Bahá’í News/Issue 186/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 186 | AUGUST, 1946 | YEAR 103 | BAHA’I ERA |
“I Desire Distinction for You”[edit]
Be pure, O people of God, be pure; be righteous, be righteous ... The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.... Equity is the most fundamental among human virtues.... He that is unjust in his judgment is destitute of the characteristics that distinguish man’s station.... Be ye the trustees of God amongst His creatures, and the emblems of His generosity amidst His people.... Let truthfulness and courtesy be your adorning—. Let your acts be a guide unto all mankind, for the professions of most men, be they high or low, differ from their conduct. It is through your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves from others. Through them the brightness of your light can be shed upon the whole earth.
I desire distinction for you. The
Bahá’ís must be distinguished
from others of humanity. But this
distinction must not depend upon
wealth — that they should become
more affluent than other people. I
do not desire for you financial distinction. It is not an ordinary distinction I desire; not scientific, commercial, industrial distinction. For
you I desire spiritual distinction; that
is, you must become eminent and
distinguished in morals. In the love
of God you must become distinguished
from all else. You must become
distinguished for loving humanity;
for unity and accord; for love and
justice. In brief, you must become
distinguished in all the virtues of the
human world; for faithfulness and
sincerity; for justice and fidelity;
for firmness and steadfastness; for
philanthropic deeds and service to
the human world; for love toward
every human being; for unity and
accord with all people; for removing prejudices and promoting international peace. Finally, you must
become distinguished for heavenly
illumination and acquiring the bestowals of God. I desire this distinction for you.
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
“Praying Speedy Initial Victories”[edit]
Rejoice at news of impending departure of pioneers for Transatlantic field of service. Delighted at appointment of Latin American committees; at noble determination of National Teaching Committee, and projects for proclamation of Faith to masses. Urge all agencies cooperate, bend energies, and persevere in attainment of all objectives of Plan. Praying speedy initial victories in both hemispheres.
Cablegram received July 13, in answer to message cabled to the Guardian from the July meeting.
All Must Participate[edit]
(The following is a portion of the Guardian’s long letter to the individual believers, dated June 15, 1946.)
Dearly-beloved friends:
It is not for us, at this crucial hour, to delve into the future, to speculate on the possibilities of the Plan and its orientation, to conjecture on its impact on the unfoldment of an embryonic World Order, or to dwell on the glories and triumphs which it may hold in store, or to seek to delineate the mysterious course which a God-given Mission, impelled by forces beyond our power to predict or appraise, may pursue. To try to obtain a clear view of the shape of things to come would be premature inasmuch as the glittering prizes to be won are directly dependent on the measure of success which the combined efforts that are now being exerted must yield. Ours is the duty to fix our gaze with undeviating attention on the duties and responsibilities confronting us at this present hour, to concentrate our resources, both material and spiritual, on the tasks that lie immediately ahead, to insure that no time is wasted, that no opportunity is missed, that no obligation is evaded, that no task is half-heartedly performed, that no decision is procrastinated. The task summoning us to a challenge, unprecedented in its gravity and force, is too vast and sacred, the time too short, the hour too perilous, the workers too few, the call too insistent, the resources too inadequate, for us to allow these precious and fleeting hours to slip from our grasp, and to suffer the prizes within our reach to be endangered or forfeited. So much depends upon us, so pregnant with possibilities is the present stage in the evolution of the Plan, that great and small, individuals, groups and Assemblies, white and colored, young and old, neophytes and veterans, settlers, pioneers, itinerant teachers and administrators, as isolated believers, as organizers of groups, and as contributors to the formation of local or national Assemblies, as builders of the Temple, as laborers on the home-teaching front, or in Latin America, or in the new transatlantic field of service—all, without exception and in every sphere of activity, however modest, restricted, or inconspicuous, must participate and labor, assiduously and continually, until every ounce of our energy is spent, until, tired but blissful, our promised harvest is brought in, and our pledge to our Beloved fully redeemed.
However dark the outlook, however laborious the task, however strange and inhospitable the environment, however vast the distances that must be traversed, however scarce the amenities of life, however
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irksome the means of travel, however annoying the restrictions, however listless and confused the minds
of the peoples and races contacted,
however trying the setbacks that
may be suffered, we must, under
no circumstances, either falter or
flinch. Our reliance on the unfailing
grace of an all-loving, all-reserving,
ever-sustaining, ever-watchful Providence, must, however much we may
be buffeted by circumstances, remain unshaken until the very end.
Shall we not, when hardships seethe
about us, and our hearts momentarily quail, recall the ardent desire so
poignantly voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
in those immortal Tablets that enshrine forever His last wishes for
His chosen disciples: “Oh! that I
could travel, even though on foot
and in the utmost poverty, to these
regions, and, raising the call of
Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá in cities, villages,
mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the Divine teachings! This, alas
I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.”
