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BAHÁ’Í

NEWS

No. 175

JUNE, 1945

YEAR 101

BAHA’I ERA

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Messages from the Guardian

Dear and valued co-workers:

The Divine Plan conceived by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the American Bahá’í community, in the midst of one of the darkest periods in human history, and with which the destinies of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the North American continent must for generations to come remain inextricably interwoven, has, during the concluding years of the first Bahá’í Century, triumphantly emerged from the first stage of its evolution. Its initiation, officially and on a vast scale, had, for well nigh twenty years, been held in abeyance, while the processes of a slowly emerging administrative Order, where, under the unerring guidance of Providence, creating and perfecting the agencies for its efficient and systematic prosecution. The next stage in the evolution of the Plan cannot, however, be embarked upon, until the external causes, hampering its further unfoldment in other continents of the globe, are removed through the cessation of hostilities and the signal victories already won through its initial development are sufficiently consolidated throughout the Western Hemisphere. The tasks confronting those who have so valiantly and brilliantly inaugurated the first stage in the execution of the Great Design unfolded by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the promulgation of the Faith of His Father, during this transitional period, are manifold, exacting, urgent, and sacred. The local administrative units, so laboriously constituted throughout the Americas, must needs, as already pointed out and repeatedly stressed, be maintained, reinforced, closely integrated and their number steadily multiplied. The spirit that has inflamed the pioneers who have set the seal of triumph on the Seven Year Plan, must, under the vigilant care of the national representatives of the American Bahá’í community be constantly watched, kept alive and nourished. The literature of the Faith, particularly in Spanish and ‎Portugese Portuguese‎, must be widely disseminated in both Central and South America, as a necessary adjunct to the systematic consolidation of the work that has been undertaken. Above all, the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh must during the opening years of the second Bahá’í Century, and through the instrumentality of an already properly functioning Administrative Order, whose ramifications have been extended to the four corners of the Western Hemisphere, be vividly, systematically brought to the attention of the masses, in their hour of grief, misery and confusion. A more audacious assertion of the challenging verities of the Faith; a more convincing presentation of its distinguishing truths; a fuller exposition of the character, the aims and the achievements of its rising Administrative system as the nucleus and pattern of its future world-embracing order: a more direct and intimate contact and association with the leaders of public thought, whose activities and aims are akin to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, for the purpose of demonstrating the universality, the comprehensiveness, the liberality and the dynamic power of His Divine Message; a closer scrutiny of the ways and means whereby its claims can be vindicated, its defamers and detractors silenced, and its institutions safeguarded; a more determined effort to exploit, to the fullest extent possible, the talents and abilities of the rank and file of the believers for the purpose of achieving these ends—these stand out as the paramount tasks summoning to a challenge, during these years of transition and turmoil, the entire body of the American believers. The facilities which the radio and press furnish must be utilized to a degree unprecedented in American Bahá’í history. The combined resources of the much–envied, exemplary American Bahá’í community must be harnessed for the effective promotion of these meritorious purposes. Blessings undreamt of in their scope and plenteousness, are bound to be vouchsafed to those who will, in those dark yet pregnant times, arise, to further these noble ends and to hasten through their acts the hour at which a still more momentous stage in the evolution of a Divine and worldwide Plan can be launched.

There is no time to lose. The hour is ripe for the proclamation, without fear, without reserve, and without hesitation, and on a scale never as yet undertaken, of the One Message that can alone extricate humanity from the morass into which it is steadily sinking, and from which they who claim to be the followers of the Most Great Name can and will eventually rescue it. The sooner they who labor for the recognition and triumph of His Faith in the new world arise to carry out these inescapable duties, the sooner will the hopes, the aims and objectives of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as enshrined in His own Plan, be translated from the realm of vision to the plane of actuality and manifest the full force of the potentialities with which they have been endued.

Haifa, Palestine SHOGHI March 29, 1945

My heavy ladened heart, already oppressed by repeated defections of the unworthy kindred of the beloved Master, is relieved by latest signal evidence of the indomitable spirit of the members of divinely chosen American Bahá’í community now unfurling the banner of the Faith and establishing the structural basis of its administrative order in the world’s southernmost city. I hail the staunchness and fidelity distinguishing the winners of such superb victories. I acclaim them true brothers and sisters worthy of the name ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. I urge the Inter-America Committee to devote special attention and undertake prompt measures designed to increase the number of believers, establish a local administrative headquarters, and multiply the[Page 2] subsidiary agencies indispensable to the maintenance of a flourishing community in the southern extremity of the western hemisphere. Praying ever increasing successes.

SHOGHI RABBANI

Received April 21, 1945

Assure newly–elected members of my fervent prayers for divine guidance and strength to accomplish the tasks confronting American Bahá’í community in the second year of the second Bahá’í century. I appeal to National Teaching, Regional and Inter-America Committees to intensify efforts for multiplication of groups and Assemblies the length and breadth of the western hemisphere. An ever–increasing flow of pioneers is indispensable to meet the urgent requirements of the present hour. Renewed, determined, continued exertions of individuals aimed at an unprecedented increase in the number of enrolled believers is vital to the consolidation of activities undertaken by pioneers. Systematic, well–conceived, carefully coordinated plans, nationwide and intercontinental, devised by elected national representatives of the community, are likewise a necessary preliminary to a seed–sowing unexampled both in range and effectiveness in American Bahá’í history. The attainment of this threefold objective in North, Central and South America will signalize the initiation, in other continents, of the world mission constituting the sacred birthright of the American followers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

SHOGHI RABBANI

Received May 8, 1945

The followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout five continents unanimously rejoice in the partial emergence of a war—torn humanity from the titanic upheaval unerringly predicted seventy years ago by the Pen of the Author of their Faith. The cessation of hostilities in the European continent signalizes yet another chapter in the tragic tale of fiery trials providentially decreed by inscrutable wisdom designed ultimately to weld the mutually antagonistic elements of human society into a single, organically–united, unshatterable world commonwealth. They gratefully acclaim the signal evidence of the interposition of divine Providence, which during such perilous years enabled the World Center of our Faith to escape what posterity will recognize as one of the gravest dangers which ever confronted the

“More Crucial Importance” If it seemed to the believers that their pioneer activities were of vital importance during the closing decade of our first Bahá’í Century and in the midst of a most tragic world war, they must now grasp the fact that the maintenance of the goals they have won and the winning of new ones is of even more crucial importance as the war draws towards an end and the people turn their bewildered minds to thoughts of peace. We face a most challenging period in the days to come, and the friends must gird themselves for action with a calm faith, a united and self–sacrificing devotion to their tasks, and a consciousness that if they struggle hard to accomplish them they will witness even greater triumphs than those of the last seven or eight years which so gloriously rewarded their untiring labors. —SHOGHI EFFENDI, through his secretary, March 29, 1945

nerve center of its institutions. They are profoundly aware of the bountiful grace vouchsafed by that same Providence insuring, unlike the previous world conflict, uninterrupted intercourse between the spiritual Center and the vast majority of the communities functioning within the orbit of a far–flung Faith. They are immeasurably thankful for the miraculous preservation of the Indian, Persian, Egyptian, British and ‘Iráqi communities, long threatened by dire perils owing to their proximity to the theatre of military operations. They are deeply conscious that the progress achieved, despite six tempestuous years, in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres through the collective enterprises launched by these communities outshines the sum total of the accomplishments since the inception of the Formative Age of the Faith.

