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[Page 1]

BAHÁ’Í

NEWS

No. 196

JUNE, 1947

YEAR 104

BAHA’I ERA

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Wilmette Letter: 1947

MARZIEH GAIL, Convention Reporter

We aimed at Chicago and missed. The bottom had fallen out of the ceiling. They sent us to Moline and we slept on the ground in the darkened plane. Toward dawn we aimed at Chicago again; the brownish rocks in the white lake below us were skyscraper tops; we circled five times and missed. We went to South Bend. Then it was morning; we aimed at Chicago; we were sick, and ten hours late. We made it. At last we saw the last of the tinfoil mainliner from San Francisco.

Wilmette. The Temple comes through the trees and everything changes; you have a quicker heartbeat and sudden knowledge of mourning doves and warm air in the branches. I had already had one spring in San Francisco—now here was another.

You are ashamed, somehow, to enter the Temple, but you do, because it does not let you go. Everything now was business-like. I filled out a registration card and got my badge: blue ribbon for delegates, red for visitors; my name and address were typed on a card and slipped into a frame on the badge. (I noticed afterward that people were annoyed if you read their badges).

Foundation Hall was full. George Latimer (Oregon) was speaking over a microphone, on Bahá’í trusteeships. He said that when you elect the NSA you are also voting for trustees of six different legal bodies: of the Temple, Green Acre, and Wilhelm, Bosch, Wilson and Mathews properties. He praised the Geyserville Maintenance Committee for its hard work. He told us the Baltimore LSA gave $2,000 to the Green Acre Maintenance Committee, and that the Temple trustees had received a gift endowment from Amelia Collins (Arizona)—a building and property near the Temple. Estimated at $45,500.

THE INVASION OF EUROPE

Cables from the Guardian To the Convention Greatly touched by noble sentiments of delegates. Profoundly grateful, deepest love. ardent prayers. SHOGHI Received May 4, 1947. To the Canadian Bahá’ís Share joys and hopes of dearly beloved members of Canadian Bahá’í community; urge redouble efforts as hour of triumph approaches. Loving fervent prayers. SHOGHI Received May 7, 1947. To the National Spiritual Assembly Deeply appreciate newly elected Assembly’s noble determination. Praying for Bahá’u’lláh’s guidance, sustaining grace and richest blessings for manifold, weighty tasks shouldered by its consecrated, privileged, resolute members. Deepest love. SHOGHI Received May 8, 1947.

Pioneers stood out in the audience. Edna True told us 10 more settlers will complete the quota (35) for this year. Besides, itinerants will leave: Mildred Mottahedeh (So. New York); Marion Little; Mason Remey. And further volunteers. Books are a must; ETC spreads them in nine languages. You can help in three ways: volunteer to support yourself or a deputy over there; give more to the NSA Fund; build a strong home front. New European believers are pitifully grateful: “A light from heaven had touched me,” wrote an Italian.... Someone wanted to know if an LSA could support a pioneer as its project. Consensus: if it’s done in addition to, not instead of, your NSA contribution.... Relief for Europe came up: Keep on sending packages—the sky is the limit, Philip Sprague (So. New York) said.... Don’t burden the pioneers with requests for letters, Archie Tichenor (New Jersey) said. They’re busy. Be satisfied with round robins.... Archie photographs departing pioneers; asked at one sailing why he snapped these unknowns, instead of some available maharajahs, Archie replied: “Maharajahs are made by history; these people are making history.”

THE BIG MEETINGS

Nina Matthisen told us how to put on a big public meeting: you start three months in advance, with “prayer squads”; get a mailing list from each believer; rent a dignified, accessible hall; hire a public relations counsel; mail out questionnaire cards; get glossies of the Temple; visit editors, radio stations; invite the press to meet your speaker at lunch; hire the best music (Los Angeles secured 32 members of a university glee club); arrange Temple

Continued on page 2

The first two native Italian believers enrolled under the Seven Year Plan: Sr. Rudolfo Salvetti, extreme left, and Sr. Augusto Salvetti, right. Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Marengella, pioneers to Italy, are with them.

[Page 2] and book displays. Your chairman must be good in an emergency; he and the speaker must be emotionally stable. Choose simple readings; explain the names “Bahá’u’lláh” and “Bahá’í”; avoid too many names; avoid being too universal, as people want to know: “What’s in this for me?” Plan your follow-up before you plan your meeting ... Bahíyyih Ford (No. New York): Have the audience write their questions, give them to the ushers. Borah Kavelin (So. New York): Get a non-Bahá’í “name” speaker to attract a large audience; (New York City will feature Ruth Bryan Owen). John Inglis (Alabama): It cost $500 to reach 75 people in Birmingham, but publicity, study classes, resulted. Consensus: Two years of big meetings haven’t brought in many actual enrollments—have placed us before the public and trained us.

One long-suffering delegate said of small communities: I’ll travel hundreds of miles to address them, but at least they could guarantee me some non-Bahá’í listeners. (Amen).

BAHÁ’Í RADIO IS POPULAR

You can send in for any of 13 professionally-written-and-acted recordings on the Faith. They’re drama-style and the stations like them. 104 LSA’s—about 40 more last year—reported radio programs; Mildred Mottahedeh reported the Committee’s tackling the problem of home recordings for firesides. They desperately need a National Radio Office, full-time. Cost: $15,000 a year. There were 776 Bahá’í broadcasts this year, only 52 in 1944.

OUR PUBLIC RELATIONS

A man from Korea, two from Holland, one from Istanbul are among those who made special stopovers at the Temple after seeing our publicity, Horace Holley (No. Illinois) said. Some two million readers have been reached through publicity and advertising this year—learned the name “Bahá’í” and built up favorable associations to it. Free publicity is corollary to paid, has reached many additional people.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

The Convention isn’t only what happens on Convention floor. Between sessions, you meet the believers. Here are some of the things they are saying: Carol Hautz: “The Germans have the teachers; it’s up to us to keep the teachers alive.” ... Peggy True (Michigan): The whole convention is thrilled with how things are moving. But we want to balance the budget. We’re in the red. We have to evaluate each committee with relation to the budget.... We need more teachers.... People want to know: What will this faith do for me? They aren’t thinking about the atomic bomb or world peace—they feel that’s out of their hands ... Carol Hautz: We wrote to every family in Whitefish Bay—3,000 families, 9,000 people—and sent each one a letter, pamphlet on principles, and questionnaire card. One town got the questionnaire card printed in the newspaper: readers could cut it out and mail it ... Sara Kenny (So. California): I never felt such an impetus in the Cause before; I was never so aware of the “waiting servants,” the people of prepared consciousness ... Fannie Jupnik (Wisconsin) on the NAS’s Declaration of Human Rights: It shows that man is primarily a spiritual being, and has both rights and responsibilities based on this fact ... Allan Raynor of Toronto: We’ve got to have glossaries; terms like Sadratu’l-Muntahá are familiar to us, but non-Bahá’ís get impatient ... Winifred Harvey, young Ottowa career woman in employment and payroll statistics: Voting on the basis of character and ability will be incorporated into the mores so that it will be a sin to cast a vote for any other motive. This is a new addition to morality; it was never revealed before, so that Bahá’ís are not fully trained in it, non-Bahá’ís not aware of it at all ... Jameson Bond of Toronto: The Layman’s Movement for a Christian World had a “prayer vigil” at Paris Conference, prays for labor-management meetings, wants recognition of God in public schools ... Marie Fingerlin showed me some Sioux Falls advertising: the $8 ads are headed “Bahá’í World Faith,” have quote from Teachings, address, phone of Community; they are popular ... Mark Tobey (Washington, from floor): The LSA’s don’t spend enough time on their subjective side. If man always takes his consciousness and throws it out on the objective world, he may be quite efficient but he can’t open to the spiritual world. I’m tired of communities that have no beauty, no atmosphere, but a great deal of activity.

DECORATING THE INNER TEMPLE

Our outer Temple structure is now raised; the inner ornamentation is beginning. Perhaps our inner lives are about to develop, like the inner life of the Temple.

“You have come to this Convention at a crucial moment ... at the perfect moment,” the Convention Chairman (Dorothy Baker, Ohio) said. We learned from Paul Haney that the two groups had been put to work on Temple plans. Experts had been hired at remarkably low cost. One man who probably gets $100 a day contributed his entire services for $400. Total work on plans cost about $6,334; an engineer told me $25,000 would not have been excessive. The two plans became familiar to us as the McDaniel and the Reed plans. (Allen McDaniel, was supervising engineer of Temple construction 1929-43) ... Some highlights: Reed plan would have eliminated

Louhelen a capella choir singing at the Ridván Feast during the Annual Convention in the House of Worship, May 3, 1947.