To be privileged to render, in His stead, on so colossal a scale, at such a challenging hour, and in the service of so sublime a Plan, so great and enduring a service, is a bounty which we can never adequately appraise. We stand too close to the noble edifice our hands are rearing, the din and tumult into which a war-devastated world is now plunged are too distracting, our own share in the furtherance of those global aims, tasks and problems that are increasingly absorbing the attention of mankind and its leaders is as yet too circumscribed for us to be in a position to evaluate the contribution which we, as the executors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Mandate, as the champion-builders of Bahá’u’lláh’s Order, as the torch-bearers of a civilization of which that Order is the mainspring and precursor, are now being led, through the inscrutable dispensations of an almighty Providence, to make to the world triumph of our Faith, as well as to the ultimate redemption of all mankind.
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
“A God-Given Mandate”[edit]
Beloved Friends:
Shoghi Effendi has addressed to every individual Bahá’í of North America a communication which immerses us in the potent and creative spirit of the world-encircling Divine Plan destined to assure the consummation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. In this message each of us may draw near the very central citadel of the Bahá’í Revelation, where its floodgates of power are open and the forces of inspiration are undimmed and unchecked by an ignorant world.
There can be no higher privilege for us at this crucial hour than to ponder the Guardian’s words, concentrate on their significance, and open our hearts to their blessing.
With all possible swiftness, the National Spiritual Assembly has taken steps to place a copy in the hands of every believer. In mimeographed term, ten pages in length, the communication, which has been entitled “A God-Given Mandate,” is being addressed to the individual home by first class mail. While preparing the large edition needed for this purpose, one copy has first been sent to each National Committee, each Regional Teaching Committee, and each local Assembly. These advance copies are for the inspiration of such Bahá’í gatherings as are held before individual distribution shall have been effected, and to prepare the friends by consultation to realize the vital importance of this message issued from the World Center of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
Bahá’í News
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.” Bahá’í News is edited for the National Spiritual Assembly by its Bahá’í News Editorial Committee: Garreta Busey, chairman, John Ashton, Alice Simmons Cox, Marzieh Gail, Doris Holley, Annamarie Kunz Honnold, Eleanor Sweeney Hutchens, Mabel Hyde Paine, Margaret Swengel. Editorial office: Miss Garreta Busey, 503 West Elm Street, Urbana, Illinois. Please report changes of address to which Bahá’í News is to be sent and other matters pertaining to its distribution to the Bahá’í National Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. |
“Might not this second and still greater adventure,” the Guardian asks, after speaking of the first Seven Year Plan, “undertaken by the trustees of a God-Given Mandate, demonstrate in both hemispheres, despite the prodigious scale on which it is launched, such prodigies of service as will carry its prosecutors far beyond their avowed objectives, and eclipse, through the wisdom, the valor and exploits of those pioneers and administrators immediately responsible for its planning and execution, the splendor of every previous collective enterprise undertaken by the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the West?”
“However dark the outlook,” the Guardian also states, “however laborious the task, however strange and inhospitable the environment, however vast the distances that must be traversed, however scarce the amenities of life, however irksome the means of travel, however annoying the restrictions, however listless and confused the minds of the peoples and races contacted, however trying the setbacks that may be suffered, we must, under no circumstances, either falter or flinch. Our reliance on the unfailing grace of an all-loving, all-preserving, ever-sustaining, ever-watchful Providence must, however much we may be buffeted by circumstances, remain unshaken until the very end.”
Immense will be the changes in the conditions of the world before the fateful year of 1953 is attained. Great will be the spiritual risings and failings. May to us each and all be granted the supreme bounty of faithfulness, loyalty and devotion, unity and activity, through every passing day until the goal is won!
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.
- Mr. John J. Mack, Denver.
- Mrs. Cynthia Baldwin, New Haven.
The Proposed Bahá’í Radio Station[edit]
Since the Convention session which indicated such interest in the possibility of acquiring an FM Radio Station at the Temple, in the light of the Guardian’s statement on the subject, the National Spiritual Assembly has consulted with a member of the Radio Committee, appointed a special committee to investigate further into the details of the matter, and acted to keep the subject actively before the members.
This is in the nature of a brief progress report for the information of the Bahá’í community.
Among the principal items bearing upon the matter are:
- The Guardian has received a detailed report. His consent must be obtained before the Assembly would feel justified in using the House of Worship as a radio transmitter or studio.
- The necessary FM wave band is still obtainable.
- FM broadcast programs have as yet only a very small audience, but the listeners will undoubtedly increase from year to year.
- Responsible firms urge all interested to realize that actual installation and operation costs are likely to be very much higher than would be indicated by advance estimates. Figures already available run from $30,000 to $75,000.
Further reports will be made from time to time.
Treasurer’s Report[edit]
Dear Bahá’í friends:
Now since your National Assembly has established a new budget of $250,000.00 for the current Bahá’í year it is well for us to watch from month to month how we progress towards the achievement of this goal, for upon our success or failure to support the financial requirement of the Guardian’s Plan will demand the success of the whole Seven Year Plan.
During the month of May, which is the first month of our new Bahá’í year, our budget was $20,833.30. Contributions from May 1st to May 31st amounted to $11,448.81, which means that there was a deficit in meeting our budget obligations of $9,384.49.
One hundred Assemblies contributed during the month of May, 38 Assemblies did not contribute, 65 Groups contributed and 102 isolated believers contributed.
Regional Conference at Banff, Alberta, Canada, 1945. For the announcement of the 1946 conference, to be held in August, see Bahá’í News for July.
