Bahá’í News/Issue 202/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 202 | DECEMBER, 1947 | YEAR 104 | BAHA’I ERA |
Contract Awarded for New Temple Interior Stairway[edit]
The Temple Trustees have awarded a contract to the George A. Fuller Construction Company for building a new stairway system inside the Temple. The stairway is required by the modified interior design. The contract was signed the third week in November, and the Trustees hope that actual construction work will get under way this month.
The Fuller Company estimates that the cost of this installation will be approximately $4500, plus the contractor’s fee of 7%, which is much lower than the average fee for this type of job. Competitive bids were sought for this work, and the next figure to the estimate submitted by the George A. Fuller Company was an estimate of $6500, plus contractor’s fee.
BAHÁ’Í
A WORLD FAITH There is but one source of human brotherhood — the worship of God through the same prophet, the knowledge edge of God through the same revelation. While political, racial and economic bonds in inadequate and temporary, revealed religion holds sway for a thousand years. Now is the time for brotherhood between the religions and not merely a fraternity within each separate faith. Bahá’u’lláh brought the Faith which for the first time makes world brotherhood a fact and not an empty phrase. Literature sent free on request. BAHA’I PUBLIC RELATIONS |
The proposal of the Fuller Company was accepted by the Temple Trustees on the joint recommendation of Shaw, Metz and Dolio, the architects for the Temple, and the Bahá’í Technical Advisory Board, after approval of the architect’s plans by the Technical Board.
The new stairway system, which will replace the present stairs on the west side of the building, will be enclosed, and will extend from the basement to the main floor of the building, on the east side of the structure. These stairs will be back of the proposed location of the reader’s stand.
Elimination of the present stairway system is necessary to make the ninth alcove available for seating, in accordance with the plans approved by the Guardian for unifying the main auditorium space in the completed interior. The present stairway will be left in place while the interior ornamentation work is being done, but will be removed before the completion of this work.
It is estimated that approximately two months’ construction time will be required for the erection of the new stairway system. Mr. Shaw, the architect, and the Bahá’í Technical Board jointly recommended that this project be completed before work starts on the interior ornamentation. The Trustees hope to be able to let the first contract for the interior ornamental work sometime in the spring of 1948. The beginning of this work will depend upon the time required by the architect to complete the necessary detailed working drawings.
| “The second year of the second Seven Year Plan must witness, on
all fronts, on the part of young and old alike, rich and poor, colored and white, neophyte and veteran, a rededication to the tasks undertaken ......... The utmost effort by the National Teaching Committee and its auxiliary Regional Teaching Committees, aimed at raising the number of spiritual assemblies in the North American continent to no less than one hundred and seventy-five, ere the expiry of the current year, should be exerted” SHOGHI EFFENDI
This is the midpoint of our Bahá’í Year in the second year of the Second Seven Year Plan. Let us stop and analyze what we have accomplished—every community of twenty or more—your project of a new community—every individual Bahá’í—your goal of bringing one person into the Bahá’í Faith. There are only six months left! THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE.
|
Here is reprinted an advance copy of the next advertisement which will appear in the national campaign. Watch for it in World Report on December 16; in Newsweek on January 12; in United Nations World in February. Use it as a bridge in your teaching work and in introducing the Bahá’í World Faith.
More than 2,000 requests have come to the public relations office not only from every state in the union but also from nearly 20 countries of the world, including Greece, India, Holland, Hawaii. Many requests read as the following: “We have seen your advertisement ...” “I am interested ...” “I heard of the Bahá’í Faith years ago ...” “I
[Page 2]
am writing an article ...” “Please
send all the literature you can as
soon as possible ... ” “You have
what I have been looking for ...”
In order that the local communities can better tie-in with the national advertising, post cards, display blow-ups and newspaper mats are being furnished the friends at cost. These may be obtained by writing to
410 LINDEN AVENUE
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS
Fireside Teaching[edit]
The National Teaching Committee, realizing that one of the most important methods is the “Fireside” Class, has suggested to its regionals a workshop technic which can be used by the Bahá’ís to strengthen their own assurance in conducting such discussion classes. This consists of a group of Bahá’ís coming together, bringing interesting clippings from newspapers or magazines and then relating these items to the Bahá’í Faith. This rehearsal can then be staged in their own homes and all the facts brought out in the workshop can be presented in an interesting manner to their friends.