[Page 3] Bahá’í Youth at 1947 National Convention

New Bahá’í News Editorial Office The National Spiritual Assembly has appointed the following Bahá’í News Editorial Committee: Mrs. Roberta K. Christian, Chairman: Mrs. Bertha H. Kirkpatrick, Mr. Gordon Fraser. New editorial office address: Mrs. Roberta K. Christian 1001 West Genesee St., Lansing, Mich. Material must be received at the editorial office not later than: 10th of Month — all reports, local and foreign, pictures (glossy prints), notices, etc. 20th of Month — all national committee reports.

perforated dome, for technical reasons; McDaniel plan had seats on one level, capacity 1668 persons. Reed plan offered a bowl arrangement — sloping, banked seats. A national acoustics authority offers a satisfactory, although not a perfect, solution to sound problems ... Both plans were submitted to the Guardian, and his answering letter was placed in our hands. Every believer should read it; the work concerns all of us, and we are literally building for the ages. (The letter will be in the “Annual Reports—Messages from the Guardian.”)

Delegates felt as if the Guardian had been in the Temple, his instructions are so definite: The work is to cost not more than $650,000; the McDaniel plan is favored (perforated dome, etc.) with Reed incorporations if feasible. There will be no elevator in the Temple; Foundation Hall will remain as it is—some day a National Administrative Headquarters will fulfill its purpose. Devotional part of Feasts will be held in auditorium (upstairs); the rest downstairs. No permanent reading desk—this “savors of a pulpit”; a portable one may be used ... Other discussion highlights: Original Bourgeois design will be modified, just as the Master instructed the size be modified. The Guardian favors elimination of the original eight upper rooms. Center seats in auditorium will face East. A 6-months study of lighting has already been

Continued on page 5

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“European Teaching Lies Close to the Hearts ...”

Now that a number of pioneers to the European field have reached their destinations, the European Teaching Committee is receiving notice that Bahá’í groups are being formed in the several countries. Thus the Administrative Order is being set up, and the systematic basis for the European campaign is being laid in conformity with the Guardian’s express wishes. Surely this nucleus of devoted workers will prove a magnet in every country to draw to them the power and the confirmations which will enable them to establish an Assembly in the near future.

On May 9th, Mrs. Elinor Hollibough of the Glendale California Community sailed on the “Drottingholm” to join the Anders Nielsons and Dagmar Dole in Copenhagen, Denmark. Mr. Mason Remey is making his final preparations to go to Europe (about May 25th) as our first itinerant teacher. Mr. Remey plans to visit every one of our “goal” countries during this trip, and we know that this visit will be of the greatest assistance to the work everywhere.

Mrs. Mildred Mottehedeh left for Europe directly after the Convention, and through her U.N. connections will be able to open up a great number of valuable and interesting contacts for our pioneers.

We are delighted to report that the second native Italian believer is now enrolled. He is Rudolfo, the brother of Sr. Augusto Salvetti, our first Italian believer. These two brothers are aflame with the Faith, and the Maringellas report that they are interesting many of their relatives and friends.

SPECIAL NOTICE Green Acre Bahá’í School opens June 23rd and closes Sept. 6, 1947. To stimulate early attendance a special 10% discount will be allowed on all WEEKLY RATES from June 23rd to July 15th. This discount does not apply to daily or week end rates. The management would appreciate early reservations. Mrs. Flora Valentine, Manager Green Acre Inn Eliot, Maine

Through consultation at the Convention and through conferences with the different friends attending the Convention, the E.T.C. is cognizant of the fact that the European teaching campaign lies close to the hearts of all the North American believers. This is a great source of gratitude and re-inforcement to the committee. The task of furthering this teaching work and of maintaining the pioneers in the field is going to be a prodigious one during the coming year, and the Committee will need the co-operation and the prayers of the entire Bahá’í Community.

[Page 4]

National Spiritual Assembly

“TO HOLD OPEN THE DOORS ..”
Beloved Friends:

The National Spiritual Assembly has sent a letter of greeting and announcement of plans and policies to every individual member of the American Bahá’í community. The aim of that message was to contribute to the spiritual solidarity and resolve of the entire Bahá’í body at the beginning of the second year of the second Seven Year Plan.

The tasks allotted to us need the full awareness and conscientious effort of all. We are all alike, the trustees designated by the Master for the fulfillment of the Divine Plan.

Among the principal points to note this year are:

1. The National Budget calls for a total income through contributions of $300,000.00, an increase of $50,000 over the Budget adopted last year. Two projects alone call for funds equal to the entire Budget set for the successive years of the first Seven Year Plan—Temple interior ornamentation and European teaching, whose combined appropriations are $150,000.00.
2. The National Assembly is withdrawing as rapidly as possible its members from work on National Committees, in order to maintain the Assembly as an administrative rather than executive body, develop its own collective capacity and preserve clear vision for the whole area of Bahá’í activity in North America.
3. National Committee functions have in several cases been redefined as opportunity for better coordination of the work became apparent.
4. As far as possible, National Committee appointments have been made on the basis of service on only one Committee.
5. The NSA has adopted a schedule of monthly meetings, as published on another page. In addition, consultation will be provided to National Committees between the monthly meetings, thus making for a more continuous contact with the different phases of the national work and better coordination of effort.
6. The national campaign in North America includes the formation of a National Spiritual Assembly in Canada in 1948; the formation of a total of 175 local Assemblies in the United States and Canada by April 21, 1948; the beginning of work on the Temple interior this calendar year; and a bolder proclamation of the Faith to the masses.
7. Thirty-five pioneers are to be maintained in Europe, requiring the dispatch of eight or nine new workers during the next few months.
8. Continuance of intensive work in Central and South America, where two National Assemblies are to be formed in 1951.

The pamphlet issued last year on the four objectives of the Seven Year Plan continues to be a source of information on the main features of our work.

The world around us is losing heart. The way ahead seems overshadowed to the non-believer. The momentum of the negative forces is accelerated.

This is the mission of faith in Bahá’u’lláh: to create assurance, reveal the light of the Sun of Truth, unveil the mysteries of the inner life, and hold open the doors to the unification of mankind by the new world order of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Convention accepted the responsibility of this crucial year. It generated the power to galvanize the whole community. As we individually strive to serve, the unmeasurable resources of the Kingdom will come to our aid.

Devotedly, your fellow-workers,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

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Excerpts from “Geneva Exchange”

Austria: The Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of Vienna has been reconstituted ... and are in close touch with the Geneva Bureau. They are translating “Bahá’í Procedure” ... have an active children’s group, ages ranging from 7 to 20.

Czechoslovakia: “The Czech Friends of the Bahá’í Cause” gathered for the Naw-Rúz celebration ... sent greetings over twelve signatures. A newly declared believer in Prague has held the Fast.

France: The Paris friends have asked for close communication with the Geneva Bureau and hope that it will be possible to route some of the French-speaking pioneers and itinerant teachers through France ... The matter will be brought up for consultation at the Swiss Bahá’í Convention in Zurich.

Elinor Hollibough, of Glendale, California, sailed for Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 9, 1947.

Germany: The National Spiritual Assembly has asked the Geneva Bureau to send a petition to the Allied Military Control on behalf of the Bahá’í ‎prisioners prisoners‎ of war. The various Christian churches had made such a petition ... but the Bahá’ís were excluded from it. We cabled the Guardian for his guidance and received his reply “APPROVE PETITIONING—SHOGHI.” Help has been asked from the NSA of America in the wording of this document. Ten Bahá’ís are still ‎prisioners prisoners‎ of war: one in Great Britain, six in France, two in Moscow, and one in Yugoslavia ... The New Year celebration was attended by over 100 ... A new believer has declared himself in Schwerin ... Annamarie Schweizer has visited monthly ten regional groups ... The NSA has appointed Mrs. Brauns-Forel, one of their members, as Bahá’í delegate to the World Esperanto Congress in Berne. Mrs. Brauns-Forel is the daughter of the late Prof. Forel, the eminent Swiss thinker and writer, who became a Bahá’í through correspondence with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Poland: Another request for two New Eras in Polish for the Warsaw University has been met.

Turkey: From Iskenderun (formerly Alexandretta) a believer who had in the past been in touch with the Geneva Bureau has written again. French literature is needed there.

Yugoslavia: A letter from Heidelberg, Germany, requested that a

[Page 5] “New Era” be sent to a German prisoner of war in Yugoslavia ... The book reached him quickly and he has written asking for a study book in Esperanto in order to give a course in his camp ...

