Bahá’í News/Issue 181/Text
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NEWS |
| No. 181 | March, 1946 | YEAR 102 | BAHA’I ERA |
“Be Filled with Love”[edit]
You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of the one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others, but praise without distinction. Pollute not your tongues by speaking evil of another. Recognize your enemies as friends and consider those who wish you evil as the wishers of good. You must not see evil as evil and then compromise with your opinion, for to treat in a smooth, kindly way one whom you consider evil or an enemy is hypocrisy and this is not worthy or allowable. You must consider your enemies as your friends, look upon your evil-wishers as well-wishers and treat them accordingly. Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with anyone. If someone commits an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from reprimanding them and if you wish to give admonition or advice, let it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the bearer. Turn all your thoughts toward bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! lest ye offend any heart. Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be a source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
“Special, Immediate Appeal”
Overjoyed, profoundly thankful for the munificent donation made by the American Bahá’í Community for international relief. I urge the establishment of communication with the German believers and careful consultation with their representatives, to collaborate in the publication and expansion of much-needed German Bahá’í literature. Delighted at news of consolidation of activities in Central America, the progress of the public campaigns and the development of Youth activities. I advise that you address a special and immediate appeal to the American believers to insure a large representative attendance at the approaching Convention owing to momentous historic decisions to be disclosed to assemble representatives of the increasingly blessed, spiritually maturing American Bahá’í community.
Cablegram received February 25, 1946
The following passages are from the Guardian’s letter of December 21, 1945, addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly, and written through his secretary:—
“He was very pleased to see the excellent publicity the Cause received in The Chicago Sunday Tribune, and hopes that more will be forthcoming, of a similar nature, all over the country. In this connection, he sees no objection to using the advice and services, or non-Bahá’í experts, or agencies, as long as the purity of the Teachings and the dignity of the Faith are maintained.”
“The writings of Hussein should be indigent one, care for every sick one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one, and shelter those who are overshadowed by fear.”
In brief, let each one of you be as a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity. Be trustworthy, sincere, affectionate and replete with chastity. Be illumined, be spiritual, be divine, be glorious, be quickened of God, be a Bahá’í. —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
This is a portion of one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s farewell addresses to Bahá’ís in New York, given December 2, 1912.
considered in the same category as those of Ruhi; the friends are not forbidden to read them.” (This refers to the articles and pamphlets approved by the Reviewing Committee for the World Order Magazine Editorial Committee and published some years ago).
Status of Pioneer[edit]
With the Guardian’s consent is publishing this excerpt from his letter written to Mr. and Mrs. Hilbert Dahl on March 24, 1945:—
The pioneer, as soon as an administrative body has been established, ceases to have any unique status in the community. But, of course, the service he has rendered remains very great, and he should continue to do his utmost for the Cause in conjunction with the Assembly and the other believers.
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved Friends:
It was our joyous privilege only a few months ago to acclaim the termination of the state of war throughout the world, with all its blessed promises of an opportunity given humanity to heed the dire lessons of conflict and rebuild civilization on the foundation of the oneness of mankind.
Despite the definite and impressive
efforts made by the nations to
attain peace all the followers of
Bahá’u’lláh realize more clearly
than ever before how far the world
still moves from the orbit of unity[Page 2]
and justice revealed by His Word.
We are in a time of transition,
neither peace nor war, when many
powerful interests manifest the
scope of the problems still to be
solved in the realms of politics,
economics, race relations, and
religion.
The condition of uncertainty and lack of direction cries out to us as Bahá’ís to attain and show forth from our inmost souls, and in our individual actions, and in our mutual relations, and in our community development, and in our public Bahá’í activities, the qualities and virtues, the wisdom and integrity, the steadfastness and the universality, which the Báb suffered martyrdom to create in mankind. Bahá’u’lláh endured continuous oppression to ordain as the Law of human existence, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá traveled from city to city to exemplify and proclaim.
While, on the one hand, a bewildered multitude implores the gift of assurance which only the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh can offer, on the other hand the organizations of disunity and division, superstition and error, ambition and exploitation multiply their efforts to crush or beguile a world not yet conscious of the illimitable power which God has in this Day invested in a united mankind.
Our highest privilege as believers in the unity of God, our supreme duty as members of the new world order of Bahá’u’lláh, is simple, clear and inescapable for every single Bahá’í. First, a true Bahá’í is one who attains a full understanding of the fundamentals of the Faith. Second, a true Bahá’í will realize his responsibility to maintain within himself the capacity for consultation and united action with his fellow-believers.
Therefore the National Spiritual Assembly issues this appeal to the entire American Bahá’í community — believers, Assemblies and committees — to strive to attain the very reality of spiritual understanding and the highest degree of union in all Bahá’í consultations and action. Our sense of limitation is no excuse, since Bahá’u’lláh has revealed the blessed truth that faith is an association with a spiritual power able to transcend all limitations of men. Let us grasp anew the great Teaching that virtue is the life of doctrine, and the inner acceptance of human oneness is worth more than the volumes dealing with the outer mechanisms of peace.
In whatever village or city the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh takes possession of the hearts, there will unfold great and mighty expressions of Bahá’í victory. This is a decisive hour for humanity. It is a decisive hour for each and every Bahá’í.
Now with reference to the matter of international Bahá’í relief, about which so many ardent letters have come to the National Assembly. All aspects of this vital subject were discussed at the February meeting, and the following facts emerged which are recorded for the information of the friends throughout the United States and Canada.
- 1. A cash donation has been transmitted
from the National Fund for relief of the Bahá’ís of Burma in response to the Guardian’s appeal.
- 2. The Guardian has established
an international Bahá’í trustee in Ṭihrán to receive and handle (under his direction) the cash donations intended for the rehabilitation of the dissolved Bahá’í institutions and for relief of distress.
- 3. The Guardian has called upon
the American Bahá’í community to provide Bahá’í literature where conditions have made it impossible, as in Germany, for the believers to maintain publishing activity.
- 4. Appeals have been received for
contributions of food and clothing needed by the Bahá’ís of Germany in letters written by John Eichenauer and Bruce Davison. Communication at present can not be maintained with the native German Bahá’ís, but eleven-pound shipments can be made for them to the American Bahá’ís in the Army of Occupation, if a letter of request (See Emendation, P. 3) can be shown to the local postmaster.
- 5. Appeals have been received
likewise from the Philippine Bahá’ís for various relief supplies, and a report on conditions there has been received from Alvin Blum. Eleven-pound shipments can be mailed directly to the Philippine Bahá’ís once a week by each individual sender (or group or Assembly if collective action is taken).
- 6. The National Assembly has no
record of any American Bahá’í in Austria at present. First class mail can be addressed to natives of Austria, limited to two ounces. Food shipments can be made in Austria via Denmark.
- 6. The American Bahá’í community
is requested until further notice to send food, clothing and other needed supplies for relief to German Bahá’ís through the American believers now in Germany, and direct to the Bahá’ís of the Philippines, in accordance with the existing government regulations. (See Emendation, P. 3.)
