesides; guest feasts (Riḍván, the Declaration of the Báb, the Birth of the Báb, and the Naw-Rúz); radio group; and social events for members of the National Spiritual Assembly when they visited Berkeley.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and the Sudan 1944-1945.
- (Photograph taken before entrance to National Bahá’í Headquarters)
Berkeley cooperated with San
Francisco in the symposium meetings
recommended by the National
Assembly, and were able to increase
the attendance at those meetings
considerably by excellent publicity
methods. For instance, for the first
symposium, 550 programs, invitations,
and radio announcements
were distributed and mailed in
Berkeley; 27 posters of the program
were put up in Y.M.C.A.’s, libraries,
hotels, clubs, shops, International
House, student living groups, etc.;
a display poster was placed in the
lobby of the public library; these
announcements were followed up by
telephone calls and announcements
before clubs and by transportation
in automobiles. As a result, nearly
100 attended through the efforts of
the Berkeley Bahá’ís.
The consequences of this first symposium were thrilling: “Influential people attended the lectures and expressed special interest: the former mayor of Berkeley, the president of the world affairs section of the College Women’s Club, and several teachers and writers. A well-known Berkeley author wrote, ‘Thank you, and with all good wishes for the success of this tremendous enterprise (for the happiness of our whole planet).’ A high school teacher took ‘Pattern for Future Society’ to her school, wrote the whole text on the board, and had her students copy it in their notebooks.
“Official recognition of the Berkeley Bahá’í community came with the request from the City Council Committee for Post-War Planning for the Berkeley Bahá’í Assembly’s plans for a better city after this war. The Assembly respectfully submitted the Bahá’í plan, with suggested applications to local conditions.
“A leader of the Committee on Better Race Relations in Berkeley, attended the Symposium, recognized the spiritual power back of the race unity achievements of the Bahá’ís and became so enthusiastic that she gave a tea at the College Women’s Club for the members of her group and of the Berkeley Bahá’í community to hear Marion Holley. The Berkeley Bahá’ís now find on every side this new awareness and appreciation. A student on the campus turned to another student, not knowing he was a Bahá’í, and said, ‘Who are these Bahá’ís?—never heard of them before and now all of a sudden I hear about them every place!’”
The very young Assembly at Boise,
Idaho, has been very active since its
organization, April 21, 1943. It has
held weekly study classes as well as
informal gatherings for the public
and it has made wide use of the
radio, giving weekly programs at
8:45 on Thursday evenings during
part of the time. During the whole
year, twelve 15–minute radio talks
were given. Mrs. Valeria Thornton
was the guest speaker in Boise during[Page 10]
the September and October campaign
for Racial Unity, when addresses
were given at Rotary, Junior
Chamber of Commerce, Everywoman’s
Club, and the Negro Baptist
Church. There was also a symposium
in which non-Bahá’ís participated.
A similar program of events was
carried out for each of the great
themes in the nationwide campaigns
of the year, with Dr. Stephen Tournay
of Salt Lake City and Virginia
Camelon Foster as guest speakers.
The Assembly has also worked to
develop “a strong community well
grounded in administrative procedure.”
All activities of the community
have been carried on through the
contributions of the friends and a
substantial check has been sent to
the National Treasury each month.
The teaching campaign in Brattleboro, Vermont, was carried on by means of a succession of public speakers: Carl Krug, Harlan Ober, Dr. Elizabeth Kidder Ober, St. George Spendlove, Horace Holley, Ali-Kuli Khan, Rachel Small, Reginald King, Jean Bolles, and Louis Gregory. Ruth Moffett spent two weeks there giving lectures and conducting classes. Curtis Kelsey spoke at two fireside meetings. Seven radio broadcasts were given over a nearby station. And one of the friends induced the Brattleboro Free Library to order several books on the Faith.
The Edmonton Assembly, in Alberta, Canada, another small, new Assembly, sent in an excellent report, not the least interesting feature of which was a very clear financial statement, which included a separate report from the book committee. This Assembly was able to send more than half of its contributions to the National Fund, at the same time carrying on a very active campaign at home.
