Bahá’í News/Issue 177/Text
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NEWS |
| No. 177 | NOVEMBER, 1945 | YEAR 102 | BAHA’I ERA |
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
“Our Hearts are Uplifted in Thanksgiving”
Our hearts are uplifted in thanksgiving for complete cessation of the prolonged, unprecedented world conflict. I hail the prospects of the removal of the restrictions, enabling American Bahá’í Community to expedite the preliminary measures required to launch the second stage of the Divine Plan. I appeal focus attention upon the requirements of the all–important Latin American work. The adequate fulfillment of this vital task preludes the assumption of collective responsibility by triumphant Community of the spiritual enlightenment and ultimate redemption of sorely–tried, war-ravaged European continent, destined to be associated with exploits which must immortalize the second stage of the World Mission entrusted by ‘Abdul-Bahá to the apostles of His Father’s Faith in the western world. The opportunities of the present hour are infinitely precious, the time is pressing, the call of the distressed, groping peoples of Europe pitiful, insistent. The work still to be accomplished to consummate the mighty enterprise undertaken in Latin America is considerable. The Almighty’s sustaining grace is assured, unfailing. I am praying from the depths of a joyful, thankful heart for the outpouring of blessings no less remarkable than the divine bounties vouchsafed unto the valiant prosecutors of the Plan in the course of the opening phase of their World Mission.
Message received, August 20, 1945.
“The Cessation of Hostilities”
Dear and valued co-workers: The cessation of hostilities on the continent of Europe, the prospect of an early termination of the bloody conflict raging in the Far East, invest the members of the world Bahá’í community, and particularly its standard–bearers in the great Republic of the West, with a great, a unique, and inescapable responsibility. The first stage of the mission laid upon them by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the inauguration of which has been so long retarded while the processes of a slowly emerging administrative order were being set in motion, and which coincided with one of the darkest and most tragic periods in human history, has been brought to a triumphant conclusion, and added a golden page to the annals of the closing years of the first Bahá’í century.
As a new phase in the painful evolution of a sorely–tried and wayward humanity opens, a new challenge summons the prosecutors of a Divine Plan to gird up their loins, muster their resources, and prepare themselves for the launching of the second stage of an enterprise which, as it reveals its full potentialities, must stretch to embrace the five continents of the globe. World turmoil, grave dangers, severe restrictions, the lethargy of the public engrossed in its war problems, have failed to dampen the zeal, or to undermine the resolve, or to interfere with the successful discharge of the duty assumed by those who have so determinedly embarked on the opening stage of their world encircling, divinely appointed mission. With the return no more normal conditions, with the improvement of the means of travel and communication, with the lifting of the deadening weight of fear and care and the growing receptivity of the masses schooled in adversity and groping for the means of ultimate salvation, opportunities without number and unprecedented in their significance, present themselves to those whose privilege and obligation it is to pave the way for the launching of the succeeding stage of their historic and ever unfolding task.
Not until, however, normal conditions are fully restored and the world situation is stabilized, and, above all, the prizes won through the operation of the Seven–Year Plan are adequately safeguarded and the basis of the newly established Administration Order sufficiently consolidated throughout the Western Hemisphere, can the ambassadors of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, carrying aloft the banner of His Name in the American continent, be called upon to undertake, unitedly and systematically, collective responsibility for the diffusion of His Message, and for the erection of the fabric of His Administrative Order, amidst the sorrow-stricken, war–lacerated, sorely bewildered nations and peoples of the European continent.
The sooner the home tasks are fully discharged, and the newly fledged Assemblies in Central and South America enabled to function adequately and vigorously, the sooner will the stalwart members of the American Bahá’í community, who, during so brief a period, and despite the prevailing darkness, achieved such wonders throughout the Americas, extend the healing influence of their Faith, on a scale as yet unprecedented, to the waiting masses of that agitated continent.
As already observed, an intensification of effort is imperatively required aiming at a bolder proclamation of the verities of a God–given Faith, at a systematic and continent–wide dissemination of its authentic literature, at a closer contact with the masses as well as the leaders of public thought, at a further consolidation and multiplication of the administrative centers scattered throughout the new world, and constituting the nuclei of its future World Order, and, above all, at a more convincing revelation of Bahá’í love, unity, solidarity and self-sacrifice, which alone can hasten the consummation of the preliminary undertakings required to terminate the period of transition intervening between the first and second stages of the greatest crusade ever launched in the history of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
Time is pressing, the work that still remains to be accomplished in the new world is vast and urgent, the need of the suffering masses, the world over, and particularly in Europe, is pitiable, the sustaining grace destined to be vouchsafed from on high to those who will arise to achieve that task and fulfill this need is boundless and assured. Its potency has been already fully experienced, and abundantly demonstrated in the years that have witnessed the most prodigious efforts exerted by the American believers. A still more powerful display of its miraculous force can be confidently anticipated, if those who have felt its impact in the past arise to carry out, in the years that lie immediately ahead, the sublime and the twofold task of the redemption of mankind and the establishment of the world sovereignty of Bahá’u’lláh.
Haifa, Palestine, August 10, 1945
“Greatly Cheered by Evidences of Progress”
Greatly cheered by evidences of progress in all–important teaching work. Praying fervently for the complete success of the plans adopted. Convey my loving appreciation to Gail Woolson, Virginia Orbison and Dorothy Baker for their noble, steadfast services. Supplicating abundant blessing on forthcoming State and Province Conventions. Urge persistent efforts to promote vital tasks facing the believers constituting the prelude to inauguration of the second stage of Divinely–conceived Plan.
Cablegram received September 24, 1945.
(The following messages from the Guardian were written through his secretary).
Mme. Orlova
Regarding the matter of Mme. Orlova: as it is now clear that she is openly associating with the New History group, the friends should ignore her and have nothing more to do with her.
San Francisco Conference
The reports which have reached him about the teaching and publicity during the San Francisco conference were very satisfactory. He feels the American believers are maturing and gaining in experience in presenting the Faith not only to the public at large, but also to leaders of importance, and they are doing it in a sober and dignified way. A glance at the pressing problems facing
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Buenos Aires Assembly “Overjoyed at magnificent achievement, the formation of the Summer School. Deeply appreciative of Mr. and Mrs. Tormo’s historic service. Offering fervent prayers for the extension and consolidation of the activities of the foremost Center in Latin America. Deepest love.”—Shoghi Rabbani. This message, received by the Buenos Aires Assembly on July 1, refers to the donation of their country place by Mr. and Mrs. Tormo in order to make it possible to found a Bahá’í Summer School. |
the world is enough to convince any Bahá’í that there is no ultimate solution to its ills except that provided by Bahá’u’lláh. It is therefore of the greatest conceivable importance the manner in which the teachings are presented to a nation with such a leading role in international affairs at the present time as that of the United States. He urges you, in this connection, to seek out and exploit to the full the talents and abilities latent within your community for, whatever the American believers have accomplished heretofore, it is a mere prelude to what they can and must do in the field of Bahá’í service in the future. August 10, 1945.
Letters to Individuals
The following excerpts from letters written by the Guardian to individuals are published with his consent.
To John Ashton, October 17, 1944.
The infallibility of the Guardian is confined to matters which are related strictly to the Cause and interpretation of the teachings; he is not an infallible authority on other subjects, such as economics, science, etc. When he feels that a certain thing is essential for the protection of the Cause, even if it is something that affects a person personally, he must be obeyed, but when he gives advice, such as that he gave you in a previous letter about your future, it is not binding; you are free to follow it or not as you please.
The question of guidance is a very subtle one. We cannot be positive that an impulse or a dream is guidance. We can seek, through earnest prayer and longing, sincerely to do God’s Will, His guidance. We can try, as you say, to emulate the Master and at all times live up to the teachings, but we cannot be sure that doing these things we are still making no mistakes and are perfectly guided. These things help us not to make so many mistakes and to receive more directly the guidance God seeks to give us.
Regarding consultation: Any person can refer a matter to the Assembly for consultation whether the other person wishes to or not. In matters which affect the Cause the Assembly should, if it deems it necessary, intervene even if both sides don’t want it to, because the whole purpose of the Assemblies is to protect the Faith, the Communities and the individual Bahá’ís as well.
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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, Garreta Busey, Mabel H. Paine. Address: Bahá’í News Committee, c/o Miss Garreta Busey, 503 West Elm Street, Urbana, Illinois. |
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved Friends:
The National Bahá’í Campaign has taken definite form. The participating committees met jointly with the National Spiritual Assembly, submitted plans and recommendations, their respective work was coordinated, and the intensive effort is well begun. It now rests upon the whole Bahá’í community of North America to bring to this campaign the energetic and unified support, the continuous cooperation, which alone can assure success.
The campaign inaugurates the real work of the Second Bahá’í Century in North America. It offers those whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá appointed His trustees and holds responsible for the fulfillment of the Divine Plan a truly providential opportunity. Its aim is to present the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the leaders aware of the crisis through which the world is passing, and win the attention and the confidence of the masses whose suffering are prolonged by every hour’s delay in entering His Faith.
“A new challenge summons the prosecutors of a Divine Plan” the Guardian declared, “to gird up their loins, muster their resources, and prepare themselves for the launching of the second stage of an enterprise which, as it reveals its full potentialities, must stretch to embrace the five continents of the globe,” What is needed above all at our present stage of evolution is the power which will come when we learn how to unite in one national teaching effort, concentrate upon one task, and create the means by which the energy of the whole community can flow through every local community and group, give it greater capacity to act, and offer more definite teaching assistance than it has ever received before.
Acting one by one, our communities and groups seem weak and ineffective in comparison with the allotted task, for the most part lacking facilities for adequate public presentation of the message. By joining our forces in one continuous, developing teaching campaign, we can make the small group and the most inexperienced individual believer part of one great and potent organism. This is a new phase; the faster we master it, the sooner and better shall we be prepared to fulfill our sacred trust both here and throughout “five continents of the globe.”
The National Campaign[edit]
The foundation of the national teaching plan is a schedule of Public Meetings to be held in eleven key cities, and a great network of Teaching Circuits to serve a large number of other cities and towns. To reinforce and amplify the Public Meetings, the campaign includes newspaper advertising, publicity, radio, free literature, displays and public relations material.
A National Campaign Budget already announced calls for an expenditure of $40,000 as follows:—
- Public Meetings and Annual
- Congress, $10,000
- Circuit Teaching, $5,000
- Radio Programs, $10,000
- Publicity and Advertising, $7,500
- Public Relations Activities, $7,500
The projects sustained by these budget items are carried out under the general supervision and coordination of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Public Meetings, National Teaching, Radio, News Service, Public Relations, Contacts and Exhibits Committees. Their respective projects, activities and functions in the campaign are assigned as follows: —
Public Meetings Committee
The Public Meetings Committee prepares the schedule of cities, dates and speakers, selects the subjects, issues the printed programs, selects the free literature, develops where possible special meetings and conferences before or after the Public Meeting to stress the importance of race unity, arranges for the services of field workers in the various cities, and from its budget meets all costs in connection with speakers, printed programs and the meeting places.
The local Assembly of the city distributes the printed programs and makes all possible effort to assure the success of the meeting. It has full responsibility for conducting the follow–up meetings and teaching activities after the Public Meeting has been held.
The Public Meetings Committee is completing its schedule as rapidly as possible. At present we can only report the list of cities and some of the dates: Toronto, October 29; New York, definite date to be decided; Boston, November 16, Washington, D. C., December 5; Atlanta, January 27; New Orleans, January 27; Los Angeles, February 8; Denver, February date to be decided; Portland, March date to be decided; Chicago, April date to be decided.