- 7. Contributions sent to the National
Fund in cash for international Bahá’í relief will be devoted to publications of Bahá’í literature and as donations transmitted by the National
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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 news-letter of the Bahá’í community. The first issue appeared in December, 1924. On April 10, 1925, the Guardian wrote: “The News Letter which you have lately initiated fulfills a very vital function. . . . I would urge you to enlarge its scope . . . 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 report 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, Eleanor S. Hutchens, Mabel H. Paine, Address: Bahá’í News Committee, c/o Miss Garreta Busey, 503 West Elm Street, Urbana, Illinois. |
Fund to the international Bahá’í trustee in Ṭihrán.
- 8. About $2,500 has already been
dispatched to the trustee, and $1,500 has been appropriated for publication of German translations made by our Translations Committee. The printing will either be done here or in Switzerland, wherever the production of books and their shipment into Germany can be more satisfactorily arranged at this time.
- 9. The Guardian is informed of
these facts and actions and his further advice is awaited in a situation subject to change and development.
The friends will be advised whenever new plans and arrangements are made. Meanwhile, we have the opportunity to do something to relieve our fellow-Bahá’ís of other lands.
Address in the Philippines — Sr. Felix Maddela, Solana, Nueva Vizcaya, P. I.
Sr. Perfecto Tabora, Cosmopolitan College (opposite main American Red Cross) Manila, P. I.
EMENDATION[edit]
Since this letter was printed a cable has been received from John Eichenauer asking the American friends NOT to send any more, packages to him or to Bruce Davison at this time.
Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts: Glory, April 9; Beauty, April 28.
Period of Fast: Nineteen Days beginning March 2.
Anniversaries: Naw-Rúz, March 21; Riḍván, April 21 — May 2. Observance of the first of Riḍván,
April 21, to be about 3:00 P. M. National Convention April 26, 27, 28, and 29, 1946.
Enrollments[edit]
- Chicago, 5.
- Fort Wayne, 1.
- Berkeley, 1
- Washington, D. C., 1.
- San Francisco, 1.
- Burlingame, 2.
- Winnipeg, 1.
- New York, 3.
- Milwaukee, one youth.
Enrollments reported by Regional Committees in January—7 and 1 youth.
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Delegates and individual believers wishing to attend the Convention this year are advised that the matter of accommodations, both in hotels and private homes, has become a most difficult problem. No believer should arrive without a definite reservation in advance made either by himself or for him by the Convention Housing Committee. Those who need the help of the Housing Committee should apply as soon as possible to Mrs. Carl Hannen, Chairman, 921—13th Street, Wilmette, Illinois. The Convention dates are: April 26–29, inclusive. |
Directory[edit]
Local Assemblies
St. Paul, Minnesota — Miss Dahela Abas, Corresponding Secretary, 235 Fuller Avenue, St. Paul 3.
Richmond Highlands—Mrs. C. B. Rainboth, Secretary, 5321 Roosevelt Way, Seattle 5, Wash.
Tacoma—Mrs. Helen M. Ames, Secretary, 5940 South Sheridan, Tacoma, Wash.
Committees
- News Service—Mr. Laurence LaRocque
unable to serve.
- Public Relations—Mr. William C. Henning
added to the membership.
- Child Education—Mr. Edvard Lindstrom
unable to serve.
- Contacts—Mr. and Mrs. Don Corbin
added to the membership.
- Library—Mr. Duncan McAlear added
to the membership.
- National Teaching—Mrs. Amelia Bowman
added to the membership.
Regional Teaching—Arizona, California and Nevada—Mr. Hascle Cornbleth unable to serve. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware—Mr. Allak K. Kalantar added to the membership. Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin—Mrs. W. N. Foster unable to serve.
Questionnaires—Mrs. Ward Calhoon added to the membership.
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.
Miss Marion Kappes, Glenview,
- Illinois.
Mrs. Blanche Thatcher, Winston
- Salem, North Carolina
Mrs. David Elizabeth Bateman,
- Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Mr. Peter Martinique, Ferrysburg,
- Michigan.
Mrs. Elizabeth Hayes, Muskegon
- Heights, Michigan.
National Committees[edit]
Inter-American News
Completion of Teaching Tours
The itineraries of Mr. and Mrs. Emeric Sala and of Mr. Charles Mason Remey in Latin America are nearing completion. The Salas were due in Havana, their last stop, on February 20th, having visited most of the Bahá’í Centers in both Central and South America on a tour lasting three months.
Mr. Remey is attempting to visit all cities in South America where Bahá’ís reside. In traveling from Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas, Magalannes, a hazardous journey was completed by bus and car, as no other transportation was available. Mr. Remey was particularly impressed with the key people who are being attracted to the Cause in Punta Arenas. He was last heard from in Santiago, Chili, on his return trip by air.
While political conditions in some countries have prevented the holding of large public meetings during the visits of these itinerant teachers, reactions indicated in reports received from all centers visited have been very gratifying. The Inter–America Committee is deeply appreciative of the efforts of these teachers, reactions indicated in reports received from all centers visited have been very gratifying. The Inter-America Committee is deeply apppreciative of the efforts of these teachers, who themselves have been greatly impressed and have written glowingly of the work of the North American Pioneers.
Inter-America Bahá’í Congress
While a detailed report has not been received to date of the Teaching Conference in Panama City, we have learned that seven Republics were represented by native believers, namely, Cuba, Venezuela, Chili, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama. Six North American pioneers attended, including those from Columbia and Costa Rica, which made nine countries represented in all. This first Inter-America Congress surpassed everyone’s expectations, especially in the number of native believers attending.
Mrs. Amelia Collins represented
the National Spiritual Assembly and
the Inter-America Committee at the[Page 4]
Congress. She is stopping over on
her return trip in San Salvador,
Guatemala City, and Mexico City.
News of Pioneers
Elizabeth Cheney reports that the number of native believers in Managua has reached nineteen. A Spiritual Assembly in Nicaragua is, therefore, assured this year. En route to the Panama Congress and, following this, to her new post in Bogata, Columbia, Miss Cheney visited our new pioneer, Evelyn Larson, who has recently located in San Jose, Costa Rica. An enthusiastic report of the progress being made there was given.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bode have arrived in Rio de Janeiro as Bahá’í settlers. There are now six believers in Rio, and prospects are good for the formation of an Assembly in April. Mrs. Harold V. Armstrong and Virginia Orbison are actively engaged there in the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in Portuguese. News from Sao Paulo, Brazil, indicates that excellent contacts are being made by Gertrude Eisenberg, who has been teaching there for several months.
Dr. Malcolm King has arrived at his new post in Port–au–Prince, Haiti. A study class, public meetings, and assistance with work on French literature are keeping him very busy.
Mrs. Shirley Ward is leaving in early March for Buenos Aires. Her experience in radio and assistance with Spanish publications will make her services there very valuable.
Flora Hottes have accepted a position teaching English in Montevideo. The Bahá’í community is growing, and she hopes to remain there indefinitely. Wilfred Barton has recently returned from Uruguay. He is visiting his mother in Chicago.
Gwenne Sholtis is very happy with her Bahá’í work in La Paz. Three new membership cards have come from there recently. She, also, is teaching English classes.
Ecuador and the three Central American Republics of Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua are at present without pioneer teachers The most youthful Spiritual Assembly seems to be very well established and vigorous, however.