India: There are seventy-one Bahá’í centers in this country. Their 18th Annual Convention was held April 27 to May 1.

Switzerland: Our two pioneers, Elsa Steinmetz and Fritzi Shaver, are at their posts in Berne ... The community now has five members.... Loving Bahá’í greetings to the friends in all lands ...

NOTE: The British, according to their physicians, are now in danger of loss of health through inadequate diet. For British Bahá’í addresses, see “BAHÁ’Í NEWS” for November, 1946, p. 15.

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Wilmette Letter

(Continued from page 3)

made. One delegate suggested ramps instead of stairs, another asked about construction materials, another about colors, another advised study of latest techniques used in UN installations, another recommended consultation with Bahá’í artists ... This work will now begin. We must finish it by 1953—50th anniversary of inception of the Temple project. This means an extra $100,000 to the National fund every year for six years. We can do it.

SOMETHING NEW IS ADDED

Many of us never experienced real mass consultation before. Promptness was new. So was frankness without hard feelings. Consultation was assembly-line in the good sense: we felt like producers. We had the kind of consultation the Guardian describes: “dispassionate, anxious, and cordial.” There were 3 reasons for this: excellent agenda; expert chairmanship; more maturity. (We suggest importing this convention type of consultation into 19-day Feasts: why not a timed agenda, distributed in advance?)

MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY GROW

Charlotte Linfoot (No. Calif.): Our publicity attracts the masses: What have we to show them? They must find us strong, vigorous. LSA must judge itself in relation to whole world community; know, use its local talent; appoint only necessary committees, check on them; learn how to use the 19-day Feast ... Mildred Mottahedeh (So. New York): Bahá’ís having mutual financial dealings might work through the LSA, thus avoid future disaffection ... Charles Krug (Mass.): I defy an Assembly to get into trouble if they will read Promulgation I, 69 ... Charles read a letter from the Guardian regarding some trouble which had occurred that we should forget the past; that the more people dwell on differences, shortcomings, failures the more discouraged, negative they become; it is better to get busy on constructive plans ... Larry Hautz (Wisconsin): At present a few are worked to death, others not used. We need a national census to screen out abilities, talents ... Marvin Newport (No. Illinois): Train prospective believers carefully, or you harm the community ... Allah Kalantar (New Jersey): Listen to people without prejudice; don’: say “He is old—he is young, etc.” but “What is he saying?” ... Borah Kavelin (So. New York): We need strong LSA’s with full attendance ... Rustam Payman (So. New York): We need a coordinating committee made up of all committee chairmen ... Rafi Mottahedeh (So. New York): Don’t neglect those who fail to attend meetings; give them special care ... Emeric Sala (Quebec): Start a community project e.g., help a minority group—the purpose being not to teach but to live the life ... Philip Sprague (So. New York): Our problems reflect lack of knowledge of the Teachings; the Word of the Manifestation is identical with the power of the Manifestation ... Terah Smith (No. New York) on fund contributions: Dwell on the theme “He is the All Bountiful.” Learn the law of giving. The world has tried to establish an economics on the principle of scarcity ... Annie Romer (So. Carolina): How conspicuous we are in new areas. People point us out, say “That’s a Bahá’í. I don’t know what it is.” ... Joseph Noyes (No. New York): We need time-economy LSA could consolidate its work ... Florence Reeb (Ohio): We meet after every large meeting, to evaluate its strong, weak points.

YOUTH ON THE MARCH

Under the clarified youth status, said Charles Ioas (Chairman, Youth) every youth of fifteen or more is a member of the Community. Bahá’í youth have contacted other organizations in schools; helped with large scale meetings in universities (700 people at University of Illinois); are doing regional circuit, national and international work; have their vacation-leisure to contribute. Committee

Continued on page 6

Principal speakers at Youth Banquet, Georgian Hotel, Evanston, during Annual Convention. Left to right Annamarie Mattoon, Henry Jarvis who plans to return to Heidelberg, Germany where he served as a captain in the U. S. Army; Louise Baker recently returned from pioneer work in Puebla and Coatepec, Mexico; and Stanley Bolton just lately from Sydney, Australia who served as chairman of the banquet.

[Page 6] Twenty-nine new students came to hear Emeric Sala in the Bahá’í Center in the new goal city of Cienfuegos, Cuba. The picture shows Emeric and his wife, Rosemary, center, with Jean Silver, pioneer, just behind them, surrounded by some of the students of the Faith as they came out of the Center during the Salas’ visit there in January.

overlapping must be corrected, committee facilities (such as new, improved Youth Bulletin) pooled. Youth must be fully utilized. Rustam Payman: In Ṭihrán the National Youth Committee is second only to the NSA. We have to make use of our youth. Let’s not just say it and forget it. Let’s do something about tomorrow before tomorrow becomes yesterday ... Elinor Adler Hollibaugh (Bolivia pioneer—now leaving for Europe): The youths’ mere physical presence teaches ...

Time out for lunch now. We ate at the cafeteria in corridors outside Foundation Hall. Late-comers (i.e. everybody) stood in line, but thus got a chance to visit. Food was good, inexpensive.

More on youth: A delegate suggested placing those of 21, a little over, on LSA’s. Teaneck, N. J. youth have put on dramatizations of the Faith by Nancy Bowditch of Brookline, Mass.; Baltimore youth put on a home-written pageant—a youth study nucleus resulted ... Suggestions: Send youth to Summer Schools on scholarships; start “pen-friendships” with foreign countries; Kathryn Mortensen (No. Illinois) urged discretion for youth; an interracial Bahá’í group, walking in Los Angeles, had been stopped by squad cars, detained; Matthew Bullock (Mass.) felt that walking together is not indiscreet, pointed out that two-thirds of the world’s population are colored. (Applause).

ABOUT BAHÁ’Í CHILDREN

Child training was never discussed with such fervor before. Annamarie Mattoon of Wilmette recommended the Brattleboro, Vt. plan for children’s meetings: a child prays; 2 or 3 principles are read to children from “A Bahá’í Child’s ABC,” and they discuss the reading; art work; closing prayer; refreshments. They also collect a fund for NSA. She suggested using children in Bahá’í activities: to open door, serve guests, pray—but don’t force them. A children’s meeting could be held to coincide with the regional meeting. More literature coming soon. Delegates’ suggestions: Train your children as Bahá’ís; make them proud they’re Bahá’ís; if there’s one child in a community, have a child’s class; if children can’t come to class, send class to them; parents’ education is the real problem: Louhelen summer school holds Bahá’í Parents’ Conferences with leading educators.

NEIGHBORS TO THE SOUTH

Louise Baker brought the first contribution from the Mexican provinces to our fund: A gold piece one of the new Mexican believers received as a child from her mother ... Emeric Sala and Dr. Malcolm King reported Latin America has been growing faster than we, might surpass us. Octavio Illescas believes “Latin America will burn with the joy of the Bahá’í Faith.” Sr. Carlos Vergara, early Mexican believer, Chairman Mexico City LSA, greeted us. A Brazilian assistant consul and a Bogotá believer, were among those invited to platform by spokesman Elizabeth Cheney, (pioneer, Paraguay). Edwin Mattoon, Wilmette, told us visual aids are widely used in teaching there; we were shown about 35 slides of Latin-American believers, conferences. Latin America wants pioneers—especially men.

“THIRTY-FOUR BY FORTY-EIGHT”

“More” is the word for North

Hail and Farewell. Canadian friends at the 1947 National Convention. From next year forward, Canada will have its own National Spiritual Assembly and its own Convention.

[Page 7] America this year. The Guardian has called for 34 new Assemblies by 1948. This means more funds—more teachers—more travelers—more settlers. It’s mandatory—we have no choice. Margery McCormick (No. Illinois) keynoting for NTC said: Weak communities (12 or less) must be strengthened: “spiritual prizes” (LSA’s which are alone in a state) must be held; 40 groups of 6 or over must be raised to LSA’s ... Summary: “34 by ’48.” Delegates asked for more Regionals—large areas mean time, cost; for new blood on Regionals; for work by area believers rather than Regional Committee members; for a less intellectual appeal in teaching. Harlan Ober (Mass.) asked how many use their Divine Plan prayer daily; about 6 raised their hands.

NEW IDEA AT THE TEMPLE

A projector, turntables and screen have been installed in Foundation Hall. Every half hour, visitors will be shown a 15-minute illustrated talk here: slides showing Temple’s growth, meaning, with music, professional voice-recording. We hope this feature will be made available for sale to communities: it’s new, appealing.