Bahá’í Community of Independence, Missouri, Assembly organized April 21, 1945.
National Teaching Committee
The National Teaching Committee sets up circuits for traveling teachers, both regional and inter–regional in scope, and sustains the expenses from its campaign budget. The preliminary report lists twenty–one different circuits in preparation, bringing the campaign to more than one hundred cities and towns. The detailed and final schedule will be reported later.
Radio Committee
The Radio Committee is preparing a series of thirteen broadcasts along new and dramatic lines. Each broadcast is transcribed when completed, and transcriptions are made available for the radio schedules set up in the different cities. The Radio Committee, with such cooperation as is needed from the local Assemblies, will work out the particular broadcast schedule for each city, and meet the cost of its campaign budget.
News Service Committee
The News Service Committee prepares the campaign newspaper advertising and publicity, working through the local Publicity Committee. It has already issued a Questionnaire in order to obtain the necessary information. The committee will also help the local committee to carry on during whatever follow–up meetings and activities are conducted by the local Assembly. It meets the cost of the campaign advertising and publicity from its campaign budget.
Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee has received approval to complete the projects as recommended:—
Reprint an edition of 50,000 copies of Chicago Sunday Tribune colored Temple illustration and accompanying articles, for use as tree literature during the campaign and for general teaching purposes.
Prepare and distribute a series of monthly releases to show the relation of the Faith to important current public trends and events.
Arrange for publication of an article about the Faith in a representative weekly or monthly magazine.
Prepare a series of postcard size reprints of selected Bahá’í texts, in color, to provide a new type of teaching literature which individual believers can use at moderate cost.
Prepare and publish a portfolio outlining the Bahá’í aims, teachings
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of the Shrine of the Báb 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. (Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, January 1, 1945) |
and history in a form adapted for making contacts with organizations and leaders of opinion.
Prepare a series of suggestions for local Bahá’í advertising.
Contacts Committee
The Contacts Committee is prepared to mail Bahá’í literature to names and addresses supplied by the local Assemblies in the eleven cities. Each of these Assemblies is requested to develop its list and send a copy to the Contacts Committee as soon as possible.
Exhibits Committee
The Exhibits Committee has been requested to develop a type of display suitable for use in connection with the Public Meetings, and another display suitable for the Circuit Meetings.
Treasurer’s Report[edit]
From the Treasurer’s report in July we cite these relevant items: — receipts, $6,488.07; expenditures, $5,870.73 (administration, $1,593.33, Temple maintenance, $776.50, Green Acre maintenance, $505.90, National and Regional Teaching, $775, Inter–American Teaching, $1,108.00, etc.). 97 Assemblies, 63 groups and 93 isolated believers contributed in July. At the end of the month the total of all national accounts in the bank was $11,904.46, of which only $1,710.44 could be expended by the National Assembly.
The financial report for August shows the condition of the National Bahá’í Fund. The receipts were $13,464.24, a large increase over July; expenditures, $12,045.78, also a large increase (administration, $1,322.69, Temple maintenance, $1,318.90, Green Acre maintenance, $310.64, National and Regional Teaching, $1,110.72, Inter-American teaching, $1,761.51, International (covered by a special donation) $4,601.97, etc.) 110 Assemblies contributed, 62 group and 79 isolated believers sent donations. Total amounts in bank at end of month $13,302.71, of which only $3,694.66 could be expended by the National Assembly.
Please note carefully that by August 31 we were $9,174.87 short of meeting the current annual budget. This means that the National Campaign expenses must be sustained by an increase of contributions every month until the end of the administrative year, April 30, 1946.
An Historical Record of Bahá’í Service[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to maintain a file containing data on the services rendered to the Faith by believers who have entered the Kingdom. Assemblies and committees are requested to submit material of this nature from time to time, in addition to the obituary notices prepared for the Editorial Committee of The Bahá’í World, or the records prepared for the local Archives.
Request to Traveling Bahá’ís[edit]
A local Assembly writes to ask that a notice be published requesting all believers who visit the city and can speak at a public meeting to notify the Assembly secretary as far in advance as possible. Bahá’í News cannot publish such a notice for one city, but the suggestion is made that the same condition might apply to most if not all the Assemblies. Traveling Bahá’ís are asked to bear this in mind when they stop over for a day or so, whether to visit the friends in a community or help with the public teaching work.
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Contact With Social Movements It is surely very necessary that the friends should keep in touch with the modern social movements, but their main objective should be to draw more people to the spirit and teachings of the Cause. They should learn from the experience of others and not permit themselves to go (off) at a tangent, and finally be so absorbed in other movements as to forget the Cause of God.—SHOGHI EFFENDI, through his secretary. (From Bahá’í Procedure, page 15) |
Local Pan-America Activities[edit]
The Pan-American Committee of the New York Assembly, Mrs. Philip G. Sprague, Chairman, has kindly made some suggestions which are published here for the information of other Assemblies who can serve in this important field. As our Inter-American work at present is of paramount importance, it is clear that every useful contact and strong impression which the believers in North America can make with Latin Americans in Canada or the United States will have a very helpful influence on the progress of the Faith in the other American republics.
- 1. Local Pan-American Committees
might be appointed in the cities where there are Latin American colonies.
- 2. Prepare a list of Latin American
clubs and of Spanish–speaking clubs in the local schools and colleges. Speakers, entertainers and a mailing list to be developed from these sources.
- 3. If there is a Spanish newspaper
a contact with the editor for publicity is more important.
- 4. Two types of meeting can be
planned: social gatherings, and lectures. Strive for a program with the speakers and entertainers. Include a Bahá’í speaker on each lecture program.
- 5. Avoid those who are connected
with radical political and economic movements. Lists of lecturers can be obtained from the Inter–American Cultural Association.
- 6. Have the chairman inform the
audience that there is an address book which can be signed by all who are interested in receiving notices of future meetings.
Directory[edit]
The following additions and changes are reported:
Local Assemblies
- Oakland—Miss Rher de Quer, 880 17th
- Street.
- Denver—Mrs. M. Rita Wallace, 811
- East 23rd Street, Denver 5.
- Reno—Miss Blossom Hay, 708 University
- Avenue.
- Syracuse—Mr. Albert Heist, 224 Grace
- Street.
- Greenville—Mrs. Rachel Mothersill,
- P. O. Box 1732.
- Richmond Highlands—Mrs. Juliet Cole,
- Box 15.
- Laramie—Mrs. Clair Gillespie, 309 S.
- 8th Street.
- Miami, Florida—Mrs. May Verhoeven,
- Secretary, Bahá’í Center, 131 S. E.
- Third Street, Miami 32.
- Houston, Texas—Miss Ann Bulloch,
- Corresponding Secretary. 2027½ Sunset
- Blvd., Houston 5.
Office of Universal Atlas Portland Cement Co., New York City, showing portion of
- mural which illustrates Bahá’í House of Worship.
- New York, N. Y. — Mr. Robert L.
- Gulick, Corresponding Secretary.
- Bahá’í Center, 119 West 57th Street,
- New York 19.
- Cleveland. Ohio—Mrs. Mabel S. Perry,
- Secretary, 10817 Earle Street, Cleveland 8.
NATIONAL COMMITTEEES
Bahá’í Questionnaire: To prepare material in questionnaire form as a teaching device for use by Assemblies, groups, etc.
- Mr. Ward Calhoon, Chairman
- Mrs. A. F. Matthisen
- Mrs. Edna Voit
- Service to the Blind, Talking Book Division:
Miss Adah Schott, Secretary.
- National Teaching: Mrs. Julia Shows
unable to serve.
- Contacts: Mrs. Marian C. Lippitt added;
Mrs. Charles Krug unable to serve.
- Bahá’í World: Mrs. Clyde Longyear,
1378½ Kelton Ave., Los Angeles, Calif.
SCHOOLS
Functions: To provide instruction and study courses; to train teachers; to conduct the school program; to encourage attendance at the school.
Geyserville
- Mr. Arthur Dahl, Chairman
- Miss Gladyce Linfoot, Secretary
- Mr. John Bosch
- Mrs. Leroy Ioas
- Mr. Ted Groger
- Mrs. Arthur Dahl
- Dr. Mildred Nichols
- Mrs. L. P. Perron
- Mrs. Rex Collison
- Miss Charlotte Linfoot
Green Acre
- Dr. Genevieve Coy, Chairman
- Miss Verne Thomas, Secretary
- Mr. Wm. Roessler, Recording Secretary.
- Mr. Bishop Brown
- Prof. Glenn Shook
- Dr. Sarah Eason Pereira
- Mr. Robert Gulick
- Mrs. Wm. Sears
- Mr. Philip Sprague
Louhelen
- Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Chairman
- Mrs. Helen Eggleston, Secretary
- Mr. Harry Whang
- Mr. L. W. Eggleston
- Mr. Edmund Miessler
- Mrs. Rebecca L. Wideman
- Dr. Alice Kidder
- Mr. Winnie Foster
- Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian
International
- Functions: To provide instruction for
- the training of Bahá’í teachers wishing
- to serve in other lands, especially,
- at present, in Central or South America;
- to stimulate Latin American contacts
- and activities by local Assemblies
- in North America.
- Mrs. E. R. Mathews, Chairman
- Mrs. Roberta Wilson, Secretary
- Mrs. Amelia E. Collins
- Mr. George O. Latimer
- Mrs. Wanden LaFarge
- Mrs. Gladys Roberts.
- Mrs. Marlon Little
REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES
New England
- Mrs. Alice Bacon, Secretary
Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia
- Mrs. Adline Lohse added.
British Columbia
- Mrs. Viola China, Chairman
Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas
- Mrs. Evelyn Bivins, Chairman
- Mrs. Esther Little, Secretary,
- 3905 N. Claiborne Ave.,
- New Orleans 17, La.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
- Miss Gwen Clark and Miss Lulu Barr
- added.
Oklahoma, Texas
- Mrs. Dwight Edson, Secretary,
- R. 12, Box 16, Houston, Texas.
- Mrs. Kathryn Franklin added.
Tennessee, Alabama
- Mrs. W. R. Brown, Secretary, Miss
- Nina Howard has moved from the
- area. Mrs. Homer S. Dyer and Mrs.
- Lessie McMichael added.
Enrollments and Transfers[edit]
Reported by Local Assemblies
Los Angeles, three and four transfers.
Cloverdale Township, one.
Atlanta, one and one transfer.
Nashville, one transfer.
Washington, two.
New Orleans, one.
West Chester, one.
Chicago, one youth.
Louisville, two transfers.
Arlington, two transfers.
St. Louis, two.
Birmingham, one.
Pasadena, five.
San Francisco, one.
Danville, five.
Burlingame, one.
Independence, one and one youth.
San Diego, two transfers.
Greensboro, one and one transfer.
Wauwatosa, one youth.
Lima, three and two youth.
Spokane, one youth.
New York, two and four transfers.
Urbana, one transfer.
Long Beach, one transfer.
East Orange, one.
Phoenix, one, one transfer and one youth.
Vancouver, four.
Berkeley, three and one youth.
Hamilton, one transfer.
Baltimore, one transfer.
Boston, one transfer.
Reported by Regional Teaching Committees
In July, nine and two youth. In August, five and four youth. In September, seven and seven youth.
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. Edward Westland, Bogota, New
- Jersey.
Mr. Jonathan Trumbull, Arcadia,
- California.
Mr. Fred W. Clark, Newark.
Mr. James Agnew, Chicago.
Mr. Edwin C. Anderson, Kenosha.
Mr. Joseph Clevenger, New York.
Mrs. Isobelle Campbell, Spokane.
Mrs. Carlos Van Bergen, Newark.