One of our pioneers, Louise Baker of Caracas, will be married on February 26th to Mr. William Waterman of Philadelphia. Mr. Waterman is employed as an oil geologist in Venezuela. Their home will be in Caracas for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Baker will be present at the marriage in Caracas.
Public Relations[edit]
1. Projects
The Public Relations Committee reports the following projects in which the Assemblies, Regional Committees and also individual believers are offered helpful material for publicity and contact work.
- 1. Card size reprints. This is a series
of ten different Bahá’í texts printed on postcard size Bristol for use by individual believers as postcards, enclosures with letters, etc. 25 sets (250 cards) have been sent to Assemblies and Regional Committees. The cards may be obtained from the Publishing Committee at the rate of 100 sets (1,000 cards) for $3.10. The purpose of these cards is primarily to stimulate more teaching by individual believers in their daily contacts.
- 2. Chicago Sunday Tribune reprint.
With the kind cooperation of the Publishing Committee, the Public Relations Committee has been trying since June, 1945 to place an order for 50,000 reprints of the full page colored illustration of the Temple and the excellent article about the Faith which appeared in the Chicago Sunday Tribune of June 17. The editor has kindly placed the color plates and the original photos at our disposal for this purpose. We are finally able to advise the friends that the reprints are now available. Copies are being given to Assemblies and Regional Committees; the Committee is mailing out a number to the National Bahá’í list of influential persons and organizations, and the National Assembly has allocated quantities to other National Committees. The remainder of the edition is turned over to the Publishing Committee for sale at the price of twenty copies for $1.00.
- 3. Portfolio. The Committee has
issued a bound pamphlet containing a presentation of the Faith in its relation to the world crisis, for use in making special contacts such as with newspaper editors, educators, friendly clergy and other persons and organizations active along the lines sympathetic to the Bahá’í ideals. 1,000 copies are being mailed out direct. 2,000 copies are turned over to the Publishing Committee for sale at the rate of 50c per copy, including a mailing envelope.
- 4. Press releases. Two releases have
already been sent out to papers in towns of more than 100,000 population, and also to local Assemblies and Regional Committees—on the atomic bomb and on industrial justice. Two more will be issued shortly, one of the Guardian’s plan for international Bahá’í relief, the other on Persia as the country of origin of the Faith. Copies of all releases issued by this Committee will be sent on request where groups, traveling teachers and others can use them.
- 5. Official Navy photo of the Temple.
The Naval Air Station in Glenview has given us two aerial views of the Temple with permission to reproduce. Copies of one of these have been sent to papers which have a Sunday rotogravure section. Plans are in discussion for using this same picture in a larger number of papers, and a later announcement will be made.
- 2. Features
The Committee wishes to give special emphasis to the outstanding work done by some of the local Assemblies in getting publicity for the release on the subject of industrial justice. We refer particularly to the action of the Flint Assembly in placing the release in the Flint Journal of January 23 as a paid advertisement, with an offer to send further information on request. As this release gives the Master’s statement on the subject, the Flint Assembly has found a way to bring the Bahá’í teachings on strikes and wages and government responsibility to the public in the very heart of the troubled motor industry. From South Bend, also, we have a clipping in which the same release is presented under the large heading: Bahá’í Peace Plan—Labor and Capital.
The following references to the Faith in publications outside the Cause have been brought to our attention through the kindness of a number of Bahá’ís, and we list them here for the information of all believers.
The Navy aerial picture was used as front cover illustration on the magazine published by the Navy Air Station of Glenview on January 15, 1946.
Temple illustrations and Bahá’í literature have been given to the editor of National Architect at his request, for a feature article on the Cause.
A notice of Temple meetings and
guiding has been placed in a bulletin
[Page 5]
called the Welcomer which a special
organization sends to every family
who moves to Wilmette, Evanston,
Highland Park, Winnetka, Glencoe
and Kenilworth. This bulletin is issued
annually, and contains data and
information useful to new residents
in the area.
A passage from words of the Guardian was quoted in Motive of May, 1945, the magazine of the Methodist Student Movement.
Temple pictures have been given to Conoco Travel Bureau, Continental Oil Co., for reproduction in their bulletin for tourists.
A misleading statement about the Cause was published in Bergen County Panorama, and the correction of this has been taken up with the civil authorities who sponsored the publication.
My Home Town, the Souvenir of Chicago issued for Service Men and Women, carries an illustration of the Temple as a central feature of its page of illustrations of churches.
The book entitled Days With Walt Whitman, by Edward Carpenter, contains a reference to the Cause. There are also Bahá’í references in Sunday After the War, by Henry Miller, published by New Directions and in Persian Gulf Command, by Joel Sayre, Random House.
Mr. Joseph Kuperberg, Bahá’í of New York, had an article entitled “New Religion Builds Health” in Let’s Live magazine in April, 1945.
- 3. Policy
The aim of the Public Relations Committee is first, to watch out for important public opinions, events and trends which affect the Bahá’í Faith either favorably or unfavorably, and take such action with the approval of the N.S.A. as seems best adapted (with the means available) to make the particular situation an occasion for promoting the Bahá’í teachings: second, to issue material which will aid the friends in developing their community, committee or personal contacts with non-Bahá’í organizations and leaders; third, to develop as rapidly as possible a group of nationally prominent persons who are acquainted with the basic Bahá’í teachings and favorably disposed toward the Faith; and fourth, to provide press releases dealing editorially with Bahá’í teachings related to important current events—as for example, the release on industrial justice.
The Committee itself is nothing more than an agency of the National
Official Navy Photograph
Aerial Photograph of Bahá’í House of Worship,
Taken by Navy Photographer of the Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois
Spiritual Assembly and the servant
of the believers. It wishes to be useful,
but under no conditions to invade
the area of work assigned to other
Committees or any other Bahá’í institution.
The friends need tools with
which to serve the Cause under the
highly involved and changing conditions
of this era. The credit for using
the tools belongs to those devoted
and valiant souls who stand on the
battle line between faith and unfaith,
filled with the spirit of teaching.
We welcome advice, suggestions, names and addresses of prominent persons who should be added to the National mailing list which receives Bahá’í material from time to time
North American Teaching[edit]
Effects of the National Campaign
The success of the National Campaign
meetings continues to be a
great stimulus to the teaching efforts
that are being carried forward to
follow up the interest aroused in
those areas. Encouraging and surprising
results are reported, the
most recent from Mr. Harlan Ober
of Beverly, Mass., who visited Toronto
late in January on a circuit
planned to provide regular teaching
help to the Assemblies and groups
in that region. Mr. Ober reports
that “the great activity and unity
generated in getting the big meeting
is producing wonderful results on the
friends. They have a new confidence,
and the tremendous effort
[Page 6]
they made has been invigorating to
them.”
During Mr. Ober’s visit in Toronto two public meetings were held which “filled the Center to capacity” and we understand that talks were also given before a luncheon group, a dinner group at the University Club, and a life insurance salesmen group arranged by Mr. John Roberts. Mr. Ober reports that one of the salesmen “later joined several others who are near to declaring themselves, when I talked about the Will and Testament. Two have asked to join since that meeting.” Just outside the city in Forest Hill Village at the Robarts’ home, two groups of people came in to a Sunday morning meeting, and in Scarboro nearby, an afternoon meeting at the home of Miss Doris Richardson drew an audience of about 25. Meetings were also arranged for Mr. Ober in Hamilton, Ottawa, and in Montreal.
