Bahá’í News/Issue 200/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 200 | OCTOBER, 1947 | YEAR 104 | BAHA’I ERA |
National Publicity Under Way on Temple Interior[edit]
The most widespread and intensive publicity plan yet undertaken by American Bahá’ís has been initiated by the Public Relations Committee in a national press and magazine campaign devoted to the design for the Temple interior recently approved by the Temple Trustees under the Guardian’s authorization.
The campaign is based upon the two sketch views of the interior design which have been reproduced as inserts to this issue of Bahá’í News, and announces the early beginning of work to complete the House of Worship.
After a careful and expert survey of the press and magazine field, the committee adopted a mailing list for its releases and illustrations totaling 1,482 different publications and news agencies. This number includes: daily papers in towns with 25,000 or more population; dailies in towns with a population between 10,000 and 25,000; dailies in towns of less than 10,000 population; race and foreign language papers; architectural and builders magazines; news and general magazines; religious magazines; magazines devoted to education; and encyclopedias and books of reference.
These publications have been divided into two classes — those which make their own halftone illustrations or mats from photographs supplied, and those which can only use mats furnished them. The mailing, therefore, consists of two different sets
Twin Spires in the Sky. Published in the July 18, 1947 issue of Chicago “Sun”. Taken by their staff photographer.
of material. The magazines and better-equipped papers receive a mimeographed release stating the basic
facts concerning the interior design
and the building plans, with paragraphs explaining the general aims
of the Faith, a photograph of the
Temple as it now stands, with completed superstructure and exterior
ornamentation, a photograph of the
sketch of the central domed auditorium, and a photograph of the sketch
of one of the arched alcoves or bays.
To each of these photographs is attached a separate piece of copy describing the picture, from which captions and comments can be prepared
for each illustration selected for use.
To the smaller papers is sent a mailing consisting of the mimeographed
general release already mentioned
and a mat combining the sketch of
the auditorium with a picture of the
building. The mat carries a caption
or comment announcing the selection
of the interior design and the building plans.
In planning this material, the committee aimed at the accomplishment of three purposes: to tell the editors the story of the Temple, backed by three pictures of unusual beauty and impressiveness; to provide material for a feature article filling up to a full newspaper page or several magazine pages; to provide material for a minimum story using one or two pictures with brief comment.
The campaign, however, is not limited to the 1,482 papers and magazines classified above. If the budget allows, another mailing is to go to 4,000 weekly newspapers. This supplementary list would not receive photographs or mats but a photo-offset announcement carrying text and illustrations with an offer to send mats or photographs on request. This method has proven to be both effective and inexpensive.
For the Bahá’ís themselves, the committee has planned to mail more than 400 copies of the general release
| Special Supplement
Sketches of Temple Interior The National Assembly has authorized the Bahá’í News Editorial Committee to include in this issue a special supplement for the friends. This supplement consists of halftone reproductions of two sketch-renderings of views of the Temple interior visualized from the modified Bourgeois design recently approved by the Temple Trustees. By making these reproductions separate inserts on good quality paper the friends have these new Temple views in a form suitable for framing or preserving in some manner. They afford us glimpses into that longed-for completed interior wherein services of Bahá’í worship can at last be held in a House of Worship destined to become one of the most renowned and influential structures in the world. |
with the three photographs and descriptions to assemblies, groups, national committees responsible for teaching, radio work, etc., and to the Inter-America and European teaching committees for distribution in their particular areas. The material also goes to the National Spiritual Assemblies of other lands.
Each assembly and group is urged to do its utmost to see that the Temple interior design and announcement of building plans appears in at least one local paper. Even if the editor has received the material from the Public Relations Committee by mail, our effort has not been fully carried out until the local Bahá’ís have demonstrated that the story has local as well as general news interest. The committee, in addition, has on hand a supply of mats and a mat can be obtained by writing the committee at its office address, 410 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
The Temple interior, exemplifying as it does a new spiritual idea as well as impressive architectural beauty, comes to us as the ideal opportunity for publicity.
This campaign is an important part of our work to accomplish the objects of the Seven Year Plan.
Bahá’í group in Shíráz, May 1947. Robert Gulick to left of the Greatest Name, and at the right of him is Hadrat-i-Agnán, third cousin of the Báb and custodian of the House of the Báb.
Bahá’í Pilgrimage[edit]
In the course of the spring and summer of this year, Robert L. Gulick, Jr. visited our co-workers in England, France, Spain, Switzerland, Egypt, ‘Iráq and Írán. He celebrated the Feast of Riḍván in Paris and on the 9th of Riḍván addressed the friends at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Cairo. He was in Spain on June 24th when the first two believers enrolled in that land. He made the pilgrimage both to the House of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdád and to the House of the Báb in Shíráz; he was the first Bahá’í from the west to be present in the Holy House in Shíráz on the anniversary of the Báb’s Declaration, May 22nd. From Cairo, he had telephone conversations with Rúḥíyyih Khánum before and after traveling to Persia.
With Oriental believers, he placed flowers on the tomb of the “immortal Lua” and Mírzá Abu’l-Faḍl in Cairo and on the grave of Keith Ransom-Kehler in “far-away Iṣfáhán.” In Baghdád, friends guided him to what was the Garden of Riḍván and they crossed the Tigris River and paused at the old mosque which has not been changed in the eighty-four years that have elapsed since Bahá’u’lláh used to rest there; it was in these hallowed precincts that the Blessed Beauty composed the Hidden Words. Mr. Gulick gave lectures on three continents before audiences ranging in size up to 3,000 persons.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia has written (3 Núr, 104) as follows about Mr. Gulick’s visit to the birthplace of our Faith:
“His account of the spiritual services of the trusted American friends, of the advance of the Cause of God in that spacious land, of the fact that the beloved of God are exhilarated with the breaths of the Spirit, overwhelmed us all in a sea of real joy. ... In a very large gathering, composed of great number of Ṭihrán Bahá’ís and held in the main auditorium of the National Headquarters, he delighted the eager believers of Ṭihrán with good news of the Faith. Afterward, he went on a journey to Shíráz, in order to make his pilgrimage to the Holy House, meeting the friends in Iṣfahán, Najafábád, Dih-Bíd, and Ábádih ... In truth, the radiance and spiritually of this honored person affected everyone, and all have asked and continue to ask on behalf of this illustrious soul, Divine confirmations in ever-increasing measure from the holy presence of the powerful Lord, may our lives be a sacrifice to His grace. “It is our hope that in future the eyes of the Bahá’ís of Persia will continue to
[Page 3]
be brightened with looking on the
comely faces of the well-loved believers from the West.”