Mrs. Emily Gustin, Johnstown, N. Y.
Mr. Joseph Z. Miller, Monroeville,
- Indiana.
Mrs. Albert D. Heist, Geneva.
Mr. Welford Liebrock, Los Angeles.
Mr. Arthur Foster, Jersey City.
National Committees[edit]
Temple Guides
Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy regarding the attracting power of the Temple is most strikingly coming true. Even before the rationing of gasoline was removed, there was a marked increase in the number of visitors, and since then the numbers have been almost doubled.
In June, the total number of visitors was 2,322, which was 425 more than for the same period last year. They came from forty–two States; Panama, the District of Columbia, Hawaii; the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario; and the countries of England, Latvia, Australia, China, Persia, Syria, Palestine, Columbia and Peru.
In July, the total number of visitors was 4,434, the largest number that had ever visited the Temple in one month. This was an increase of 1,505 over July of last year. They came from forty–one States; the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Panama; the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Alberta; and the countries of India, Chile, Guatemala and Holland.
In August, the total number of visitors was 5,154, an increase of 2,500 over August of 1944. These came from thirty–eight States; Hawaii and Puerto Rico; the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Quebec and British Columbia; and the countries of Chile, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and France.
Sales of literature increased markedly. The total amount sold from January 1 to August 31, 1945, was $1,253.57.
The increase in the number of visitors was marked on weekdays, but exceedingly noticeable on Sundays and holidays. A picture of the Temple and an excellent article on the Faith appearing in the Chicago Tribune on June 18 seems to have been partly responsible for the increase. Many visitors mentioned the article. The attendance on Sundays and holidays was, as follows:
- JUNE JULY AUGUST
- Date Visitors Date Visitors Date Visitors
- 3 168 1 422 5 474
- 10 265 4 373 12 501
- 17 463 8 437 15 416
- 24 302 15 588 16 191
22 517 26 840
Some noted people have been
shown through the Temple this summer.
Among them were: Sir A. Ramaswami
Mudaliar, of New Delhi.
India, the head of the delegation from
India to the San Francisco Conference;
two princes from Damascus,
Syria, also returning to their home
from the Conference; an ex–Governor
of Jerusalem; another visitor
was from the world’s southernmost
city.
Another unusual happening at the Temple was the arrival of Bahá’ís from far off to help in this most thrilling and important guide work. Miss Roan Orloff, of Boston, spent ten days of her vacation here guiding, and Miss Clara Edge, of Grand Rapids, spent 2 weeks guiding every day. About the time Miss Edge left, Mrs. Muriel Ives Barrow, of Shandaken, N. Y. arrived and has helped since in guiding daily. We are very thankful that Bahá’u’lláh led them to us. They were urgently needed. They were greatly thrilled with the work which they performed with enthusiasm and gratitude for the privilege of so serving the Cause. An idea of what guiding in the Temple means may be seen from what Mrs. Barrows said recently: “As an isolated believer, hunting up people who are not interested in the Cause and trying to give them the Teachings, it is most refreshing to guide in the Temple where visitors come and are hungry to hear about the Bahá’í Faith.”
With the increased number of visitors, there has been the added strain on the guides of working overtime, staying on Sundays as late as 7:30 to 8:00 o’clock, and some of the guides guiding from 10 A.M., thus taxing their strength and endurance, and putting to the test their resolve to serve the Cause. The Guides Committee, through consultation, has taken care of the problems confronting it and has adequate plans to meet the situation as it grows increasingly difficult to handle.
Our appeal for more guides should be given as much publicity as possible, through speakers who know of this problem and who visit the summer schools and who go on teaching trips. Any cooperation given toward this end will be fully appreciated.
Inter-America News[edit]
Goals Defined
In a message from the Guardian to the Inter–American committee published in the August Bahá’í News, the paramount tasks to be accomplished in Latin America during the present year is assigned. Let us look at them again. The Guardian advises:
- 1. Concentrate attention on the formation
of an Assembly in the one remaining republic, Nicaragua.
- 2. Consolidation of the newly
fledged Assemblies.
- 3. Multiplication of groups throughout
Latin America.
- 4. Reinforcement of the outpost in
Magalannes.
- 5. Intensification of efforts in the
dissemination of literature.
Now that the present year was half in the past, the Committee wishes that a more complete report could be given of progress toward the accomplishment of these goals. This brief report upon our efforts to realize these objectives will be augmented as the year goes on. We earnestly request assistance in this realization from the body of American believers through their prayers and through their contributions to the National Fund, as a means of upholding the Guardian’s plea for an “ever–increasing number of pioneers.”
Nicaragua
From December, 1944, to August, 1945, Dr. Malcolm King of Milwaukee, Wis., worked diligently toward the establishment of a Spiritual Assembly in Managua. Much time and effort were necessary in order to obtain official approval for holding public meetings and publicizing the Cause in that country. A statement of the aims and principles of the Faith was placed in the Government records. The Inter–America Committee is most appreciative of the tact and patience with which a very delicate situation was handled by our pioneer.
As soon as feasible, weekly study classes were organized, which attracted arid interested prominent people of Nicaragua. These meetings were held at the home of a newspaper publisher in Managua. By August of this year there were eight declared native believers in this city, and regular weekly Bahá’í broadcasts were being given over a radio station that is heard throughout Central America.
The Honorable Sir. Ramaswami Mudaliár, head of the Indian delegation at the Allied Nations Conference in San Francisco, visited the Bahá’í House of Worship en route to
- London, July 3, 1945. He was accompanied by his secretary, Mr. Nadar.
Due to circumstances beyond his
control, Dr. King was compelled to
return home late in August. However,
his efforts in Managua were
richly blessed, and accomplishments
were beyond our highest hopes.
As this is being written, Gayle Woolson is teaching in Managua on a ten–day stopover en route to her new post in Bogota, Columbia. She will also make brief visits to other Bahá’í centers in Central America. Two other itinerant teachers are expected to visit Nicaragua during this fall, and by the end of October the Committee expects to be able to announce the placing of a new North American settler in Nicaragua. There is every reason to believe that a Spiritual Assembly will be formed there next April.
Consolidation Newly Fledged Assemblies
The North American Bahá’ís will recall that, although there were long delays in obtaining passports for out–going pioneers, the number of new Assemblies formed last April 21st in Latin America was larger than ever before. These included La Paz, Bolivia; Punta Arenas (Magalannes), Chili; Mogotes, Columbia; Trujillo, Dominican Republic; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Panama City, Panama; Caracas, Venezuela; and Montevideo, Uruguay.
There are now nine North American
and three native pioneers who
are actively engaged in teaching,—
the strongest possible influence toward
consolidation,—in the eight new
centers listed above. New believers
are being deepened in the Teachings
and classes are organized for seekers.
Panama City has three of these
pioneers; Punta Arenas, Trujillo, and
Montevideo have two each, though
one or both of the teachers may be
leaving Montevideo in the near
future; La Paz, Guayaquil, and Caracas
each have one. Mogotes is the[Page 8]
only newly fledged Assembly, which
is at present without a pioneer. This
center will be visited during the
year, however, by the pioneer to be
stationed in Bogota.
Another means of consolidation is through visits to these centers by traveling or itinerant teachers. The Committee is most happy to be able to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Emeric Sala of Montreal are leaving on October 20 on a four month tour, which will combine business with a Bahá’í teaching itinerary that includes nearly all of the centers in Latin America. Cities in which they will remain far from three to nine days include Mexico City, the capital cities of each of the Central American Republics, Bogota, Guayaquil, La Paz, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Caracas, Trujillo, Port au Prince, and Havana. Several other centers will be visited for one or two days.
Publicity and arrangements for public meetings or receptions and for radio broadcasts, where possible, will be made in each center in advance of Mr. and Mrs. Sala’s visit.
Plans are under way for a similar tour to be made by another international teacher before the close of the Bahá’í year. Special emphasis in this itinerary will be placed upon visits to newly formed Assemblies and groups.
Letters are mailed each month to all of the Latin American centers stressing such subjects in Bahá’í administration as the conduct of elections, the institution of the Spiritual Assembly, the Nineteen Day Feast, the appointment and functioning of committees, the local Bahá’í fund, and the ordering and sale of literature. These letters, we trust, are of assistance to the pioneers in consolidating the organization and the activities of the newly formed Bahá’í communities. The pioneers themselves are busily engaged in conducting studies–classes for the more thorough knowledge of both believers and seekers in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Multiplication of Groups
Extension teaching carried on under the direction of local Spiritual Assemblies and teaching tours into new cities by North American pioneers have resulted in Bahá’í groups being formed in seven of the ten republics of South America and in at least four of the ten republics of Central America and the West Indies.
Chili and Columbia each have a second Assembly with a third either on the way or ready for formation. A Bahá’í group has been formed in Valparaiso, Chili, under the supervision of Sr. and Sra. Herrera, former members of the Santiago Assembly. This group was recently strengthened by the addition of two believers who moved from Punta Arenas. The number of believers in the latter Assembly is now sixteen.
It should be stated that there are now nine believers in the leper colony near Contratacion, Columbia, who will form an Assembly next year. All of these, like the believers in Mogotes, became Bahá’ís by means of the vigorous campaign in extension teaching carried on by correspondence with contacts in these and in other Columbian cities by the Assembly of Bogota. Bahá’í literature in Spanish and mimeographed lesson outlines were mailed upon request. Much correspondence was carried on with enquirers and in answer to questions from study groups. It is remarkable that the Assembly at Mogotes, as well as the group at Contratacion, were formed without a single visit by the pioneer, Gerard Sluter, who inaugurated this campaign, nor by any other Bahá’í teacher.
Two of the believers in Buenos Aires, Antronek Kevorkian and Mary Poghaharian, were married in early September. They have located in La Plata, Argentina, with the hope of establishing a second Spiritual Assembly in Argentina. (This is the first Bahá’í marriage in South America.)
In addition to the Assembly in Bahia, Brazil, there is an active group in Rio de Janeiro, which is the center for translation and publication of Bahá’í Writings in Portuguese. This group will be augmented before the close of 1945 by the addition of three North American pioneers. At the present time, Gertrude Eisenberg is in Rio en route from her former post in Asuncion, Paraguay to a new post in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Many of the friends may not realize the great need for multiplication of groups and establishing new Assemblies in Brazil. This country contains approximately half the area and population of all of South America!
Extension teaching work in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru will be reported upon in a later issue of Bahá’í News.
The new Assembly in Trujillo and Panama City have succeeded in establishing groups in neighboring cities, the former in Sanchez, Dominican Republic, and the latter in the city of Colon.
At almost every meeting of the Inter–American Committee, held every two weeks, new membership cards are presented, either from Assemblies or groups in scattered parts of Latin America. We rejoice at these various evidences of growth.
Reinforcement of Magalannes
Great interest throughout the Bahá’í world has been taken in the new Assembly of Punta Arenas, at the southern tip of the Americas, ever since its founding was announced last April.
Means for the reinforcement of this Assembly, which the Inter–America committee has recommended to the National Spiritual Assembly, and which have been adopted and put into effect, include:(a) The deputizing of a native pioneer, Sr. Esteban Canales of Santiago, for a period of at least six months’ teaching in Magalannes. Sr. Canales has been most successful in radio and publicity work. A new series of weekly broadcasts is now under way in Punta Arenas, and plans are developed to use the scripts prepared for these broadcasts in other countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay. (b) Financial assistance has also been given to supplying free literature and toward the expense of maintaining a center.
Sr. Canales is expected to leave Punta Arenas for Santiago in October,— an ocean journey of at least 1500 miles. At that time Marcia Steward will returned to Punta Arenas for a period of at least two months. Artemus Lamb, whose services have been indispensable in the founding and consolidation of this community, has established his business and is making his home in Punta Arenas.