The Seven Year Plan inaugurated by the American Bahá’í community under the lowering clouds of the approaching conflict victoriously completed the exterior ornamentation of the Mother Temple of the West, established the structural basis of the Faith in every State and Province of the North American continent, and hoisted its banner in every Republic of Latin America. The Indian believers’ Six Year Plan, launched on the eve of hostilities, more than quadrupled the centers functioning within the pale of the Administrative Order. The edifices consecrated to the administrative affairs of an ever advancing Cause, involving the expenditure of over a hundred thousand dollars, were erected, purchased or completed in the Capital Cities of India, ‘Iráq and Egypt as well as Sydney, Australia, The acquisition of numerous properties in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, on Mount Carmel and in the Jordan Valley, as well as the purchase of several important historic sites associated with the Lives of both the Herald and the Author of the Faith, swelled to an unprecedented degree our Bahá’í endowments.

Preliminary steps for the completion of the Báb’s Sepulchre and the establishment of the World Administrative Center through the removal of the Remains of the Brother and

Bahá’í News Bahá’í News is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada as the official newsletter 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 . . . that 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.

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the Mother of ‘Abdu l-Bahá were undertaken. The termination of the First Century of the Bahá’í Era, synchronizing with the climax of the raging storm, was public and befittingly celebrated, despite the multiplication of restrictions. Above all, the unity and integrity of an incorruptible world community was consistently safeguarded in the face of the insidious opposition of avowed enemies without and the Covenant–breakers within.

Such splendid victories, over so vast a field, amidst such tribulations during so prolonged an ordeal, augur well for the colossal tasks destined to be accomplished during the course of the peaceful years ahead by the builders of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh amidst the wreckage of a disrupted, disillusioned society.

SHOGHI RABBANI

Received May 12, 1945

(The following messages from the Guardian were written through his secretary).

Our Two Tasks

He fully approves of the concept of uniting the believers’ labors through ‎focussing focusing‎ them on nationwide teaching campaigns and so on. But he feels that the friends should constantly be encouraged to bear in mind curtain salient facts: Bahá’u’lláh has brought a new system and new laws and standards of personal as well as racial conduct into the world. Although outside agencies have been to a certain extent illumined by the radiance of His Message and doctrines, and are exerting efforts to bring the world into that orbit at universal peace and harmony He has set for it, these outside forces cannot achieve what only the followers of His Faith can. The believers must not take their eyes off their own immediate tasks of patiently consolidating their administrative institutions, building up new Assemblies in North, Central and South America, and laboring to perfect the Bahá’í pattern of life, for these are things that no other group of people in the world can do or will do, and they alone are able to provide the spiritual foundation and example on which the larger world schemes must ultimately rest. At the same time every effort should be made to broadcast the Teachings at this time, and correlate them to the plight of humanity and the plans for its future. Both tasks should go forward simultaneously—internal consolidation and

ANNUAL ELECTION, 1945 Tellers receive sealed ballots as roll of elected delegates is called,
Temple Foundation Hall, April 28.

expansion, and a wider contact with the masses, maintained through public meetings, radio, publicity, etc.

Credentials for Persians

The Guardian has already laid down the principle that any one claiming to be a Bahá’í from Persia must have his properly issued credentials from the N.S.A. of Persia before he can be accepted by any other Bahá’í community. . . . Now that the doors are opening increasingly for students and travelers to go to America, the National Assembly can not be too careful and vigilant in this matter. The Master, as you know, was very strict, and the Guardian feels it his duty at this time to be equally strict and observant of the measures introduced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ Himself. March 29, 1945

Letters from the Guardian to Individuals

(The following excerpts are published with Shoghi Effendi’s consent).

The Bahá’ís should deal with the members of all religious sects, however, with the greatest tolerance and friendliness, and try to point out to them the significance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh to the world in this Great Day. The Guardian would advise you to teach the Mormons, like everyone else, the Faith, when you find them receptive. They have many great principles and their teachings regarding charity, not drinking or smoking, etc., are quite similar to ours and should form a point of common interest. (From a letter written to Mrs. Helen Robinson on or about January 21, 1942).

The world that lies ahead of us after this war is going to be in a terrible condition, and if the believers are going to accomplish their duty and present the Divine Solution to mankind, they must prepare themselves for the great tasks that lie ahead. This particularly applies to Bahá’í youth. Young men and women in the Faith must be deep and thoughtful scholars of its teachings, so that they can teach in a way that will convince people that all the problems facing them have a remedy. They must grasp the Administration, so that they can wisely and efficiently administer the ever-growing affairs of the Cause; and they must exemplify the Bahá’í way of living. All this is not easy—but the Guardian is always greatly encouraged to see the spirit animating such young believers as yourself. He has high hopes of what your generation will accomplish. (From a letter written to Seymour Weinberg, May 12, 1944).

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National Spiritual Assembly

Beloved Friends:

Since there could be no gathering of the delegates this year, the Tellers reported the result of the election to the National Spiritual Assembly, and the Assembly sends this general letter to the Bahá’í community to announce the election and convey news of plans adopted for the coming year.

Those elected are, with their respective offices: George O. Latimer, Chairman; Allen B. McDaniel. Vice–Chairman; Horace Holley, Secretary; Dorothy K. Baker, Recording Secretary; Philip G. Sprague, Treasurer; Amelia E. Collins, Leroy Ioas, Louis G. Gregory, Roy C. Wilhelm.

Our first and foremost concern is to resume, with increased power and determination, the irresistible forward movement of the body of the Cause in America along the road of our unique destiny. The Guardian has given us the mighty impetus needed to clear our vision and renew our heart. His latest message, dated March 29, 1945, is printed as the clarion call to action throughout the present phase of our Bahá’í evolution.