The following is Mr. Gulick’s own account of his visit to Shíráz:
Cradle of a World Faith[edit]
Americans are inclined to picture most of Persia as a desert. This is a most inadequate conception, as a good deal of the empty space is merely dry land that requires only water for abundant production. But greater by far is the need for that Water of Life which was brought to humanity in Shíráz.
It was my inestimable bounty to be the first pilgrim from the West to enter the new Mecca, the Blessed House of the Báb, on the anniversary of His inauguration of the new world faith which holds out to mankind the promise of a peaceful world of freedom, justice, and happiness. I have often visited the beautiful Bahá’í Temple in Illinois and it has been my privilege to be in the precincts of the Holy House of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdád, not to mention Kázimayn and other shrines of Islám and such Christian cathedrals as Notre Dame de Paris. But in the Holy House in Shíráz, I found a spiritual atmosphere more exalted than I had experienced elsewhere. Even persons of other faiths and of no religion comment on their feeling that the Declaration Chamber is in reality an “upper room.” The French ambassador on the occasion of his visit to the House gave vent to similar sentiments.
The way to the House, past bazaars and through winding, noisome alleys, was anything but promising. Inside the portal, however, was another world. The Persian friends and I performed our ablutions with water from the same well that the Báb had used. It is virtually unchanged and the water is cold and refreshing. Next to it is the sour orange tree planted by the Báb and nearby is a small pool bordered by flowers. The pilgrims remove their shoes before entering this tiny courtyard. The crossing of each threshold, the ascending of each step, is an occasion for prayer and demonstrations of devotion. After placing our lips and our foreheads on the steps leading into the House, we entered a chamber on the main floor and Ḥaḍrat-i-Afnán, the third cousin of the Báb, poured rosewater into our hands so that we might anoint our heads before climbing the eight steps leading to the floor above. I do not care to introduce interpretations but it interested me to note that the Báb’s Declaration inaugurated the eighth of the world’s established religions.
The friends asked me to chant in Persian and Arabic and I felt highly honored to participate in the praying in such a wondrously holy spot. In my prayers, I remembered many friends in various part of the world and also the National Spiritual Assemblies of Persia and America.
I also thought of that model American teacher, Martha Root, who touched her forehead to the sacred Threshold and wept and wept. That such a great Cause, that a Messenger of God, should have come from such a small House filled her heart with sadness. The House seemed to me to be a gem, just the right size. In the future when vast multitudes make the pilgrimage to this place, it will not be possible for the friends to enter the House.
Finally, we assembled in the room where the glorious Youth of 25 years had bidden His friend, Mullá Ḥusayn, to enter—a hundred and three years ago. Rare tablets were framed and placed on the walls. A magnificent rug, donated by Shoghi Effendi at the time of the Centenary, covered the floor. The room has five windows which face the garden. We turned toward the corner near the first window where a lamp marked the place where the Báb sat as He gave the glad-tidings of the birth of a wondrous, world-embracing Cause. He had truly prophesied at that immortal time: “This night, this very hour will in the days to come, be celebrated as one of the greatest and most significant of festivals.”1
Later, we went to the house of Haḍrat-i-Afnán and he showed us relics of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. There were garments worn by the Báb when He went to Mecca; we were surprised to see how small that precious Being must have been, although He was of about the average height of the Shírázís of that day, and that very smallness enhanced our appreciation of His grandeur. We saw a ring on which the Greatest Name was cut and we learned that it had been worn by Bahá’u’lláh. Space does not permit
Ralph Garner of Flint, Mich.
A Quiet Servant[edit]
The Detroit Sunday News for August 24th brought public recognition to a Bahá’í who has performed years of faithful service in unpaid assistance to teen-age youth. All the more to his credit is the fact that this work is not even part of the formalized programs of local or national Bahá’í plans. It lies only in that realm of endeavor where Bahá’ís are admonished to be of service to all humanity in any way possible.
He is Ralph Garner of Flint, Michigan, long an active member of the faith, whose courage and cheerfulness seem to increase as the malady which afflicts him has in recent years necessitated his being carried from bed to his desk. Here he dials the telephone which puts him in touch with those prospective employers for the youngsters whom he interviews in person. All sorts troupe into his room, orphans, juvenile delinquents, those from broken homes, problem children, seeking odd jobs after school, new homes, or just good advice. Many are referred to him from the juvenile court as law officials have come to know of his good offices.
The newspaper writeup came through a state placement bureau worker, Mrs. Kimball, seeking a home and part time work for a 12th grade girl who is orphaned. The Flint officials she visited referred her to Ralph, whose prompt results pleased her. When she told her husband about it, he being a staff photographer on the Detroit News, he received an assignment to write and photograph the story.
This World Freedom[edit]
| Bahá’í Greeting to Annual Congress Esperanto Association of North America
Through the kindness of Miss Roan Orloff, chairman of the World Language Committee serving last year, the message written by the National Spiritual Assembly to the Annual Congress, Esperanto Association of North America, was delivered in person. She has reported that the Bahá’í greeting was well received. “On behalf of the members of the Bahá’í Faith throughout North America we send a cordial greeting and best wishes to the Esperantists assembled in their Annual Congress. It is our hope that your sessions will bring a great reinforcement to the movement for a World Language the outcome of which is so vital to the attainment of World Peace and that ultimate World Civilization which has today become the radiant and visible goal of human evolution. “Language, that divine instrument for the mutual association of human beings in the world of truth and law, has too long been a king in exile, an innocent being condemned to participation of races, classes, nations and creeds in their struggles for victory one over the other. “Bahá’ís share your longing that language may soon be freed from those fetters and manifest its destiny as unifier of all whose minds and hearts recognize the oneness of God. Bahá’ís are grateful to you for your unique service to the common goal.” NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
|
Beloved friends:
As national committees, regional committees, groups and communities carry out their public campaign on the theme of World Faith for World Freedom, it would be well for us Bahá’ís ourselves to make the utmost use of that World Freedom we already, as Bahá’ís, possess. Our freedom to serve the Faith is our most precious treasure, something to guard with infinite care lest it be seized from us by a world of distraction without or a world of distraction within.
Ours not to yield to the forces of confusion which deprive other communities from effective action. Ours not the responsibility to conduct a nation along its dark and dangerous path, not maintain an empire’s economy, nor re-apply an extinct creed to a world condition its theologians could not foresee. But we are held responsible for preserving the integrity of our faith, keeping it potent from day to day; and we are held responsible for contributing to the unity of our local Bahá’í community group, large or small.
Faith in Bahá’u’lláh takes us into His world, where we are safe and secure. There no one can deprive us of power to serve except ourselves. This freedom to serve is as great as our will and our intention. Its renewal is as close to us as the words of the nearest open Bahá’í book.