Dissemination of Literature
Space does not permit a detailed
report on the translation, publication
and distribution of Bahá’í literature
in Spanish and Portuguese. Suffice
it to say that the committees set up
to fulfill these duties in Latin
America, after meeting some initial
difficulties, are now functioning
efficiently. The Spanish Publications[Page 9]
Committee, located in Buenos Aires,
is under the chairmanship of Sr.
Emilio Barros with Lillian McRae
serving as secretary. The Panama
Branch of this Committee now has
Cora Oliver as executive secretary
and Alfred Osborne as Chairman.
This Committee aids in the distribution
of literature and publishes the
Spanish Bulletin. A similar Committee
is serving in Rio under Mrs.
Roscoe L. Wood, Chairman, and
Mrs. Harold V. Armstrong, Secretary.
The publication of 25,000 copies of the pamphlet “El Alba” for free distribution was authorized recently. 20,000 of these will be in Spanish and 5,000 in Portuguese. Other publications for free distribution are being prepared.
Gift allotments of Bahá’í books and pamphlets have been shipped to the different centers in Latin America, and all centers are being encouraged to establish revolving funds for the purchase and sale of literature. Budgets have been set up to cover monthly office and storage space rental and other administrative expenses of the above–named committees. Such expenses, together with the cost of free literature, are at present all paid out of the National Fund.
News Briefs
Mr. and Mrs. Roy L. Worley of Bahia, Brazil, visited the Temple on Sept. 20th. They are returning to Bahia in early October. Jean Silver recently returned to her teaching activities in Havana, Cuba. Josepine Kruka of Havana visited in Washington during September. Gwenne Sholtis, who has been teaching in La Paz, will go to Quito, Ecuador, in the near future, upon the return of Flora Hottes from Montevideo to Bolivia. Elena Marcella of Boston, after a long passport delay, is now pioneering with Ofelia Montalvo in Trujillo. Miss Marcella speaks French as well as Spanish, and the Inter–America Committee is suggesting that a part of her time be spent in assisting the Assembly at Port au Prince, Haiti. A number of young believers have been added to the Assembly in Lima through the efforts of our pioneer, Eve Nicklin, in the organization of an International Friendship Club. A part of the meeting time of this club is used in Bahá’í study. Miss Nicklin is publishing a book for children containing “Bahá’í Stories.” Dorothy Baker, Chairman of the Inter–America Committee
Bahá’ís of San José, Costa Rica.
is devoting a few weeks to
teaching in Mexico. Her itinerary
includes Mexico city, Puebla, and
Vera Cruz.
Bahá’í Study Aid[edit]
The Bahá’í Study Aids Committee has been appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly “to encourage and promote the practice of organized Bahá’í study” and to work out “effective methods for stimulating Bahá’í study on the part of local communities, groups and isolated believers.” In this, the first statement of this committee through Bahá’í News. The committee would like to quote some of the words of the Guardian to emphasize the importance of study among the Bahá’ís:
“Now surely, if ever, is the time for us, the chosen ones of Bahá’u’lláh and the bearers of His Message to the world, to endeavor by day and by night, to deepen, first and foremost, the Spirit of His Cause in our own individual lives, and then labor, and labor incessantly to exemplify in all our dealings with our fellow men that noble Spirit of which His beloved Son ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has been all the days of His life a true and unique exponent.” (B. Admin., p. 30.)
And, again, the Guardian reminds us that the most important is “the realization down in the innermost heart of every true believer of the regenerating power, the supreme necessity, the unfailing efficacy of the Message he bears.” (B. Admin., p. 102.)
Then, “having attained sufficiently the individual regeneration — the essential requisite of teaching — let us arise to teach His Cause with righteousness, conviction, understanding and vigor. Let this be the paramount and most urgent duty of every Bahá’í.” (B. Admin., p. 60.)
The effectiveness of our teaching, the effectiveness of our daily life, are both dependent on the confirmations of the Holy Spirit. These confirmations come not from ourselves, but are in direct proportion to the degree of our dedication and the closeness of our contact with the quickening Spirit.
To attain this regenerating power we need to turn constantly to the source of that Power, to know the Commands of God for this day, to become a living part of the new civilization that will become in time the Kingdom of God on earth, for Bahá’u’lláh has given us “twin duties” (Gleanings, p. 330) in His Day — it is not enough to believe, we must believe and act.
To study the Bahá’í Writings, to come to know, with certainty and through action, the greatness of this Cause, and the sure support and inspiration from these Creative Words — is to enter on a new life.
Often we may ask ourselves, Why is my teaching not more effective? What did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mean when he said that he desired distinction for us? Why cannot the Bahá’ís get along with each other — they of all people should be able to? Why did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá say that “Truthfulness is the foundation of all the virtues of the world of humanity?” (B. W. F. p. 384.)
And, what am I doing to help hasten the advent of the Most Great Peace? We would be surprised, perhaps, to know that we were delaying it. But the Guardian has said:
“The various Assemblies, local and national, constitute today the bedrock upon the strength of which the Universal House of Justice is in future to be firmly established and raised. Not until these function vigorously and harmoniously can the hope for the termination of this period of transition be realized. It devolves upon us whose dearest wish is to see the Cause enter upon that promised era of universal recognition and world achievements, to do all in our power to consolidate the foundations of these Assemblies, promoting at the same time a fuller understanding of their purpose and more harmonious cooperation for their maintenance and success.” (B. Admin., p. 54).
There are many subjects for profitable study. The precepts for this Day are not given all in one book, to be learned like a catechism. They are interspersed, restated and interwoven in the Words that streamed from the Supreme Pen. Only by study can we even begin to glimpse the great wisdom and justice and beauty of these Commands.
To the Study Aids Committee there seem to be in generally two types of study: (1) Organized weekly study class and (2) study among one or two persons meeting less often. The former would be possible in a Bahá’í community; the latter, among isolated believers or small groups.
For the organized class there are Outlines available if one is desired, and the Study Aids Committee will be happy to suggest forms of study that would be suitable, if it is informed concerning the need or interest of the community. For the conduct of a study class, or discussion group, an organizer is advisable, who will serve to keep the discussion on the subject, to assign chairmanship of the Class to different members and to make sure that everyone takes part in the study, in the discussion, in the reading and particularly in looking up answers in the Writings to questions that may come up.
For the individual believer or small group, organized study is more difficult, because the incentive to meet with the rest of the class is not present. Probably there are but few believers, however, who are so isolated that they cannot meet with one or two other Bahá’ís once or twice a month. If only two people can meet together, much can be gained through Bahá’í study. Or even if you have no Bahá’í neighbors, you can study alone. Perhaps the Study Aids Committee can help you with suggestions as to how to study or what to study. The Committee offers itself as a contact point through correspondence for your study and can perhaps help you find answers in the Writings to questions that may arise in your study.
“To deepen . . . the Spirit of His Cause in our own individual lives” there is no surer way than the study of His Work and the putting into action of the inspiration derived. Much more is gained by study of the Writings than by simply reading them, whether in an organized study class or in a group composed of two persons. For in study, consultation enters. In group study one person may remember and be able to find another passage in the Writings where the same subject is mentioned. Cross reference these passages in your book, and your understanding will increase by this research. Questions will arise. Look up the answers in the Writings and bring them to the next class. Thus, all will contribute and all will benefit.
The Study Aids Committee will be glad to receive suggestions from groups that have engaged in helpful study. We all long to serve in whatever way we can, and to increase the effectiveness of our service.
Publishing[edit]
The Bahá’í World, Vol. IX: This volume records the international activities of the Faith for the period 1940-44. Its special features include two colored frontispiece illustrations — design for completion of the Sepulcher of the Báb, and the House of Worship — statements on the Seven Year Plan, nearly two hundred Reproductions of photographs, insert maps, directory, a selection of articles, poems, music, etc. 1036 pages. Percopy, $10.00.
Seven Valleys, Four Valleys: new translation by ‘Alí-Kuli Khán assisted by Marzieh Gail. In fabrikoid, per copy $0.75. Paper cover, $0.50.
Manual of Suggestions for Organizing a Bahá’í Children’s Hour: Prepared by Child Education Committee for use by teachers desiring to conduct classes for children. Mimeographed. Per copy, $0.15.
Study Outline for God Passes By: Subjects and references for individual study or group discussion, arranged by Horace Holley. Mimeographed. Per copy, $0.10.
Child Education[edit]
Dear Parents and Teachers: Many of you have asked us for advice in starting a Bahá’í Childrens’ class. Because we had some rather general suggestions which we felt would be helpful to you, we have prepared a short manual comprising these, and this is now available for fifteen cents, to be obtained by writing to the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Ave. Wilmette, Ill. In the manual we have shared with you some of our ideas which have been formulated through experience in teaching small groups of children. We tried to put in what we thought you might want most to know, and decided on the following headings: How to group children; a sample hour; music; course material for different ages; excursions; books to use; and references to suitable memory verses. Perhaps some of you will have other suggestions which would be helpful if shared. After you have secured the manual, write us, whether it helps you, or whether it doesn’t. (We want to know that too!) Write us some of your own experiences in teaching children about the Faith, and tell us what you feel is most needed in the course material.
A revision of the course on the
Principles of the Faith will be ready
soon, and we are hoping to have a
new set of mimeographed pictures
to be colored in conjunction with it.
As soon as this is ready, we promise
to let you know. We realize how
sparse the actual course material
for children is, and are attempting
to meet this need. At present
we are at work on a rather ambitious
piece of work which goes far
too slowly to suit us, but which we[Page 11]
feel you will appreciate when
completed.
Have you used the Bahá’í Child’s A B C with the younger children yet? We feel that this is really valuable for a child five to eight, but whether you are using it in the home or in a class, it may be well to remember that children of these ages retain little at one sitting. Read over two or three pages with a small child at one time, and talk about the meaning with him. Let your child ask questions which occur to him, even if they seem far afield. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says that children learn through questioning one another. If you are working with several children, allow them to question each other, acting as a guide and stabilize yourself. We feel that this is a book containing principles and ideas which lend themselves to discussion, and which can best be absorbed through leisurely and thoughtful perusal. If you do not have this little red book, you may obtain it from the Publishing Committee, for seventy–five cents. If you have a child, don’t let him miss this treasure.
The Child Education Committee is sending to each local Spiritual Assembly in the United States a free copy of the “Manual of Suggestions For Organizing A Bahá’í Children’s Hour.” Each Community is urged to start a children’s hour.
Write to us and tell us what you are thinking about Child Education. We need your thoughts.
Youth[edit]
The National Youth Committee, with the two–fold objective of assisting the Bahá’í youth in their study of the Writings and of stimulating and coordinating their activities so that they may be enabled to more effectively take part in the teaching and administrative work of the Faith, has laid plans for activities in which youth nationally and to some extent internationally will participate.
An outline of these plans appears in the first issue of the Bahá’í youth bulletin, sent to all declared youth. In order that the youth may realize their responsibilities in the Bahá’í community and that Assemblies and communities may in turn guide and assist the youth in their efforts to promote the Cause, we are asking
Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Toledo, Re–established 1943–44
the friends to consider ways in which
these plans may be carried out.
Two regional youth conferences have been planned to take place simultaneously in three regional areas — West, Midwest and East, with San Francisco, Chicago and New York acts as host communities. They will be held on October 13th and 14th of this year and on April 6th and 7th of next year.