Annual Budget

The Annual Budget adopted for this year is $150,000, or an average of receipts at the rate of $12,500 per month, to meet the following items:

Administration		$ 18.000
International		3,500
Temple Maintenance and Operation		9,000
Maintenance, Other Properties		10,000
Purchase of Temple Land		20.000
National Public Campaign		40.000
a. Public relations	$ 7,500
b. Publicity	7,500
c. Radio	10,000
d. Public Meetings and Congress	10,000
e. Circuits	5,000
National and Regional Teaching		15,000
Inter-America Teaching		20,000
Other National Committees		5,000
Assembly Development		1,500
Annual Convention, State Elections		3,000
Contingency Reserve		5,000
TOTAL		$150,000

National Public Campaign

It was voted at the meeting of April 29-May 2, 1945, to adopt the following plan for a National Public Campaign as the essential inclusive Bahá’í activity for the current year:

1. The use of a budget of $40,000

for carrying out the following related projects:

a. Public Relations Activities,

$7,500.00

b. Publicity, $7,500.00

c. Radio Activities, $10,000.00

d. Public Meetings and Annual

Congress, $10,000.00

e. Circuit Teaching, $5,000.00

2. These projects are to be carried

out under the general supervision and coordination of the National Spiritual Assembly by the following committees:

a. Public Relations Committee

b. News Service Committee

c. Radio Committee

d. Public Meetings Committe

e. National Teaching Committee

3. This National Campaign has for

its purpose a larger, more audacious presentation of the Bahá’í teachings, both to public leaders and the masses.

4. These projects are to give expression

to the various aspects of one central theme for the current year− “The Price of World Peace is World Religion.”—in order to command attention for the essential verities of the Faith as especially emphasized by the Guardian.

5. The participating committees

are to report plans in sufficient detail for the August meeting to enable the National Spiritual Assembly to publish an outline of the entire campaign in order to stimulate and guide the collective efforts of the American Bahá’í community throughout the year.

Appeal to the Friends

The condition of the world is such that the general longing for truth and divine guidance intensifies day by day. It is for us now to deepen our spiritual lives until we can respond adequately to the crying needs of mankind. Opportunity calls upon each of us as individual Bahá’ís; and opportunity presses upon our collective capacity as the American Bahá’í community.

The National Spiritual Assembly would heartily stress the importance of conducting study classes for the believers in each local community and group, that we may continuously turn to the light of truth and reflect its illumination by word and deed.

Centenary Souvenir The Temple Librarian and Sales Committee reports that there are still available about 1700 copies of the Centenary Souvenir, which consists of a reproduction of a photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a photograph of the House of Worship mounted in a folder stamped “Bahá’í Centenary, 1844-1944” and tied with cord. This Souvenir makes a beautiful gift to compliment a new believer or to convey loving remembrance to a Bahá’í confirmed during the Master’s era. Order from H. E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street., Chicago. ($1.00, postpaid).

The first public campaign is to be inaugurated this year, a truly signal and auspicious event, that we may together and with all our facilities, both local and national challenge audaciously the leaders of thought and the masses with the Message of Bahá’u’lláh which alone can bring together in a new order the scattered peoples, nations, classes and creeds.

Just as we learned how to adopt a great Plan for building the Temple, so now we need a great Plan for promulgating the Faith as the one Temple of spiritual refuge for a stricken world. The details are to be worked out as soon as possible by a number of Committees, and when this preliminary work is completed a comprehensive statement will be made to all the believers.

The time has come for more impressive accomplishments. The Guardian awaits new and greater evidences of our capacity to unveil the astounding majesty and exquisite beauty of the new World Order. Our loyalty and devotion to the needs of the National Fund are to be tested by the results of this appeal for support of the Budget during these first and most precious weeks of the Bahá’í year. The plans are in preparation. We dare not defer them, for the moment of decisive action is now. Therefore, we call to each community and group to rally for the beginning of an era of outstanding contribution, of continuous support by every Bahá’í, that the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh may take its rightful place of spiritual preeminence in the hearts of the people and the counsels of nations.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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Convention Report

The following agenda was adopted for the special meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly to be held with the tellers in Temple Foundation Hall, Saturday afternoon, April 28, at 2 p.m.:

1. Prayers and selected readings.

2. Reading of Convention Call by

the Chairman.

3. Roll call of delegates.

4. Casting of individual ballots by

the Chairman as the roll is called.

5. The sealed ballots are turned

over to the tellers.

6. The tellers submit a certified

report of the election.

The casting of ballots took place on Saturday afternoon, April 28, 1945, at 3:00 P.M. A photograph was taken of the National Spiritual Assembly members and the tellers.

1. The session was opened by

prayer read by Mrs. Collins.

2. The Chairman read two passages

from “God Passes By” from the chapter “The Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh” and three paragraphs from the most recent letter from Shoghi Effendi, dated Haifa, March 29.

3. The Secretary read the Convention

Call issued to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada on January 5, 1945, through the State and Province election committees.

4. The Chairman asked the tellers,

Harry E. Walrath, Joan Crawford and William Henning, to cast the ballots as the roll was called by the Secretary.

Teller’s Report

Summary of Ballots

Total number of ballots cast		162
Total number of ballots good		161
Total number of ballots void		1

Members Elected

Mr. Horace Holley		114
Mrs. Dorothy Baker		101
Mr. Philip Sprague		99
Mr. George O. Latimer		93
Mrs. Amelia E. Collins		82
Mr. Louis G. Gregory		61
Mr. Leroy Ioas		61
Mr. Allen McDaniel		61
Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm		46

Next Nine Names

Miss Elsie Austin		45
Miss Edna True		42
Mr. Paul Haney		37
Mr. Fred Schopflocher		36
Mr. Clarence Niss		35
Miss Marion Holley		32
Mr. Rowland Estall		29
Mr. Emeric Sala		28
Mrs. Margery McCormick		27

Hazíratu’l-Quds (National Bahá’í Office) of the N.S.A of Australia and New Zealand, Sydney, Australia, dedicated May 20, 1944

Public Bahá’í Congress

The following program was presented by the National Spiritual Assembly in Temple Foundation Hall on April 29:

The Assurance of World Peace

Chairman, ALLEN B. MCDANIEL

Evolution of Peace in History

HORACE HOLLEY

The Nations Build The Lesser Peace

GEORGE O. LATIMER

Bahá’u’lláh and The Most

Great Peace

DOROTHY K. BAKER

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Ridván Feast

Another distinctive feature of the Annual Convention which the National Spiritual Assembly maintained this year, despite the absence of the delegates was the Ridván Feast, which the Temple Program Committee was requested to arrange for Saturday evening, April 28, with invitations extended to the believers of the Temple area. The program was conducted for the Committee by the Spiritual Assembly of Chicago. Those present had the pleasure of hearing from Irving Hansen, who has returned from an assignment which enabled him to spend some time in Persia, visiting the Guardian and the Bahá’ís of Cairo on his return.