This method of encouraging the Bahá’ís to hold Firesides has been presented on many Regional Conference agenda—such as the September conference held by the Missouri, Kansas & Nebraska Regional Committee. This technic was demonstrated to those attending the conference by the Topeka community.
Kansas City, Missouri has already taken advantage of the suggestion and has applied it to a study class. Quoting from their Bulletin, “a feature of the study class has been to bring clippings relative to the subject under discussion as we have always found it an interesting way to bring to the attention of the non-members that modern thought is along the principles which the Bahá’í Faith has promulgated for a century.”
The need for such workshops in every community cannot be over-emphasized and it is the hope of the National Teaching Committee that such a technic will greatly assist and encourage Fireside Teaching.
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
Bahá’í Marriage[edit]
There is no objection to performing a Bahá’í marriage for two non-Bahá’ís, if they desire to have our simple ceremony. This, on the contrary, is yet another way of demonstrating our liberality.
Bahá’u’lláh has clearly stated the consent of all living parents is required for a Bahá’í marriage. This applies whether the parents are Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís, divorced for years, or not. This great law He has laid down to strengthen the social fabric, to knit closer the ties of the home, to place a certain gratitude and respect in the hearts of children for those who have given them life and sent their souls out on the eternal journey towards their Creator. We Bahá’ís must realize that in present-day society the exact opposite process is taking place: young people care less and less for their parents’ wishes, divorce is considered a natural right, and obtained on the flimsiest and most unwarrantable and shabby pretexts. People separated from each other, especially if one of them has had full custody of the children, are only too willing to belittle the importance of the partner in marriage also responsible as a parent for bringing those children into this world. The Bahá’ís must, through rigid adherence to the Bahá’í laws and teachings, combat those corrosive forces which are so rapidly destroying home life and the beauty of family relationships, and tearing down the moral structure of society.
The point the Indian NSA called to your attention about the Marriage Tablet is correct; part of it is Bahá’u’lláh’s, part of it ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s*—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to the NSA dated October 25, 1947.
* See page 7 Bahá’í News for February, 1947. The Marriage Prayer as reprinted is attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whereas in reality the text consists of two separate Tablets. The text up to “the Lord of the worlds!” is by Bahá’u’lláh, and the remaining text is a Tablet by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Long Healing Prayer[edit]
The long Healing Prayer translated by Dr. Khan and his daughter is authentic. As it is one which, when rendered into English, loses much of its rich imagery, he does not feel it is suitable at present for inclusion in a prayer book, as non-Bahá’ís might find it rather strange—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to the NSA dated October 25, 1947.
Relief to European Pioneers[edit]
If any of the European pioneers are really in need of relief parcels for their personal use, there is certainly no objection to sending them some. However, he certainly would not send relief for those whom they are teaching or contacting, as this would seem in the nature of either a reward or an enticement for those attracted to the Faith. *—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to the NSA dated October 25, 1947.
* This statement from Haifa was written in response to the question raised at the last National Convention as to whether relief packages should be sent to the European pioneers for distribution to needy non-believers in their vicinity.
Teaching Conference, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska region. Held at the Pickwick Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct. 12, 1947.
Responsibilities of Bahá’í Children[edit]
Regarding children: at fifteen a Bahá’í is of age as far as keeping the laws of the Aqdas is concerned—prayer, fasting, etc. But children under fifteen should certainly observe the Bahá’í Holy Days, and not go to school, if this can be arranged, on these nine days.—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to NSA dated October 25, 1947.
Status of Local Assemblies[edit]
A spiritual Assembly can only exist where there are nine or more adult declared Bahá’ís in a specific area, who hold a proper election or constitute themselves an Assembly properly. There is nothing vague about it, and no departure can be made from the accepted procedure.—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to the NSA dated October 25, 1947.
Reference to Year 1335[edit]
In the August issue of Bahá’í News there is a statement about the year 1335 and a reference to “God Passes By” in which it gives the impression that in that book the Guardian associates the fulfilment of Daniel’s prophecy with one hundred years after Bahá’u’lláh’s mystic experience. He wishes me to point out that this is inaccurate as on page 151 of “God Passes By,” in the reference to His Declaration, the Guardian clearly states that with this declaration the “hundred lunar years” had commenced. The mystic experience of Bahá’u’lláh was in the Síyáh Chál and has nothing to do with Daniel’s prophecy.