Therefore from every local Bahá’í community there should come evidences of great undertakings and continuous spiritual achievement. Others are enchained by fears, oppressed by problems and burdened by cares. As Bahá’ís may we demonstrate what freedom God has given us—freedom to abandon a a dead past, freedom to live and act in the new Dispensation! The greater our faith, the clearer we see that societies perish because they come to deal with imaginary forces, immersed in shadows who forsook the Light.
Great events are upon us—let us be great of soul so that the event can be made to reflect the Bahá’í Faith to masses who lose hope and direction.
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
| Abiding Gratitude
Message from the Guardian Greatly welcome evidences of a notable expansion of activities and increased intensification of efforts for publicity. I urge believers and local Assemblies to redouble their efforts in support of vital National Fund. Praying ardently for realization of your highest hopes. Appreciate action (for preservation of) Keith’s grave. Do not advise you transmit further funds to Persia for the grave. I appeal to North American believers to exert their utmost to insure the formation of required number of Assemblies by next April. Further sacrifices demanded, rich reward assured. May entire body of American believers arise to fulfill their glorious destiny. Abiding gratitude, deepest love. (signed)
SHOGHI Received September 10, 1947 |
To the list of local Spiritual Assemblies already published, the National Assembly is happy to add the following: Phoenix, Minneapolis, Berkeley, Oakland, Seattle, Washington, D. C., Flint. About 40 Assemblies have now pledged their help in bringing at least one group to Assembly status by April, 1948. Their concentrated effort is sorely needed to assure success in meeting the goal of a total of 175 Assemblies this year.
Toledo, Ohio, 1; Findlay, Ohio, 2; Niles, Mich., 1; San Rafael, Cal., 2; Marin City, Cal., 2; Oakland, Cal., 2; Canada, 1; Riverdale N.J., 1; Seattle, Wash., 1; Cleveland, Ohio, 1; Chicago, Ill., 2; Little Rock, Ark., l; Greensboro, N.C., 1; West Chester, Pa., 1; No. Albuquerque, N.M., 3; Sioux Falls, S.D., 1; Boston, Mass., 1; Philadelphia, Pa., 1; Burlingame, Cal., 4; Spokane, Wash., 1; Youth, 2.
The National Spiritual Assembly, through its United Nations Committee, has submitted a statement on the Bahá’í conception of the rights of women to a UN Commission compiling material for a world code.
The text is reproduced in World Order Magazine, October issue.
An Appeal From World Order Magazine[edit]
One of the expressed wishes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His American tour in 1912 was that the magazine then entitled, STAR OF THE WEST, the first issue of which had been published March 21, 1910, should be maintained ... How well that expressed wish has been observed is evidenced by WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE, the present-day title under which the magazine is known after 37 years of uninterrupted publication.
Reflecting the history, activities and development of the Bahá’í Faith, WORLD ORDER MAGAZINE has become a powerful teaching medium in addition to its interest stimulating appeal to Bahá’í Believers.
A few months ago, the continuous increasing cost of printing the magazine made it necessary to increase the yearly subscription rate, and commencing with the April 1947 issue the price was advanced from $1.50 to $2.00 yearly. Before the May 1947 issue was published our printers imposed a further increase to be immediately effective ... We are seeking by every means available to avoid making a further increase in the subscription rate and this is a CALL FOR HELP from our Bahá’í Friends.
1,000 new subscriptions at the present yearly rate of $2.00 will insure the magazine being on a self-supporting basis ... CAN THIS BE ACCOMPLISHED ... YES! — If only 1,000 of our present subscribers will each donate one GIFT subscription, the problem will be solved ... A years subscription to a friend may mean a NEW BELIEVER, or there are 1,000 PUBLIC and UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES where a year’s subscription may result in arousing considerable interest in THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH. If your own local Library is already receiving the magazine, each $2.00 donated to THE WORLD ORDER LIBRARY SUBSCRIPTION FUND will record a years subscription to a library not at present on our list, with the name and address of donator given to the selected library.
Address subscription orders or donations to WORLD ORDER LIBRARY SUBSCRIPTION FUND to World Order, 110 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill.
FINANCIAL BUDGET 1947-1948
Assemblies Contributing to the National Fund. Aug. 1947[edit]
| Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona-Phoenix. Arkansas—Little Rock. California—Alhambra; Berkeley; Beverly Hills; Burbank; Burlingame; Carmel; Cloverdale Twp.; Glendale; Inglewood; Long Beach; Los Angeles; Monrovia; Oakland; Pasadena; Sacramento; San Francisco; San Diego; Santa Barbara; San Mateo. Canada—Edmonton; Vancouver; Hamilton; Vernon. Colorado—Colorado Springs; Denver. Connecticut—New Haven. District of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville; Miami. Hawaii—Honolulu; Maui. Georgia—Atlanta; Augusta. Idaho—Boise. Illinois—Chicago; Danville; Elmhurst; Evanston; Maywood; Oak Park; Peoria; Springfield; Urbana; Wilmette; Champaign; Limestone Twp. Indiana—Fort Wayne; Indianapolis; South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids. Kansas—Topeka. Kentucky—Louisville. Louisiana—New Orleans. Maryland—Baltimore. Massachusetts—Boston; Brookline; Springfield. Michigan—Ann Arbor; Detroit; Flint; Grand Rapids; Lansing; Muskegon; Roseville. Minnesota—Minneapolis; St. Paul. Mississippi—Jackson. Missouri—Independence; Kansas City; St. Louis. Montana—Butte; Helena. Nevada—Reno. New Hampshire—Portsmouth. New Jersey—Dumont; East Orange; Montclair; Red Bank; Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque; North Albuquerque. New York—Jamestown; New York; Rochester; Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. Ohio—Cincinnati; Cleveland; Columbus; Dayton; Lima. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania —Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Scranton. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Greenville. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis. Texas—Houston. Utah—Salt Lake city. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria; Arlington. Washington—Monroe; Seattle; Tacoma. West Virginia—Charleton. Wisconsin—Kenosha; Madison; Milwaukee; Racine; Wauwatosa.
Bahá’í Pilgrimage[edit]
more than a glimpse of the wonders in store for the pilgrim to Shíráz.
Shíráz is famed for nightingales, roses, lovers—and poets to write about them. Some Bahá’ís who operate a bus service placed a vehicle at our disposal and we first went to the tomb of Háfiz, a poet who was greater than ‘Umar Kháyyám but one who lacked a Fitzgerald. On another occasion, we visited the grave of Sa’di, perhaps even more admired by the Persians than Háfiz, and we noticed with interest that some of the inscriptions on the walls surrounding the tomb were verses from the blind Bahá’í poet, Shúrídih whose own grave is in another room not far distant.