Mr. Carl Scheffler of Evanston, Illinois, on his return from the recent New Orleans meeting of the National Campaign, stopped over in Jackson, Miss., where he spoke on “Education for World Peace” to a group which included ten non-Bahá’ís. “. . Several strangers were attracted by the newspaper notice. They were quite taken by the Message and remained to talk with the believers until quite late,” Mr. Scheffler reports, and adds that he “met a number of men who are State officials, the day following the lecture, at the State Capitol.” In Memphis, Tenn., Mr. Scheffler reports an audience at “very refined people who listened very attentively and expressed appreciation.”
The New England RTC planned a teaching Conference in Portsmouth, N. H. to follow up the interest created through the big meeting held in that region. Besides the afternoon conference with the believers, there was a radio broadcast by Mr. Ober, and a public meeting that night at which Mr. William Towart, a pioneer settler of Providence, Rhode Island, gave a very good talk on “The Price of World Peace is World Religion.”
Circuit Speakers
A circuit through two Western States was arranged to provide for the teaching help of Mrs. Ethel Thompson, of Boise, Idaho. Four public lectures were given in Butte, and in Helena two public fireside meetings were planned. The Spokane Assembly reports a public meeting attended by 32, which was advertised by press and radio, an evening fireside meeting, afternoon meetings and a luncheon meeting arranged for Mrs. Thompson’s visit.
During the Christmas holiday period Dr. Edris Rice-Wray covered a circuit in New Jersey and reports that “four talks were arranged by the Regional Committee . . . at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark; at the Center in West Englewood, and though it was New Year’s Eve (they had 25 to 30 out); and third at the Kelsey home in West Englewood. They had 35 to 40—a fine group. The final one was at Maud Gaudreaux’s studio in Ridgewood.” Miss Arline Lindenstruth of Duluth and Mr. Hushang Javid of Chicago accompanied Dr. Rice-Wray on this trip and she writes: “They spoke on every program . . . preceded me with 15-minute talks and everyone seemed to like it . . . It gave variety, presented youth enthusiastic enough to speak for their Faith, and gave them experience. . .”
Regional Meeting at Harrisburg
The Regional Committee met in Harrisburg, Penna., in January “as a halfway point for all the members to get together.” Mr. Stuart Sims broadcast in the morning and spoke at the public meeting held that evening, and Miss Florence Weaver gave the point of view of the youth and how the Faith affected their lives. There were 20 present. “Five new seekers were really interested. . . ,” writes Mrs. Ethel Crane, the secretary, “and the RTC was very happy over the results.”
In California the RTC has worked with the Huntington Park group in an effort to re-establish this Assembly. Regular teaching help has been provided each month. In December Mrs. Virginia Foster spoke to an audience of 127 on “The Door of Hope for Today” and Mrs. Charles Witt spoke in January on “The Way to Peace and Freedom” to be followed in February with a talk by Mr. Joel Marangella on “Youth and the Rising World Community.” Mrs. Foster also spoke at a fireside meeting in Fresno at the home of Mrs. Delia Brandin on “The Soul of America.”
Canada
From Charlottetown, P.E.I., Mrs. Ruth Moffett reports that the fifth “Seminar” closed February 10th with a group of fifteen new people definitely attracted and three new members confirmed,— Mrs. Daisy Lyle, and Mrs. Hilda Johnston of Charlottetown and Mr. Leo Lagarde, a serviceman there temporarily. This is the culmination of a teaching effort which began in October and has been going forward since with “81 lectures at the Queen Hotel, 89 classes, 32 teas and parties and 14 radio broadcasts. The first permanent Fireside Class has now been formed.” On February 16th Mrs. Moffett began two weeks of intensive teaching work in Moncton, N.B., and she states that “they have arranged three lectures every day, some service club addresses and broadcasts. With Annie Homer to inspire them they have been working like beavers in preparation. . .”
Need for Reinforcements
Regional Bulletins indicate the need for reinforcement in seven different localities, so we again wish to urge those who are free to do pioneer settlement work to contact the Committee immediately.
The task given us by the Guardian continues to be that of the preservation of the status of the present assemblies; the multiplication of groups; their steady and progressive conversion into full fledged assemblies; as well as “the proclamation.” of the Faith by “bold, concerted measures.”
Publicity for Public Campaign[edit]
This committee in co-operating
with the Public Campaign program
prepared six publicity releases, a
total of sixteen copies, and nine advertisements
for the three Atlanta
daily newspapers in publicizing the
January 13th Atlanta meeting. Attendance
at the New Orleans Public
Meeting of January 28th was aided
by the use of sixteen releases and
eight advertisements prepared for
that city’s three newspapers. Of
the thirty-four releases for the
Los Angeles Public Meeting of February
8th, because of the importance
of the suburban area adjacent to
the city, all but sixteen of the news
items were released to the suburban
and racial newspapers. The advertising,
as well, made up of twenty-one
insertions, was concentrated in
the four daily newspapers in
Los Angeles but, space was also
[Page 7]
used in nine suburban and racial
newspapers.
Schedules have been completed for the publicity and advertising of the Denver Public Meeting, which is set for March 8th, and plans are in the work for the New York City, Portland, Detroit and Chicago meetings, which follow in the order given.
New Orleans Public Meeting[edit]
The weeks of advance work in connection with these meetings, which covered contacts with colleges, civic organizations, and groups working for better race relations were very fruitful. The press was most cooperative and through its help the Faith was publicized the week before the meetings. For the first time the people of this city became aware of the Teachings.
The first meeting was held January 27th at the Y.W.C.A. and was inter-racial. Both races were well represented. This group was made up of members of the New Orleans Race Relation Committee, the interracial Youth College group, the Urban League, and others, reached through notices in all papers in the city, white as well as colored. The outstanding contribution made by these outside groups was a talk given by the secretary of the Youth College group. These young people reflect the Bahá’í spirit in ignoring all barriers of race, class, and creed. They have invited some of our Bahá’í young people to join them in their work. This is most encouraging and may become a nucleus for a real Bahá’í youth group in the city. Many cards were signed indicating a desire to know more about the Teachings. A follow-up meeting was arranged to be held at the Bahá’í Center February 7th.
The second meeting, at the St. Charles Hotel, January 28th, was a great success, both in numbers and in the type of people attracted. Deep interest was shown, and inquirers remained for one hour after the meeting.
Mr. Carl Scheffler gave very fine talks at both meetings. His approach from the standpoint of education was interesting and appealed to the logic of those who heard him. His spiritual conclusion made a deep impression. Mr. Marangella was an excellent chairman.
The next Sunday the Center was crowded. Literally every chair was taken. The Center is small, but we
New Orleans Public Meeting, January 28, 1946, at St. Charles Hotel. Mr. Carl Scheffler, speaker. Mr. Philip Marangella, chairman.
feel that, as a result of these meetings,
a larger one will soon be
necessary.
A follow-up public meeting is booked for February 13th at the St. Charles Hotel. Mr. Philip Marangella will be the speaker.