Our annual International Youth Day, at which time Bahá’í youth will present at public meetings a symposium, will be held on February 24, 1946. In addition, another symposium, a National Youth Day, is being established in order that youth all over the country may have another opportunity to promulgate the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. National Youth Day will he held on November 18, 1943, and we hope that it may also become an annual event. Subjects for talks for both this and the International Youth Day will be suggested later.
We wish to mention also the Youth Bulletin which will appear this year as a larger edition every other month. If there are declared youth in your community who are not receiving the Bulletin, please send their names to the National Spiritual Assembly so that the National Youth Committee may be in contact with them.
Assembly Development[edit]
Consultation
The oldest subject in the western Bahá’í world would seem to be consulted. What is consultation? At its best it is a collective channel for the Will of God.
The Assembly Development Committee has enjoyed any comparative experience which may be helpful. They find, for example, that several mistakes are made in the name of consultation, mistakes of the community at large.
Community Mistakes in Consulation
First, backbiting is often a substitute
for consultation. We are all
guilty of long telephone conversations
“for the good of the Cause,”
during which complaints and grievances
are aired, without the slightest
intention of consultation with either
the accused persons or their
administrative channels. A legitimate
report of a Bahá’í administrative
body, be it committee or Assembly,
for the sake of the safety and well–being
of the Faith or its projects,
is very different from negative rumors
and careless criticism. The test
of backbiting is the question, “Am
I speaking to those who can help,
and have I thoroughly gone over it
first with those whom it concerns?”
Nor is an Assembly member justified[Page 12]
in spreading the details of an
Assembly consultation on personal
matters, for this, too, is in the nature
of backbiting.
Second, individual expression is sometimes a substitute for consultation. To consult with the views and feelings of all on group matters is very helpful; to talk over the possibilities for group action with fellow Assembly or committee members is likewise helpful. But to proceed without final consultation with the appointed group is not permitted. Not even a chairman may speak to his Assembly. Freedom of suggestion is one thing; freedom of action another. The Feast offers the best of all opportunities for community consultation.
The Assembly Meetings
We can take to ourselves a number of considerations for the Assembly meeting itself, for in this exalted body lies the seed of the World Order.
First, the committee pleads for greater regularity. Lack of meetings inevitably results in undue individual action, bringing grief not only to the group, but to the devoted and capable individual upon whom the burden falls. What are your regular dates for meetings?
Second, the greatest care should be taken that the consultation of the Assembly is full, free, frank and representative of all members. Every member will need to school himself to listen with courtesy to the views of his collaborators, and be open to change of mind.
It is the duty of the chairman to see that each one expresses himself, that the consultation be kept within the orbit of the subject, and that no one unduly monopolizes the attention of the group. It is incumbent upon each one to realize that be is one-ninth. Avoidance of repetition is an excellent training in self–restraint. The best chairman often talks the least and does his utmost to pass around the circle, drawing out the members of the group, even when their views are diametrically opposed to his own.
There are no minorities on a Bahá’í Assembly. If a unanimous opinion is not obtainable, the matter must not be allowed to weary everyone, but rather, after a reasonable time, be brought to vote, and the will of the majority be loyally accepted.
Shoghi Effendi emphasizes our common need of prayer in consultation. They should, after dispassionate, anxious and cordial consultation, turn to God in prayer, and with earnestness and conviction and courage record their vote and abide by the voice of the majority, which we are told by the Master to be the voice of truth, never to be challenged, and always to be wholeheartedly enforced. True values are apt to be hidden by strong emotions; it is especially good to stop and take recourse in prayer whenever the issue is clouded by feeling.
Functions of the Assembly a Basis of Consultation
We have found that it is easy for an Assembly, particularly a new or isolated one, either to drown itself in the minutia of detail which could be turned over to committees, or to fall into irrelevant subjects. This tendency to “go astray” in consultation might be checked by a consideration of the important and ever–present functions of the Assembly.
- 1. It is for each Assembly to maintain
the integrity of the Faith and the accuracy of the Teachings, written and oral, given to the public of that community.
- 2. The Assembly must make available
the literature. Do you have a lending library, as well as proper representation in the public library of the city? Do you have an up–to-date list of books and pamphlets now on sale? Do you display samples of all the new literature at the feasts and public meetings, and arrange for gift literature as well as for sales?
- 3. The Assembly represents the
community in its relation to the Guardian, to the National Assembly, and to other communities. This in no wise forbids personal freedom in these relationships.
- 4. The Assembly determines memberships
within the community.
- 5. The meetings are called by the
Assembly, including feasts and anniversaries. The nine Holy Days are a part of our privilege and obligation, and every assembly will wish to safeguard their observance.
- 6. The appointment and supervision
of all committees lies with the Assembly. How often does your Assembly meet with its important committees or their representatives? Is there plenty of consultation and encouragement, as well as monetary assistance?
- 7. Collection and expenditure of
funds is an Assembly function.
- 8. The Assembly must promote the
material and spiritual education of the children and youth.
- 9. They must endeavor to promote
amity and concord amongst the friends.
- 10. The Assembly is the “Good
Shepherd” and protects the individual rights as well as the group. Bahá’u’lláh Himself has said, “It behooveth them to be the trusted ones of the Merciful among men and to regard themselves as the guardians appointed by God for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the interest of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly.”
Teaching, The Emphasis
The chief concern of every Assembly remains the obligation to teach. “They must regard themselves in no other light,” writes Shoghi Effendi, “but that of chosen instruments for a more efficient and dignified presentation of the Cause of God.” Happy is the Assembly whose consultation moves ever and always around the mighty tasks of propagating God’s Kingdom.
Spiritual Attitudes
And in conclusion, “let us bear in mind that the keynote of the Cause of God is not dictatorial authority, but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation. Nothing short of a true Bahá’í can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self–surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the one hand and fellowship, candor and courage on the other.”
How dispassionate and objective,
we have to be! “The members of
these Assemblies . . . . must disregard
utterly their own likes and dislikes,
their personal interests and
inclinations, and concentrate their
minds upon those measures that will
conduce to the welfare and happiness
of the Bahá’í community.” Step
by step our heroic bands of believers
are approaching that standard,
a standard that has more of
the celestial degree than any previous
religious dispensation can boast.
Without ministerial or priestly assistance,
innumerable groups comprising
every nationality, race and
social stratum, are today, attaining to[Page 13]
consultation as a way of life. Even
in this period of the half–light we are
beginning to see the true importance
of the words of our revered Guardian:
“The various Assemblies, local
and national, constitute today the
bedrock upon the strength of which
the Universal House of Justice is in
future to be firmly established and
raised. Not until these function vigorously
and harmoniously can the hope
for the termination of the period of
transition be realized.”
House of Worship[edit]
Program of Public Meetings, Every Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 4—
- EDUCATION FOR WORLD ORDER
- Carl Scheffler
Nov. 11—
- THE WORLD OF TOMORROW
- Edris Rice-Wray
Nov. l8—National Youth Day. General
- Theme: THE PRICE OF WORLD
- PEACE IS WORLD RELIGION
- Preparation for World Peace
- From Chaos to World Order
- The World Religion
Nov. 25—
- PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
- Sarah Walrath
Dec. 2—
- PEACE — A DIVINE CREATION
- Horace Holley
DEC. 9—
- CHRIST’S PROMISE FULFLLLED
- Nina Matthisen
Dec. 16— THIS AGE OF LIGHT
- Pearle Easterbrook
Dec. 23— THE NEW BIRTH
- Albert Windust
Dec. 30—
- PROGRESSIVE REVELATION
- Edwin Mattoon
Visitor from India[edit]
The following item appeared July 12th in Wilmette Life under the head: “Conference Leader from India Visits at the Bahá’í Temple.”
“Sir. Rasmaswami Mudaliár of India, the head of the Indian delegation at the San Francisco Conference, and the supply member of the Indian Governor General’s Executive Council was a distinguished visitor to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette this week.”
“At the conference he headed his delegation and was also chairman of the Commission on the Economic and Social council. He was largely responsible for much of the success attending these deliberations in drawing up the part of the Charter which many view as one of the most important parts of the United Nations’ organization and the most hopeful for the building of a real and permanent peace for tomorrow. In fact, on the day it was presented several spoke of it as the ‘heart of the Charter.”
“Sir. Ramaswami is en route to London via Montreal, the headquarters of the International Labor organization, also visiting our national Capital. Having heard much of the Bahá’í Faith in India and London, he, with his party, made a special stop in Chicago to visit the House of Worship.”
Comment From Outside[edit]
The New Haven friends reporters that God Passes By and The Bahá’í Centenary were both reviewed sympathetically by non-Bahá’ís in The New Haven Journal Courier. The former book was given a whole column on the editorial page. The need for a unified religion is emphasized, a powerful quotation from Canon Townshend’s introduction is quoted, the Bahá’í Administrative order is touched on, and the seven candles of unity are enumerated, with this comment. “The realization of these seven points of Bahá’u’lláh is through his twelve leading principles in analysis and is at once the revelation of Bahá’í vision and the essence of today’s most alert minds.” The twelve principles follow, and the reviewer adds: “Read this book ‘God Passes By’ for a clearer concept of a Faith, whose adherence would bring us nearer to a Peace in our domestic as well as our national lives. Whatever your nationality or creed, from East or West . . . you will find in this book a new insight into the aspects of Truth.”
In ludicrous contrast to this is a warning against the Bahá’í Faith included in the program of a church in Regina, Saskatchewan, which Bahá’ís will find entertaining. “B’haism believes the true successor to Mohammed (who did not die, they say) will appear one day, establishing justice on earth. He reveals himself thru persons known as Bábs. The present one is Shoghi Effendi, who calls himself The Everlasting Father, identifying himself with God . . . It is silent on the doctrines of sin, repentance and forgiveness, and in place of the immortality of the soul, teaches unadulterated earthly happiness for the ‘believers’ . . . Christians should read their Bibles, and see there the matchless supremacy of Jesus Christ, in order to confute B’haism.”
Local Assemblies[edit]
Local Annual Reports
The year ending April 21, 1945, was one of increased Bahá’í activities according to the annual reports that have been received by the National Spiritual Assembly. The highlights of each community’s activities are summarized here.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
The northernmost of our Bahá’í assemblies during the second year of its existence has been able to make the name of Bahá’u’lláh more widely known throughout Alaska. The Peace Broadsides were of great assistance to this community so far from other teaching aids. The four broadsides were printed in their entirety in the daily paper. They were used as the basis of a 15 minute radio forum in which the radio announcer and two Bahá’ís participated. Also the names of three hundred public officials, editors, teachers, and other leading citizens were compiled and sent to the National Spiritual Assembly with the suggestion that they be sent the Peace Broadsides.
Anchorage Bahá’ís through correspondence and the sending of literature reached persons in twenty other Alaskan cities and villages.
Two Bahá’í pioneer settlers, Miss Janet Whitenack and Mr. Verne Green, were united in marriage, and the radio announcement of their engagement and the newspaper accounts of their engagement and marriage emphasized their connection with the Bahá’í Faith. The first Alaskan Bahá’í baby was born to Florence and Maurice Green.
Twice the USO made use of Bahá’í speakers, once during a Lenten series, “Adventures in Understanding” with Jewish and Christian representatives, and once at a dinner meeting of the Toastmaster’s Club.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
The first history of the Bahá’í
Faith in Atlanta was written by Miss
Olga Finke, who came to Atlanta as[Page 14]
a pioneer in 1937. Wherever possible
the traveling teachers who had
passed through Atlanta in previous
years were solicited for first-hand
accounts of the teaching activity in
the community and for accounts of
the work of Dr. J. C. Oakshette there.
The Atlanta assembly voted to erect
a marker at the grave of Dr. Oakshette,
the first Bahá’í to pass away
in the city, in recognition of his many
years of Bahá’í service there.