Much could be related about our departure from the Ṭihrán Airport and the many friends who came to bid us au revoir. Of interest was the comment of a wealthy non-Bahá’í who was going on the same plane: see how much love these Bahá’ís show toward each other; nobody cares very much whether we go or stay. It was exciting to see the friends of Iṣfáhán rushing to the plane during the brief stop in that delightful city; they brought flowers and candy, especially gaz for which the place is famous, and also books to meet the requirements of their co-workers.
One of my most thrilling experiences in Irán was an appearance before an assemblage of 340 Bahá’í children in Shíráz. I urged them to store up in their minds those verbal treasures which are to be discovered in the Hidden Words and other Bahá’í books and I referred to the tablet revealed by the Master when Shoghi Effendi, as a small boy, told Him of a dream in which he saw the Báb. I was followed on the program by Jináb-i-Samandarí, an extremely capable and devoted believer, who on the spot—without advance warning as to what I would speak about—described the circumstances of the dream of that marvelous figure who is now our guardian, produced the text of the tablet, and also quoted the affirmative words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to an American woman who had inquired as to whether the Guardian had yet been born.
In the footsteps of Martha Root, we also visited Persepolis, Takht-i-Jamshíd, that enduring testimonial of ‘Irán’s past greatness. Sixty years ago the Master described various articles at Persepolis; the discoveries occurred a half-century afterward. A few miles from there is Takht-i-Távús, a holy place of the Zoroastrians where are to be found inscriptions in Pahlavi and Latin.
Shíráz fills the receptive soul with wonderment. Yes, the skies are bluer and the stars much brighter than in California, and there is an air of peace and repose. In that blessed city we acquired—even if only for the time being—some of the “priceless possessions of the people of Paradise” and we sensed in a measure the experience of the gate of the Gate of God: “Methinks I was in a place of which it could be truly said: ‘Therein no toil shall reach us’; ‘No vain discourse shall they hear therein, nor any falsehood, but only the cry, Peace! Peace’ ”2
- 1 The Dawn-Breakers, p. 61.
- 2 The Dawn-Breakers, p. 62.
Bahá’ís and friends attending Bahá’í classes in Sandia Mountains, near Albuquerque, N.M., July, 1947.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Bahá’í Writings — Prayers of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and excerpts from the Bahá’í Writings, which has been out of stock for some time is again available. Bound in red paper
- Each ............... $ .75
Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings by Mamie L. Seto. Reference books required, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, Selected Writings (the little library of three books, Bahá’u’lláh, Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi) The National Teaching Committee especially recommend this outline with accompanying books for study groups or for individual believers.
- Outline with books ...... $ .75
Albuquerque Sponsors Conference[edit]
The gales of God seemed to blow with unusual and terrific force stirring up the dust of the ages in the great desert plateau of New Mexico. That was the night of the inception of the plan sponsored by the North Albuquerque Assembly, in which a majority of the believers of the entire region joined in an effort to carry the beloved Faith to the masses in accord with the Guardian’s Seven Year Plan. Those who had braved the stinging sand of the whirling dust storm, after full and free discussion, voted unanimously to have a Bahá’í Conference to begin July 4th. It was then the night of July 1st. There was no place, no money, and there had been no previous arrangements. Bahá’u’lláh, however, opened doors in an amazing way. Through a non-Bahá’í friend, the Girl Reserve Camp, 7000 feet high in the Sandia mountains, accommodating 40 to 50 overnight guests, was obtained; with the opportunity to purchase supplies through their office. It was a well-equipped camp that would put to shame similar camps costing $150 to $200 per week. It was arranged to be used by the Bahá’ís and their friends for 10 days at the low rental of $15.00!
Courses were given on: “The Advent of Divine Justice,” “Fundamentals,” “Bahá’í Keys to Bible Prophecy,” and “The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour.” The
NOVEMBER
The Nearness and Presence of God | |
| Nov. 1. | Gl, p. 184-186. or Bahá’í World Faith, p. 97-98. |
| Nov. 2. | Gl, p. 70-73. |
| Nov. 3. | Gl, p. 261-264. |
| Nov. 4. | Gl, p. 325-326. |
| Nov. 5. | Arabic Hidden Words, 34-35, 58, 59, 60. Persian Hidden Words, 21, 22, 46. |
| Nov. 6. | Gl, p. 139-140. |
| Nov. 7. | Prayers and Med. p. 240-242. |
Life and Sacrifice of Bahá’u’lláh
| |
| Nov. 8-9. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 220-224. |
| Nov. 10. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 31-32. |
| Nov. 11. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 33; 55. |
| Nov. 12. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 233-234; 89-91. |
| Nov. 13. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 80-82. or Prayers and Med. p. 310-313. |
| Nov. 14. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 349-350. |
Detachment and Sacrifice
| |
| Nov. 15. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 141 (Essence of Detachment); 68. |
| Nov. 16. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 105-106. |
| Nov. 17. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 374-375; 378-379. |
| Nov. 18. | Gl., p. 275-276. |
| Nov. 19. | Gl., p. 328-329. |
| Nov. 20. | Arabic Hidden Words, 7, 59; Persian Hidden Words, 39, 40. |
| Nov. 21. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 354-355. |
Life, Station, and Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
| |
| Nov. 22-23-24. | Chapter IV in Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era. |
| Nov. 25. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 357-359. |
| Nov. 26. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 394-395; 407-408. |
| Nov. 27. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 447-448. |
| Nov. 28. | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 217-220. |
The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.
| |
| Nov. 29-30 | Bahá’í World Faith, p. 414-419. |
Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb and the Feast of Kilimat were particularly beautiful. Cooperative voluntary help served in shifts, taking care of meals and household chores.
The climax of the Conference was an Interracial Program and Dinner given in Albuquerque on July 20th. Seventy attended including 2 Chinese, 7 Indians, 9 Negroes, 2 Jews and the remainder Whites, some with Spanish background. Four speakers, an Indian, a Negro, a Jew. and the Conference director, Ruth Moffett, made this, many said, one of the finest and most successful Bahá’í programs ever given in the state of New Mexico.
The results were amazing for so short a period and with so little preparation. This experiment of the North Albuquerque Assembly shows what a small community can accomplish when it calls in its Bahá’í brothers to assist in a unified plan for carrying the Faith to the masses. There was a deepening in the understanding of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. There was a unifying of all those in attendance in learning how to live and work together day by day. There was a newly born eagerness to arise and serve God in this great Day.
| Are You A Nurse?