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Consultation by Mail

In order to reap the fruit of consultation with the delegates, the Assembly prepared a list of subjects on which each delegate was invited to report his views and suggestions in writing. This opportunity was met in a most gratifying manner. A digest of the material has been made and is receiving careful attention from the incoming Assembly. A special report presenting details of this consultation will be presented to the community at an early date.

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The Spiritual Atmosphere of Bahá’í Elections

At the very foundation of the Bahá’í community lies the right of the individual elected to exercise his franchise without restriction or interference. Neither the local or national administrative body, nor any individual believer, has the right to exert pressure to influence the voter’s free choice. In a world of organized pressure, the spiritual atmosphere of every Bahá’í election is our most precious privilege and sacred right. It opens the door to the power of divine guidance, and protects the community from any influence that would make for disunity and disintegration.

“Nothing short of the all-encompassing, all-pervading power of His guidance, and love,” the Guardian wrote many years ago, “can enable this new-enfolded order to gather strength and flourish amid the storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in the fullness of time vindicate its high claim to be universally recognized as the one haven of abiding felicity and peace.” And again: “Moreover, the practice of nomination, so detrimental to the [Page 6] atmosphere of a silent and prayerful election, is viewed with mistrust inasmuch as it gives the right . . . to deny that God-given right of every elector to vote only in favor of those who he is conscientiously convinced are the most worthy candidates.”

Preceding the annual election of the delegates this year, the National Assembly received from a number of delegates a protest at the action of one delegate in issuing a personal circular letter obviously intended to dictate to the other delegates in connection with their votes. After prayerful consideration the Assembly voted to disqualify the ballot sent by that individual delegate. Such occasions can serve to deepen in all the friends their realization that the wise and general provisions of the administrative order represent justice and integrity, and are not to be set aside on the assumption that any personal opinion or wish can be a substitute for the teachings and regulations of the Cause.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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Local News Letters

The circulation of local news letters and general communications issued by local Assemblies outside their area of jurisdiction is an administrative question which the National Spiritual Assembly felt had been settled many years ago. However, the action of a few Assemblies in recent months, in sending out copies of their letter or bulletin to the entire Assembly list, has raised the question once more.

This action is based upon one of the functions assigned to local Assemblies in the Guardian’s earliest communications to the American Bahá’ís: “They must make an effort to maintain official, regular, and frequent correspondence with the various Bahá’í centers throughout the world, report to them their activities, and share the glad-tidings they receive with all their fellow-workers in the Cause.”

At the time this and other functions were assigned to local Assemblies, the foundation was being laid for the formation and development of the National Spiritual Assemblies. The local Assembly was naturally first in order of time, but the functions assigned to the National Spiritual Assemblies gradually brought about certain important changes in our collective activities and methods.

For example, the function of review and publication of Bahá’í literature was first vested in local Assemblies, but later became recognized as a national function. In that same letter concerning the local Assemblies the Guardian wrote: “They must supervise in these days when the Cause is still in its infancy all Bahá’í publications and translations, and provide in general for a dignified and accurate presentation of all Bahá’í literature and its distribution to the general public.”

In order to prevent any possible confusion as to the relative jurisdictions and powers of local and National Spiritual Assemblies during the formative era, the Guardian established certain clear principles to be applied in any doubtful case or new situation. For example: “Vital issues, affecting the interests of the Cause in that country such as the matter of translation and publication. the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, the Teaching Work, and other similar matters that stand distinct from strictly local affairs, must be under the full jurisdiction of the National Assembly.” And, further: “With it, too, rests the full decision whether a certain point at issue is strictly local in its nature, and should be reserved for the consideration and decision of the local Assembly, or whether it should fall under its own jurisdiction and be regarded as a matter which ought to receive its special attention.” “The need for the centralization of authority in the National Spiritual Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various local Assemblies, is made manifest,” etc.

The newer friends will never realize with what conscientious care the Bahá’í community during those years studied and applied each successive direction which the Guardian dispatched. The status of the local Assembly and of the Convention, as well as their relationship to the National Assembly, was gradually clarified through successive problems and issues. By the time the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws were adopted, the nature of the various institutions could be defined. Here, and in the local By-Laws later approved, it is plainly set forth and made implicit that the local area of jurisdiction is the civil community and outside of that area the local institution does not operate. The individual Bahá’í acts through one institution for local matters and another for matters of national scope.

The question of local and national news letters, however, was not finally settled until 1934, and the record taken from Bahá’í News reveals the successive steps.

In Bahá’í News No. 75, July, 1933, page 7, we find the following: “This publication, established by the National Spiritual Assembly several years ago, affords the only responsible and authoritative medium of communication among the American Bahá’ís. Its functions include: the publication of letters from the Guardian; the publication of announcements, statements and letters prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly; the publication of National Committee reports approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the publication of such letters and news items as are received from other National Assemblies, and also from local Assemblies in America as have general interest and importance.

“National Committees and Local Spiritual Assemblies are invited to send in regularly reports and news items suitable for use in Bahá’í News. Individual believers are requested, in order to avoid confusion, to submit their news items through their local Assembly or through the National Committee directly concerned with that branch of Bahá’í activity— as for example teaching—under which each news item is classified.”

The Annual Report of the N.S.A. for 1933-34, Bahá’í News No. 84, page 13, contained these references:

“In several communications Shoghi Effendi has given instructions concerning the relation of local Assemblies to the National Assembly. Writing the San Francisco Assembly on February 19, 1934, the Guardian, through his secretary, in acknowledging receipt of a copy of San Francisco Bahá’í News, declared: ‘On behalf of the Guardian I wish to thank you for your welcome letter of January 23, as well as for the enclosed December and January issues of the San Francisco news letter, all of which gave him a clear account of the progress of the Cause in that center.

“ ‘He would greatly appreciate it if you send him regularly two copies of your local news letter. He would also advise you to send to each of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assemblies a copy of that circular which will, undoubtedly, prove of great interest to them.

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“ ‘However, in view of the principle that local activities should always be subordinated to the national interest, needs and requirements of the Faith, he feels that your Assembly should be careful not to develop their local organ to the extent that it would jeopardize the national activities of the Cause in their country. Just as all local institutions, whether administrative or otherwise, must under all circumstances be considered as subsidiary to national organizations, so also local news letters should be viewed as secondary in importance compared to the national organ of Bahá’í activities . . . ’

“On February 20 (1934), a similar letter was sent to the New York Assembly, from which the following excerpt is quoted:

“ ‘Just as the local Bahá’í fund must under all circumstances be subordinated to the national fund, so also, every local news letter should be considered as subsidiary to the national report of Bahá’í activities in every country.’ ”

Two more references are available on pages 52 and 53 of “Bahá’í Procedure,” both taken from the annual report of 1933-1934.