VOTING WAS EASY

There seemed less tension, more ease, at this voting than ever before. The balloting became one phase of

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“Consultation Is of Vital Importance”

“In this Cause, consultation is of vital importance; but spiritual conference and not mere voicing of personal views is intended.... The purpose is to emphasize the statement that consultation must have for its object the investigation of truth. He who expresses an opinion should not voice it as correct and right but set it forth as a contribution to the consensus of opinion; for the light of reality becomes apparent when two opinions coincide... Man should weigh his opinions with the utmost sincerity, calmness and composure. Before expressing his own views he should carefully consider the views already advanced by others. If he finds that a previously expressed opinion is more true and worthy, he should accept it immediately and not wilfully hold to an opinion of his own. .... Therefore true consultation is spiritual conference in the attitude and atmosphere of love. Members must love each other in the spirit of fellowship in order that good results be forthcoming. Love and fellowship are the foundation.”

—‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

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many activities, instead of the star event.

BAHÁ’Í SCHOOLS

After Marguerite Sears spoke for Green Acre—where Eliot mothers gladly send their non-Bahá’í children to junior classes, youth have a four weeks session, adults praise the intellectual fare—I wondered how the other spokesman could compete; they did well, however: Louhelen (W. Foster) has separate sessions for juniors (10-14 years) and seniors (15-20 years), besides Parents’ Conference and general sessions; famed for new ideas, new talent, this School is now working on a complete Bahá’í curriculum for all. (The Egglestons have just given the School

Site of Laurentian Bahá’í School, Canada, recently donated by Emeric Sala, and Siegfried Schopflocher. The N.S.A. has appointed a committee to conduct the activities and plan the development of this new summer school.

and immediate land, about 9½ acres, to the Faith). The International School (Ophelia Crum) trains pioneers for Europe, Latin America. Geyserville (Arthur Dahl) in the California vineyards, stresses workshop techniques. When Canada was asked to report on its school, John Robarts, Toronto, said, Which one? We have five, adding he didn’t wish to seem competitive, but all are outstanding. One, newly given to the Faith, is in the Laurentian Mountains, north of Montreal....

Encouraged to add to the agenda, delegates suggested about 18 more topics. Among these: National fund; European relief; race unity; policy-statement on Communism; state conventions; religious instruction in public schools; universal script; wire recorders; county fairs; national talent census; action with State Boards of Education regarding Bahá’í holidays.

HAVE YOU INDEPENDENT MEANS?

Saturday morning we studied prayerfully the Guardian’s Convention cable. The Guardian asks for pioneering or deputizing in Europe by “all American believers possessing independent means....” Most persons decided they had independent means, whatever their financial condition. Mamie Seto (No. Calif.) said: We are not limited by our independent means. We are limited by our love. A believer made a large contribution; people said, he has much money; I said no, he has much love .... Non-contributing Assemblies were frequently mentioned; these, it seems, are not always the same Assemblies; to many, it was incredible that any LSA would neglect its National contribution.

Continued on page 8

[Page 8]

TEACHING BY AIR

William Sears emceed some of the National radio shows for us. These include twenty spot announcements, present the Cause in striking new ways, allow tieups with local activities, are available on loan from the National Radio Committee.

THE BIG MEETINGS AGAIN

It costs about $600 to $1000 to present a large public meeting. Re-budgeting of activities was stressed. Other topics discussed: Teaching by mailing out literature (Peggy True); value of public relations counsel (William C. Henning); request that NSA ask neighboring restaurants to remove racial barriers during Convention.

THE HOLY PORTRAIT OF THE BÁB

At a special meeting, the NSA voted to permit viewing of the Báb’s Portrait. One reason: This is the last Convention the Canadian Bahá’ís will share with us.... Viewing the holy Portrait went forward with dignity and silence. A prayer was read by Pari Zia-Walrath; Rustam Payman chanted in Persian; Edwin Mattoon quietly directed us as to procedure. The Portrait was unwrapped from a white silk cloth with large blue-purple designs; it was set between vases of white and pink flowers; we saw again, as at the Centenary, the gold frame, the green mat with rays of gold light through it, the slight, seated figure of the Báb; His grave eyes looked at each of us as we paused briefly before it. (You thought for a moment of the sun flashing on Him and His band of heroes, riding through Persia in the morning of the Cause, and heard the battle-music in the air). Only for Bahá’ís, the viewing took about 35 minutes.

AMONG THE PIONEERS

I chatted with some pioneers; Bob and Margot Miessler leave for Sao Paulo; Amelia Bowman for Scandinavia; the Alvin Blums for New Zealand with their baby daughter. Jean Gates (Colorado) has confirmed several Chinese officers, college students, leaves for China this fall, plans to open a Bahá’í cooperative in Hongkong; Robert Imagire (Nevada) leaves at the Guardian’s direction for Japan. Dr. Malcolm King, just back from Haiti, Dominica, Jamaica, showed me a letter from Elena Marsella, Boston pioneer to Dominica; excerpt: “I never felt things so completely out of my hands. All I did was talk, and people just flowed to me.”

Bahá’í monument recently completed which marks the graves of Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl and Mrs. Lua Getsinger buried side by side in the Bahá’í cemetery outside Cairo, Egypt. The monument is designed as a pillar supporting the Globe, at the base of the pillar an open Book.

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MAGIC, 1947 MODEL

John Allen of Burlingame, California, presented a Peirce Wire Recorder to the Temple. Sunday the machine introduced itself: “I am a wire recorder ... to record all the business of the beloved Faith of Bahá’u’lláh ...” George True explained revolutionary uses of the hair-thin wire: it reproduces sound accurately and permanently; records meetings; keeps historical records; is erasible; can be used by public speakers to rehearse. (My guess: it will make us all permanently guarded in our speech). We understand it recorded No. California delegate Ali Yazdi’s Riḍván address; Esther Wilson’s Louhelen a capella Bahá’í Choir, also featured on Riḍván program; the public Temple talk given Sunday evening by William Sears.

GOODBYE TO CANADA

Meanwhile 26 Canadians met at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, cabled the Guardian, appointed a secretary, Laura Davis, previewed their first Convention. It looks as if the United States will be in for strong spiritual competition from both Latin America and Canada.

SEND MORE PACKAGES

Henry Jarvis left Germany two months ago. He told us: The German friends, out of touch for ten years, want personal contact with believers everywhere — especially the U.S. and Canada, because they’re interested in Bahá’í Administration as developed here. Keep on sending packages. A gift, small here, looks big there. They need strength to teach.

TOWARD THE CLOSE

Sunday we had more reports, comments; they went fast, because we were moving along on the dot. Examples: Beatrice Ashton, for Study Aids: Every community that is growing is a community that is studying ... Kenneth Christian (Michigan), on Pamphlet Literature: We need both intellectual and popular material. Pamphlets must be simple, attractive, cheap. Temple visitors are given a pearl-gray pamphlet, containing Temple picture suitable for framing. This new pamphlet has been written for readability, using formula of Rudolph Flesch in “The Art of Plain Talk.” ... College Speakers Bureau: This agency makes college contacts for speakers ... Ross Woodman (instructor, University of Manitoba) on work at his University: 7,000 students aware of the Faith; thriving Bahá’í group; goal: permanent campus Bahá’í Office ... Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick (Michigan) on World Order Magazine: It has 2,500 subscribers. Concensus: direct the Magazine toward the general public ... Edwin Mattoon, on National Archives: The Guardian has said certain Tablets, Relics, are the American believers’ “most precious possessions.” We