If you are a graduate nurse, there is a splendid opportunity for you to pioneer in Alaska. There is an Alaska Native Service whose function it is to look after the health and welfare of the Natives and who employ nurses. These nurses are required to live among the natives and are furnished living quarters and other necessities. Thus a pioneer, in such a position, would have the chance to serve native Alaskans in a very practical way, combining in one effort a physical and a spiritual service. If you are interested, write either to the National Teaching Committee in care of Mrs. Margery McCormick, 924 Judson Ave., Evanston, Ill., or to Mrs. Frances Wells, Box 45, Anchorage, Alaska. |
Youth Registration[edit]
The friends are requested to bear in mind the fact that every Bahá’í youth, on becoming twenty-one years of age, whether isolated, a member of a group or member of an organized community, is expected to see that he or she is definitely listed as a voting Bahá’í.
In the National Office, and also in the records of local Assemblies and of Regional Teaching Committees, Bahá’í youth are classified as such and do not appear on the list of voting Bahá’ís until their classification is changed.
The friends are also reminded that when confirmed as a Bahá’í, the youth of between fifteen and twenty-one years of age should sign the Youth Registration enrollment card which is transmitted to the National Office, whereupon the name and address are duly recorded.
It is very important to have a complete record of Bahá’í youth, including their changes of address in the city or transfer to another city. The National Office needs the information, and all youth data received is reported to the National Youth Committee.
Winter Session at Louhelen[edit]
The Louhelen Program Committee is making plans for a winter session December 26 through January 1, with a special Youth Day December 28. Subjects of the two courses are: Inner Strength to Meet Today’s Challenge and What Do You Know about the Bahá’í Faith? Rates Dormitory, $2 per day per person, Single room, $3 per day per person. This session is open to youth and adults alike. (Plans are subject to approval by the NSA.)
Calendar[edit]
Feasts:
- Nov. 4—Qudrat—Power
- Nov. 23—Qawl—Speech
Anniversaries:
- Nov. 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
Suspend Work- 26—Day of Covenant
- 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—Observe at 1 A.M.
- Nov. 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
NSA Meeting:
- Nov. 7, 8, 9.
Latin American News[edit]
Plans for Congresses[edit]
This year the National Teaching Committees of the two great zones in Latin America, the northern and the southern, in consultation with the Inter-America Teaching Committee decided that hereafter the meeting places of the annual Congresses should be awarded on a merit basis. The accessibility of the place to a majority of assemblies must also be taken into account. It was agreed, too, that the Congresses should be followed by sessions of the first international Bahá’í schools. This plan was approved by the National Spiritual Assembly and by the Guardian.
Among the northern Latin Americas (the six Central American countries, Mexico and the West Indies) Mexico and Costa Rica had shown the greatest advances. Mexico has gained two new assemblies and Costa Rica has initiated and tested a new type of teaching by intensive correspondence. (For details of this plan see Bahá’í News, May, 1947, page 2.) This resulted in the new assembly of Quepos, now a community of sixteen active members and five new small groups. The choice for the congress has gone to Mexico and it will be held in Vera Cruz, a beautiful city by the sea and one of the two goal cities for Mexico this year.
Of the South American countries, it was recognized that Columbia, Chile and Brazil had made the greatest advances. Colombia led with four new assemblies, making a total of six in all, plus four new groups. Great advances have been made in carrying the Faith to large, organized groups such as the Masons, Lions and Rotarian clubs, Cultural Centers and Theosophical Societies. The Masons added especially in the organizing of public meetings and helped, individually, to form the new Bahá’í communities. Colombia had clearly won the honor of the next Congress, but was so remote in point of travel and expense from a majority of the other South American Assemblies, that it was reluctantly passed by.
Chile came second with one new assembly and ten small groups, Chile has four assemblies in all, the second largest number in a single South American country. Santiago and Valparaiso are easily accessible to a majority of the South American communities and Santiago was finally chosen for this year by the South American Teaching committee and this choice was confirmed. The Congresses and Bahá’í schools will probably be held in January and the exact date will be announced later.
Intensive Teaching Campaign Initiated[edit]
Charles Ioas of Chicago has returned from Mexico after spending his summer vacation assisting the new assemblies in Pueblo and Coatepec and making preliminary preparations for the coming Congress. The Regional Teaching Committee of Mexico gives highest praise for this brilliant young pioneer.
Octavio Illescas of Clovis, California, leaves early in October for Mexico. It will be his task to give deep confirming classes in “The Reality of the Divine Manifestation” for the strengthening of the new communities in Puebla and Coatepec, to carry through the group in Vera Cruz to confirmation, complete preparations for the Congress, and, if possible, remain as special representative of the Inter-America Committee at the Congress, and teach a deepening class during the International School session.
Campaigns are under way in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Panama is carrying the Faith to Santiago, Panama, as a new goal city, now that an assembly is assured in Colon. Mrs. Viva Lismore of Havana and Miss Kathrine Meyer are teaching in Cenfuegos, Cuba, and Miss Jean Silver is en route back to that city after a brief vacation in New York.
It is hoped that Mrs. Marcia Stewart may be able to go to Cuba after the Congress and help in following up contacts that have been made with 104 Masonic Lodges in that country.
Intensive campaigns are planned for Haiti during the visit of Mrs. Mabel Snyder of Panama in October and with the coming of Mr. Raphael Pumpelly of New York together with his daughter, Mrs. Amelie Bates and her family, to Port-au-Prince early in the fall. Mr. and Mrs. Bates plan to settle as pioneers in Haiti.
Another intensive campaign in the Islands is planned for Jamaica where Mrs. Cora Oliver of Panama
Manuel Gorgas of the San Blas Indian tribe, first Indian to enroll in Panama.
will work with the Regional Committee in goal city teaching in October and November.
In South America intensive teaching campaigns are under way in Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile. The last named country is using the Costa Rica Correspondence Plan in two regions in conjunction with travel teaching. Argentina is preparing to use this same type of teaching Campaign.
Mrs. Helen Shearer of Phoenix, Arizona, is doing goal city teaching in Campinas and Santos, Brazil. She writes that she loves the people and finds the Brazilians very open to the Cause. Mr. and Mrs. Edmund J. Miessler report twenty-two eager new students in Sao Paulo. Ten are now studying “The Dispensation.” Mr. and Mrs. Bode report Rio de Janeiro as being very open to the Cause. Special Bahá’í meetings were synchronized with the holding of the Pan American Conference near that city.
Colombia plans a three country regional conference when the Pan American conference meets in Bogatá in January. Venezuelan and Ecuadorian Bahá’ís are being invited to participate with representatives from the six Colombia Assemblies and various groups.