Of the public meetings held in Edmonton, that on Racial Unity was particularly interesting. It was held at the home of Mrs. Richard Jenkin, “who had lived in Japan and India, and was keenly interested in the problems of inter–racialism. The gathering was representative of several races and faiths, including Jewish, Syrian Muḥammadans, Christian, Ukrainian, and Bahá’í. Two outstanding speakers, a Jewish lawyer and a Ukrainian woman, supplemented the Bahá’í speaker, Mrs. Davies. It was a most successful meeting, since the audience included certain persons active in unifying movements, such as the Chairman of the Council for Canadian Unity and the leaders of the Moslem group in Edmonton. Much contact work was done for this meeting, upon which work the success of the meeting in large part depended. The most outstanding success of this endeavor was the contact made with the Moslems of Edmonton, which city is the site of the only Muhammadan mosque in Canada.”
The Halifax community which had been much reduced in size because a number of its new members had moved away, carried on an intensive program in 1943-1944, which consisted of several series of public lectures followed by study classes. Mrs. Virginia Camelon Foster came first and gave several well–advertised lectures at the Lord Nelson Hotel. After her departure study classes were held at the Halifax School for the Blind. Then Mrs. Foster returned and started a series of lectures at the school under the basic heading, “The Relation of Christ to the Modern Age.” The publicity for these talks did much to dissipate the prejudice against the Faith in Halifax. It was then decided by the Assembly that the best way to keep up interest was to bring a procession of speakers to Halifax. Mrs. Emeric Sala was brought from Montreal. She was followed by Anthony Seto, Harlan Ober, and John Robarts. As a climax to the lecture program Mrs. Mamie Seto gave seven lectures on two weekends, the last talk being given at the Lord Nelson Hotel. The Sunday afternoon lectures by all the speakers were followed by informal get–togethers at the home of one of the believers. Mrs. Annie B. Romer, chairman of the teaching committee, sums up the principles on which the work was carried out as follows:
“Your committee believes that the work accomplished has been of a solid and consecutive nature. . .Also, all the publicity has been presented with a view to conveying teaching in an acceptable form and to avoid repetition; also to give the reading public some idea wherein this teaching differs from the now prevalent ideas of a new world order and the teachings on a united world.”
The Helena, Montana, Assembly has not only been active at home, but has carried on extension work in Butte. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Saunders and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bryan made regular alternate trips to Butte every two weeks to conduct study classes, accompanied by other members of the Helena community. Besides this fifty dollars worth of Bahá’í literature were supplied to the Butte friends. As a result of this endeavor, the Butte group applied for recognition as an Assembly on March 12th, 1944.
The Race Unity work in Helena has been interesting. Contacts were made with Negro, Chinese, and Filipino people, meetings were held in the Colored Church in Helena and in the army chapel of Gore Field at Great Falls, Montana, and a large meeting was held at the Placer Hotel in Helena.
This Assembly has started a filing system to record the Bahá’í activities and qualifications of the Helena Community members.
In Indianapolis the Bahá’ís held public meetings; fireside gatherings; and classes for Bahá’ís, at which they studied Mrs. Seto’s new outline. This Assembly is to be praised for having made a considerable sacrifice for the sake of the national fund. “We gave up the Center as a monthly project and use it only on Feasts and for special occasions, paying for this room each time used, and trying desperately to send more funds to the National Treasurer, and we believe it has proven very satisfactory.”
For Bahá’ís in Foreign Service[edit]
The Auckland, New Zealand, Spiritual Assembly sends the following invitation to American servicemen:
“Those Bahá’í friends in the merchant Navy and Services, who wish to Contact Auckland Bahá’ís any week day, may do so at a little shop quite handy to the waterfront and Railway station. Miss K. Carpenter’s delicatessen shop is on the corner of Customs St., East, and the foot of Anzac Ave. Anyone can direct you to this corner. The shop is a hundred yards from Kings Wharf, and you’ll be really welcome. As the shop is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, you may contact us by phoning number 54-089 and thus be able to meet the friends at their Sunday night meeting. You are assured of a hearty welcome.”