[Page 9] have no writings of the Báb; 7 Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh; about 2,000 of the Master, 1,000 of the Guardian. Send these precious belongings to the Archives; otherwise they may be destroyed, or lost by non-Bahá’í relatives. They are carefully indexed, photostated ... Voted: Request NSA to find the gold trowel with which the Master first broke Temple earth ... Adopted: A Convention resolution for release to press, on behalf of 989 Bahá’ís registered at Convention ... Library Committee: Keep the books circulating; keep them up-to-date; include Bahá’í World and World Order Magazine. Questionnaire Committee — Nina Matthisen: We now know what interests people most (themselves); public response gratifying; their money donations invariably returned, with thanks; use the F4 card, and forthcoming youth card; they’re good advance agents for public meetings. Of Ward (Chairman) and Sylvia Calhoon: “Literature is carried out of their house literally in bushel baskets.” (Applause) ... Amedee Gibson (So. Calif.) on Service to the Blind: Reach the blind through the sighted. For each blind individual she has contacted hundreds of sighted. Embossed Temple picture, talking book, prayer book, etc., already or soon available ... David Earl; World Language Committee will help you study Esperanto, meet Esperantists, translate your Esperanto correspondence to and from abroad. Include an Esperanto letter in your relief package. Take no sides on any proposed world language ... Visual Education: Marion Longyear (So. Calif.) described Visual Aids and their present wide use in teaching the Faith, urged Summer Schools develop photographers, script writers, machine operators. Excellent graphics by Arthur Patterson demonstrated ... John Clifford (Oregon) introduced proposed world script: “Ispo”—short for “International Steno-Pasigraphy.” ... Recommended to NSA Present Bahá’í Teachings to Education Boards as material to be taught in public schools; ask that Bahá’í pupils be excused from school for religious study ... Race relations were ably presented. The South had such spokesmen as A. Louise Taylor (Georgia) and Olive Alexander (Florida). On April 29 the Ku Klux Klan broke up an interracial Bahá’í meeting in Atlanta. Louise Taylor: Negroes have no guarantee of safety. When an invasion occurs, it’s too late to get help. We must obtain pre-guarantees, develop the local status, prestige of the Faith ... Olive Alexander: Mix with other progressive groups; be united, sure of yourselves, before you act ... Elsie Austin: We must formally protest such actions to the authorities; mixed religious groups are meeting in the South today; Bahá’í meeting places must be carefully selected; “plant where the flower can grow.” It’s not enough to have a few members of other races on Administrative bodies: we need overall programming; a long-range viewing of these things not as a race but as a human problem ... It was recommended to discontinue the Race Unity Committee.

The National Treasurer—who makes our hopes realities—reminded us again that in addition to national contributions of $250,000 (as of last year) we must provide an extra $100,000 this year, to decorate the interior of the Temple ... “He is the All-Bountiful.”

THE SUMMING UP

Even with expert management, there was not enough time. The activities are too rich and varied, the problems too complex, even for four streamlined days. Here were the main features: The European, North and South American teaching campaigns; inception of Temple decoration; the farewell to Canada; mature consultation; widespread use of modern mechanical and visual teaching techniques. Transcending all, the fact that this is the 25th anniversary of the Guardianship, and that we saw the Portrait of the Báb.

AFTER WORD

That’s how the Convention looked to me. I know there were as many Conventions there as there were people, and that much was said and done, ever so valuable, which I have not reported. It’s always a big, confusing experience to see the Convention—you catch what you can of it.

That last night we walked round and round the top steps. Each time around we’d walk right into the moon; way to the south, Chicago stained the sky winecolored. The Temple glistened in the cold moonlight. It kept drawing us round and round again. I kept thinking of all the generations who will circumambulate this “Place of the Mention of God” long after we are gone; and of an old Negro folk song that goes: “Meetin‎” ’‎ at the Buildin’ soon be over, soon be over, soon be over ...”

German Bahá’í Youth group, assembled in Esslingen for observance of Bahá’í World Youth Day, February 23, 1947.

[Page 10]

Louhelen Bahá’í School Summer Program 1947

Junior Youth Session

Ages, 10 to 14, Inclusive
June 30-July 11, Inclusive

BAHÁ’Í PRINCIPLES—Peggy True

BUILDING CHARACTER—Paul Becker

HISTORY OF THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH—Annamarie Mattoon

NATURE, ARTS AND CRAFTS—STUDY PERIOD

RECREATION AND INFORMAL PROGRAMS

Counsellors—The Faculty

“You must demonstrate, by your high moral standards, your courtesy, your integrity and nobility, that our Faith is not one of words but truly changes the heart and conduct of its adherents.” Guardian’s message to the Junior Youth, September 1946.

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Workshop Session

July 14-25, Inclusive

BAHÁ’Í SOCIAL SCIENCE—Florence Reeb.

Significance of the “Oneness of Mankind”: Word of God, the integrating force; Justice, an expression of collective conscience; social aspects of Religion.

MODERN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND TRENDS—George R. True

The light of the Bahá’í teachings brought to bear upon modern social trends.

PSYCHOLOGY OF TEACHING—Elizabeth Cheney

Study and discussion of psychological principles, mediums and techniques useful in teaching the Bahá’í Faith; practice in teaching.

Varied evening programs—Lawrence Hautz

Conference of Bahá’í Parents

July 26-27

‎Consulation Consultation‎ on how to meet the special problems of Bahá’í parents.—Sylvia Paine Parmelee M.A., Rexford C. Parmelee, Ph.D., Directors.

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Mid-Summer Session

July 28-August 1, Inclusive

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE CHILD

A combination workshop and lecture approach to child problems presented by Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í specialists.—Sylvia and Rexford Parmelee, Directors.

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Laboratory Session

August 4-15 Inclusive

BAHÁ’Í COMMONWEALTH—Archie Tichenor

Bahá’í administrative plan and institutions; Bahá’í Community; scope of Universal Peace.

UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF LIFE—Gretchen Westervelt

The reality and value of Religion; elements of spiritual growth.

HUMAN RELATIONS—Mathew Bullock

Study and discussion of interracial work, including political, economic and psychological conditions.

VARIED EVENING PROGRAMS—Bertha ‎Kirkpartick Kirkpatrick‎

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Senior Youth Session

August 18-29, Inclusive

SOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL LIFE—

Elements of spiritual growth; personal living; family relationships.

MODERN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND TRENDS—William Sears

The light of the Bahá’í teachings

Bahá’ís of Fargo, N. D. and friends at Naw-Ruz banquet.

brought to bear upon modern social trends.

HOW TO TEACH—Elizabeth Cheney

Psychology of Teaching mediums and techniques; subject matter.

COURSE ON DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS—Arthur Patterson

Illustrated lectures on theory of colors, arrangements and materials, followed by class work. To provide elementary training in presenting the Cause through use of displays and exhibits.

BAHÁ’Í FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES—Helen Patterson

Introductory Course.

VARIED EVENING PROGRAMS.

Counsellors—Edith McLaren and Albert Segen.

Rates and Reservations

Rates—For room and meals, per day, per person.

Adults: Single room	$3.00
Double room	2.50
Dormitory	2.00
Youth	1.75

(Note: Above rate applies only for Youth in attendance at regular Youth Sessions)

Single meals for visitors not in regular attendance:

Breakfast	40c
Lunch	60c
Dinner	85c

Reservations should designate.

1. Session in which you wish to enroll.
2. Type of accommodations preferred, and, if you wish transportation from Flint or Davison, the exact date, time and place of your expected arrival.

Please make reservations by mail as early as possible to:

LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL
3208 South State Road
Davison, Michigan

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Glimpsing Local Communities

Dumont, N. J.

A highlight of the teaching efforts was the public presentation of the Bahá’í Faith at the Parent-Teachers Association open meeting at the Washington School. At this time the Cause was for the first time presented in Dumont publicly under non-Bahá’í auspices. The Bahá’ís had sent a form letter to different local organizations, offering free speakers on timely subjects. As a result Allah K. Kalantar was invited to speak on “Brotherhood” from the Bahá’í point of view, with a Rabbi, a local Lutheran minister and a

[Page 11] young Catholic priest, speaking on the same PTA program. About 100 people, with 6 Bahá’ís, were present. The PTA got much publicity before and after. Mr. Kalantar spoke first, and the Bahá’í principles set the tone for the whole evening. The chairman closed this meeting on “Brotherhood” with a reading from a recent book on different faiths, quoting, “As Mr. Kalantar brought out, the words of Christ, ‘Love thy God with all thy heart ... and thy neighbor as thyself.’ ”

San Francisco, Calif.

Recently members of the San Francisco Bahá’í community with other Bahá’ís of the Bay Area were the guests of the Cosmos Club of San Francisco at its annual entertainment and ball. An audience which numbered nearly 1500 by the time the speaker was introduced enjoyed an unusually fine and varied

Continued on page 12

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Laurentian Bahá’í School Inaugural Session

July 26-August 2, 1947

Opening: Saturday, July 26, 8 p.m.

Open House: Sunday, July 27th, 8:30 pm.

Rates: Room with meals $21.00 per week: $3.50 per day. (Single meals: Luncheon 80c, Dinner $1.25)

Reservations: Apply to Mrs. Carl Lohse (Atlantic 7217), 3360 Ridgewood Ave., Apt. 17, Montreal.

Limited accommodation make early reservations necessary.

Bahá’í Youth and Children will, we hope, attend Youth Week, August 9th to 16th. If, however, some parents cannot attend the general session without their children, the Maintenance Committee will try to accommodate them by special arrangement.

Beaulac is 9 miles north from Rawdon on the road to St. Donat. Take bus to Rawdon and there transfer to the St. Donat bus. By car drive 42 miles north of Montreal on Route 18; turn left at the filling station one mile before reaching Rawdon and drive another 8 miles to Beaulac on St. Donat Highway No. 18.