The incorporation of the Panama City Spiritual Assembly makes the second Central American country to have an assembly incorporated. Panama is the fourth country in Latin American where an assembly has
Mildred Mottahedeh Visits Ten European Countries[edit]
(A condensation of Mrs. Mottahedeh’s report)[edit]
In England I visited a small fireside group at the home of the Balyuzis ... The English friends are working very hard and making good progress on their Six Year Plan. Still much remains to be done. The fewness of their numbers and the time consuming business of getting the bare necessities of life have made the going slow but the pace is steadily accelerating and success seems sure and close ... All over the British Isles the work proceeds through the sacrifice of the friends.
In France I met with many of the friends individually and then spoke to them as a group at a reception they gave for me. The Paris friends were pleased and amazed to hear about the Convention. They had not realized the manifold activities of the Faith in the United States. The Guardian has given them a Five Year Plan but the only beginning they are making is to publish new translations of the Guardian’s letters in French. They are somewhat at a loss as to how to begin their work due to the fewness of their numbers and the advanced age of many in their group.
| actually received its decree of incorporation. Several other assemblies have their applications pending.
The Radio Committee has translated into Spanish the script now used with special slides in the Temple, and is making disc presentations of this script for use with the pictures throughout Latin America. All these plans for spreading the Faith in Latin America are being initiated or approved by the National Teaching Committees of the two zones. All members of these committees with the exception of one secretary, are native Latin Americans. These committees, too, will have direct charge of the annual Congresses and International Schools. In this way the Latin Americans are taking up the reins of their own Bahá’í Administration in preparation for the fulfillment of the Guardian’s second Seven Year Plan. |
The progress of the work in Germany is phenomenal under the present difficult conditions ... It was heartening to see the warmth of their affection for the believers of other countries. Like a phoenix, the Faith is arising from the ruins and starvation of Germany.
A Nineteen Day Feast was held in Vienna and it was their first meeting with a Bahá’í from another country in ten years. The Vienna group has lost over three-fourths of their number during the war because of the extermination of the Jewish Bahá’ís. Their plight is indeed sad. Only thirteen are left of a group that formerly numbered more than sixty. Hunger is their constant companion and if it were not for their faith and the food sent to them their condition would be even more desperate. Both in Austria and Germany food, clothing, and Bahá’í literature are essential for the progress of their work and for life itself.
In Switzerland two meetings were held at the International Bureau in Geneva and contacts were made with university teachers and artists in Zurich. The friends in Switzerland are ceaselessly striving to establish new assemblies and good progress is being made.
In Sweden five meetings were held. The pioneers in Stockholm have numerous contacts and seem to be able to produce a really interested audience of thirty or more at a few hours notice. Through the letter of introduction from the United Nations an opportunity was afforded to meet the Chief of Foreign Affairs of the Swedish government and a newspaper story followed. After it appeared several persons wrote and telephoned. All the contacts were turned over to the pioneers.
The pioneers in Copenhagen were newly established but their few contacts were all good prospects for the Faith. At a small tea party held at the apartment of Dagmar Dole and Eleanor Hollibaugh our guests amazed us by their readiness to accept the Faith. It was as though they were awaiting the moment of the arrival of the Good Tidings.
In Holland meetings were held in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. A conference with officials of various organizations in the Hague was a result of the United Nations connection and served to open new doors for the friends in Holland. Holland was one of the most interesting of the ten countries I visited. The plea of the audience is for spiritual talks. The Dutch people have a highly evolved culture, little religious or race prejudice, and a deep interest in spiritual matters.
Two meetings were held in Luxembourg. The pioneers are well liked and widely respected and the spirit they evince has been felt by all whom they have contacted.
| Non-Bahá’í Books Referring to the Faith
The NSA would like to ask the friends to send in to the National Archives Committee the title, publication date and publisher, of non-Bahá’í books which contain anything like an extensive reference to the Faith, whether favorable or non-favorable. The purpose is to enable the Assembly to develop a complete National Bahá’í Library, so that all such references will be available when needed—in meeting attacks, etc. |
At a public meeting in Brussels the question and answer period showed that many of those present were really interested. Belgium has special problems. Part of the country speaks French and the other part a form of Dutch. There is one Bahá’í in the Dutch speaking area. Belgium is one of the few prosperous countries in present day Europe and the gloom of economic problems does not press heavily upon them. The people in Brussels seem very cosmopolitan and the friends hope that it will prove the fertile soil that will bring an assembly in one or two years.
The American friends would be happy indeed if they could see for themselves the devotion and progress of the pioneers in the goal countries. Their open loving hearts have made it easy for them to adapt themselves to their new homes and to be received by the people. They are truly citizens of the world and this lack of national prejudice has been a cause for wonder among the Europeans. As the Guardian reminds us, they are the redemption of Europe.
News From Other Lands[edit]
Geneva Bureau News Exchange[edit]
Bahá’ís in Hamburg in the British Zone in Germany experienced hardships in getting meetings and teaching work started. An attempt was made in 1945 but with no post, no trains in the evening it became too difficulty. When the Bahá’í heard of progress in Southern Germany they got in touch with the friends there at the Nineteen Day Feasts. Their own regular weekly meetings began with the Unity Feast September 8, 1946. It has been impossible to find all who belonged to the community previously. There are now seventeen. During the severe winter there were great hardships. It was not always possible to get a heated room for meetings, often they sat in the dark, nevertheless there were always at least ten present and the three young people did not miss a meeting. Now there is an ever larger number at the public lectures on the first Sunday of each month. The friends are doing much translation from English pamphlets. One friend is compiling a Bahá’í Lexicon which will be a reference book giving information on suggestions that concern the Bahá’í Faith. It is not expected that this will be completed before several years, but an abridged form will be issued as soon as possible.
Three Bahá’í Summer Schools were held in Germany, one for youth, followed by two for adults.
Remarkable spiritual power was evident at the annual convention of the Bahá’ís of India and Burma. “The afternoon session of the 30th of April witnessed such moving scenes of love and unity and sacrifice as will never be forgotten by those present.” The matter of the National Ḥazíratu’l-Quds furnished an outlet for expressing this love in sacrifice. A large sum of money was necessary to make the first payment on the building and site which it had been decided to purchase. “One Assembly offered to bear the total cost of the next convention and later accepted the suggestion to divert this sum to the National Ḥazíratu’l-Quds fund.” Many other gifts were made. “Children brought in their gifts to be sold and dedicated to the National Headquarters Fund. So intense was the enthusiasm and love and unity that animated the delegates that a three hour session almost doubled itself without the friends being aware of it or yet prepared to leave!”
The NSA of Irán announces the plan to publish “Bahá’í News and Reviews” in English and the first copy dated April, 1947, has been received. It tells of cruel persecutions, tortures and martyrdoms in 1943-4 which accompanied the launching of their teaching plan, and of renewal of plans in 1946. The new Plan covers a period of 45 months and ends July 9th, 1950, the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Báb. It has definite goals as to number of new assemblies, reinstatement of old ones and other aims. In Tihrán alone 262 teaching meetings have been organized and work is going on all over the country. Reports indicate that 192 new believers have been registered.