This statement of the Guardian is itself based on extracts from two of the Master’s Tablets which are published in “The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter to the NSA dated October 25, 1947.
Bahá’í Infallibility, Voting, and Chastity[edit]
The following excerpts from the Guardian’s letter to John Bernard Cornel dated October 19, 1947 are published with Shoghi Effendi’s explicit approval.
Regarding your questions: There are only two institutions which are infallible, one is the guardianship, the other the International House of Justice. What the Master desired to protect the friends against was continual bickering and opinionatedness. A believer can ask the Assembly why they made a certain decision and politely request them to reconsider. But then he must leave it at that, and not go on disrupting local affairs through insisting on his own views. This applies to an Assembly member as well. We all have a right to our opinions, we are bound to think differently; but a Bahá’í must accept the majority decision of his Assembly, realizing that acceptance and harmony—even if a mistake has been made—are the really important things, and when we serve the Cause properly, in the Bahá’í way, God will right any wrongs done in the end.
Bahá’ís are not required to vote on an Assembly against their consciences. It is better if they submit to the majority view and make it unanimous. But they are not forced to. What they must do, however, is to abide by the majority decision, as this is what becomes effective. They must not go around undermining the Assembly by saying they disagreed with the majority. In other words, they must put the Cause first and not their own opinions.
He, (an S. A. member) can ask the Assembly to reconsider a matter, but he has no right to force them or create inharmony because they won’t change. Unanimous votes are preferable, but certainly cannot be forced upon Assembly members by artificial methods such as are used by other societies.
What Bahá’u’lláh means by chastity certainly does not include the kissing that goes on in modern society. It is detrimental to the morals of young people, and often leads them to go too far, or arouses appetites which they cannot perhaps at the time satisfy legitimately through marriage, and the suppression of which is a strain on them.
The Bahá’í standard is very high, more particularly when compared with the thoroughly rotten morals of the present world. But this standard of ours will produce healthier, happier, nobler people, and induce stabler marriages.
Address Correction[edit]
The correct address of the Radio Committee is: Bahá’í National Radio Committee, Room 637, 225 Fifth Avenue, New York 10, N.Y.
| “Overjoyed Recent Victories”
Overjoyed at recent victories, achievements.... Praying for continual extension in range of magnificent accomplishments by divinely-guided, much beloved, highly admired American Bahá’í community.—Cable from the Guardian, November 15, 1947. |
Teaching Obligations in North America[edit]
Beloved friends:
Refer back to your copy of Bahá’í News dated July, 1946, issued during the early, planning months of the second Seven Year Plan. You will find listed sixty-three groups in the United States and Canada which as of then had each five or more declared Bahá’ís.
Since to form an Assembly there must be nine or more believers, we need a minimum of 567 declared Bahá’ís to produce sixty-three new local Spiritual Assemblies.
The list of sixty-three groups gives the number of Bahá’ís in each group at the time the data was compiled in the National Office. Counting up the total number of the Bahá’ís who were members of those groups we can make this interesting table:
63 Assemblies, Bahá’ís needed | 567 |
63 groups, July 1946, total members | 398 |
| 169 | |
| ____ | |
Total new enrollments required | 169 |
With this background of fact, ponder again the Guardian’s deeply significant call for a total of 175 Assemblies in North America by April 21, 1948.
Total Assemblies by 1948 | 175 |
Total listed, Bahá’í News, July 1947 | 143 |
| ____ | |
Assemblies to form this year | 32 |
To set up a margin of safety allowing for dissolution of weak Assemblies, we can strive for 40 new Assemblies instead of 32. Looking at Table I again, it becomes evident that to form 40 Assemblies out of the 63 groups, new enrollments must be achieved to the number of about 120 in 40 towns, or three or four per group.
[Page 4]
This gives us something to take
hold of and examine in terms of
planned action. It brings the task
down from the stratosphere of sentiment to the level of our daily lives.
What plans have been developed and
put into operation to accomplish this
specific task?
1. An appeal from the NSA to the groups to redouble their teaching efforts and lay the spiritual foundation of unity essential to our great aim.
2. An appeal from the NSA to local Assemblies to sponsor one or more groups and extend special teaching aid in order to bring the group up to Assembly status. Thirty-six Assemblies or more have accepted this challenge.