Finally, in Bahá’í News No. 88, November, 1934, page 6, we find this definite view expressed by the National Spiritual Assembly:

“The question has been asked whether in view of the Guardian’s words on the subject quoted in the last annual report of the National Assembly in Bahá’í News of June, local Assemblies which issue news letters should circulate them among other local Assemblies. The view of the National Assembly is that the national Bahá’í News is the medium through which local news should be conveyed to the various local communities, and therefore each local news letter should be distributed not only to its own community, but copies sent the National Assembly, the Guardian, and to other National Assemblies for their information. The Guardian’s latest instruction on this matter appears to indicate a development to a new point beyond that reached in 1923, when (see page 33 of ‘Bahá’í Administration’) Shoghi Effendi included inter-Assembly correspondence as part of the function of the local Spiritual Assembly.”

In the light of this record, the local Assemblies are requested to observe the decision made and published over ten years ago.

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of St. Louis, Mo., 1944–1945.

As we stand back and survey the matter in perspective, we note that certain decisions are published currently but not carried forward in any standard book of reference. They thus tend to be taken for granted by the older believers and overlooked by the new friends. We also note that the available definition of Bahá’í institutions is sufficiently clear to enable any believer or local Assembly to determine what functions are to be exercised by each, without recourse to any detailed catalogue of exact duties.

Finally, we realize the urgent need of developing the national institutions to the point where they can adequately serve the greatly enlarged community of the present era. This matter is receiving the full attention of the National Spiritual Assembly, and the steps taken will be reported from time to time.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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In Memoriam

I 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!—‘ABDU’L–BAHÁ

Mrs. Maybelle Baylor, Milwaukee.

Mr. Mabry C. Oglesby, Boston.

Mr. Samuel Taft, Boston.

Mrs. Eugenia C. Hooks, Little Rock.

Mrs. Ruth B. Kennedy, San Mateo, Calif.

Mr. Dale S. Cole, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Mr. I. R. Van Valer, Irvington, N. J.

Mrs. Hazel Petersen, Inglewood, Calif.

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Calendar

Anniversaries: Martyrdom of the

Báb, July 9, 1850.

Nineteen Day Feasts: Mercy, June

24: Words, July 13; Perfection,

August 1.

Meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly; June 21-25; September 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

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Enrollments and Transfers

1. Reported by Local Assemblies

Philadelphia, one.

Denver, one.

Washington, D. C., one.

Phoenix, one.

Boise, one.

Chicago, one youth, three transfers.

Montreal, one.

Little Rock, three.

St. Louis, one.

Los Angeles, one youth, three transfers.

Milwaukee, two transfers.

Colorado Springs, two transfer.

Yonkers, one transfer[Page 8]

Detroit, one transfer.

Greensboro, one transfer.

Racine, one transfer.

2. Reported by Regional Teaching

Committees

Enrollment of isolated believers in April, 6; in May, 9.

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The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh

A Revelation, hailed as the promise and crowning glory of past ages and centuries, as the consummation of all the Dispensations within the Adamic Cycle, inaugurating an era of at least a thousand years duration, and a cycle destined to last no less than five thousand centuries, signalizing the end of the Prophetic Era and the beginning of the Era of fulfillment, unsurpassed alike in the duration of its Author’s ministry and the fecundity and splendor of His mission—such a Revelation was . . . born amidst the darkness of a subterranean dungeon in Ṭihrán. . . .

“During the days I lay in the prison on of Ṭihrán,” are His (Bahá’u’lláh’s) own memorable words, “though the galling weight of the chains and the stench-filled air allowed Me but little sleep, still in those infrequent moments of slumber, I felt as if something flowed from the crown of My head over My breast, even as a mighty torrent that precipitate itself, upon the earth from the summit of a lofty mountain. Every limb of My body would, as a result, be set afire. At such moments My tongue recited what no man could bear to hear.”

In His Epistle to Násiri’d–Din Sháh . . . these passages. . . shed further light on the Divine origin of His mission: “O King! I was but a man like others, asleep upon My couch, when lo, the breezes of the All-Glorious were wafted over Me, and taught Me the knowledge of all that hath been. This thing is not from Me, but from One Who is Almighty and All-Knowing. And He bade Me lift up My voice between earth and heaven, and for this there befell Me what hath caused the tears of every righteous man to flow . . . This is but a leaf which the winds of the will of thy Lord, the Almighty, the All–Praised have stirred.”— God Passes By, pp. 100–102.

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National Committees

Publishing Announcement

Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly; By-Laws of a Local Spiritual Assembly; amended in March, 1945. Pamphlet, 10c per copy, preferably ordered in lots of five or ten copies.

Religion Returns, by Dorothy K. Baker. The latest addition to series of Teaching Literature pamphlets. 28 pages, paper cover. Page size, 3¾ by 5¾ inches. Sold in lots of one hundred copies for $2.00.

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The Bahá’í World, X

International Youth Section

The International Youth Section of The Bahá’í World Volume X, is making an appeal to the friends, for any items of news received from relatives and friends, among the believers, who are serving in other countries at this time. Due to the uncertainty of the mails, the committee realizes that a number of communications intended for them, have gone astray.

It is the hope of the committee, that through letters, clippings and photographs, etc., received by the believers in this country, there will be made available many items of interest to all readers of Volume X.

Please forward, any items you may have to: Mrs. J. C. Davenport, 433-A-North Oakhurst Drive, Beverly Hills, California.

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Inter-America News

“Committee gratefully reports eight new Assemblies: Panama City, Mogotes, Caracas, Trujillo, Guayaquil, La Paz, Punta Arenas, Montevideo, Devoted love.”

This quotation is part of a message sent to the Guardian by the Inter-America Committee following its meeting on April 26. The Committee has also expressed its deepfelt gratitude to the pioneers in the field for their historic achievements during this past year and for their selfless devotion to their tasks.

The prayers of the Guardian and the blessings showered by Bahá’u’lláh upon the valiant efforts of native believers and of North American pioneers have brought to accomplishment the founding of Spiritual Assemblies for the first time in five Latin American countries, the Republics of Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic, and the reestablishment of an Assembly that had been dissolved in Uruguay. The Assemblies of Bogata and Santiago have been richly blessed in being enabled to establish, through extension teaching, new Spiritual Assemblies in Mogotes, Colombia, and in Punta Arenas, Chile.