At the time of writing the Bahá’ís of Switzerland were earnestly preparing for the 32nd World Esperanto Congress held in Berne the last of July. An imposing exhibit of Bahá’í literature, large Temple posters, etc. was being arranged and a special Bahá’í session being planned.
Italy[edit]
(Condensation of a letter from Rome by Ugo Giachery)[edit]
After weeks of search yesterday afternoon we had a most wonderful Bahá’í meeting with Signora Verena Venturini, who had known of the Cause from her sister and had had two talks with Mary Hanford Ford; two talks on the Bahá’í Faith which she had never forgotten. That was in 1910! Her sister Mrs. Max Schobert met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912 and asked Him to pray for her sister Verena and her husband, at the time very ill. The Master said that He would pray for them. Shortly after Signor Venturini passed away and the two sisters went to America and lived for a while in Berkeley, California, where they met many of the old believers. Later Verena and her daughter returned to Italy. During the war her home was occupied by the German army. Once when speaking to one of the officers, an interpreter, she said that the Bahá’í Faith was dear to her heart. Immediately he said, “I too know of the Bahá’í religion.” After that he greeted her with “Alláh’u’Abhá.”
We had some wonderful hours together for she had not seen or heard from any Bahá’í for many years. Signora Venturini is now a declared believer, firm in her faith and will do her utmost for our Cause.
Anchorage, Alaska[edit]
A special meeting of the Anchorage Community was held for consultation on the Guardian’s latest message, “The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour.”
Special consultation was also held on how to reach the Eskimos in accordance with the Guardian’s instructions. Recommendations were made to the Alaska Regional Teaching Committee to forward.
Incorporation of the Anchorage Assembly has been started.
The weekly radio talks and newspaper advertising continue. “Readers,” or statements about the Bahá’í Faith in the news columns, are now being used, as well as news comments on the public meetings.
Public meetings were held during August.
Hawaii[edit]
The Maui radio station K. M. V. I. opened their new station on March 16, 1947. The Maui Bahá’ís have a recording of six Bahá’í prayers. This radio station opens each morning’s broadcast with a prayer from various churches on this Island. On the morning of June 5, 1947, through the program director’s own planning, the station opened with a Bahá’í prayer. We Bahá’ís felt this significant, as it was a day for our Nineteen Day Feast. A Bahá’í prayer is used at 6:00 A.M. two and three mornings a month over this station.
The Maui Bahá’ís have sponsored a thirteen week radio program, presenting the transcriptions sent us by the National Radio Committee. We have also been able to announce our regular monthly public lectures over this station. Whenever we have our lectures, we are also given publicity by the Maui Drug Co., at 9:45 P.M. on Thursdays, the owner, Mr. Carl Nato has offered to do this for us. Our lectures are also announced over K. G. U. in Honolulu, on their five-minute weekly broadcasts. The Maui Bahá’ís have sent $5.00 every month for the past four years to help with the Honolulu Bahá’í radio expense, as well.
Mr. Richard Mawson, the manager of the Maui radio station, has made some very favorable comments about the transcription material. Our weekly radio broadcast on
[Page 11]
K. M. V. I. costs us $11.40 for fifteen
minutes. It has been interesting to
note the favorable comments of the
people, in regard to these transcriptions. As soon as the radio committee
have more transcriptions available,
we intend to sponsor another series
of radio broadcasts, as they truly are
far reaching. During the month of
May, two fifteen minute talks were
given over the Maui station by Mrs.
Mabel Van Valkenburg. Her topics
were, “Beauty and Harmony in Diversity,” and “The Law of Love.”
Pioneer[edit]
(These selections from Martha Root’s diaries and letters have been prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Ford of Little Falls, N.Y., and are to be continued.)
The Bahá’í world is in its first year of a Second intensive Seven Year Plan to carry the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to the people of all countries. As we study the task, make our plans, and send the first teachers abroad, we turn in our minds and hearts to the archtype of a Bahá’í itinerant teacher, Martha Root.
She it is who traveled continuously for twenty years, four times around the globe, teaching, ever teaching. Tens of thousands heard her call, from royalty to peasants. Embarking with unswerving resolve and a spirit of sublime detachment, she went her way across the earth. Age, ill health, meager resources, extremes of climate or great dangers, did not restrain her efforts,
| Notices of Local Meetings in Temple
A visiting guide at me Temple recently said, “Today I have told 20 new people about the Faith and at home we hold regular firesides and public meetings and feel happy if 20 different people come in the course of a year.” It is true—here at the Temple, people come to us by the thousands. We who are guiding these visitors, realize fully our responsibility in preparing ourselves so that the message we give them during their tour of the Temple is such that it will awaken their hearts to a further search into the Teachings after they go home. We are doing our utmost to interest them in filling out the questionnaire cards, so we can build up an active mailing list of really interested souls for local assemblies, the National Teaching Committee and Regional Committees. Guides are always needed! We are planning to use a Bulletin Board on which we can place notices of the regular public meetings all over the United States and Canada. During the tours, the guides plant the seeds. It will be the opportunity of the assemblies and groups to reap the harvest. Please send notice of the time and place of your regular meetings to BAHÁ’Í TEMPLE PROGRAM COMMITTEE, Mrs. Nina Matthisen, 77 E. Cedar St., Chicago Ill. (In the immediate Temple area—Chicago and suburbs—we can list fireside meetings also.) |
Dear, indomitable Martha, with her seventeen suitcases containing all her belongings, struggling forward, writing, lecturing, denying herself every comfort, even adequate food and rest. Physically small, frail of body, plain of feature, unassuming in her appearance, with none of the talents the world thinks one must have for greatness; she had the courage of a lion, the strength and “staying powers” of a Gibralter, a will which defied and won over all obstacles, and a love that warmed hearts as the spring sun melts March snows. She became a spiritually dynamic and saintly woman who rendered manifold services to humanity. How gloriously she attained her goal of spreading the Bahá’í Faith!
The example of her life never leaves us; she is a continuing inspiration. In the task ahead of us, we need her guidance. What does she say to us?
From South American 1919 (shipboard Going Down)
After real illness .. I did not try to solve the problem of giving the Message for two days, my vivid thought was that I of all people was least fitted to meet such a group. I was not well, did not dance or play cards, nor was I an enthusiastic sportswoman. Still, reading the Creative Word, every line that seemed to spring up from the pages was a path for me to follow: “Let not conventionality cause you to seem cold and unsympathetic when you meet strange people from other countries. — Be kind to the strangers — help them to feel at home — ask if you may render them any service; try to make their lives a little happier .. Let those who meet you know without your proclaiming the fact that you are indeed a Bahá’í.”