The Laurentian Bahá’í Farm is open for the friends all year round. It is situated in good skiing country. Should you wish to spend your summer or winter vacation there, please write to William Suter, Beaulac, Que., for further information.

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Youth Weeks at Green Acre

The Green Acre Youth Committee has been diligently working all spring, trying to arrange four weeks of study, play and fellowship for this summer. We have been fortunate ‎in in in‎ securing such excellent teachers as Mrs. Marguerite Sears, Dr. Genevieve Coy, Mr. Borah Kavelin, Mrs. Ellen Sims: we have arranged interesting courses: “God Passes By,” “Blueprint for Unity,” “Self-Improvement,” “Workshop in Teaching,” and many others; we’ve made plans for fun-producing extra-curricular activities — dances, weiner roasts, ocean swimming, stunt night, etc. Now the success of the four weeks is up to the Youth themselves.

We would like to encourage Youth from all over the country to come to Green Acre this summer. We want to know the Youth from Chicago, from Georgia, from California, from Texas, as well as the ones from Maine, New Jersey and Maryland. We want to work and play together and to truly put into practice the principles of “living together” that our wonderful Faith teaches us.

Come for one or for all four of the Youth weeks this summer. The date are: July 6-12, July 13-19, Aug. 17-23, Aug. 24-30.

—GREEN ACRE YOUTH COMMITTEE

Green Acre Needs Furniture

Communities or groups interested in having a share in refurnishing bedrooms at the Green Acre Dormitory, in consultation with the Management, kindly write Mrs. Flora Valentine, Mgr., Green Acre, Eliot, Maine.

Green Acre Youth Committee. From left to right: Mary Jane Langrall, Jessica Perry, Edith Segen, June Sims, Clarke Langrall. Not appearing in picture: Harrison Langrall.

A Junior’s Book of Religion

Have you and your children read “A Junior’s Book of Religion” written by Marguerite True and approved by the Child Education Committee?

Mrs. True has divided the booklet into three parts. Part I tells of the prophets from Adam through Bahá’u’lláh. In Part II there is a description of the World of Tomorrow under the headings “The New Laws for the Nations” and the “Laws for the People of the World.” In Part III fundamental questions which children ask about the Faith are answered.

The book, which costs twenty cents (.20), may be ordered from the Bahá’í Publications at 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Party given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Blackwell in Chicago in honor of Robert and Margot Meissler, brother and sister pioneers, who are on their way to join their parents, resident pioneer settlers in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

[Page 12] musical program and heard Mr. Anthony Y. Seto, chairman of the San Francisco Bahá’í Assembly give the talk of the evening. Mr. Seto praised the Cosmos Club for its outstanding effort in the promotion of good-will and understanding between the races and outlined the Bahá’í belief in the oneness of mankind and the Bahá’ís’ efforts in their own field toward the realization of that principle in the world.

Boise, Idaho

As always, Naw-Rúz was a most happy celebration in Bahá’í communities throughout the land. In Boise, Idaho this special event was held in the Recreation Lounges of the Boise Junior College. A delightful buffet supper was prepared and served by the friends. The program included readings from the Writings, prayers and excerpts from articles on the subject of Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í calendar, etc. The full attendance numbered 56, including 30 non-Bahá’ís. The invited guests, amongst whom were several college professors and their wives, teachers from other local schools and others prominent in education, expressed appreciation for a most wonderful evening.

Schedule of N.S.A. Meetings, 1947-1948 May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 1947. June 6, 7, 8, 1947. August 2, 3, 4, 1947 August 29, 30, 31, September 1, 1947. October 3, 4, 5, 1947. November 7, 8, 9, 1947. December 5, 6, 7, 1947. January 1, 2, 3, 4, 1948. February 6, 7, 8, 1948. March 25, 26, 27, 28, 1948. April 28, 1948. Annual Convention, April 29, 30, May 1, 2, 1948 All meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly will be held at the Haziratu’l-Quds except the meetings of August 2, 3, 4, 1947, which will be held at Green Acre. Reports and recommendations requiring action at successive meetings should be addressed to the NSA well before the meeting dates whenever possible.

Honolulu

The Honolulu Bahá’ís celebrated Naw—Rúz at the Bahá’í Center with a most beautifully planned affair. Decorations consisted of potted palms, rare ferns and flowers. Huge bouquets of ‘cup-of-gold’ filled the air with exotic scent and emphasized the idea of spring and the New Year. In back of the table was placed a plaque of chartreuse on which the Greatest Name was outlined in fresh miniature lavender daisies. A stand with a candelabra containing seven candles, was placed to the right of the speaker, and during the reading of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “Seven Lights of Unity” the electric lights were dimmed. As the meaning of the seven candles was read, each of the candles was in turn lighted. The program included talks and music and refreshments were served at tables set out on the lawn. The Center was filled to capacity, with many extra chairs added to ‎accomodate accommodate‎ the unusual number attending.

Charlottetown, P.E.I.

From Charlottetown, P.E.I. comes a long newspaper article on “Why a New Religion?” placed in the Public Forum column of the “Charlottetown Guardian.” This column is open to the discussion by correspondents of questions of interest.

Greensboro, N.C.

Twenty-four people attended the Regional Teaching Conference held in Greensboro, N.C. on April 5-6. The theme of the conference was “Answering the Guardian’s Call.” Each session began with carefully selected prayers and readings beautifully presented. Annie Romer in reviewing the “God-Given Mandate” opened with the stirring words spoken by Siyyid Kasim to Mullá Ḥusayn as he bade him go forth on his quest. “I declare you equal to the task.”

Space does not permit us to report all details, but we wish to share a few of the highlights with our readers. “The Individual’s Role” in the Guardian’s Plan was discussed. Mrs. Margaret Ruhe pointed out that each Bahá’í should evaluate his own assets and talents, and make sure that he is using and developing every possible skill for the good of the Faith.

Helen Bishop spoke about prayer and stated that “we show the degree of our attachment to the Faith by our use of prayers.” She continued, “If we love God, we mention Him; we cannot help it. We pray because love of God is in us; prayer shows our degree of attachment to God. When we pray, we become instruments of God’s purpose. — Through prayer the inner hearing is quickened.”

Katherine McPhee stated that we can aid the world objectives by contributing to the National Fund. She quoted the following words of Shoghi Effendi: “We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source.” Mr. Paul Haney in speaking of the Guardian’s guidance said, “The Guardian walks a step ahead of us in all our Bahá’í service.”

There was an excellent spirit of fellowship and unity throughout the conference. The hospitality of the Greensboro friends was great. Margaret Ruhe, chairman of the ‎Reginal Regional‎ Teaching Committee of Ga., S.C. and N.C., closes her report by saying, “There is something electric when Bahá’ís come together and all of us felt impelled to rededicate ourselves to the great work that is ours.”

Butte, Montana

Classes have been held for teaching each Tuesday evening, on Wednesdays for Procedure and Administration, Thursdays, open forums are held, and on Fridays a prayer meeting.

Public meetings have been held each month all year. Three outside speakers have visited and also Bahá’í speakers from within the region. Forty-five new contacts have shown definite interest during this time. During the year, two new believers were welcomed.

Evanston, Ill.

A talk on “The Bahá’í Faith” by Carl Scheffler was presented as one of six talks in an interest group on Comparative Religions at the First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, Illinois. On other evenings guest teachers spoke about the Jews, the Quakers, the Unitarians, the Hindus and the Presbyterians.