In New Delhi, India, Mr. Abbasally
Butt, member of the National
Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma,
wishes to do all he can for the
American Bahá’í youth serving in
the Armed Forces in India. He may
be communicated with, care of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the[Page 11]
Bahá’ís of India and Burma, Malkaganj
Road, Sabzimandi, Delhi, P.O.
Box 19, New Delhi.
In Memoriam[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.
- Mr. J. W. Caldwell, Peoria
- Mrs. Elda O. McCullough, Harrison,
Arkansas
- Mr. John Stahlheber, Baltimore
- Miss Jean Olga Campbell, Burlingame
- Mr. Augustus Thorndike Sawyer,
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
- Prof. George W. Henderson, Memphis
- Mr. Andrew D. Fleming, New York
- Mr. Frank Harvey, Toronto
- Mr. Adolphe G. Bechtold, Brooklyn
- Mr. Y. Mensah, Chicago
- Mr. William W. Barrack, Maywood
- Mr. Ernest Higman, Medford,
Massachusetts
- Mr. Gust A. Nordquist, Seattle
- Mr. Joseph F. Harley, Chicago
- Mr. P. Windsor Howard, Los Angeles
- Mr. Nels Flatekval, Armstrong, British
Columbia
- Mr. Edward H. Young, Washington,
D. C.
- Mr. Fred Gaulke, Milwaukee
- Mrs. L. Melicher, Milwaukee
- Mrs. Clara Wenzel, Milwaukee
- Mrs. Henry Keeling, San Francisco
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
1. Reported by Local Assemblies
- Albuquerque, two.
- Bethesda–Chevy Chase, one and two
transfers.
- Scranton, one transfer.
- Colorado Springs, one transfer.
- Los Angeles, six transfers, one youth
transfer.
- Houston, two.
- Vancouver, two.
- Elmhurst, one.
- St. Paul, four.
- Boston, one.
- Flint, two.
- New York, five and one transfer.
- New Orleans, two transfers.
- Alexandria, five transfers.
- Miami, four transfers.
- Montreal, one.
- Detroit, two.
- Seattle, seven and four transfers.
- San Francisco, two.
- East Phoenix Rural, two transfers.
- Phoenix, three transfers.
- Milwaukee, two transfers.
- Teaneck, one transfer and one youth.
- Baltimore, one.
- Chicago, two.
- Columbus, two.
- Geyserville, two transfers.
- Indianapolis, one.
2. Reported by Regional Teaching Committees
In December, eight and one youth.
News of Other Lands[edit]
Centenary News
- (Concluded)
England
Celebrations in the provinces followed later in the year. The Torquay Bahá’ís held a meeting each day from June 11th to 18th in their Center.
“Manchester held a Centenary Week from June 17th to 24th, and the celebrations took the form of an exhibition and a number of public meetings. They began to prepare the ground by advertising the Faith in the ‘Manchester Guardian’ and the ‘Manchester Evening News’ two months previously, and they received from this a number of postal inquiries about the Faith.”
The Bradford Centenary Week, from September 4th to 10th, consisted of public meetings and a display in a shop in one of the main streets of Bradford.
Australia and New Zealand
In Sydney, New South Wales, the Centenary was made especially joyous because it could be held in the new Hazíratu’l-Quds, which was opened officially while the Convention was assembled May 19-24. On Tuesday, May 23rd “the Convention delegates and friends were the guests of the Guardian at a buffet dinner held at the Pickwick Club.” Mr. H. Blundell spoke on the Báb, Mr. Walker on Bahá’u’lláh, Mr. O. J. Routh on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Mrs. Dive on “The Bahá’í Faith Today.” There was music and the reading of cables of greeting, “and one felt that the bond of fellowship that united Bahá’ís throughout the world was appreciated by all those present.” During this Centenary week a radio broadcast was also given.