With the initiation of the new Seven
Year Plan, the opening up of Europe
as a new teaching territory, the commencement of the interior decoration of the Temple, and with the
increased financial demands made
upon the Fund by Inter-America and
National Teaching Work, it is well
for each believer to follow closely
the degree of “complete, exact and
immediate obedience” which the
Guardian is calling for.
Due to delays beyond the Treasurer’s control your Yearly Report had not yet been sent out when this was written. However, it is hoped that in the near future each believer will receive a detailed report of all of the different expenses of the Faith.
Inquiries regarding the handling of the Fund, or any other question, will be gladly answered by the Treasurer’s Office.
National Committees[edit]
International Relief[edit]
The Committee on International Relief reemphasizes the importance of sending relief packages to the Friends in war-devastated countries. Again, the Committee emphasizes the advisability of sending help through reliable agencies, such as CARE. This agency has acquired army surplus parcels: it guarantees delivery within three months (or less) or money back. The parcels include solid meat, stews and hashes (9.8 lbs.); fruit jam and pudding (3.6 lbs.); vegetables (2.3 lbs.); sugar and candy (3.9 lbs.); cocoa, coffee and beverage powders (1.1 lbs.); evaporated milk (0.8 lbs.); preserved butter (0.5 lbs.); cheese (0.4 lbs.); and a can opener, cigarettes, and soap. This 40 pound package costs $15.00. Send order blanks to CARE, 50 Broadstreet, New York, New York.
In using such agencies, unfortunate experiences such as that of having packages arrive filled with stones or with all of the chocolate removed may be avoided.
Some addresses have already been given in Bahá’í News for July. A list of additional addresses follows:
I. England.[edit]
On all parcels clearly mark “Gift—Not for Resale” both on front of the package, and on the customs declaration tag. Gift packages may not be sent more than once a month when mailed by the same sender to the same addressee. There is a small duty on most foodstuffs that must be paid by the addressee. Make sure that an clothing sent is labelled on tag as “worn.”
To comply with both U.S. and British postal regulations, gift packages should not weigh over 11 pounds gross weight or
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be over 42" in length or 72" in length
and girth combined. They may be insured, but not registered.
- Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Hesketh, Ringwood, Hants.
- Mr. Arthur Cole, Liverpool University, Liverpool.
- Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lacey, 15 Church Drive, “Cotmanhay,” Ilkeston, Derbys.
- Mrs. Dora Weeks, 42 Oakwood Road, Henleaze, Bristol.
- Miss Olive Stokeley, Mundford, Thetford.
- Mrs. Lillian Stevens, “3 Hills”, Hampton Ave., Babbacombe, Torquay.
- Mrs. Esther Richardson, “The Cottage,” 92 Fernleigh Ave., Mapperly, Notts.
- Mrs. Florence Rideout, “The Cottage,” W. Amesbury House, nr. Salisbury, Wilts.
- Mrs. Elsie Cranmer, 192 Seabourne Rd., Southbourne, W. Bournemouth, Hants.
- Mrs. Geraldine Cooper, Feniscowles Old Hall, Pleasington nr. Blackburn, Lancs.
- Mrs. D. Ferraby, Bahá’í Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London S W No. 1.
- Miss J. Young, Bahá’í Centre, 38 High Street, Manchester.
- Miss J. Wilkinson, Bahá’í Centre, 68 Great Horton Road, Bradford.
- Miss E. Eastgate, 5 Richmond Road, off Tudor Hill, Sutton-Coldfield, Warwicks.
- Stewart Webb, 39 Alliance Street, Stafford, England.
- George Edensor, Stone Road, Stafford, England.
- Mr. and Mrs. Naza Achoury, “Jalal”, Nottingham Road, Larch Farm near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
- Mrs. T. McWilliams, 17 Princes Road, Petersfield, Hampshire.
- Miss J. Howes, 16 Greenway, Northampton.
- Miss D. Jacobs, 26 Archbold Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland.
- Mr. and Mrs. T. Hall, Barrow-Greaves Farm, Ellell R.F., Lancaster, Lancs.
- Mrs. McKinley, Channel-View, Kingsbridge, Devonshire.
- Miss M. Bonney, Bearman’s Cottage, Margaretting, Ingatstone, Essex.
- Mrs. C. Cohen, 10 Manor Road, Hereford, Herefordshire.
II. France (Paris)[edit]
See advice given under England.
- Mme. Elisabeth Hesse, 1 Rue Rafaelle, Paris 16-e.
- Mme. Edwina Scott, 12 Rue Victor Considerant, Paris 16-e.
- Miss Edith Roohie Sanderson, 9 Rue de l’Annonciation, Paris 16-e.
- M. Charles Kennedy, 6 Rue Leon Bonnet, Paris 16-e.
- Mme. Marie Haladjian, 6 Place Felix Faure, Paris 15-e.
- Mme. L. Capet, 12 Rue Claude Debussy, Paris 17-e.
- M. Sasha Piteeffic, c-o M. Pierre Piteoff, 28 Rue Tronchet, Paris 9-e.
- Mrs. Edwin Scott, 1 Rue Rafaelle, Paris 16, France.