Atlanta friends found that an excellent way to teach was to arrange interviews with prominent citizens when Bahá’í speakers passed through the city. The publicity committee reported that Atlanta Bahá’ís had received more newspaper publicity in the past year than in all the preceding years combined! The radio committee was also more successful. When members approached the management of station WAGA hoping to buy fifteen minutes for a peace broadcast, they were given three fifteen minute periods free of charge for the presentation of the three peace programs provided by the National Radio Committee.
Among the non-Bahá’í speakers who were used successfully with Bahá’í speakers was Mr. Adelbert Friedman, the Southeastern Regional Secretary of the Zionist Movement, who spoke on the “Future of Palestine.”
The race unity banquet held in celebration of the Centenary was so enriching an experience the community felt they would like to feature such an event every spring.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA
On March 30, 1945, a public peace meeting was held with Virginia C. Foster as the out–of–town speaker. Concerted publicity efforts preceded the meeting and it was hoped that study classes could be conducted to follow up the talk.
Two regular fireside groups were conducted during the year, one of which met twice weekly and was advertised in the local newspaper.
A copy of God Passes By was placed in the local library.
BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT
A study class on the 36 Lesson Course and one on Bahá’í Administration were held regularly throughout the year. For the public meetings, the Assembly ran paid ads in the papers as well as news notices. Out of town speakers included Mrs. Randolph Bolles, Mr. Curtis Kelsey, Mr. Louis Gregory, and Mr. William Towart. The most intensive teaching campaigns were conducted when Mrs. Ruth Moffett lectured every evening for a week and held a study class every afternoon, and when Mr. Reginald King lectured every night for two weeks. Both were able to speak over the nearby radio station WKNE in Keene, New Hampshire.
For a week a local store carried a display window with a picture of the temple and Bahá’í literature. A local book store gave the Bahá’í literature a table.
The Community moved into a new center in the Barber Building. They write, “We pray that the divine outpourings hasten the day of the fulfillment of the tasks before us.”
COLUMBUS, OHIO
The name, BAHÁ’Í FAITH, 777 Franklin Ave. Main 4775 was listed in the Columbus Telephone Directory for a monthly additional cost of 81 cents. The Bahá’í Faith with its purpose and the names and addresses of the chairman and secretary of the local spiritual assembly were also listed with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
In an attempt to coordinate community activities, the teaching, public meeting, radio, and publicity committees were combined. Seven public lectures were sponsored for out–of–town speakers. Teas were given following most of these lectures and on several other occasions. It is interesting to note that of the forty—three clippings of newspaper publicity, nineteen of these were advance notices and follow-ups on the teas, indicating that some newspapers are open to this type of publicity. Other news items announced lectures and radio programs.
One radio period was given free on station WBNS and one was given on station WHKC. Two periods were purchased on WHKC.
The library committee donated books to the Carnegie Public Library, the Ohio State Library, and the Ohio State University Library.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
The teaching work of Edmonton was given great assistance by the two weeks of intensive work done by Mrs. Margery McCormick, whose successful work here has been reported in a previous Bahá’í News. Mr. Rowland Estall made a brief visit and Mr. Emeric Sala gave a public address, a radio talk, and spoke at a large tea gathering and at a large evening fireside.
Local Bahá’ís presented several series of public study classes. One will show something of their method. Two Bahá’ís were assigned to prepare questions and answers to each of the following aspects of the Bahá’í Peace Plan for a series of four weekly meetings: “The Cause of Peace.” “The Supreme Tribunal,” “The Future Commonwealth,” and “World Civilization,” The questions were asked singly and designed to stimulate discussion, while the concluding answers were the Bahá’í teachings.
The daily papers carried pictures and notices for out of town speakers and radio notices were broadcast. In the daily calendar section of the local papers local Bahá’í activities were frequently listed.
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
This two year old assembly invited isolated Bahá’ís near Greensboro to attend special feasts and did extension work in Durham, and Fayetteville.
The public peace meeting suggested by the National Spiritual Assembly was held in the court house on April 15, 1945, with Mr. W. Kenneth Christian giving the “Bahá’í Plan for Peace” and two non-Bahá’ís speaking, Dr. Eugene Pfaff, Director of the Southern Council of International Relations and Mr. R. E. Martin, faculty member of the local Negro A. and T. College. A paid newspaper advertisement and two hundred printed invitations drew an audience of 110.
“We have conducted weekly study classes during most of the year. These have been bi-racial but have not proved very conducive to growth. After having given this a fair trial we plan with the consent of the Guardian to have some separate classes. Those familiar with the local situation realize that most white non-believers need to catch the spirit of the divine teachings first; for prejudiced through inherited tradition, they are prone to be upset when suddenly confronted with this departure from custom before having the opportunity to learn the broad aspects of the teachings. This is also true of the majority of the negroes.”
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
In October, 1944, the local spiritual assembly of Kansas City became incorporated and by the time the report was sent in, the papers were on file in the state capital.
Last year’s teaching activities in Kansas City were varied. There were public classes held at the Y.M.C.A., the Kay Hotel, and the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bailey, Sunday evening fireside meetings at the home of Mrs. John Bechtel, and twenty–two porch meetings and three luncheons at the home of Mrs. Sudy Hurlock.
The Bahá’í mothers helped to form the Kansas City Youth Fellowship. For one meeting Mrs. Opal Winan of Independence, Missouri, showed pictures of the Temple and took pictures in color of the group.
MADISON, WISCONSIN
An active Youth group in Madison has met every other Sunday. They attracted ten non-Bahá’í youth through a picnic.
There were weekly Bahá’í study classes following the study outlines. These were held at the home of Mrs. Mae Clark.
To celebrate the birth of the Báb on October 19, the Bahá’ís had a pot luck supper and met the first Japanese Bahá’í, Mr. Yamamoto, the father of one of the members of the Madison community.
On November 14, the public librarian reviewed Sumner Welles’ Time for Decision, Walter Lippman’s U. S. War Aims, and Becker’s How New Will the Better World Be, while Mrs. Mae Stebbins gave the Bahá’í peace plan.
Two colored people have been attending meetings since the Race Unity meeting at which Mrs. William Fries spoke on the scientific attitude toward race and Mrs. John Svendson spoke of the Bahá’í teachings of the oneness of humanity.
Four babies were named in a ceremony conducted by Mr. Clarence Niss at the time of the Naw-Rúz. They were James Griffen, Joan Fries, Patricia Schneck, and Bruce Scott.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
Inter–American solidarity was demonstrated when Bahá’ís acted as hosts at the Milwaukee Center July 14, to the Latin American friends attending the All–America Bahá’í Centenary Convention. The spirit of oneness “rose to such heights that Sr. Salvador Tormo of Buenos Aires arose spontaneously as did all the test, and asked the friends to clasp hands and pledge themselves anew to carry on this ‘Great Work’ so that love and unity may soon prevail throughout the world.”
Teaching Conference for State of New Jersey at Bahá’í Center,
- Teaneck, July 23rd, 1944
A Second historic event was the
Peace Banquet held at the Schroeder
Hotel, March 24, 1945. Mr. William
Sears and Mrs. Dorothy Baker spoke
before an audience of over seven
hundred including many Bahá’ís
from nearby communities and including
such outstanding non-Bahá’ís
as Dr. Frank E. Baker, President
of the Wisconsin State Teacher’s College,
Mr. Lowell B. Goodrich, Superintendent
of the Milwaukee Public
Schools, Mr. Daniel Hoan, ex–Mayor
of Milwaukee, Miss Dorothy Enderis,
Director of Social and Municipal
Recreation Centers, Mr. William V.
Kelley, Secretary of the Milwaukee
Urban League, Miss Elizabeth Campbell,
Executive Secretary of the
International Institute of Milwaukee
County, and Mrs. Grace M. Corwin,
Church Editor of the Milwaukee Sentinal.
There were also clergymen
present. The races were well represented
with the presence of Negroes,
Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiians, and
Indians. In the lobby of the hotel
was a display of a temple model and
Bahá’í books.
The Milwaukee assembly did extensive work in Green Bay, Oshkosh, Manitowoc, and Shorewood.
Among the young, there were two children’s classes, one of those from 4–8 and another for those from 8–14. Also, there was a youth group which met weekly, presented a Christmas program and a Youth Symposium and inaugurated a Louhelen Scholarship Fund. The Youth group sponsored a number of picnics and social events.
During the Centenary, the library committee was able to arrange for a display of Bahá’í Books and a picture of the temple at the public library. Thirteen books and pamphlets were donated to the public library.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT
A full column review of the Guardian’s book, God Passes By appeared on the editorial page or the New Haven Journal–Courier. At the request of the National News Service, five additional copies were sent to it, and one of these went to the Guardian.
At the time of the nationwide Centennial celebration, New Haven Bahá’ís held a banquet on May 25, 1944. Thirty–seven attended, including eight Negroes. Guest speakers were Rabbi Louis Greenberg and Mrs. Ethel Hunt of Washington, D.C.
Each Sunday a study class and a public meeting were held at the Center, 33 Wall Street. In January it was decided to discontinue hiring the room since the meetings held in the homes seemed as well attended as those held in the Center.
RENO, NEVADA
One of the most spectacular of the Reno community efforts was a symposium at the State Building on February 10th on “The Prerequisites of World Peace.” The speakers were Dr. John O. Moseley, President of the University of Nevada, Mr. Samuel Platt, attorney, and Mr. Leroy Ioas, of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly, There was an attendance of a hundred and fifty.
On March 24th “Youth’s Responsibility
in the Post–War World” was
the subject of a Youth symposium at
the Reno Little Theatre. Seventy
people heard a young woman student
from the University of Nevada,
a blind boy from Reno High school,
Mr. Richard Walton of the Washoe[Page 16]
County Bahá’í group, and a young
Negro girl pianist.
Reno Bahá’ís have averaged two radio broadcasts a month over station KOH and have been successful in obtaining other publicity. A local store includes free announcements of Bahá’í public meetings in its Friday morning broadcasts of local events. An announcement of public meetings concludes every regular Bahá’í broadcast. Two paid spot ads precede each special public meeting. Each of the two local papers carries announcements of the weekly Saturday public meetings and paid advertisements entitle the Bahá’ís to a free article preceding each special public event. They have made dignified posters for each of the symposiums and have mailed numerous invitations.
Two Bahá’ís have served as advisors to an inter-racial club meeting weekly at the Y.M.C.A. They have secured Bahá’í speakers for the club and have been instrumental in getting permission for all Negroes to use the public skating rink one afternoon each week.
URBANA, ILLINOIS
Urbana’s Centennial celebration consisted of a successful interracial banquet held at the Urbana– Lincoln Hotel and attended by 130, a public meeting in the University of Illinois Union Building, a radio talk over station WDWS, and large advertisements besides free news space showing pictures of the banquet and describing the celebration in each of the newspapers.
The Illinois Times, a Negro weekly paper serving the central Illinois area, published by Mr. Edgar Harris a Bahá’í of the Champaign group, has published weekly reports of Bahá’í teachings, providing a unique opportunity for publicity.
Among the Youth activities were a series of Sunday morning breakfasts at a local park followed by a devotional period of readings from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Several non-Bahá’ís have become interested in the Writings when they were assigned the devotion period for one of the Sundays.
The local Race Unity meeting was sponsored as a symposium by the Youth: “Contributing to Better Race Relations.” Miss Lucy Nobler, a college student presenting the contributions of science, Miss Mary Grace Jordan, secretary of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People presenting the contributions of such organizations, and Mr. Farhang Javid presenting the contributions of the Bahá’í Faith and religion, Mrs. Robert Hutchens coordinated the program.