New Orleans Public Meeting Committee
The Los Angeles Public Meeting[edit]
The remarkably unified action of all the Bahá’ís in the southern area stirred 800 people to attend the National Public Meeting on February 8th at 8 P.M. in the Elks Temple of Los Angeles. Many of the shut-ins assisted with prayer. One group of 19 used the same supplications, late on the afternoon of the meeting and into the evening. No less remarkable was the turn-out of many Bahá’ís whose busy life has prevented them from being able to participate in the activities of the Cause.
The well-organized mailing division arranged a master list of names with original contact records made. Contact was made with city wide inter-racial groups and their newspapers.
Dr. William Madsen of Pasadena acted as chairman for the meeting. Mrs. Marzieh Gail and Mr. William Sears gave the addresses. Their audience lingered long. Bahá’í artists contributed to the music of the evening: Mrs. Helga Nielsen of Burbank gave a piano solo; Mrs. Willis Brewer of Long Beach sang, accompanied by Mrs. Ingenuus Benzer of Los Angeles; Mr. and Mrs. Brewer later sang a duet. Approximately 19 young Bahá’ís acted as ushers for the evening.
The Long Beach Community was most generous in lending the friends an unusual display. An automatic slide projector three by four feet in size showed continuously in progress colored slides of the Temple, of Green Acre, and of Geyserville, with printed notations. It created great interest. There were also eight enlargements of Temple photographs black and white, in stunning frames, Two maps of the hemispheres, with white pins locating all Bahá’í groups and assemblies in the world, hung on the wall behind the Temple model itself. Around the model, the property of the Los Angeles Assembly, the flower committee had arranged fresh blossoms. The Bahá’í book display had arrived from New Orleans just in time to be arranged at the entry wall on the huge lecture hall.
As an aid to the follow-up teaching work, small folded cards were printed and distributed in the chairs. These listed the addresses of the Bahá’í homes in which, on three consecutive Friday evenings, fireside groups will be held for those who are interested. Space was given to permit the signing of names and addresses. The chairman of the evening allowed time between the speakers for the people to sign these cards, and the ushers collected them. The cards also listed a number of questions which seekers usually ask, questions that would be answered in the fireside discussions. They were compiled so as to attract people of different backgrounds.
The city-wide advertising and publicity articles, the radio programs presented over the Los Angeles peace program hour two Sundays before February 8th, and the spontaneous cooperation of the Southern California friends in bringing inquirers all helped to make the teaching venture a confirmed success.
- National Public Meetings Committee
World Language[edit]
The World Language Committee appeals to the Local Spiritual Assemblies for help in its increasingly important work. So vast has become the scope of our teaching that it has become almost impossible for us alone to carry on our growing projects.
We wish to offer the following suggestions for consideration of the world Local Assemblies:
- 1. That each Local Spiritual Assembly
devote one public meeting this year on the subject of world language.
- 2. That local World Language
Committees be appointed, in order to help us in the teaching work. Will those Assemblies who appoint such Committees kindly send to us the names and addresses of the committee members?
The National Spiritual Assembly has placed at our disposal a fine supply of literature. Last year, several Assemblies made requests for these booklets, but they were not available at that time. We are now ready to fill any requests, and will be glad to help any of the Local Spiritual Assemblies in this respect.
The most recent report from the Local Spiritual Assembly of Miami carries news of interest: An Esperanto Club has asked permission to meet at the Bahá’í Center, and they have been granted the opportunity of meeting there every Monday evening under the leadership of David Earl, a believer who is serving in the Navy in Miami. He writes:
“Naturally, I let the class know what my Faith was and gave them a little information about it from time to time, distributing some of the literature Mrs. Davis has put out. Results: one class-member remembered seeing the exhibit at New York World’s Fair and was very happy to make another contact with the Faith, even borrowing books from our library at the Center; two others have been coming often since then to our regular public meetings and have even attended some Bahá’í study classes; and two others have occasionally attended the public meetings. So a total of five persons has shown more or less interest in the Teachings, directly because of the Esperanto class. That alone is a recompense for the efforts put forth—but also, they know some Esperanto too!
“In June I was asked to give a talk on Esperanto to the young people of the Miami Shores Community Church. I prefaced my talk by explaining why I was interested in the International language ideal—then talked about forty minutes on the subject assigned. When I finished, the first question was ‘What is your religion about?’ So I spent almost as long answering questions about the Faith as I was talking on Esperanto. Further, I invited them to the Center to a regular public meeting, and a few weeks later eight or ten of them came in a group to the Center to see what a Bahá’í public meeting was like. More service to the Cause through Esperanto!”
We earnestly repeat our appeal to the Local Spiritual Assemblies to help us in our great work!
|
The attention of all the believers is again directed to the series of three pamphlets published in 1942 with the title of Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selected Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi. Together, they supply a representative compilation of the Bahá’í teaching in a more convenient form, either for individual study or group teaching use. The edition printed was so large that all three pamphlets can be obtained from the Publishing Committee for 25c. |
Publishing Announcement[edit]
Bahá’í Portfolio—a twelve-page pamphlet, eight and one-half by eleven inches in size, with illustrations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and of the House of Worship, planned by the Public Relations Committee for special contacts use. An exposition of the Faith which deals with fundamental spiritual problems involved in the struggle to attain peace. A mailing envelope furnished with each copy. Per copy, $0.50.
A Junior’s book of Religion, by Marguerite True, issued by the Publishing Committee for the child Education Committee 12 mimeographed pages, with cover, eight and one-half by eleven inches in size. Part I, The Prophets. Part II. The World of Tomorrow; Part III, Questions and Answers. Planned for group study or family discussion. Per copy. $0.20.
A Commentary on the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by David Hofman. This exposition has been approved by the British Reviewing Committee and published under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles. The text has been reprinted in Part IV of The Bahá’í World, Vol. IX. Pamphlet, per copy, $0.25.
Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith, Esperanto edition. Per copy, $0.10. Special offer—Individual believers and Assemblies wishing to complete their sets of volumes of The Bahá’í World are informed that copies of Volumes V and VI can be supplied at the rate of $4.50 when both are ordered at once. Separately the combined price is $5.50.
Wanted — for Green Acre[edit]
WANTED for the 1946 season of Green Acre Summer School (June 15 to September 10) a Bahá’í to completely manage the school dormitory. (A dietician will be engaged to take charge of the kitchen and dining room.) The dormitory and adjacent cottages accommodate between 100 and 150 people. Please give experience, references and expected salary in first letter. Address —Genevieve L. Coy, Chairman Green Acre School Committee, 10 Patchin Place, New York City 11.
WANTED for the 1946 Season of Green Acre Summer School (June 25 to September 3) experienced dietician to take complete charge of the dining room and kitchen of the school dormitory: services are to include hiring the personnel, planning of meals and buying. Please give experience, references and expected salary in first letter. Address—Genevieve L. Coy, Chairman Green Acre Summer School Committee, 10 Patchin Place, New York City 11.