- Pierre Cugnot, 48 Rue Isabey, Nancy, Mthe, e. France.
- Pierre Tessier, 6 Ure du Deltam, Paris 9-e.
- Levoyer, Quai de Seine, Audesy, Seine et Oise.
- Mme Mutigon, 1-ter Rue Chanez, Paris 16-e.
- Andre Walter, 6 Rue Port aux Balnches, Nancy, Mthe e. Mlle.
- Mlle. Lucienne Migette, 10 Rue Morunet-Sully, Paris 20 eme.
- Mme. Aussenac de Broglie, 97 Rue de Rome, Paris 17.
III. Southern France.[edit]
- Mme. Marie Soghomonian, 31 Rue Deuverder, Marseille.
- Mme. Morched Zadeh, 57 Rue Lejeune, Toulouse.
- M. Marius Chaize, 6 rue de Boeuf, Lyon, (Rhone).
- Mme. Pelissier, 33 Quai Gailleton, Lyon, (Rhone).
- Mme. Roume, 33 Boulevard Riodent, Hyeres, (Vard).
- Mlle. Toussaint, 15 Boulevard Riodent, Hyeres, (Vard).
- Mme. Lucienne Acrad, Les Clos Fleuri, La Poterie, Hyeres (Vard).
IV. Finland[edit]
Personal gift packages (which should be appropriately marked) are admitted duty free, if weighing under 22 pounds. No restrictions on number or frequency of packages received by an individual. Used clothing is duty free. Postal regulations same as England.
- Mr. Vaino Rissanian, Box 13, Helsinki.
V. Norway[edit]
Gift shipments of food and used clothing weighing up to 110 lbs. will be admitted free of import duties and taxes.
- Frln. Johanna Schubarth c/o Prof. Dahl’s gt. 1-3, Oslo.
- Frau Aagot Krantz-Ramsli, Vaagevej 7, Kristiansund.
VI. Holland (The Netherlands)[edit]
Gift packages should not contain sugar. Packages worth more than $1.90 are liable to import duties. Mark same as for England.
- Mrs. Wygman Verbeek, Meezenbroekerweg 92, Heerlen-Limborg.
- M. Arnold van Ogtrop, Groot Hertoginnelaan 32, Bussum.
VII. Switzerland.[edit]
Rationed articles are subject to rationing laws, and recipients must surrender their coupons for such articles. Mark as for England.
- Mrs. Anne Lynch, International Bahá’í Bureau, 30 Grand Rue, Geneva.
- Mme. Vautier, Pension Neptune, 15 Seefeldstrasse, Zurich.
- Mme. Semle, Morgensonne, Wolfhalden, Kanton Appenzell.
VIII. Bulgaria[edit]
(Send packages through C-a-r-e or Ameropa. No silks—duty prohibitive.)
- Miss Marion Jack, c-o Roseva, ul Neophyte Rilska 40, Sofia.
IX. Hungary.[edit]
There is no limitation as regards number and weight of packages received at any single address, if the contents of the parcel obviously cannot be used for commercial purposes. Mark as for England.
- Miss Jenny Konlos, Vilma Kiralyno 9, f-2, Budapest 7.
X. Jugoslavia.[edit]
(Send packages through C-a-r-e or Ameropa).
- Mme. Desanka Forgovice-Tokin, Osthaimerstrasse 78, Vrsac.
XI. Czechoslovakia.[edit]
Same as for England.
- Mr. Vuk Echtner, c-o Bruckner, U. Pujcovny 2, Praha 11.
XII. Austria.[edit]
Mark packages as for England.
- Mr. and Mrs. Franz Pollinger, Bocklinstrasse-4, Tur 15, Wein 11.
- Mrs. Whittman, Deutsch-Wagram, Helmersdorf.
- Mrs. Marie Amschel, Wienerbergerstrasse, 10 x 3, Wein 12.
- Mr. and Mrs. Lappinger, Reisenerstrasse-711, Wein 3-40.
- Mr. Franz Bausbeck, Brunnerstrasse-79, Stammersdorf b/Wein.
- Mrs. Julia Schwarz, Ramoerstofferstrasse-25, Wein.
- Mr. and Mrs. Victor Erdmann, 119 Kahlenbergerstrasse-59, Wein 19
XIII. Russian Occupied Germany[edit]
(Send packages through C-a-r-e or Ameropa).
- Herr Thei Lehne, Dallgow-Doberitz, Parkstrasse-24, Berlin.
- Frau Marta Mutzhold, Plausigerstrasse, 6-11 links, Leipzig.
- Frau Lisselotte Jenzeh, Massmanstrasse-31, Rostock-Mecklenberg.
- Herr Emil Jorn, Reuterstrasse-31, Warnemunde.
- Herr Karl Klitzing, Jungernsteig-21, Schwerin.
XIV. British-Occupied Germany[edit]
(Send packages through C-a-r-e or Ameropa).
- Frln. Anna Bostelman, Uhlenhorsterweg-2, Hamburg.
XV. American Occupied Germany.[edit]
Mark as for England.
- Frln. Marla Weiss, Kasselwasen 4, Esslingen a/Neckar.