Again, “If we are true Bahá’ís speech is not needed. Our actions will help-on the world, will spread civilization, will help the progress of science and cause the arts to develop. — It is not through lip service only that the Elect of God have attained to Holiness, but by patient lives of active service they have brought the Light into the World.”
Serving everybody and praying for more capacity to serve intelligently and lovingly, I received my first opportunity: All the men had given money to buy prizes for sports. I took the best small article of my apparel, did it up as nearly as I could in the artistic fashion in which the Japanese present a gift and took it to the sports committee to be used as a prize. (It was the only woman’s gift). I explained that I did not know much about sports, but to join in the “family party” I was going to go in for all except the heavy weight contests.
The next day being the first Sunday at sea I asked the Captain’s permission to speak in the evening on the Bahá’í Cause. The purser put up a large notice on the bulletin board. No person aboard had ever heard of the Bahá’í Movement. The men of the sports committee were the first ones to enter the music room; they helped to make the meeting popular ... The Captain, purser and several officers came to the talk. The ship pitched so that I had to hold on to a pillar with one hand while speaking. After the talk of over an hour, the purser made a little speech of thanks. Then after dismissal a Bishop took the floor and spoke against the Bahá’í Cause. Not that he had ever heard of it before but he said one could never be a Christian and believe in these other religions too. I replied to him point by point and from that evening we have been friendly, his very arguments against the Movement later made friends for it ..
| World Order Magazine
Contents for October, 1947
Coming in November Special Temple number with pictures of the proposed interior decoration and articles by Horace Holley and Gertrude Robinson on the building of the Bahá’í House of Worship. WORLD ORDER
|
Bahia (South America.)
Nearing Bahia .. It was high sea, raining torrents, stomachs were seasick but when the little boats came out to get the passengers the only two men on board who spoke English were Americans and both offered to take me up to the hotel ... They took me to the hotel as easily as violets come up in the spring. An African carried all my luggage on his head!
Ill as a result of the storm and running a high temperature how vividly the words came to me: “Let one not call himself a captain until he stands before an opposing army, nor a Bahá’í until he meets the tests.” The words in the Tablets of the Divine Plan were my healing, and the prayers. Above everything else I felt the eternal importance of what the Manifestation said: “Plant this Branch in the ground of the hearts and make it Holy from shadow and arising.”
From the Andes
The plan was to cross the Andes and come up the West coast of Panama .. I started amid gifts of books, flowers, fruit, candy and lunches ... The trip by mule back over the “Top of the world,” for the Andes are among the highest of ranges ... was thrilling enough for the most sensational. To pray the Greatest Name among these minarets of God was to glimpse the glory of the Eternal, Unknowable. The ancient trail led 10,400 ft. above sea level. The people on mule back were infinitesimal specks clinging to mighty terraces that bear no other appearance of humanity except the cavalcade. As “ants in an endless and boundless forest” so we huddled on the edge of jagged peaks, frozen chasms, and stiffened mountain torrents ... Every friend met on this trip is just the beginning of a long friendship. Letters and literature can be exchanged ...
From the West Coast (South America)
The trip up the west coast on a Chilean ship was immensely interesting. Grippe had to be the shadow to make one appreciate the sunshine, so the first few places are but memories of trying to get ashore to the newspaper offices to explain the Bahá’í Message, then leaning against the friendly lamp posts for strength to drag oneself back to the boat ... Bahá’ís, for the decades just ahead, must master as many languages as possible. In order to meet these South Americans half way, I started on this ship to learn Spanish pronunciation and first principles. One can only do one’s best, but every hour spent by a Bahá’í on language study will help ...
In Memoriam[edit]
| Bahá’í News is published by the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada as the official news-letter of the Bahá’í Community. The first issue appeared in December, 1924. Bahá’í News is edited for the National Spiritual Assembly by its Bahá’í News Editorial Committee: Mrs. Roberta Christian, chairman, Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Mr. Gordon A. Fraser. Editorial office: Mrs. Roberta Christian, 1001 West Genesee St. Lansing, Mich. 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. |
“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.”
- Mr. Albert Dougherty, Anacortes, Wash., May, 1947
- Mrs. Karin Meyers, Kenosha, Wis., July 31, 1947
- Miss Alice L. Doolittle, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, June 27, 1947
- Mr. Augustin G. Wilburt, Oakland, Calif., July 17, 1947
- Mrs. Herbert Rich, Mineola, L.I., April, 1947
- Mrs. Olive Kretz, Sterling, Ill., Aug. 24, 1947
- Mrs. Catherine B. Leins, Danville, Ill., Aug., 1947
- Mrs. Edward Chiatte, Los Angeles, Cal., April 2, 1947
- Mrs. Judson Burch, Venice, Cal., Aug. 26, 1947
| Page | Col. | |
Addresses | 5 | 3 |
Alaska, Nurse Wanted | 7 | 1 |
Albuquerque Conference | 6 | 3 |
Assemblies Sponsor Group | 4 | 2 |
“Bahá’í Pilgrimage” | 2 | 2 |
Calendar | 7 | 3 |
Daily Readings | 7 | 2 |
Enrollments | 4 | 2 |
| Fund | ||
Assemblies Contributing | 5 | 2 |
“Where We Are” | 5 | 2 |
Guardian, Message | 4 | 1 |
Latin America | 8 | 1 |
Louhelen, Winter Session | 7 | 3 |
Memorium | 12 | 2 |
Mildred Mottahedeh in Europe | 9 | 1 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Greeting American Esperantists | 3 | 3 |
Letter, “This World Freedom” | 1 | 1 |
References to Faith in non-Bahá’í books | 9 | 3 |
Women’s Rights Statement | 9 | 3 |
News from Other Lands | 10 | 1 |
| Pictures | ||
Albuquerque Conference | 6 | 2 |
Garner, Ralph | 3 | 3 |
Gorgas, Manuel, of Panama | 8 | 3 |
Shiráz Group with Robert Gulick | 2 | 2 |
“Twin Spires in the Sky” | 1 | 1 |
Publicity, National Campaign | 1 | 1 |
Publishing Announcements | 6 | 2 |
“Quiet Servant, A” | 3 | 3 |
Root, Martha | 11 | 1 |
Supplement, Temple Interior Sketches | 2 | 1 |
| Temple | ||
National Publicity Campaign | 1 | 1 |
Notices of Local Meetings | 11 | 1 |
Sketches of Interior | 2 | 1 |
| World Order | ||
Contents, October | 12 | 1 |
Special Appeal | 5 | 1 |
Youth Registration | 7 | 3 |