“World Order”[edit]
The contents of “World Order” for March include: “The Basis at Economics,” by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “The New Age,” by Robert Reid: “Poverty Will Be Removed,” by Martha L. Root; “The Army Does Something to a Man,” by John H. Stroessler; “The Spiritual Springtime.” Poem by Mary Marlowe; “The Call to Greatness,” Editorial by William Kenneth Christian; “One Nation,” Book Review by Arthur Dahl; “The Christian Heritage,” Book Review by Phyllis Hall; “Faith,” Poem by Philip Amalfi Marangella; an “Bahá’í Activity in America, 1912-1921,” by Mariam Haney.
House of Worship[edit]
PROGRAM OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
Every Sunday at 3:30 p.m.| March 3 – | The Coming of a Divine Educator |
| Carl Scheffler | |
| March 10 – | Prayer, the Heart’s Desire |
| Margot McNamer Johnson | |
| March 17 — | World Safe for Humanity |
| Margery McCormick | |
| March 31 — | A New Industrial Order |
| Horace Holley | |
| April 7 — | God’s Call to the Christians |
| Today | |
| Albert Windust | |
| April 14 — | Out of the Scriptures |
| Dorothy Baker | |
| April 21 — | World Religion for World |
| Peace | |
| Marzieh Gail | |
| April 28 — | Convention Program |
| (Announced later) |
Branch Libraries[edit]
The Library Committee has recommended that the friends try to present some basic literature to “branch libraries” in their cities to give sufficient information on the Teachings to attract readers to the Main Public Library collections. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, which is small (conserving library shelf space), comprehensive and inexpensive, makes a splendid donation for these libraries. Since these branch libraries have often been overlooked by the friends, we offer this brief summary of our files to encourage further donations:
Canada: We have records of Bahá’í books in all large public libraries but no branches.
It is encouraging to report that there is basic literature in all the branch libraries in the following cities:
Denver, Colo., 12 branches Atlanta, Ga., 5 branches Springfield, Ill., 3 branches Gary, Ind., 7 branches Glendale, Cal., 3 branches Columbus, O., 6 branches Pasadena, Cal., 4 branches Toledo, O., 5 branches Philadelphia, Penna., 36 branches Pittsburgh, Penna., 15 branches New Orleans, La., 5 branches
Several cities have Bahá’í books in a number of branches and we hope that the friends continue their good work with a 100% record soon: Lincoln, Neb., books in 3 of the 8 branches Chicago, Ill., books in 28 branches Baltimore, Md., books in 12 of the 25
- branches
Boston, Mass., in 12 of the 30
- branches
We have very little information on Bahá’í books in the “branch libraries” in the following cities:
Detroit, Mich. (records for 4 of the 25
- branches)
New York City (records for only 6
- branches)
St. Paul, Minn. (only South St. Paul
- branch listed)
Cincinnati, O. (records for 2 branches) Cleveland, O. (records for East Cleveland
- Heights—no other branches)
Los Angeles, Cal. (record of only 1
- branch library)
Miami, Fla. (records for 2 of the 8
- branches)
Indianapolis, Ind., (record for only 1 of
- the 19 branches)
We have no records of Bahá’í books in the “branch libraries” in the following cities:
Birmingham, Ala. ((11 branches) Buffalo, N. Y. (no data) Flint, Mich. (6 branches) Fort Wayne, Ind, (5 branches) St. Louis, Mo. (20 branches) Rochester, N. Y. (12 branches) San Francisco, Cal. (21 branches) Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma, Wash. (no
- data)
Milwaukee, Wis., (no data) Minneapolis, Minn., (no data)
Temple Guides[edit]
September and October, 1945
The number of visitors to the Temple continues to be astonishing, as also their receptiveness and the great quantity of literature they purchase there.
In September the total was 4424 as compared to 2451 in Sept. in 1944. These came from 46 states and the District of Columbia, 4 provinces (9 cities) of Canada, Hawaii, Netherlands, Chile and Brazil. The numbers guided on Sundays were 894, 557, 465, 379, and 188. The total number on Sundays was 2483, week-days 1941, including Labor Day which was 792.
In October the total was 2957 as compared with 2711 in October, 1944. Fifty per cent came on Sundays. They came from 41 states, the District of Columbia, 12 from 3 provinces of Canada, from Barbados, Trinidad, Brazil, England, China, Australia, Czechoslovakia, and the Philippines.
The following organizations visited in a body: (June, July and August are included because they were omitted in the last report.)
June—13 North Shore Book Club; 25
- Chicago Y.W.C.A.; 42 Boy Scouts,
- Evanston, Ill.; 37 Prairie Club.
- Chicago (Hikers).
July—19 Rebecca Guild from Grace
- Evangelical Church, Milwaukee,
- Wis.; 12 Youth Group from the Pilgrim
- Cong’l. Church, Oak Park,
- Ill.
Aug.—25 Rogers Park Play School,
- Chicago, Ill., 40 Jehovah Lutheran
- Church, Chicago.
Sept.—18 Girl Scout Troop, Wilmette,
- Ill.,; 23 Students from Evangelical
- Institute, Chicago.
Oct.—30 Lions Club, Winnetka, Ill;
- 18 As You Like It Readers Club,
- Harvey, Ill.; 16 Y.W.C.A. Northwestern
- University.
From January 1, 1945, through October 31, 1945. Bahá’í literature in the amount of $1,877.43 has been sold by the guides, including 1137 copies of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.”
Week-day guiding will continue to indefinitely owing to the fact that visitors continue to arrive in great numbers, many of whom come from remote and sparsely settled states and foreign countries. We feel this necessary, since it is doubtful if any but a few of these would have another opportunity to visit the Temple or hear of the Faith. We hope that it will be possible to so heat the Temple that it can be open every day in the year.
Among means of serving the Cause Temple Guiding is unique. None other is so full of possibilities of teaching with widespread effect. The enthusiastic comments of the visitors and their interest is amazing. They come here desiring to learn and delighted with what they hear.
More fireside groups and public meetings are needed everywhere. We should like all of you, no matter where you live, who wish to be listed as willing to hold fireside groups, to send your name to the Guides Committee. We will keep a list at the Temple. Many visitors would be interested in attending such meetings.
Since we shall need many more guides and public speakers for the work by next summer, we invite those who would like to spend their vacations in Wilmette to volunteer for this work. It will be necessary for you to prepare yourself well and to be approved as a teacher by your Local Spiritual Assembly or Regional Teaching Committee. We will furnish Guides Study Courses to those who are so approved if they will apply for them. Some assemblies are holding guide, study classes and supervising them. Only those who seriously intend to do this work should apply for Courses, as the supply is limited.
The four who spent their vacation last summer in Wilmette guiding in the Temple found it a most thrilling work. They were Roan Orloff, Boston, Massachusets; Clara Edge, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Muriel Barrow, Shandaken, New York; and Mary Beasley, Detroit, Michigan.
The total number of visitors to the Temple from January 1 to October 31, 1945, was 24,396. Last year for the same period, it was 16,391. The total since Guide Service started, July 1, 1932, is 205,824!
Permanent Memorial Exhibit[edit]
The Bahá’í Committee on American Memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, at the request of the National Spiritual Assembly, is endeavoring to establish a permanent exhibit in the Evergreen Cabin at West Englewood, New Jersey, commemorating the Master’s visit to America. Any newspaper clippings, photographs, relics or accounts of personal interviews with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, that have any bearing on His visit in this country will be accepted. Photostatic copies of these precious mementos can be made and used in lieu of the originals should the owners not wish to part with them. Whatever information or articles any believer has, will he or she please submit them to, or contact the Secretary of this Committee?