In Auckland, 265 Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís assembled at a Centennial dinner. Chinese, English, American, Colonial, German, Yugoslav, Indian, Fijian, Czechoslav, and Maori, all associated together in love and harmony. The speakers were Mr. Henry Ah Kew (a Chinese gentleman), Mrs. Mary Owen (a Maori Welfare Officer), Mr. Oldfield (President of the Quest Club), Rabbi Astor of the Auckland Jewish congregations, Canon C. W. Chandler (an Anglican Vicar), Mr. W. Deem (an Auckland Bahá’í) and Corporal Alvin Blum, (American service man) who acted as chairman. Canon Chandler afterwards wrote: “The fact that He has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth is one of many Christian truths that have been well–night lost to our age and generation. Well might God have sent another prophet into the world to proclaim again this message of unity. Before passing judgement, let us heed the advice which Gamaliel gave to the Sanhedrin with regard to Peter and John, who were charged with preaching in the name of Jesus. ‘If this thing is man it will come to naught, but if it be of God, it cannot be stopped.’ Because men have loved darkness rather than light, they have, in every age, been light–quenchers and in consequence of this they still grope in the darkness of unbelief. . Among the people of varied races, and nationalities, and of even more varied beliefs, I found myself in my element in this unique function.”
The Adelaide celebrations included a picnic in April, a reception on the 2nd of May, followed by a supper and a lecture on “World Unity” by Miss Hilda Brooks. On the evening of the 23rd of May the friends gathered at the Bahá’í Center for a reading on the life of the Báb, followed by a supper.
The Hobart Bahá’í Group arranged a book display, May 14th to June 4th, a Youth party, May 20th, and a broadcast May 21st. The evening of the 22nd there was a social gathering, at which several Bahá’í talks were heard by 50 or 60 Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.
The August, 1944, Newsletter from Haifa, after reporting that the Beloved Guardian was enjoying the best of health, carries news of the Centennial celebrations in Persia, Egypt and Sudan, and Baghdad, ‘Iráq.
Persia
Delegates from all over Persia
met on the 22nd of May, 1944 in
Shiráz and, shortly before the
appointed hour, 2 hours and 11 minutes
after sunset, entered the Báb’s
House, Where He had declared His
Mission exactly a hundred years
ago. (The believers who read this
account will be glad to refer to
Nabil’s Narrative, “The Dawn–Breakers”
to see pictures of the
Báb’s House, pp. 58, 60 and 64). The
Shiráz report speaks of the tremendous
wave of emotion which swept
through the hearts of the delegates
as they stood in the upper room[Page 12]
of the House, known as the Declaration
Chamber. After placing a precious
rug, the gift of the Guardian,
in the sacred Chamber, the delegates
“stood there, in all humility
and submission and with hearts
turned towards the Abhá Kingdom,
in complete detachment from the
world of matter and man. Shortly
afterwards, they withdrew to the
hall of the House, where they stayed
until the early hours of the morning
listening to Bahá’í prayers and tablets
chanted in a melodious voice
by some of the delegates and communing
with one another with a radiant joy.”
Egypt
The Centenary celebrations in Cairo, Egypt, which began May 22nd and lasted four days, were highly successful. Not a single untoward incident from mischief makers occurred to mar the joy and happiness of the occasion. Five hundred believers from all parts of Egypt and a small select group of non–believers attended the meetings, which took place in the Hazíratu’l-Quds. The meetings had the official sanction and approval of the local authorities, who have become convinced, as a result of attending some Bahá’í meetings and reading Bahá’í literature, that the followers of Bahá’u’lláh do not meddle in politics and are faithful and obedient subjects of their governments wherever they live. The first meeting, held on that historic day, was a great triumph for the Faith. The meaning of the Cause and the significance of the Declaration of the Báb were proclaimed and the non-believers shared with the believers their joy and admiration for the Bahá’í principles. Indeed the non-believers were so impressed that after tea and refreshments were served and the meeting came to a close, the majority wished to stay for the second meeting, which was to be held that night. They stayed and were present at the hour when the Egyptian believers celebrated the Centenary of the Declaration of the Báb.