- Frln. Ursula Muller, Weisdermanstrasse-41, Frankfurt a/Main.
- Frln. Frieda Eichler, Rohrbacherstrasse-22, Heidelberg.
- Frln. Elas Grossman, Freiderich Ebertstrasse-39, Heidelberg.
- Herr and Frau Horne, Ph. Marzstrasse, Seeheim, a.d.B.
- Herr Philip Kreckel, Karillenstrasse-20, Winheim, a.d.B.
- Herr and Frau Hans Krauss, G-Altenstadt Baden, Oelweg-22, Geisslingen, Steige.
- Herr Adolf Lorey, Kr. uber Waldmichel-Bach, Odenwald am Bahnhof, Kreidach Odenwald.
- Frau Johanna Werthern, Oberstadt 60-b, Lich, Oberhessen.
- Frau Margarete Walcker, Kohlgruberstrasse-7, Munrau, Oberbayern.
- Herr Paul Sheher, Nerobergstrasse-24, Weisbaden.
- Frau Else Becker, Auerbach b/Zweikau, E. Thalmanstrasse-84, Zweikau.
- Herr Julius Henseler, Bergstrasse-64, Plochingen.
- Frau Marie Kussber, Seestrasse-13, Ludwigsburg.
- Frau Marie Ott, Raabeweg, Heilbronn.
- Frln. Katy Mills, ABC Haus Belgraderstrasse-64, Munchen.
- Mr. and Mrs. August Ehlers, Klingental b/Heppenheim.
- Mrs. Anna Marie Schweizer, Zuffenhausen b/Stuttgart.
- Paul Gollmer, Necharstr. 127 III Stuttgart.
- Herr and Frau Karl Wurtemberger, K Amt Waldshut, Kussnach.
- Frau Erna Schmidt, St. Uber Balingen-Alb Stockenhausen.
- Familie Bracht Macco, Th. b. Immenstadt/All gau Thalkirchenrf.
- Herr and Fr Arno Knabe, Muhlbachstr. 22 Ueberlingen/Bodensee.
- Miss Kathe Braun (14) Heilbronn-Bockengen, Klingenburgerstr. 19.
- Mr. Alfons Grassl, Herzogstr. 65, Munich 23.
A local firm has volunteered to give shoes if Bahá’ís will pay the postage. The shoes are suitable to be worn by people in a warm land such as the Philippines. Contact the Portsmouth Bahá’í Assembly.
Inter-America News[edit]
Regional Committees[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has approved the appointment of regional teaching Committees throughout Latin America, under the direct supervision of the Inter-America Committee, in the following regions:
- Chili, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay.
- Peru, Bolivia.
- Brazil.
- Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador.
- Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua.
- Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala.
- Mexico.
The primary purpose of these committees will be to select one or more goal cities in each region and, through intensive teaching activities, to establish Spiritual Assemblies in these goal cities by next April 21st. In all but one of these regions one or more Bahá’í groups have been established in cities other than those in which assemblies are already formed. While North American pioneers are to be on each regional committee, the majority of the membership in most regions will consist of native believers.
Service on these committees will help to prepare the South and Central American Bahá’ís to carry on the administrative responsibilities which they will assume in 1951, when the first four and the last four regions named above will each participate in the election of a National Spiritual Assembly,—one for all of South America, and one for Central America including the Caribbean region.
The Spanish Bulletin Committee has been moved from Panama to Chili.
Two new committees are being appointed to assist in the intensified teaching campaign. They are a Radio Committee, which will prepare and distribute scripts for several series of radio programs, and a Committee on Correspondence Teaching, which will prepare and distribute outlines on the Teachings for use in study classes and in isolated groups where a resident teacher is not available.
Location of Pioneers[edit]
The North American believers will be interested in knowing where our pioneers in Latin America are now stationed. The list follows:
- Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Bode, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Mrs. Louise Caswell, Panama City, Panama.
- Mr. Hascle M. Cornbleth, Quito, Ecuador.
- Miss Flora E. Hottes, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Dr. Malcolm M. King, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
- Miss Josephine Kruka, Havana, Cuba.
- Mr. Artemus Lamb, Punta Arenas, Chili.
- Miss Evelyn Larson, San Jose, Costa Rica.
- Miss Elena Marsella, Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic.
- Miss Eve Nicklin, Lima, Peru.
- Miss Cora Oliver, Panama City, Panama.
- Miss Gwenne D. Sholtis, La Paz, Bolivia.
- Miss Jean Silver, Havana, Cuba.
- Mrs. Marcia Steward, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
- Mrs. Shirley A. Warde, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Bogota, Columbia.
A former pioneer in Brazil, Miss Gertrude Eisenberg, has recently returned to the United States, but her place in Sao Paulo will soon be taken by Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Miessler, who expect to leave in August for permanent settlement in Brazil.
This distribution of teachers leaves two South American countries, Paraguay, and Venezuela, and three Central American countries, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, without North American pioneers. However, Marcia Steward is visiting all of the Central American centers consulting with Spiritual Assemblies, holding public meetings, and helping with extension teaching.