On April 10th, the Evanston Bahá’í Community conducted a public forum at Northwestern University in the chapel of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Those taking part were: Miss Betty Pace of World Republic, Inc., a nation-wide student movement for world government

Continued on page 14

[Page 13]

National Budget for Second Year Of Second Seven Year Plan

OBJECTIVES ONE AND THREE
A. Consolidation — Formation of New National Assemblies
1. National and Regional Teaching Committees	$18,000.00
2. Inter-American Committee	28,000.00
3. Canadian National and Regional Teaching Committees	1,500.00
4. Youth Activities Committee	300.00
5. Bahá’í Schools	1,000.00
6. Study Aids	25.00
B. Proclamation of Faith to the Masses
1. Public Relations Committee	15,000.00
2. Radio Committee	10,000.00
3. Temple Teaching Committee	3,000.00
4. World Order Magazine Committee	300.00
5. Visual Education Committee	500.00
6. Questionnaire Committee	300.00
7. Service to the Blind Committee	500.00
8. Library Committee	750.00
9. Teaching Literature (NSA)	500.00
OBJECTIVE TWO
Temple Construction (Second Year of Plan)	100,000.00
OBJECTIVE FOUR
Initiation of Systematic Teaching Activity in Europe
1. European Teaching Committee	50,000.00
	________
Total for Seven Year Plan	229,675.00
SERVICE COMMITTEES
1. Publishing Committee	0,000.00
2. Bahá’í News Committee	3,500.00
3. Bahá’í World Editorial Committee (Operating Expense)	250.00
4. International Expense	3,810.00
5. Child Education Committee	50.00
6. Archives Committee	50.00
7. Committee on American Memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	150.00
	________
Total for Service Committees	7,810.00
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER
Bahá’í World Center — Annual Contribution	3,600.00
THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD
Printing cost, Bahá’í World, Volume X	5,000.00
MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES
1. Temple	12,500.00
2. Other Trustee Properties	5,000.00
	________
Total for Properties Maintenance	17,000.00
ADMINISTRATION
1. Expense of Annual Convention, State and Province Conventions	1,500.00
2. General Administrative Expenses	6,000.00
3. Secretary’s Office	10,000.00
4. Treasurer’s Office	3,000.00
	________
Total for Administration	20,500.00
RESERVE
Reserve for Contingencies	15,915.00
TOTAL ‎NATONAL NATIONAL‎ BAHÁ’Í BUDGET FOR 1947-48	$300,000.00

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Publishing Announcements

Present-Day Administration of the Bahá’í Faith—a clear, concise statement on the Administrative Order of the Bahá’í Faith by Horace Holley, reprinted from Bahá’í World. Subject headings: The Guardian, the Local Community, the Spiritual Assembly, the National Spiritual Assembly, the Annual Convention and the House of Justice, Pamphlet, self-cover 18 pp. Price 10 copies $1.00

Faith for Freedom—pamphlet 22 pp. with illustration of the Bahá’í House of Worship on cover. Excerpts from Bahá’í Writings including the Principles, Steps to World Order, Character, Lite Beyond Death, Seven Candles of Unity and Prayers; also “Headlines Tomorrow” by Marzieh Gail. Price 20 copies $1.00

Bahá’í World Faith, Centennial edition—bound flexible red leather, gold lettering and top. Copies still available. This edition should be in every Bahá’í individual or Assembly library. Price $5.00

Appreciations of the Bahá’í Faith—a new edition containing over sixty letters of appreciation from prominent people from all parts of the world. This book is invaluable in teaching and publicity work. Price per copy .25

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The Thirty-fifth Annual Gathering Commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit to America

June 28, 1947—West Englewood, N.J.

Picnic 12 noon to 3 P.M. (Bring Basket Lunch; Cake and Beverages served).

PROGRAM—3-5 P.M.
THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS FOR WORLD CITIZENSHIP

Opening Prayer and Address of Welcome.

Chairman, Wm. deForge

Music ............Gladys Childress
Vocal Duet ....June & Carol Kelsey
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Address at First Unity Feast in 1912 ...... Reader, Pearl Hafezi

SPEAKERS

The Emergence of a World Community ..... Matthew Bullock

The Consciousness of World Citizenship ..... Terah Smith

The Founding of a World Civilization and Culture ..... Reginald King

Prayers at the Grove: 5 P.M ..... Mrs. Carrie Kinney, Mrs. Maude Gaudreaux

[Page 14] originating at Northwestern University; Dr. James C. McLeod, chief-chaplain at the University; Mr. Charles M. Ioas, Northwestern student and chairman of the National Bahá’í Youth Committee, and Dr. Edris Rice-Wray, Bahá’í teacher and Evanston physician. Mr. Harlan Scheffler was chairman of the program and music was supplied by Miss Mary Elizabeth Moore, soprano and Bahá’í student. Refreshments were served at the close of the program.

There were about 150 present, many of them ‎Northestern Northwestern‎ students and a beautiful atmosphere prevailed throughout the evening. Although a great many more invitations were sent out than the number attending, it was felt to be of considerable value since the programs were sent so as to reach the 10,000 persons on the campus and they carried excerpts from the Teachings. It was gratifying to receive a letter of congratulation and best wishes from one of the most prominent faculty members and department heads at the University. The meeting received widespread publicity and the Evanston believers feel that it was an excellent fore-runner for many more such occasions on the campus.

Berkeley, Calif.

The Bahá’ís of Berkeley entertained friends and neighboring Bahá’ís at the Naw-Rúz Feast on the evening of March 20 at the Y.M.C.A. Hospitality House. One hundred and eighty were in attendance. The program was arranged to interest Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.

Bahá’í Directory The National Spiritual Assembly in publishing the annual Bahá’í Directory this year will include telephone numbers with local Assembly addresses wherever possible. Will Assemblies please send as soon as possible the phone number they wish used by believers passing through their city. Bahá’í Questions The National Spiritual Assembly invites local Assemblies to send in questions concerning the teachings or the administration which they find it impossible to answer to the satisfaction of the local community. Such questions will be briefly answered from time to time in Bahá’í News for the information of all the believers.

Dr. Eugene Staley, executive director of the San Francisco Area division of the American Institute of Pacific Relations, spoke on “Report from Lake Success”. Dr. Staley had just returned from Lake Success, where he had assisted in the drafting of the United Nations’ report on economic reconstruction in Asia and the Far East. Mrs. Marzieh Gail presented the Bahá’í teachings in an excellent talk entitled, “New Day”. Arthur L. Dahl, Jr., who acted as chairman, showed clearly the relationship between the efforts of the United Nations and the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Miss Elsie Austin was received with great enthusiasm as the guest speaker at a special luncheon of the ‎Interational International‎ Relations group of the University of California Y.W.C.A. on March 28. The luncheon was arranged by Mrs. E. T. Grether, wife of the Dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of California; and Miss Sally Hatfield, chairman of the student group. Present were seventy-five students, as well as sponsors of the Y.W.C.A., wives of well-known professors, and leading citizens.

Miss Austin in speaking on “Peace—an Adventure in Human Relations,” referred to the Bahá’í Faith only once at the beginning of her talk when she said her remarks would be based on the principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Her talk was followed by long applause, and immediately both students and adults took up the word “Bahá’í” and asked directly and eagerly for more and more information. The Berkeley Bahá’ís who were present appreciated the abundant goodwill for the Faith which had been aroused.

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Latin America Has Arisen With a Will

Latin America cooperating with the pioneers, has arisen with a will to fulfill the beloved Guardian’s new Seven Year Plan, according to the results which have been coming in by cable and letter. Eleven goal cities reported assembly status. These include Vina del Mar, Chile; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sucre, Bolivia; Quito, Ecuador; Cali, Medellín, Cartagena and Contratacion, Colombia; Puebla and Coatepec, Mexico, and Quépos, Costa Rica.

Mexico is the first Latin American country to report two new assemblies in one year and Colombia is the first to report four new ones. Colombia now leads in number of assemblies with a total of six, Chile is second with a total of four, while Brazil and Mexico are tied with three each. Bolivia, Ecuador and Costa Rica have two each, while the fifteen remaining countries have one assembly each. The general activity is shown by the fact that forty new groups were formed during the first year of the new Seven Year Plan. Eight of these are included among the new assemblies and seven more are approaching assembly strength. Every assembly has attempted to adopt a goal city as its extension teaching project. During the year a total of 224 new believers have been reported in Latin America, making an increase in the total number of believers of approximately fifty.

The Guardian has now announced that he will begin to send a “Haifa letter” to the leading centers of each Latin country, thus linking them directly with him. The Convention had the joy of greeting Sr. Carlos Vergara, his charming wife and family of Mexico City, accompanied by a new believer from that city, Sr. Fritz Aguilar of Lima, Peru; Sr. Alvaro Lievano of Bogotá, Colombia; Sr. Pedro De LaCruz, formerly of Puerto Rico; Mr. and Mrs. Erneric Sala and Mr. Charles Mason Remey, who recently returned from visits to Latin America; Miss Louise Baker, just returned from Mexico after working with the friends in the formation of the two new assemblies there; Sr. Octavio Illescas, just back from a visit to Havana and Cienfuegos, Cuba, and Dr. Malcolm King, just returned after spending a year in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Dr. King also helped in the establishment of regional work in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

New plans are going into effect this year to enable the Latin American friends who have attained maturity in the Faith, to take over to an increasing extent, the responsibility

[Page 15] for and direction of teaching in their various countries, for the experiences of the past year have shown that they are now ready for this. International teaching committees are being formed, one for South America and one for the northern zone, including Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. As in the case of national committees in the United States, a quorum will be established of members within easy reach of one another, so that consultation can be readily held. All but one member of each of these committees, are native Latin Americans. The South American Teaching Committee will include Sr. Estéban Canale, chairman; Mr. Artemus Lamb, secretary; Sr. Hugo Ateagabeitia, Srta. Betty Rowe and Srta. Rosi Vodanovic. Inter-regional teachers and special consultants for this committee are Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Mrs. Gwenne Sholtis and Mrs. Shirley Warde. The Central American Teaching Committee will include Sr. Josi Antonio Bonilla, chairman; Mrs. Marcia Steward, secretary; Sra. Natalia Chávez, Sr. Gerardo Vega and Sr. Oscar Castro. Inter-regional teachers and consultants include Sra. Chávez, Mrs. Sheila Rice-Wray and Sr. Octavio Illescas. The panel of all Latin American teachers, recently approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, will be used in connection with projects in the various countries.