Further Bahá’í meetings were held the next day. As a result of these meetings the number or inquirers have greatly increased and a special committee has been appointed to answer the questions of the groups and individuals who now come to the Hazíratu’l-Quds to learn about the Faith.
‘Iráq
At the celebrations held in Baghdád by the believers of ‘Iráq many non-Bahá’í notables, government officials and leaders of religious denominations were present. The National Spiritual Assembly of ‘Iráq is publishing a pamphlet containing a detailed description of the celebrations held at Baghdád and this pamphlet will be sent to all Bahá’í centers of the East and the West.
The Bahá’í delegates from all parts of ‘Iráq present at the Centenary celebrations held several meetings to study the Bahá’í situation in ‘Iráq. Their recommendations and resolutions include the increase in the number of Bahá’í teachers throughout ‘Iráq, the establishment of a Bahá’í bookstore in Baghdad, sending teachers to the Kurds in northern ‘Iráq and printing Bahá’í literature in Kurdish, re-establishing Assemblies in Mosul, Basra and Kirkuk, organizing and advertising special public meetings in the Hazíratu’l-Quds, obtaining from the United States the moving picture film of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a model of the Temple, etc.
British Isles
The British Bahá’í quarterly, New World Order contains, in its summer issue, an account of the Bahá’í Centenary celebrations in London. Sir Ronald Storrs, K.C.M.G., LL.D., LC.C. opened the celebration and said, in part,
“It is a big honor for an Anglican Englishman to have been chosen to open the Centenary of a World Faith.” He gave as his qualifications for this honor the fact that he had the honor of ‘Abbás Effendi’s friendship since 1909 until His death. Sir Ronald then went on to tell dramatically and poignantly the story of the Báb, the Centenary of whose declaration was being celebrated.
Speaking of his personal experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Sir Ronald went on to say, “My first glimpse of ‘Abbás Effendi was in the summer of 1909, when I drove round the Bay of ‘Akká in an Arab cab, visited Him in the barracks and marveled at His serenity and cheerfulness after 42 years of exile and imprisonment. I kept touch with Him through my confidential agent, Husein Bey Ruhi, son of a Tabríz martyr, and the ‘Persian Mystic’ of my book, ‘Orientations’. . . .
“When in his famous victory drive to the North, Allenby captured Haifa, he detached me from Jerusalem to organize the British administration there. On the evening of my arrival I visited my revered friend. I found Him sitting in spotless white. He placed at my disposal the training and talents of His community, and I appointed one or two to positions of trust which they continue to deserve . . . When on November 21, 1921, he was buried, 10,000 men, women and children of many varying races and creeds walked in the funeral procession up Mt. Carmel, to lay his body in the exquisite cypress avenues shrine.”
“I have not lost contact with the Bahá’í world and I hope I never shall. Recently I had the honor of receiving at the Brisih legation in Tihrán, a deputation of the Bahá’í community, headed by Samimi, the respected chief Munshi of the Legation, and Varga, President of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í of Persia.”
“My diary of April 5, 1943 tells me: ‘After luncheon, off to visit the House of the Báb, leaving the car for the narrow winding streets, and shown over by Fazl’u’llah Benana and the curator.” A small but perfect courtyard, with a little blue tiled, eight feet square tanks, six large gold fish, a tiny orange tree and runner carpets round the sides, and a narrow deep well. Above, His bed and His sitting rooms (for which our hosts took off their shoes), and on the second floor the room in which in 1844 He declared His mission, to a solitary disciple.
“What can I say more? Half a century ago the great Dr. Jowett, of Balliol, wrote: ‘This is the greatest light the world has seen since Christ, but it is too great and too close for the world to appreciate its full import’.”