Elizabeth Cheney, who has been stationed in Bogota, Columbia, for several months, has recently visited Bahá’í groups in Cartegena and Barranquilla, Columbia, and Assemblies in Caracas, Venezuela, and Havana, Cuba. Miss Cheney is en route home. She will be located in Wilmette for at least a year and will serve as Secretary of the Inter-America Committee, taking over these duties from Miss Edna True, who is now organizing the work of the new European Teaching Committee.
The Thirty-Fourth Annual Souvenir Feast[edit]
By chartered bus, automobile, train and ferry, about 500 Bahá’ís and their friends gathered with picnic lunches June 29th to participate in the Thirty-Fourth Annual Commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Unity Feast, on the grounds at Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey. For the first time in all those
Youth meeting in the home of Mrs. Platte, Los Angeles, on the occasion of the departure from Los Angeles of Rhuhallah Rammine. Many nationalities and countries were represented.
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years it rained intermittently
throughout the day, thereby breaking
a tradition, but as the Chairman,
Mr. H. Borrah Kavelin, said, it is
traditional for Bahá’ís to break traditions.
The Picnic. At noontime, guests began arriving and found picnic tables arranged for their convenience under the trees on the west lawn. Desserts of cakes and doughnuts, and hot and cold beverages were served them under an awning at the south side of the Cabin. It started to rain at two o’clock, but the friends found adequate shelter on the porches and in the Cabin.
The Program. By the time the program was scheduled to begin, the sun had come out and danced on the sprays of water playing in the fountains, and glistened through the drops of rain which clung to the ferns and flowers in the rock gardens and hanging baskets. Light was reflected everywhere! Everyone gathered on the east lawn which recently had been graded and seeded and formed an amphitheatre about the east porch of the Cabin. A loud speaker system made it easy to hear the program from any place on the lawn. This is the first time that the program has been presented in this part of the grounds, and it was found very much better, as the heat of the afternoon sun was not as intense as it is on the west side at that time of the day.
The chairman, Mr. H. Borrah Kavelin, opened the program with a prayer and a few words of greeting and then introduced the pianist, Lucille Rothman, a 16 year old honor student of the Curtis School of Music in Philadelphia. She played most brilliantly Robert Schuman’s “Papillons,” Opus No. 2. Mrs. Emilie Moore Kalantar read the address which the Master gave to the group gathered here in 1912 at the first Unity Feast. Then the pianist Lucille Rothman played “Rondo Capricioso,” Opus No 14, by Felix Mendelssohn, and two encores.
The theme, “Birth of a World Commonwealth,” was divided into four phases and was presented as follows: Individual’s Aspect, Bruce Wendell; Youth’s Aspect, Miriam Raubitschek; Social Aspect, Bahiyyih Randall Ford; Spiritual Aspect, Dr. Ali Kuli Khan.
Each subject was handled briefly but thoroughly and clearly and was very well received by the audience. The Chairman closed with the “Prayer for all Nations” and announced the service which would follow at the Pine Grove where Safá Kinney conducted a half-hour of prayer and chanting on the ground made holy by the sacred presence of our Beloved Master, in June 1912.
Once again it started to rain, and so the guests came indoors. While some finished the contents of their picnic baskets, or partook of refreshments served by the committee, others met and visited friends they had not had the opportunity to greet during the afternoon. At 7 p.m. the sun again shone and cast a friendly parting glow through the pines upon the scene of this thirty-fourth Unity Feast at West Englewood.
Committee on American Memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
News of Assemblies and Groups[edit]
Inter-Racial Difficulties in South Bend[edit]
Mrs. Sarah Russell, secretary of the South Bend Assembly, reports that inter-racial gatherings in their new center have been the cause of threats from unknown persons. Mrs. Russell has remodeled her grandmother’s house, next door to her own, part of which is to be used as a Bahá’í center. She writes:
Lecture room in the Hazíratu’l-Quds at Sydney, New South Wales.
“South Bend had an Inter-Community Conference, the first of its kind,
here Sunday, with believers from
Ohio, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne.
We had about twenty-five visitors
and a wonderful meeting. The youth
held their conference here also. Both
were at the Y.W.C.A. The social
gatherings were held at the new center. About seventeen or more youth
attended, most of them colored. The
neighbors were on their porches and
didn’t like the picture.” Mrs. Russell
goes on to say that her husband was
called by telephone at his place of
business and told that the racial
gatherings would have to stop immediately or the Ku Klux Klan would
have something to say about it. When
Mr. Russell informed the police and
the FBI, he was told that, since it
was not a threat by mail or from
another state, it was a local police
matter. If it happened again, however, he was to let the FBI know
about it.
Successful Meeting in Atlanta[edit]
Atlanta reports that the most successful public meeting since Dorothy Baker’s visit in January was held on June 30th. The thirty-nine people who attended (twenty-three colored and sixteen white) were very much interested in a talk given by Mrs. Marguerite Ullrich, whose subject was “God Calleth the Nations.” Music was provided by Miss Marjorie Ullrich, Miss Florence Ullrich,
[Page 7]
and by Mr. Robert Miessler, and a
discussion followed the lecture.