Regional Committees, each one confined within its own country, will cooperate with the international committees and also with the assemblies in connection with their extension teaching work. To stimulate new and also mature communities, experienced teachers will be exchanged between neighboring countries from time to time. Plans are being made to try out the novel correspondence teaching plan, worked out in San Jose, Costa Rica, in other countries, and also to perfect and extend the general correspondence teaching work for new contacts and friendly groups.

Elena Marsella’s study class in Ciudad Trujillo, including the entire Rodriguez family, pictured above, enrolled as Bahá’ís a short time after the visit to that city of Emeric and Rosemary Sala in Jan. 1947. Elena wrote: “The one at the left with the buttons is me.” A large group of eager hearts are awaiting Elena’s return to Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Sheila Rice-Wray of Chicago has just arrived there to help her.

All of those interested in teaching or pioneering in either North or South America, are invited to send in their applications for the Latin American session, June 18 to 27th inclusive, at the Bahá’í International School, Colorado Springs. There will be a deepening course and also teaching practice for all students, with stress on applied psychology and finding the most attractive methods of presenting the Faith, so that new contacts may come to comprehend its true significance with as much help and as few obstacles as possible, and so that the desire of every sincere Bahá’í to share his great gift with his world, may be more readily fulfilled. These principles will be applicable to teaching in either the north or the south.

It is not obligatory in any way for students at the Latin American session of the International School to volunteer for pioneer service. We can teach our Latin American friends here at home through contacting Pan-American organizations and being kind and hospitable to Latin friends from the various countries. In many large cities and especially in the southwest, Latin Americans will be found, who will be eager to learn, if we know how to approach them. Our exchange of teaching methods and experience will also be helpful in contacting and teaching our northern friends. Those free and willing to volunteer as pioneers to Latin America, will, of course, be extremely welcome, for there are still twelve countries without a single pioneer settler. Only ten are receiving pioneer help at the present time.

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Some Bahá’í Marriages

A Bahá’í marriage was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sigfried Johnson at 175 First St., Batavia, Illinois on Sunday, April 13, after a civil ceremony had united the former Miss Carol Numm and Mr. Gus Tunkin. The young couple will make their future home in Providence, Rhode Island.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, a Bahá’í marriage service was read for Mr. Rouholah Zargarpur of Teheran, Iran, and Miss Alice Schneider of Chicago at the bride’s home.

Friday evening, March 21, at the Chicago Bahá’í Center, the wedding of Mr. Edwin Koyl of Chicago and Miss Marion Elizabeth Clark of Independence, Mo. and lately of Chicago, took place with a Bahá’í marriage service.

[Page 16]

Two National Public Meetings Attract Large Audiences

San Francisco, Calif.

The San Francisco Public Meeting was held in the auditorium of the California Club the evening of March 29th, 1947, with Elsie Austin chairman. Although a heavy rain fell throughout the day and there were several major attractions taking place the same night, there was an attendance of about 370 people, including many of the Negro race.

Two days before the meeting, Miss Austin was interviewed by representatives of the press at a luncheon which lasted almost two hours, during which time members of the various newspapers asked many pertinent questions concerning the aims and objectives of the Bahá’í Faith. The day before the meeting Miss Austin was interviewed over the air by Anne Holden on her popular program. Advertisements appeared in three of our daily newspapers, with articles appearing well in advance of the meeting and continuing through the week of the meeting.

The talk of the evening “World Order Through World Faith” was well received by an attentive audience, many of whom later expressed their pleasure at having the opportunity of listening to such a clear, practical and thought-provoking address.

Colorful posters were placed in various districts of the city, on bulletin boards, in churches and windows of business establishments. In mailing their invitations entirely new organizations and groups were contacted. Their report states: “Many indeed were the complimentary remarks heard about the very beautiful invitations used on this occasion, many declaring that they were the most beautiful they had ever seen.”

Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Public Meeting was held on March 27th in the Crystal Ball Room of the Tudor Arms Hotel. Dorothy Baker was the speaker with Lawrence LaRocque presiding as chairman. The estimated attendance at this meeting was 600 with about two-thirds white and the other third colored. About 100 people stayed to ask questions at the close of the meeting, 40 of whom were men. These people were given a special invitation to attend the local fireside groups.

The Cleveland friends feel that their very successful meeting was due in part to the efforts of a professional publicity agent whom they engaged and who secured very fine free publicity for them. A fifteen minute radio talk was given over station WHK by Mrs. Baker. In the five days Mrs. Baker was in Cleveland, she spoke at twelve separate meetings. In these additional meeting about 600 more people heard of the Cause.

“It is our fervent prayer,” state the Cleveland friends, “that very tangible results will be forthcoming. The Cleveland Bahá’ís probably profited the most from the ennobling experience of uniting their individual efforts with those of other devoted Bahá’ís in this world-wide crusade of spreading the sacred teaching of Bahá’u’lláh. We are all very grateful for the opportunity which the nationally sponsored Public Meeting brought to our doors.”

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In Memoriam

Bahá’í Addresses National Office: 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. Treasurer’s Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Bahá’í Publishing Committee: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.

Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

Mr. Christ Olsen, Racine, Wisconsin, April 22, 1947.

Mr. Hiram Bolton, Ashuelot, N.H., May 1, 1947.

Mr. Charles H. Hache, Arlington, California, April 19, 1947.

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Enrollments by Assemblies

Washington, D.C. 1, Wilmington, 2, Toronto 4, Independence 2, Urbana 1, Seattle 1, Chicago 3, Miami 4, Philadelphia 1, Dayton 1, Providence 1 youth, Los Angeles 2, St. Lambert 1 youth, New York 1.

Regional enrollments, 2 adults, 2 youth.

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Calendar

Nineteen Day Feasts

June 5

June 24

July 13

The anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb July 9 (about noon)

National Assembly Meeting — July 3, 4, 5, and 6.

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Table of Contents

	Page	Col.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Excerpts on Consultation	7	2-3
Addresses	16	2
Bahá’í News, Editorial Office	3	3
British, loss of health	5	1
Cables from Guardian
To Convention	1	3
To Canadian Bahá’ís	1	3
To National Spiritual Assembly	1	3
Calendar	16	3
Convention Report, “Wilmette Letter: 1947”	1	1
European Teaching	3	2-3
Enrollments and transfers	16	3
Geneva News, excerpts	4	1
Glimpsing Local Communities	10	3
Green Acre
Youth Weeks	11	2
Furniture	11	2
Juniors’ Book of Religion	11	3
Latin America Has Arisen	14	2-3
Laurentian Bahá’í Summer School	11	1
Louhelen Summer School Program	10	1-3
National Public Meetings	16	1-2
National Spiritual Assembly
Budget for Year	13	1-2
Directory	14	3
Questions will be answered	14	3
Schedule of Meetings	12	1
“To Hold Open the Doors”	4	1-2
Pictures
Bahá’í Youth at Convention	3	1-2
Bahá’í Youth Banquet	5	2-3
Blackwell Party for Miesslers	11	2-3
Canadians at Convention	6	2-3
Ciudad Trujillo Study Class	15	1-2
Cuban Students of the Faith	6	1-2
German Bahá’í Youth Group	9	2-3
Green Acre Youth ‎Commttee Committee‎	11	3
Fargo, N.D., Naw-Ruz Banquet	10	1-2
Italian Bahá’ís and Pioneers	1	3
Laurentian Summer School Property	7	1-2
Louhelen Choir at Convention	2	2-3
Monument for Mirza Abu’l-Fadl and Lua Getsinger	8	2-3
Pioneer—Elinor Hollibough	4	3
Publishing Announcements	13	3
Souvenir Feast (Thirty-Fifth Gathering)	13	3