The only remaining country of Latin America in which a Spiritual Assembly has not been formed is Nicaragua. However, the pioneer in this country, Dr. Malcolm King, has performed a signal service, fundamental to present and future Bahá’í teaching in that land. Through judicious correspondence and interviews with government officials he has succeeded in obtaining registration of the Faith with the government and its official recognition as a religious body. This was an essential step to freedom of teaching and publicity. The Committee has expressed to Dr. King its sincere appreciation for this accomplishment.

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Briefs from Letters of Pioneers

ECUADOR: From Virginia Orbison, April 21:

“ . . . It would be too hard to describe the wonderfully deep understanding, devotion and dedication which those seven young men and the two women expressed as they each said a few words after the formation of the first Spiritual Assembly of Ecuador established in Guayaquil. The election of officers followed, and there never was expressed I am sure such firmness and love.”

In describing the growth to Assembly status the letter continues, “Eduardo Gonzales (Ecuadorian delegate to the Centenary) is the one who has brought them all, and he helps me in the meetings by reading passages and contributing his great enthusiasm.

“We mentioned John Stearns and his work in Ecuador and Peru most lovingly. The goal of his work and sacrifice is now flowering, and he surely must have been with us and very happy.”

The two pioneers were present at this election, Virginia and Haig Kavorkian of Argentina, in addition to the nine resident believers.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: From Ofelia Montalvo, a pioneer from El Salvador to Trujillo, April 22:

“With the following program was celebrated the 21st of this month; 1. Prayer, 2. Why we must celebrate the 21st of April, 3. Our Master[Page 9] Bahá’u’lláh. 4. Meaning of the Local Spiritual Assembly, 5. Prayer, 6. Election.

“ . . . I never thought to be elected their chairman. This has given to me more assurance, and has deeply touched my heart.”

Last February when Louise Baker arrived in Trujillo there were two believers in that city. A letter from her on March 24, containing three new membership cards, says in part.

“The meetings are going along regularly. Monday and Thursday we study Dispensation, and Tuesday we study Procedure . . . We had a party on our roof to celebrate Naw-Ruz. About thirty people came and we had a wonderful time. Many of them had never come to any meeting and they were full of questions. I think it was probably the first party ever held in this country where no liquor was served, and it amazed the people.”

With the assistance of Ofelia, who came on in March, the number of native believers reached nine before the middle of April. On April 15 Louise flew from Trujillo to Caracas to be present at the election there.

VENEZUELA: From Louise Baker by cable, April 22:

“Assembly elected Caracas April 21, Love.”

The formation of a Spiritual Assembly in Venezuela this year was made possible by the intensive teaching of Elizabeth Cheney for six weeks in December and January. As reported in a former issue of Bahá’í News, the number of believers in Caracas was increased during this period from eight to seventeen, including three youths.

PANAMA: While the Committee has received no direct word from Panama City since the election, we had word shortly before that time that an Assembly was assured. We understand that the longed for goal of nine believers in the capital city of the Republic of Panama was made possible by the sacrifice of several of the friends who are employed in the Canal Zone in changing their residence to Panama City.

The friends will recall the repeated reference of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the great significance of this locality in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. May this new Spiritual Assembly receive wonderful confirmations.

BOLIVIA: From Flora Hottes, April 28:

“Our first feast, yesterday, since

Bahá’í Social Gathering, Parque Hotel, Asuncion, ‎Paraquay Paraguay‎, April 14, 1945. At right is Miss Gertrude Eisenberg, pioneer teacher; and at left, Sr. Centurion Miranda, delegate who attended the Conference with the N.S.A. in July, 1944.

the formation of the Assembly, was such a happy one with such harmony . . . And we have real love and an increasing patience and tolerance in our midst, and we are learning to work together in frank consultation . . . This could not have come here in one year. It took three—and it will take more. I know so well why our beloved Guardian said in his letter: ‘Stay until a Firm and Unshakable Assembly with its Community is established in Bolivia.’ ”

No doubt that the following excerpt is typical of the experience of Bahá’í pioneers:

“ . . . One finally comes to know, not as a pretty and trite expression, but from the plowed depths of one’s soul, that it is a Divine Hand that guides, on—siempre—and we should never for one moment be blind to Its beckoning, nor insensible to Its constraining touch. Life is so terribly beautiful and wonderful, there is such tremendous Work to be done, especially now, when ‘the moving Finger writes’ so clearly on the Tablets of the world; we all want to be real Bahá’ís, to serve Him well Who is the One Beloved, to ‘live the life’ that can show those about us what human unity and love may grow to be. But we must ourselves grow first, through processes sometimes painful, sometimes very slow, but always ahead; and such joy when one becomes cognizant of some new strength, some element of faith reinforced and clarified beyond retrogression. Maybe these seem like too many words (one of the failings of the gente down here!) but you must know the love we feel for you and the always–stronger tie of Bahá’í loyalty which at last will knit a world together.”

The Flora of the prairies near the Temple blooms in the mountains of South America!

CHILE: On April 17 a message was received from Artemus Lamb announcing eight new believers in Punta Arenas (three had been reported formerly) and assurance of an Assembly. This historic achievement completing the wing-span of the All-America Bahá’í community from Magallanes to Alaska was consummated this year with the aid of a series of nine radio broadcasts under the title, “The City of Certitude.” This series was publicized as being under the auspices of the Santiago Assembly. The scripts for these Bahá’í broadcasts were prepared in question and answer form and were presented by Esteban Canales, Chilian delegate to the Centenary. In this way, numerous students were attracted to the classes.

Artemus Lamb writes, “On Naw Rúz we held an International Fiesta at the auditorium of the Radio Station. There was a series of musical numbers from members of the many different national groups present, readings from the Bahá’í Writings, and a brief but effective talk by Esteban Canales. The studio audience numbered eighty, including the U.S. Consul and his wife who have become much interested in the Cause. The whole program was broadcast,[Page 10] “It aroused much favorable comment and brought us new students.”

A recent letter from Marcia Stewart announces the opening of a new Bahá’í center in Santiago after April 21. 1000 invitations were to be mailed out for this occasion. Extension teaching is being continued in Valparaiso, where it is hoped that in another year a third Chilian Spiritual Assembly will be established.

URUGUAY: From Montevideo comes heartening news of the re-establishment of the Spiritual Assembly, and of most gratifying progress in the teaching work there. They have taken a new Center, where regular meetings are held. Elisabeth Cheney is still in Montevideo, rendering valuable assistance to Wilfrid Barton and the other friends.