Latin American Evening[edit]
The Pan-America Committee of New York City presented a highly successful Latin-American Evening at the center on Friday, June 7th. The program included Angel del Busto, world’s foremost bassoon virtuoso, who was accompanied at the piano by his wife, Gladys Mayo del Busto. Two movies were shown: Walt Disney’s sound and technicolor, “South of the Border” and “Americans All.” The hall was beautifully decorated with flowers, Spanish shawls, and the flags of the twenty-one Latin-American countries. Borrah Kavelin gave the Message in Spanish and Etta Mae Lawrence was chairman. An invitation was broadcast over the local Spanish station, WBNX, and there was a capacity audience.
Public Meetings in St. Louis[edit]
The St. Louis Assembly has put out a very interesting program of Sunday evening public meetings for July and August, with two speakers for each evening. The speakers are Mr. Louis L. Landry, Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Mrs. Anna M. Ferrill, Mr. Nayan F. Hartfield, Mrs. Mary Wunsch, Mrs. Jennie Anderson, and Mrs. Mary Wallace. An interesting feature of the program is the announcement of the subject for July 7th, “Religions of the Ages.” The nine living religions are listed with the approximate dates of their origin, a device which makes the subject look very tempting.
News Bulletins[edit]
The June bulletins issued by Boston and San Francisco have come to us this month. We know that many other bulletins and news letters are issued by assemblies in between these two coastal communities.
Boston’s Center Fund[edit]
Boston is trying to raise money for a new center without interfering with contributions to the National Bahá’í Fund. Proper attendance at the Nineteen Day Feasts and at the public meetings was emphasized in the bulletin. On the latter subject, we quote: “Our Program committee has been and is doing an outstanding job of securing a steady succession of splendid speakers for our regular Sunday meetings. The least we can do is to attend these meetings with at least one non-Bahá’í and as many more as we can properly interest.”
News from Japan[edit]
The San Francisco news letter contains this interesting note: “Michael Jamir reports in a letter from Japan, ‘In a Bahá’í way things seem to be shaping into a regular study group which will have its first meeting this Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Nagamma (Mrs. Emma Smith’s sister) and Mr. Sawada know many of the Teachings.’ ”
Bahá’í Wills[edit]
At one of the feasts in San Francisco, Dr. Nichols, at the request of the Assembly, opened a discussion on the question of cremation and wills. The news letter summarizes this interesting discussion as follows: “It was pointed out that many new Bahá’ís do not know of Bahá’u’lláh’s prohibition of cremation. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá explained that rapid disintegration of the body is contrary to laws of nature and not to be allowed, unless public health requires cremation because of an epidemic of contagious disease.”
“Friends who have included a request for cremation in their wills before becoming Bahá’ís often fail to change the will and a burial procedure, which as Bahá’ís they would not have wished, is carried out by non-Bahá’í relatives who are not acquainted or in sympathy with Bahá’í laws.
“It was pointed out that Bahá’u’lláh has left a definite plan for distribution of one’s estate which it is recommended that Bahá’ís follow, though it is not a law. It was suggested that sealed copies of wills be given to the Assembly for safe keeping and for checking after the passing of believers, to make certain that distribution of the estate is made in accordance with their wishes. Also that it would be wise for friends, whose families do not live in the community, to leave names and addresses of nearest of kin with the Assembly for notification in case of serious illness or death.
“In this connection we pass along a suggestion from one of the friends which the assembly found acceptable. That is, to have one’s funeral, or that of any Bahá’í for whom you might have the responsibility, listed in the vital statistics section of local newspapers as a Bahá’í service.”
Enrollments[edit]
1. By Assemblies.[edit]
St. Paul, one. Winnipeg, four. Phoenix, one. Chicago, three. Philadelphia, one. Los Angeles, one. Albuquerque, one. Ft. Wayne, one. New Orleans, four. Wauwatosa, one.
2. Reported by Regional Committees[edit]
Regional enrollments in June—eleven.
Letter to the Editors[edit]
(The following letter from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, makes a correction, which we are glad to print.)
Thank you for publishing the account
Teachers of the Child Education classes, Tihrán, Persia, 101 and 102 Bahá’í Era.
[Page 8]
of our Naw Rúz celebration
in the May News issue. There is,
however, one error which should
perhaps be rectified if possible. The
person who gave the splendid talk
was Mrs. Ina Trimble and not myself. The reason I should like you if
possible to correct this in the next
issue is that I want Mrs. Trimble’s
friends in the United States and Canada to share the fact that she prepared and gave it and to know how
splendid it was. Ina Trimble, is, you
see, a crippled lady who feels that
her contribution to the Faith is very
limited. This is not the case. Besides, she was the first resident
Bahá’í in this city.
If it isn’t too much trouble, would you mind making this correction so that Ina’s friends can know she is getting out of her home whenever possible and is very ably making her contribution to the Faith which has meant so much to her since becoming a member?
Thank you very much.
KATHLEEN M. RIMELL
News of Other Lands[edit]
Germany[edit]
A report from Esslingen covering the year 102, April, 1945-March, 1946, written by Frl. Marta Weiss, shows great activity among these staunch Bahá’ís and also a spirit of joyous devotion to our beloved Cause.