Each month a ten minute Bahá’í program is presented over station WDWS. The music of Handel’s Largo cushions the program from the commercials before and after. Sometimes the music is softened for the reading of a Hidden Word or short quotation keynoting the talk.
There are regular weekly public meetings at the Bahá’í Center and occasional special meetings at the Champaign City Building. The Bahá’ís have been holding weekly study classes on God Passes By.
Extension work was done in Champaign, and Urbana Bahá’ís have cooperated with a newly inaugurated circuit system providing monthly out of town speakers to central Illinois communities and groups. Three hundred Peace Broadsides were mailed to well known people in this community.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
On May 23, 1944, Vancouver Bahá’ís and their friends attended a banquet at the Devonshire Hotel. There was fifty persons present to hear Miss Mae McKenna and Mrs. Blanche Liddell. Cooperating with the National Centennial Committee the assembly arranged for a fifteen minute radio talk over station KJOR presented by Miss Muriel Warnicker.
Mr. Rowland Estall, Mr. George Latimer, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Ioas, and Mr. Ermic Sala all spoke in Vancouver as part of their teaching tours. Emeric Sala’s talk in the York Room of the Hotel Georgia on February 12th drew an audience of seventy.
WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN
Independent fireside groups and weekly study classes have been held by the Bahá’ís of Wauwatosa as well as joint public meetings with the Milwaukee Bahá’ís. Fourteen attend the weekly study classes, including seven or eight who are not Bahá’ís. The class studies alternate weeks Bahá’í World Faith and the study outline Fundamentals of Bahá’í Membership.
Several feasts were open to friends of Bahá’ís and an Intercalary party was held to promote fellowship.
Wauwatosa Bahá’ís helped entertain the Inter–American delegates when they were in Milwaukee, and helped with the large area Bahá’í Peace Banquet there. They send five children to the Milwaukee children’s classes, and contribute to the Milwaukee Louhelen Scholarship Fund.
To stimulate closer inter–community cooperation, the assembly frequently secures chairmen from surrounding communities when there is a public meeting. ——— Editor’s Note: The doors items have been gleaned from the annual reports of local assemblies to the N.S.A. for the year 1945–1946. In February “Bahá’í News” we will publish a final article based on such reports as have been sent in before January 1st.
News of Other Lands[edit]
Germany
The following extract is from a letter to David and Margaret Ruhe from John Eichenauer:
“Was visiting the Bahá’í Summer School in Esslingen last Sunday and saw the names of several of the Kunz family in the guest book. How happy I was to see the names of so many friends I knew. Calvin Wilder, a fellow believer, and I first found the Bahá’ís in Esslingen on May sixth and since then have contacted the believers in Stuttgart, Goeppingen, Geislingen, Darmstadt and Heidelberg. About a week ago two of the LSA and I obtained written authorization from Capt. Carvel Busey, Religious and Education officer of the Stuttgart Military Government, for Bahá’í activities. He was very considerate . . . . had read some (Bahá’í) books and offered to help me whenever I need it. The local assemblies will apply and later we can write USFET for permission for the NSA. This afternoon the Feast will be held at the Bahá’í School on the hill in Esslingen.
(Editor’s Note: Captain Carvel Busey is a cousin of Dr. Garreta Busey of Urbana, Illinois, and heard of the Cause in that city.)
Norway
Urbana friends have heard during
the summer from Miss Johanna
Schubarth of Oslo, Norway, Miss
Schubarth became a Bahá’í while
living in Urbana. She returned to[Page 17]
her native Norway in order to
spread the Faith there, has translated
into Norwegian and published
“Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” and
translated the “Iqán,” “Hidden
Words” and “Advent of Divine
Justice.”
Miss Schubarth writes that she hopes her health will soon be better and enable her to return to her profession of nursing.
Switzerland
We give below a summary of the annual report from the Bahá’í Bureau at Geneva.
Switzerland, spared the fire of war, has been a haven of refuge for hundreds of thousands of refugees, particularly children from devastated areas who have been hospitalized there.
In Zurich the friends have continued their meetings and have added to their number.
At Heerbrugh Mr. Semle has given two public talks which were favorably received and followed by long and animated discussions.
The Bureau has continued to get out its “Monthly Page,” planned to help the friends to remain steadfast in obedience to the revealed Commandments and also for interested outsiders to demonstrate the working out of the Divine Plan in present–day events.
“We are happy and grateful to say that the priceless comfort and strengthening help of the Guardian’s letters has not been withheld from us throughout this period.”
Toward the end of the year 101 both letters and periodicals came through from the outside world, Australia, France, Great Britain, U.S., Haifa, Egypt, ‘Iráq and Porto Rico.
Lucien Migette wrote from Lyons, where she is still working, having had two miraculous escapes from danger of death.
Mr. and Mrs. Pomper of Warsaw, parents of Boris Pomper, who did work on the Polish translation of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” were hospitalized at the Geneva Bureau after their release from an internment camp.
M. Renaud Richez, one of the first in Geneva to recognize the Light of this Day, passed away in April. He was a Belgian, a worker in the Secretariat of the League of Nations, and was one of the five who signed the statutes of the Bahá’í Bureau for its official registration in 1930.
Authority issued by Allied Expeditionary Force Military Government, through Carvel Busey, Education and Religion Officer, for reorganization of Stuttgart Bahá’í community and holding of its religious meetings. This official permit, terminating (for Stuttgart at least) the period of dissolution enforced upon the Bahá’í community by the Nazi regime almost ten years ago, was granted on application made by John Eichenauer, Jr., American Bahá’í serving in the army in a non-combatant capacity.
Passing of a Great Pioneer
A letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of India and Burma has brought the sad news of the passing into the Abhá Kingdom of Siyyid Muṣṭafá Roumie. On hearing of the death of this distinguished pioneer the Guardian sent the Indian and Burman Assembly the following cable dated July 14:
“Hearts grief stricken passing supreme concourse distinguished pioneer faith Bahá’u’lláh dearly beloved staunch high minded Noble Soul Siyyid Muṣṭafá stop Long record his superb services both teaching, administrative fields shed lustre on both heroic and formative ages Bahá’í dispensation stop His magnificent achievements fully entitle him join ranks hands cause Bahá’u’lláh stop His resting place should be regarded foremost shrine community, Burmese believers stop Advise holding memorial gatherings throughout India honor his imperishable memory stop Urge Indian, Burmese Bahá’ís participate construction tomb stop Cabling three hundred pounds my personal contribution so praiseworthy purpose — Shoghi Rabbani.”
France
David Holman recently made a
trip to the Continent with Ensa and
was able to meet some of the friends
in Paris. He saw seven of them;
amongst others, Miss Sanderson,
Mrs. Scott, Mme. Hess and Mr. Kennedy.
They were all well, though
cold, owing to the complete lack of
fuel, and without many other necessities.
They have been through severe
difficulties. All were questioned
by the Gestapo after the Germans
arrived in Paris, but all except one
were left alone afterwards. The Germans
tried to confiscate all their
books, but fortunately they were able
to point out that the flat of the secretary,
Mr. Kennedy, had been destroyed
by a bomb and books with
it. In that way they were able to
save some books which were stored
in another place. The community lost
four members during the war: Mrs.
Kennedy died, Mlle. Alcan was killed
in an air–raid; Mrs. Stannard died of
cancer in November, 1944; and Mme.
Montefiore was taken to a concentration
camp and has not been heard
of since. Other friends left Paris and
have not returned. In spite of all
their difficulties, however, those who
remained, though at one time
reduced to three, have held a meeting[Page 18]
on the first Sunday of every month
in Miss Sanderson’s flat throughout
the period of the German occupation.
We are glad indeed to know that these friends are safe and to get in touch with them again. It was possible to send a small parcel of food and soap over by a traveler going to Paris and we hope to get other similar opportunities of showing our sympathy.
Bulgaria
We also hear that Miss Jack, the well–known pioneer in Bulgaria, who is eighty years old, has returned to Sofia from a village where she lived after her home in Sofia was bombed. She and all the Sofia believers, with the exception of one, have survived and are now trying to resume their teaching activities.
Persia
The Spiritual Assembly of Isfáhán has communicated to the Guardian a detailed account describing the transfer of the remains of the two great Bahá’í martyrs, known as the “King of Martyrs and the Beloved of Martyrs” to the new Bahá’í cemetery situated outside that town. This was done in accordance with the explicit desire of the Guardian and the decision and help of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Irán.
In November, 1945, the Guardian wired to the said Assembly that it was a duty and an absolute necessity to start immediately on the historic project of building the tombs of the “King of Martyrs” and the “Beloved of Martyrs,” himself contributing for this purpose the sum of one thousand pounds sterling. We now learn from the official report sent to the Guardian and signed by the nine members of the Spiritual Assembly of Isfáhán and four other believers that the said project was brought to a successful completion on the 15th of March, 1944. On that day, the remains of the twin martyrs, which had previously been removed from their original resting place by a committee appointed by the Spiritual Assembly, their new coffins sealed in three places with the Sign of the Greatest Name and kept in a safe place, in the house of one of the members of the Spiritual Assembly, were placed in two specially built stone receptacles and laid to rest in their new tombs, separated one meter from each other, in the Bahá’í cemetery. The ceremony of the transfer took place in an atmosphere of great reverence and a Tablet revealed in their honor by Bahá’u’lláh was recited on this occasion.
The “King of Martyrs” and the “Beloved of Martyrs” were the sons of Mírzá Ibráhím Esfáháni, who was one of the early believers in the Báb, whom he had personally met. It is believed that one night in Isfahán, he had the privilege of serving the Báb at supper time. The two martyred brothers were very famous in their home town, not merely for their great material wealth, but for the extraordinary nobility of their character. They were most helpful and generous to everyone who went to them with his pains and troubles. When Bahá’u’lláh was in Iráq, they left Isfáhán twice and proceeded to Baghdád, where they had the wonderful privilege of spending some time in His presence. On one occasion, they both forwarded a humble petition to Bahá’u’lláh while He was still in Baghdád, begging that they might sacrifice their lives in His path and thus attain the honor of martyrdom.
And so it was. Two of the most prominent theologians and religious leaders of Isfáhán, Mír Siyyid Husayn and Shaykh Báqir, named by Bahá’u’lláh—because of their inhumanity and merciless cruelty—as the Snake and the Wolf respectively, prevailed upon the governor of Isfáhán, who was then one of the sons of the Shah of Persia, to order their arrest. Whereupon, the two brothers were thrown into prison, chained and tortured. Shortly after, they were brought out of prison, conducted to the execution place and, by the personal order of the “Snake” and the “Wolf,” beheaded.
At the time when the sword of the executioner was brandishing in the air over their heads, they were holding each other in a brotherly embrace and uttering the Most Great Name. After the execution, their bodies were dragged on the ground to a deserted plot of land and placed under a partially ruined wall. This wall was then pulled down on their bodies. On that same night their bodies were recovered by a third brother and properly buried in a cemetery.
The position of these two resplendent souls is supreme among the Bahá’í martyrs. Indeed, Bahá’u’lláh Himself definitely established their unique station when He called them the “King of Martyrs” and the “Beloved of Martyrs.”
Among the acts of hooliganism and vandalism, the victims of which were Bahá’ís and Bahá’í property, was one that took place last May in the village of Ábádih, in southern Persia. A mob nearly four thousand strong, attacked the Bahá’í Centre and Guest House, pillaging and setting on fire Bahá’í property, furniture and books, and fatally injuring four believers.