COLOMBIA: As a result of a most unusual extension teaching project carried on entirely by mail, the believers of Bogata have been successful in establishing a new Spiritual Assembly at Mogotes. Also, among the members of a leper colony at Contratacion a group of six believers has been formed. A letter from Sra. Magola Maldonado, Secretary at Bogata, in speaking of the members of this newly formed group says, “They seem to be very close to God, and who may say if God may not, for their sakes, reveal a cure for leprosy!”

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Library Committee

The Library Committee wishes to express deep appreciation of the assistance given recently by the Assembly Library Committees and the Regional Teaching Committees in getting our library records up–to–date.

We should like to pass along the following suggestions at this time. Assembly Library Committees:

A number of Library committees reported that Bahá’í books were not up-to-date in Main Public Libraries. In several cases, there were no books by the Guardian, no recent Bahá’í World Volumes and little literature in the current Bahá’í Publishing Committee catalog. We fully realize the difficulty of trying to donate a complete set of our books to these libraries and pass along the plan adopted by the St. Louis Assembly of presenting two books a month to their various public libraries (Main and branch libraries) until all libraries have been supplied with Bahá’í books. The Main Public

Courtesy in Correspondence Believers will assist the National Office if they will remember to observe a few simple principles in their correspondence—first, head the letter with the writer’s address as well as the date, and if an official letterhead is used which gives only the title of the Assembly or Committee and not the address, the address for reply should be indicated. Second, use an official letterhead only for correspondence connected with that particular Assembly or Committee. If the writer is on several Bahá’í bodies, different letters should be written if necessary rather than to present different subjects in one communication.

Library is the center of information to which public personages will turn for research on the Bahá’í Faith to give in sermons, lectures, radio programs, newspaper and magazine articles as soon as public interest is aroused through the growth of the Cause. The time to insure an accurate presentation of the Bahá’í principles and teachings is now when we can lay the foundation by placing our books in key libraries. Do not doubt that there will be a great demand for our books when the time is ripe. Keep our books in active circulation through appeals to the friends and announcements at public and fireside meetings, on radio programs, in local News Letters and Regional Bulletins and in newspaper articles. The list of books in your Main Public Library might be posted on your Bahá’í Center Bulletin Board for ready reference.

Let us not overlook the importance of presenting at least one comprehensive book in each branch library or perhaps a subscription to the World Order magazine. This book may attract readers in various neighborhoods to study further in the Main Public Library or to attend our public meetings as announced in local newspapers.

Reports coming in from your committees show that there is a concerted effort to get Bahá’í books in your “barren” libraries. Several splendid ideas have come to our committee: publishing the list of “barren” libraries in Regional Bulletins with an appeal to the friends to contact those librarians; sending out postcards or form letters to the public libraries and college libraries in your region, offering a book or two to librarians; small literature as the literature catalog, Principles of the Bahá’í Faith, Summary of Bahá’í Teachings etc. has been sent to each library; lists of friends in cities where there are “barren” libraries have been sent directly to the National Library Committee so we can enlist their assistance in this national library project.

Correction of address: Miss Helen Reynolds, 5334 Greene Street, Philadelphia, 44, Penna, Miss Reynolds is taking charge of the requests coming for “barren” public libraries in your regional list.

Will the friends in the South send us the following information: does your city have separate libraries for “color” and “white” readers? We should like to donate books to both as new books are available for libraries.

This is the national library task before us. The following list shows our present record of “barren” libraries in the various areas in cities (10,000 population or more) and all colleges and universities:

Public Col–

Libraries leges Total

Wyoming, Colorado

New Mexico ......... 5 2 7

Idaho, Montana, Utah . 5 3 8 California, Nevada,

Arizona ............. 7 1 8

Florida .............. 7 3 10 Washington, Oregon ... 9 3 12 Tennessee, Alabama ... 13 9 22 Minnesota, N. Dakota,

S. Dakota ........... 14 9 23

Louisiana, Arkansas,

Mississippi ........ 15 9 24

Maryland, Virginia,

West Virginia ....... 24 4 28

Maine, N. H., Vermont,

Mass., R. I., Conn. ..21 9 30

Kansas, Nebraska,

Missouri ............ 30 15 55

New York State ....... 45 11 56 North Carolina, South

Carolina, Ga. ....... 32 26 58

Texas, Oklahoma ...... 48 16 64 Ohio, Indiana,

Kentucky ............ 71 38 109

New Jersey, Penna.,

Delaware ............ 83 18 101

Illinois, Michigan.

Wis., Iowa .......... 78 37 115

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News Service

Space will not allow the mention of every one of the veritable deluge of clippings that has descended upon us during the past weeks. The friends have surely been more diligent in their Bahá’í publicity efforts and we congratulate them on their success.

[Page 11]

The News Service Committee would appreciate receiving two clippings of every Bahá’í mention in newspapers and magazines to serve both as a record and to be used in the planning of its operations.

Alta Gaines’ “The Bahá’í Column” which has been appearing in the Illinois Times of Champaign, Illinois, a Negro newspaper, has interested us very much for its completeness and clarity, and as well, in its continuity. The Arizona Sun of Phoenix, a Negro weekly, has carried many reports of Phoenix and Tucson Bahá’í activities. Elsa H. Steinmetz has been making the “Letters to the Editor” department of the Argus–Leader of Sioux Falls, So. Dakota. A novel and powerful form of publicity is that of Mary A. Marlowe in the Portsmouth, N.H. Herald. At the passing of President Roosevelt this paper carried a column of statements on the various tributes that were paid by local churches and organizations. The Portsmouth Bahai Community’s well written statement incorporating Bahá’í principles received one–third of the column article! At the opening of the San Francisco Security Conference the Portsmouth Community followed by an article on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statements on peace made to the people of California when He addressed them in 1912.

We compliment Charles H. Behrens on his good definition of the Bahá’í Faith as a world religion to “The Letter Box” in The Gateway of Floral Park, N.J., and also Samuel M. Newman’s analogy of some of Abraham Lincoln’s principles to the teaching of the Bahá’í Faith. W. Kenneth Christian received a mention recently of his Washington, D.C. and Greenville, N.C. speaking tour in the latter city’s The Daily Reflector. The Independence, Kansas, a group is placing some very dignified paid publicity in that city’s Daily Examiner.

To call attention to a few more clippings and reports that have reached us, we add: the extensive publicity of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Community’s Bahá’í Peace Banquet, which appeared both in its city’s Journal and Sentinel; the consecutive mentions of Bahá’í activities, meetings and book reviews in Binghamton, N.Y., newspapers; Gladys Roberts’ Colorado Springs, Colo., publicity on her Community’s peace meeting; Mrs. Gayle Woolson’s fine articles in Guatemala

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Charleston, West Virginia, 1944–1945.

newspapers; the excellent presentation of the Faith in the Moncton, New Brunswick, Daily Times; the book review on “God Passes By” in Pittsburgh’s Negro newspaper; and finally, the picture and article referring to Mrs. Rena White’s radio appearance at 99 years of age when, during an interview on a commercial program, she mentioned the Bahá’í Faith, as reported in the World–Herald of Omaha, Nebraska.