Mrs. Army G. Raubitschek, Secty.,
Bahá’í College Students[edit]
The College Speakers Bureau is anxious to obtain the names of Bahá’í students in educational institutions.
The Bureau wishes to compile this list of Bahá’í students in order to make special contact with them, both as a possibility of presenting a Bahá’í speaker at the college where they are enrolled and for assistance in teaching among undergraduates.
Names and addresses of the Bahá’í students should be sent to the secretary of the Bureau.
College Speakers[edit]
In cooperation with the Race Unity Committee, the College Speakers Bureau is glad to report that Mrs. Joy Earl is spending three months in the south visiting many well known colleges. Mrs. Terah Smith will visit several colleges in Georgia this month in connection with a teaching trip. Dr. Edris Rice-Wray will fill an opening at Iowa State University and will have an opportunity to speak to the students and faculty and make a radio address.
Election Committee for Michigan, 1946. Left to right: Mrs. Harry Mills, secretary; Mr. Harry Whang, chairman; Mr. George True.
Child Education[edit]
Dear Parents and Teachers:
In the teaching process, there comes a time when a child has assimilated sufficient knowledge on a given subject to express some of this knowledge in his own words. Through this means of expression his learning becomes more firmly imprinted on his mind and soul. The following was dictated by a child eight and a half years old, who had been studying the Faith for about a year.
“Bahá’u’lláh was a good man. He was good to us. We love Him. We should love all God’s Men. We should be good, and if we are we will be happy, and so will God. If we pray every night, God will know we love Him. God knows everything we do and say. He knows what we think, too. We are dumb compared to God!”
“If all the nations agreed, the world would be perfect, but we cannot be perfect with all these wars.”
“Bahá’u’lláh taught us to worship God, and He taught us the ‘Hidden Words.’ A Bahá’í has to believe in Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá too. ‘Abdul-Bahá went on with Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings. Shoghi Effendi is the living grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He is the head of all Bahá’ís around the world.”
News of Other Lands[edit]
Egypt
The British Bahá’í Journal gives the following description of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Cairo:
Philip Hainsworth spent some time in Egypt on his way to East Africa and stayed in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Cairo for a few days’ leave. He gives the following description of it:
“It is very new and a most beautiful place. It was only completed a matter of one hour before the Centenary celebrations were due to begin. As soon as the workmen finished, swarms of the friends dashed around the place and cleaned it up so that everything should start on time. The exterior and dome is still incomplete.
CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS IN CAIRO, EGYPT, MAY 22–24, 1944 Banquet for Ladies. One of the Banquets for Men.
It is a nine–sided building of simple
design, but unusual, with a dome on
top supported by nine pillars, about
15-20 feet above the main body of the
building. Eventually the surface will
be covered with some plastic material
and the dome will be floodlit.”
“It lies a hundred yards back from the main road between a Coptic Church and a Mosque. (This Mosque was built specially to oppose the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and meetings are held in it for the sole purpose of raising hatred against the Bahá’ís.)
“In the basement of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds are five rooms, kitchen, etc., the rooms being used for the library and book store, for the Youth Groups (boys and girls meet separately for the present), the local assembly, etc. Above the basement is the reception hall, a small office, and the large assembly hall, which will seat 150 or so. The next floor has the two guest rooms, the archives room, the N.S.A. room, library (display), bathroom and small kitchen. Above this again is the flat sun roof with the dome rising above all.”
Our readers will remember the
great success which attended the
Egyptian Centenary celebrations.
About 400 believers from all parts of[Page 11]
Egypt attended and a fine group of
non-believers was attracted to the
Faith and have since come to the
Bahá’í meetings in Cairo. We have
recently received a detailed account
of the Centenary celebrations which,
by showing the obstacles the Egyptian
believers had to overcome,
makes the success of this great event
even more striking. The completion
of their Ḥaẓiratu’l-Quds by May, 1944,
seemed, in 1943, impossible, owing
to lack of funds and difficulty in obtaining
materials. But contributions
from the Guardian revived the hopes
of the N.S.A. Materials were miraculously
procured. Carpentering was
entrusted to three committees, in
Cairo, Beni-Suef and Port Said. Electrical
installments were contributed
by the friends of Beni-Suef and the
plaster by Port Said.
Centenary Celebration: Preparations for the great event were made by various committees and included obtaining the consent of the police, arranging accommodations for the several hundred out-of-town Bahá’ís, some in hotels, but most in homes of Cairo Bahá’ís, arranging the program, arranging for refreshments and meals in tents which were pitched beside the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, approving the names of non-Bahá’ís who expressed a desire to attend, etc. The celebration lasted for three days. The program included addresses on “The Position of Women in the Bahá’í Cause.” “The Life of Qurratu’l-‘Ayn,” “The Accord between Religion and Science,” “Why Bahá’ís feel Tranquility,” readings from the Qayyumu’l-Asmá’, the “Dawn Breakers” and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s American Addresses, and music.
The audience was divided, children up to twelve occupying the basement, men the second floor, and women the third. A public address system had been installed by means of which all could listen to the program. Those in attendance were from different nationalities and faiths—Moslems, Christians and Jews. All were conscious of a new, matchless and life giving spirit. The fragrances of spiritual love and brotherhood were diffused.
Hundreds were gathered outside, eager to listen, and all the radios of the neighborhood were silent in order that people might listen to the loud speakers. Many poor people gathered around the building and were fed. Celebrations in Cairo are
The late Mohamed Effendi Said, the then chairman of the N.S.A. of Egypt, giving an address from the top flat of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds during the Centenary celebrations.
generally more or less disorderly,
but this one was marred by no disturbing
incident.
New Field of Service: Soon after the Centenary the Guardian wrote advising the {{sic|Egypian|Egyptian} Bahá’ís to establish the Cause in new localities and contributing 1,000 pounds to help finance pioneers and aid in the general teaching work. As a result, three new assemblies have been formed, in Suez, Tanta and Sohag. Two believers have settled in Khartoum, Sudan, and the believers there are well organized, holding weekly meetings, attending Nineteen Day Feasts regularly and keeping in communication with the National Spiritual Assembly.
Sabri Effendi Elias of Alexandria has returned to Ethiopia, after a long absence which began when the Italian war against Ethiopia broke out in 1933. Reports show that he is promoting the Cause in a wonderful way and it is hoped that he can stay in Ethiopia permanently.
Persecutions: In Tanta when the Spiritual Assembly was formed, the Bahá’ís were attacked, beaten and, in one case, wounded by a mob which the police dispersed with great difficulty. Later, however, as the people of Tanta came to know the Bahá’í is better, a friendly feeling came about, and now many of the people of Tanta are inquiring about the Cause.
Bahá’í Marriage Certificates Still Unrecognized: Recently an application of a Bahá’í for permission for his wife (a Palestinian resident) to become a resident of Egypt was refused on the ground that the Bahá’í marriage certificate of the couple was not legal, since the Bahá’í Faith is not recognized by the Egyptian Government. This case is being appealed. Such verdicts are frequent in spite of the judgment pronounced by the Grand Mufti of Islám in Egypt in which he proclaimed the independent status of the Bahá’í Faith. The Egyptian Bahá’ís are preparing a memorandum in which they hope to gain from the Egyptian Government the right to enjoy the privileges sanctioned by the Constitutional Law on an equal footing with other religious communities.