For eight years all Bahá’í organization in Germany was dissolved and the friends, mindful of Bahá’u’lláh’s injunction to obey the government under all circumstances, did not meet until May 23, 1945, after the abolishment of this prohibitive measure.
From that time on the Esslingen Bahá’ís were intensely active. The Bahá’í Festivals, November 12 and March 21 were celebrated in beautifully decorated homes with selections from the Holy Writings and music. Unity Feasts were attended by about 30 believers and 15 youth. Regular weekly meetings were devoted to a thorough study of the Teachings. Thirteen new believers were registered during the year. Three well-attended public meetings were given at the Bahá’í School during December. Great interest was shown by those attending and introductory courses were arranged for those desiring to know more about the Cause. The public meetings had to be discontinued on account of lack of heat.
Hildegard Muller reports that the youth meet each week for study-teaching and are attracting new members. They publish a youth-newspaper each nineteen days. The wonderful conclusion of the year was the youth meeting on March 17, 1946, in Esslingen Bahá’í Home, where 12 different cities were represented.
Egypyt[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh’s prophecy concerning the atomic bomb, and articles on the Bahá’í Faith and its Peace Plan have appeared in the Egyptian newspapers and been broadcast from the Egyptian Broadcasting Station.
Bahá’ís of Tanta in Lower Egypt have endured mob persecutions with great fortitude and have finally been rewarded. An important government official summoned the ringleaders of the mob and told them: “Your evil deeds have shown you to be far removed from the teachings of Islám, for Islám is a religion of peace. It also seems that you are ignorant of the fact that there are more than 400 different religions on the face of the earth and that the Qur’án says: ‘If your Lord should so desire it, He would gather all the peoples of the world into one nation.’ ” Then he warned them to stop their attacks on the Bahá’ís and made them sign a statement of good behavior. Since then, the believers of Tanta have not been harmed or molested.
The Bahá’ís of the Sudan are hoping to establish a Spiritual Assembly in Khartum soon.
Miss Margaret Swengel of Urbana, Illinois, has received from one of the Cairo Bahá’ís a section of a Cairo newspaper showing pictures of Bahá’í women celebrating the Ridván Feast in the Cairo Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, one of women casting their votes at the annual Bahá’í election and one of a Bahá’í young man delivering an sermon to an audience of women. The paper contains also an account of the origin of the Faith and of its teachings, with especial emphasis on Bahá’í marriage laws and the equality of the sexes.
Abyssinia[edit]
Through the efforts of the Bahá’í pioneer in Addis Ababa, Sabri Effendi Elias, a number of outstanding Abyssinians have recently embraced the Faith. The Abyssinian Government has at last granted officially to Sabri Effendi Elias the necessary permit to live in Abyssinia permanently if he desires.
Australia and New Zealand[edit]
Two Summer Schools were held at “Bolton Place,” Yerrinbool, one in October, 1945, and one in January, 1946. The management, which, up to this time, had been the personal responsibility of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Bolton, the founders of the School, has been transferred to the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand.
Summer School was held in New Zealand at the Auckland Center. The afternoon sessions were devoted to intensive study. The evening sessions consisted of lectures or readings followed by questions and discussion. There were non-Bahá’í guests and guest speakers, among them the Reverend C. W. Chandler, a Church of England Canon, who is sympathetic with the Bahá’í Message and who in 1944 invited an American Bahá’í stationed in Auckland during the war to preach in his church.
Calendar[edit]
Nineteen Day Feasts—Perfection, August 1; Names, August 20; Might, September 8.
Meeting of National Spiritual Assembly—August 30, 31, September 1, 2.
| Page | Col. | |
| “I Desire Distinction for you,” Words of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | 1 | 1 |
| Messages from the Guardian | ||
| “Praying for Speedy Initial Victories” | 1 | 1 |
| “All Must Participate” | 1 | 2 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
| “A God-Given Mandate” | 2 | 1 |
| In Memoriam | 2 | 3 |
| The Proposed Bahá’í Radio Station | 3 | 1 |
| Treasurer’s Report | 3 | 1 |
| Enrollments | 7 | 3 |
| Calendar | 8 | 3 |
| National Committees | ||
| International Relief | 3 | 2 |
| Inter-America News | 5 | 1 |
| The Thirty-Fourth Annual Souvenir Feast | 5 | 3 |
| News of Assemblies and Groups | ||
| Inter-Racial Difficulties in South Bend | 6 | 2 |
| Successful Meeting in Atlanta | 6 | 3 |
| Latin American Evening | 7 | 1 |
| Public Meetings in St. Louis | 7 | 1 |
| Boston’s Center Fund | 7 | 1 |
| Bahá’í Wills (San Francisco) | 7 | 2 |
| Letter to the Editors | 7 | 3 |
| News of Other Lands | ||
| Germany | 8 | 1 |
| Egypt | 8 | 1 |
| Abyssinia | 8 | 2 |
| | | |
| Australia and New Zealand | 8 | 3 |
| Photographs | ||
| Conference at Banff, 1945 | 3 | |
| Youth Meeting in Los Angeles | 5 | |
| Lecture Room in Hazíratu’l Quds, Sydney, New South Wales | 6 | |
| Teachers of Child Education Classes, Tihrán | 7 |