—NEWS SERVICE COMMITTEE.

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Annual Report International School Latin–American Session, 1944

Members: Loulie A, Mathews, Chairman; Marion Little, Secretary; Amelia Collins, George Latimer, Mark Toby, Max and Inez Greeven and Wanden LaFarge.

General Subjects

The program of the School for the Session of 1944 was divided into two main groups, morning and afternoon study sessions.

MORNING SESSION Methods of Teaching in Latin-America

In what sequence to teach Latin–Americans. Give our personal experiences along the path of religion.

The Bahai, Message in regard to individuals; in regard to groups.

The Message in relation to organized religious groups.

The Message in relation to Educators, to Civic leaders.

This program was followed by open discussion of the ways and means of bringing a live consciousness in the community where we are teaching.

AFTERNOON SESSION Race and Man PUBLIC MEETINGS

These public meetings were held in Perkins Hall on the Colorado College. Musical programs were arranged by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Colins Thorpe, distinguished musical friends of Colorado and New York.

Our Latin–American pioneers gave a brilliant evening devoted to a sketch of their country and the Bahá’í work done therein. The speakers were: Gayle Woolson, from Costa Rica; Cora Oliver and Louise Caswell, from Panama; Winnifred Baker, from Colombia; Raul Contreras, delegate from Costa Rica.

A very impressive Bahá’í evening was furnished by Mrs. Amelia Collins and Mrs. Marjorie McCormick, speaking on “God Passes By.”

“Headlines for Tomorrow” was given by Mrs. w. M. LaFarge, Mrs. Robert Sherrill, and Mrs. Marion Little.

A concluding evening was entitled “The Spiritual Force in Art.” given[Page 12] by Miss Gladys Childress, Mrs. E. R. Mathews and Mrs. W. M. LaFarge.

Conferences

On Sunday, June 18th, a Regional Conference was held with many guests from Wyoming, New Mexico and Colorado, after which pictures in color were shown of the Temple.

A very interesting meeting was held at the home of the Secretary of the Local Assembly. Mrs. E. R. Roberts, during which members present at the Session gave their spiritual experiences in entering the Bahá’í Faith.

Although the School dates were pushed forward to the convenience of the Pioneers visiting this country a full quota was present at the Fifth Latin American Session, which followed the great spiritual event of the Centennial held in Wilmette at the Bahá’í Temple.

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News of Other Lands

Haifa

It is with great joy and satisfaction that we convey to you the happy tiding that our Beloved Guardian is in the best of health. The greatest desire and the utmost happiness of the devout and faithful believers throughout the world will forever be the news of the well–being of the Guardian.

Today, the first and foremost duty of every believer and every Bahá’í community is to spread the word of God. This is the day of sowing the seed. “The sower soweth the word.” And the “Word” is badly needed by a world in physical distress and in spiritual agony. A blackout more intense and more blinding than any other form of darkness has enveloped the soul of man, the canker of a moral disease more mortal than any kind of bodily ailment is gnawing at his heart. How can the bearer of light sit still while his neighbor is in darkness, how can the physician refuse to administer to the needs of the sick? Would it not be utter selfishness, to say the least, to keep entirely for one’s self the good that could be done to others? What would it be said of a messenger of happy tidings, who kept the message for himself?

“Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá.” wrote Bahá’u’lláh, “for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regarded it as the most meritorious of all deeds.”

‘Iráq

It is for the pursuit of this “most meritorious of all deeds” that the Bahá’í Assemblies in the East are now actively organizing themselves, hoping to accomplish greater victories than in the past. The Bahá’í Newsletter (July-Sept. 1944) of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq conveys encouraging news of Bahá’í activities in that land. The Teaching Committees are aware of the magnitude of their tasks and are endeavoring to live up to their responsibilities. Some fruitful results have been achieved and a number of new believers have joined the Bahá’í community.

The project of a public Bahá’í Bookstore in Baghdád, reported in a previous Newsletter, has been well received by the believers throughout ’Iráq. It is hoped that this project will soon be executed.

We also learn with great pleasure that the believers held their fifth Summer School for the study of the history and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, between the 10th and 18th of September, 1944. The following subjects were presented and studied during the various sessions of the school:

The Institution of the Summer School and its Importance in the Bahá’í World, by Kámil ‘Abbás.

The New World Order, by Adib R. Bagidádi.

An Exposition of the Principles Characteristic of the Bahá’í Faith, by Núr-ud-din ‘Abbás.

A Study of the Guardian’s Epistle on the occasion of the Bahá’í Centenary, by Munir Wakil.

The National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq reports also the good news that the authorities have granted permission to the said Assembly to obtain the building materials necessary for the completion of certain details in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds or the Bahá’í House in Baghdád. The believers, greatly encouraged by this news, have contributed generously funds needed for the accomplishment of this task.

The Bahá’í Women’s Study Classes continue regularly. In this way, Bahá’í women not only get more enlightened about the Bahá’í Faith, but also prepare themselves to take part actively in Bahá’í fields of service.

Egypt

We are also happy to report that the believers in Egypt are engaged in the service of the Cause with great love and devotion. Spiritual Assemblies are functioning regularly in the four principal centers of Cairo, Alexandria, Port–Said and Ismá’ílíyyih and are actively engaged in upholding the Bahá’í Faith and its Teachings. There are also individual Bahá’ís in sixteen other Egyptian towns and villages. A number of Bahá’í organizations and committees have, during this past year, labored with love and zeal in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.

The Bahá’í Assemblies are paying special attention to the establishment of a small Bahá’í library in every Bahá’í center. The library of the Bahá’ís at Cairo is well stocked with Bahá’í publications. Two more Bahá’í libraries, still in their infancy, have been organized at Port-Said and in Alexandria.

We learn from the said report of the great efforts made by the believers and the generous funds graciously donated by the Guardian for the completion of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds or the Bahá’í House in Cairo. The blessing of Bahá’u’lláh was on this project, for many obstacles for the completion of the building disappeared in remarkable ways.

In spite of the many difficulties experienced by the believers in Egypt because of their Faith, they rejoice and give thanks unto Bahá’u’lláh Whose guiding hand has ever been their supporter and protector. They are very happy that their National Assembly has been legally recognized by the government since 1936 and that their Faith stands recognized as an independent religion with its own laws and institutions, thanks to the momentous decision passed in 1925 by the highest Muslim ecclesiastical body in Egypt.