Burma
Superb Services rendered the Cause by Siyyid Musṭafá Roumie
Our November issue carried the
news of the death of Siyyid Musṭafá
Roumie and the Guardian’s cable,
which spoke of his “magnificent
achievements” entitling him to “join
the ranks of the Hands of the Cause
of Bahá’u’lláh.” Readers will remember,[Page 12]
too, the account, published later,
of his tragic death in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds
of Daidanaw. The following account
of this distinguished pioneer is
condensed from one by Abbasally
Butt which appeared on the Bahá’í
News Letter of India.
Siyyid Musṭafá belonged to a noble family of Baghdád, ‘Iráq. His father had settled in Madras, India. When Sulayman Khan Ilyas, popularly known as Jamál Effendi, the first Bahá’í teacher sent by Bahá’u’lláh to India in 1875, arrived at Madras, Siyyid Musṭafá was in his early twenties. He was very spiritual and very careful in the observance of his religious duties. The moment, therefore, he came in contact with the commanding personality of Jamál Effendi, he was attracted to him. He became convinced of the truth of the Cause and enkindled with love for it. When Jamál Effendi left Madras, he accompanied him and travelled with him throughout India and Burma.
On reaching Burma in 1878 he left Jamál Effendi and settled in Rangoon, where he married into a wealthy Indo-Burman family of traders and became a partner in their business.
Jamál Effendi succeeded in establishing two Bahá’í groups in Burma, one in Rangoon and one in Mandalay. Siyyid Musṭafá followed up his teacher’s work and, under the direction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, succeeded in developing these groups into Spiritual Assemblies.
In 1910 the firm in which he was a partner failed, and, soon after, his wife died. From this time on he devoted his whole time to the service of the Faith. In 1899 he carried to the Holy Land, with other Bahá’ís, the marble casket made by the Bahá’ís of Mandalay for the Holy Remains of the Báb. He was received by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá most graciously and was the recipient of many favors from Him.
Besides consolidating the Centers at Rangoon and Mandalay he was assisted in establishing a new Center at Daidanaw, a village in the township of Kungyangoon. It happened that the headman of Daidanaw was involved in a troublesome legal case. In the Rangoon court when his application for bail was granted, there was no one to stand surety for him because he was a stranger. One of the Bahá’ís of Rangoon, happening to be in the courtroom, at once offered himself as surety. This impressed the headman and his companions and they inquired of the Bahá’í to which Faith he belonged. When told of Bahá’u’lláh and His great Message they were very desirous to hear more of it. They were brought to Siyyid Muṣṭafá, who convinced them of the truth of the new Revelation. The headman and his party went back to their village and related this experience to the people. The elders of the village held a consultation and decided to invite Siyyid Muṣtafá to their village to teach them the new Faith of God. This Siyyid Muṣṭafá did in his own convincing manner and the village embraced the Cause en masse. Siyyid Muṣtafá set about bettering the lot of these people. With financial aid from Rangoon Bahá’ís he started a school in the village. He translated several Bahá’í books into Burmese, supervised translations into Urdu and wrote Lessons from Religion in Burmese.
Siyyid Muṣṭafá was entirely detached from the world. He loved the Beloved Guardian to such a degree that in all his daily life he followed his example. He knew that the Beloved Guardian loved and appreciated nothing but work and service for the Divine Faith, and he worked for it day and night unmindful of his health.
He was about 99 years of age at the time of his death, but his spirit was as young as the spirit of a youth of 22. If he heard of an inquirer, he would walk a long distance to meet him. His method of teaching was to help the inquirer to be self reliant in his search for truth and remove from his mind the attitude of dependence upon so-called religious leaders. He would build his argument on the knowledge of the inquirer and convince him of the Truth proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh.
The Passing of Lidia Zamenhof[edit]
From Mrs. Mabelle L. Davis comes the news of two reports of the passing of Miss Lidia Zamenhof, daughter of the inventor of Esperanto and prominent Bahá’í teacher. The friends will remember her successful lecture tour in this country before the war.
Through a Danish periodical, the Dansk Esperanto-Blad, December, 1945, we learn that a Polish Esperantist wrote to Mr. E. Malmgren of Sweden, one of the officers of the International Esperanto League, as follows:
“In the last few days before the walling up and closing of the Jewish quarter, I went to Miss Zamenhof and offered to hide her with my Polish family. But that noble woman refused my offer to save her, saying that I and my family would perish as well as the Jew who was found. Miss Zamenhof was burned in the crematory for Jews in Treblinka, a place between Warsaw and Bialystoko.”
A report which seems to confirm this came to Miss Roan Orloff from Mrs. Anne Lynch in Switzerland: that Lidia Zamenhof died in August, 1944.
Marion Holley and David Hofman were married in Northhampton, England, Sunday, October 21, 1945.
Auckland, New Zealand, Bahá’ís are settled in a new Center in a good position on the main street of the city.
TABLE OF CONTENTS[edit]
| Page Col. | |||
| “Be Filled with Love”—Words | |||
| of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | 1 | 1 | |
| Messages from the Guardian | |||
| “Special Immediate Appeal” | 1 | 1 | |
| Status of Pioneer | 1 | 3 | |
| National Spiritual Assembly | |||
| Letter to the Believers | 1 | 2 | |
| Calendar | 3 | 1 | |
| Enrollments | 3 | 1 | |
| Convention Notice | 3 | 2 | |
| Directory | 3 | 2 | |
| In Memoriam | 3 | 3 | |
| National Committees | |||
| Inter-America News | 3 | 2 | |
| Public Relations | 4 | 2 | |
| North American Teaching | 5 | 3 | |
| Publicity for Public Campaign | 6 | 3 | |
| New Orleans Public Meeting | 7 | 1 | |
| Los Angeles Public Meeting | 7 | 2 | |
| World Language | 7 | 1 | |
| Selected Writings | 8 | 2 | |
| Publishing Announcement | 8 | 2 | |
| Wanted—for Green Acre | 8 | 3 | |
| “World Order” | 8 | 3 | |
| House or worship—Program of Public Meetings | 8 | 3 | |
| Branch Libraries | 9 | 1 | |
| Temple Guides | 9 | 2 | |
| Permanent Memorial Exhibit | 10 | 1 | |
| Bahá’í College Students | 10 | 1 | |
| College Speakers | 10 | 1 | |
| Child Education | 10 | 2 | |
| News from other Lands | |||
| Egypt | 10 | 2 | |
| Burma | 11 | 3 | |
| Passing of Lidia Zamenhof | 12 | 2 | |
| Photographs | |||
| Official Navy Photography of Bahá’í House or Worship | 5 | ||
| New Orleans Public Meeting | 7 | ||
| Election Committee for Michigan | 10 | ||
| Centenary banquets in Cairo, Egypt | 10 | ||
| Mohammed Effendi Said speaking at Centenary celebrations in Egypt | 11 |