But trials and sufferings serve only to strengthen the determination of the believers that they must hasten and redouble their efforts in their glorious task of spiritually educating mankind. Thus, it is a great pleasure to learn that during the last four years, the Bahá’í Teaching Plan and programs have continued uninterrupted in Persia. Bahá’í teachers’ classes have been organized in various Bahá’í centers. Four of these classes were held in Ṭihrán alone, with upwards of two hundred prospective Bahá’í teachers attending them. Aside from these classes, twenty–three recognized and well–known Bahá’í Teachers have given their full time to teaching activities and forty–one Bahá’í Teachers travelled throughout Persia to promulgate the word of God.
The movement of Bahá’í families travelling to and settling in various new districts and provinces has been increased and accelerated. These families have been subjected to great sufferings and privations at the hands of the ill-wishers of the Cause, but as a result of their work, one hundred and eighty-seven new Bahá’í centers have been established in various parts of the country.
The believers in Persia have not only helped to finance their own Bahá’í projects and activities, but have also forwarded one thousand pounds Sterling for the national “Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds” (Bahá’í House) in each of the following countries: Syria, Egypt and India; two thousand five hundred Pounds Sterling for Australia and New Zealand and five hundred Pounds for the Hazíratu’l-Quds of Kuweiteh in Balúchistán.
‘Iráq
The Bahá’í Centenary Celebration
in Baghdád has given a great impetus
to the activities of the Teaching
Committee as a result of many
inquiries on the part of those who
have become interested in the Bahá’í
Faith. The Teaching Committee has
been meeting five times weekly to[Page 19]
discuss with those interested the
Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
Bahá’í women in ‘Iráq, are given every opportunity to study the Bahá’í Faith and to prepare themselves to serve the Cause side by side with the men. The Women’s Progress Committee is actively engaged in this noble task.
Classes for the study of the Bahá’í Teachings and principles for Bahá’í children, young men and women continue regularly and successfully.
Balúchistán
“We are very happy to learn from a letter addressed to the Guardian by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Quetta in Balúchistán that the believers in that town have at last been able to have a Bahá’í cemetery of their own. The government authorities, after some difficulty, allowed the Bahá’í Assembly to purchase a piece of land necessary for that purpose.”
As a result of the efforts made by the Spiritual Assembly of Quetta, the authorities have exempted the Bahá’í House and the land on which it is built from paying the land and property taxes. Other heartening news from Quetta is the opening of a public Bahá’í library in that town.
India
From the annual report of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma in 1944–1945 we glean the following:
The National Spiritual Assembly is trying to achieve greater administrative efficiency. It held six meetings during eleven months of 1944–1945. These meetings were all held at the administrative center at New Delhi. The annual report gives the attendance record of each member of the Assembly at these meetings. The Assembly also achieved the transfer of the office of the treasurer to the National Headquarters.
“This is a step forward, but it has been almost fully realized that the immediate ideal is the transfer of all the members in office during their term of office to Delhi, inasmuch as the object of assemblies and committees is administration through consultation and consultation is not possible by correspondence.”
“International. When this assembly learned about the martyrdoms in Irán, it’s wired to H.I.M. the Sháh of Irán and the Persian Parliament expresses its horror at the tragic
Inter-Community Picnic at Fruitport, Michigan, August 20, 1944. Believers present from Lake Harbor, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Fruitport, Michigan, Lake Forest, Illinois, and Brazil.
event, emphasized the law–abiding
nature of the Bahá’ís, their obedience
to established Governments, the
love that the Bahá’í community of
India bore for the native land of
Bahá’u’lláh. The assembly drew their
attention to the sympathetic interest
that similar persecutions in the past
had evoked in the breasts of Western
writers and finally it appealed for
justice and for an impartial treatment
of Bahá’ís.
“Mr. Muhammed Sáed, the Prime Minister, chiefly responsible for those dastardly acts, was reminded by the Assembly in its wire that though Persia had been bathed in the blood of Bahá’í martyrs during the last century yet had it failed to stamp out God’s Cause from Persia’s soil. It further touched upon the lustre that the heroism of Bahá’í martyrs had shed upon the land and the stain which the abominations committed by their persecutors had left upon it. In conclusion the assembly called to his mind the Words of the Báb addressed to a predecessor of his, Hájí Mírzá Áqási, the all–powerful Prime Minister in His day and the arch–opponent of the Cause, wherein the Báb warns him that were the Prime Minister to succeed in killing Him, He will have suffered as the saints and prophets of God had suffered but that act would call down on his (the Prime Minister’s) head the curse of God and His eternal wrath.
“It is significant to note that not long after this event Mr. Muhammed Sáed was compelled to resign from his post.
“Visitors. We were happy to have a number of visitors from abroad this year. Most of them were Persians on their way to America. We hope a greater Contact with Bahá’ís from other lands will be rendered possible. That it would be beneficial is evident from the instructions of the Guardian to Mr. A. Samímí, now in India, who sought his permission to go to Haifa. “Seize (this) opportunity,” ran the cable, “(to) visit (the) Bahá’í centers throughout India. Promotion (of the) Faith (at the) present juncture (is) more meritorious (than a) visit (to the) Shrines.” Mr. Samímí will visit as many assemblies and groups as the time at his disposal will permit. Other friends from abroad, some passing through, others serving in the armed forces, have given us in one or more centres the pleasure of their company for different periods.
“Books. Bahá’í books for use in India and Burma need to be translated into many different languages. From the annual report, we gather that translations have been made or are in the course of being made into more than twenty languages.”
“Summer School. Secretary, Prof.
Pritam Singh. The Summer School
held its sessions in Karachi this year.
Fifty students attended. The lessons
were limited to a few subjects and
were spread over a fortnight. Messrs[Page 20]
Pritam Singh, Ilmi and Akhtar–Khawari
were the teachers. A special
feature of this year’s school was the
taking of notes by the students and
their submission to a test at the
conclusion of the school.
“Eleven lessons on Aqdas and Bayán were given by Mr. M. H. Ilmi and every lesson lasted for an hour.”
“A series of public lectures were arranged in connection with the Summer School, on four days, at 7:30 p.m. Chairmen of these meetings were prominent people, such as two ex–mayors of Karachi.”
“Youth. Secretary, Mr. Núrulláh Akhtar–Khawari. Bahá’í youths between the ages of 15 and 30 years living in all the centres were asked to organize committees. Youth’s principal duties were to study the Cause and convey it to non-Bahá’í Youth. The National Committee also communicated with National Youth Committees in other lands. The Youth symposium was duly celebrated in different centres and the Cause brought to the attention of the public.”
Australia and New Zealand
The Australian friends have held two successful winter schools, one near Sydney and one near Adelaide. Also the believers in New Zealand have held their fifth summer school and report continued improvement and progress each time.
A new Bahá’í community in Australia has been established at Caringbah, a village about 18 miles from Sydney. The members expected to elect their Spiritual Assembly in April.
British Isles
The Bahá’í Journal, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, has recently printed, for the first time, the following Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent to the early English believers when He was in Paris:
“How are the believers in London? Are they happy? Are they spreading the call of the Kingdom? Are their tongues engaged in the commemoration of God? Are they full of zeal? Do they comfort the unhappy? Do they raise the fallen? Are they kind to all the people of the world? Do they serve the Cause of Universal Peace and Goodwill amongst the nations? Do they sympathize with the unfortunate? Are they the stars of the Heaven of Bahá? Are they the waves of the greatest sea? Are they the illuminating path of the travellers? Are they the bright torches of reality? When thou art returning to London convey to them my longing and greeting, for I love these friends of God. They are faithful followers of the Light, firm upon the Covenant, sincere servants of His Highness Bahá’u’lláh. They are calling the people to the Kingdom of God and I am extremely pleased with them.
“They must not rest day or night, but strive to illumine the children of men, and awaken souls. This is not the day of silence! This is not the day of rest! Each one of you in this day must become a crier for the Kingdom of Abhá, a herald of the glad tidings of the Supreme Concourse. Each one must be attracted and enkindled. Each one must be happy for he had heard the call of the Kingdom. This is indeed a great privilege. Its importance is not known at this time. It will become evident in the future. The apostles of Christ attained to the greatest station in life, yet they were vilified and scorned in their day: because they were followers of the humble Nazarene, they were considered as the most despised and ignorant, but now their brilliant light has flooded the whole world with knowledge and wisdom. Each one of the apostles is shining like unto a star from the horizon of Eternal Glory. Likewise, no one can adequately express the greatest of the friends of God in this Dispensation. The glorious possibilities of this station will become manifest in the future.
“The friends of God must become fully informed of the Teachings. It is well to be thoroughly versed in the sciences, arts and literature, and one must be established in the Kingdom of God on a like basis. The results of physical science are limited. His holiness Christ said: ‘Leave thy nets. Come and I will make thee fishers of men.’
“The results of the Divine sciences, the guidance of God, the spiritual arts, are unlimited, and train the real man. My spirit communicates with you. It annihilates time and space. God willing, the confirmation of the Supreme Concourse shall descend upon you uninterruptedly.”
“Day by day may you receive knowledge. Day by day may you draw nearer to God, until you become submerged in the sea of Divine Light. This station is the ultimate result of human life, it is the true fruit of existence. This station is the pearl of human consciousness and consummation, the shining star towards which human destiny points.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS[edit]
Messages from the Guardian
- “Our Hearts Are Uplifted in
- Thanksgiving” .................... 1 1
- “The Cessation of Hostilities”..... 1 1
- “Greatly Cheered by Evidences
- of Progress” ..................... 2 1
- Mme. Orlava ....................... 2 1
- San Francisco Conference .......... 2 1
- Cable to Buenos Aire
- Assembly ......................... 2 2
- Letters to Individuals ............ 2 2
- Participation in the Erection
- of the Shrine of the Báb ......... 4 2
- Contact with Social
- Movements ........................ 4 3
National Spiritual Assembly
- Letter on National Bahá’í
- Campaign ......................... 3 1
- An Historical Record of
- Bahá’í Service .................... 4 3
- Request to Traveling Bahá’ís ...... 4 3
- Local Pan-American Activities ...... 5 1
- Directory .......................... 5 1
- Enrollments and Transfers .......... 6 1
- In Memoriam ....................... 6 1
National Committees
- Temple Guides ...................... 6 2
- Inter-America News ................. 7 1
- Bahá’í Study Aid ................... 9 2
- Publishing Announcements .......... 10 2
- Child Education ................... 10 3
- Youth.............................. 11 1
- Assembly Development .............. 11 3
- House of Worship Program .......... 13 1
Visitor from India ................ 13 1
Comment from Outside .............. 13 2
Local Assemblies—Local
- Annual Reports ................... 13 2
News of Other Lands
- Germany ........................... 16 2
- Norway ............................ 16 3
- Switzerland ....................... 17 1
- Passing of a Hand of the
- Cause ............................ 17 2
- France ............................ 17 3
- Bulgaria .......................... 18 1
- Persia ............................ 18 1
- Iráq .............................. 18 3
- Balúchistán ....................... 19 1
- India ............................. 19 1
- Australia and New Zealand ......... 20 1
- British Isles ..................... 20 1
Photographs
- Bahá’í Community of
- Independence Missouri .............. 3
- Bahá’í Mural in Office of
- Universal Atlas Portland
- Cement CO. ......................... 5
- Sir. Ramaswami Mudaliár at
- House of Worship ................... 7
- Bahá’ís of San Jose,
- Costa Rica ......................... 9
- Spiritual Assembly of the
- Bahá’ís of Toledo .................. 11
- Teaching Conference for
- State of New Jersey ................ 15
- Authority for Reorganization
- of Stuttgart Bahá’í
- Community .......................... 17
- Inter-Community Picnic,
- Fruitport, Mich. ................... 19