3. A “National Bahá’í Program” evolved under which the National Teaching Committee conducts public meetings and discussions in selected group cities, with publicity material and help from a number of participating committees, including Radio, Visual Education, and Public Relations. The idea is to concentrate all available energy upon the following process:
- Publicize the city, attract attention.
- Create an audience.
- Develop a group for discussion.
- From those interested form a study class.
- Confirm and enroll.
In addition, to arouse a more intense zeal for spreading the Faith, and regenerate the forces of the Bahá’í community, the National Assembly has appealed to Assemblies to try and double the size of the community this year, and to individual believers, each to confirm at least one new soul.
This year is decisive in the evolution of the Bahá’í community as it is in the history of the world. Let us serve the Faith. If anyone feels he does not know how to serve, let him serve and learn how by serving.
Are YOU Teaching?[edit]
An analysis of the current seven Year Plan clearly indicated that its success depends upon a greatly increased Bahá’í membership. The confirmation and training of these souls, once we have found them, becomes the work largely of individual Bahá’ís.
The achievement of the other goals calling for the multiplication of Assemblies and groups demands the actual enrollment of many new and active workers. Thus these two tasks are but parts of one major goal—to increase the army of Bahá’u’lláh and broaden the base of His Administrative Order.
In the past we have relied upon a relatively few Bahá’ís to carry forward the local and national teaching programs, but now the task has become so large that each of us is face to face with his individual responsibility for promoting the Faith.
Why are so many of us still inactive in the teaching field? This question is the concern of every thoughtful Bahá’í. The answers most frequently given are: “I do not have the courage or the experience to make new contacts.” “I lack the necessary knowledge of the Teachings, or training as a speaker or a teacher.” And so we wait. For what?
| Letters from the Guardian
The National Spiritual Assembly urgently requests that all National Committees go through their files and send to the National Archives for preservation any original letters from the Guardian which they may have. The secretary of this Committee is: Mrs. Gertrude Struven, 714 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill. |
None but the Bahá’ís can establish the Faith or do our work. The very needs of humanity today at home and abroad are presenting us with opportunities that are straining the teaching personnel of the National Teaching Committee, the Regional Committees and Local Assemblies. We have reached a crisis. Whether we succeed or fail in achieving the tasks to which we have set our hands depends squarely upon the degree to which each of us assumes our full responsibility. Lack of education and experience is no longer a valid excuse for inactivity. In His Will and Testament, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says “all the friends and loved ones, one and all” must teach “His Cause and promote His Faith.” And in GLEANINGS, Bahá’u’lláh says: “The understanding of His Words and comprehension of the Utterances of the Birds of Heaven are in no wise dependent upon human learning. They depend solely upon purity of heart, chastity of soul and freedom of spirit.” The writings abound in promises of Divine assistance if we but make the effort. The first step in preparing ourselves for service to the Faith, therefore, is to adopt a positive attitude, to say and believe “I can.”
It is the belief of the Study Aids Committee that there are tremendous potentialities for service in even the present Bahá’í membership and that they can be developed through study and training programs. Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í groups have a responsibility for providing classes for the believers and encouraging individual study, and yet a survey conducted by the Study Aids Committee last year among 138 Assemblies revealed that only 26 (less than one in five) communities had classes of any kind for Bahá’ís. If this is truly representative of the country, then it is obvious that vast resources for workers in the Faith are not being explored. It is exceedingly important that Local Assemblies and groups give this matter their immediate attention and that every individual Bahá’í, no matter how old or young or how isolated, should begin at once to study with a purpose. Every effort should also be made by all of the friends to attend the Bahá’í summer schools where intensive instruction and training in study and teaching methods are available.
In succeeding issues of Bahá’í News the Study Aids Committee will review for the friends the numerous resources at their command for individual and group study and will also suggest methods for acquiring habits of study and experience in teaching. The Committee is very eager to be of utmost service and herewith invites individuals, Assemblies and groups to call upon it for suggestions, materials and assistance with study problems. It is grateful for the material and suggestions that it has already received from the friends and will welcome copies of study outlines, materials and reports of study classes and training techniques that have been used successfully by any individual group or community. Address communications to Study Aids Committee. Miss Charlotte Lenfoot, Sec’y, 156 Nova Drive, Piedmont, Calif.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mr. Nick Poulsen, Racine, Wis., May 25, 1947
- Mr. Anton Zoul, Long Beach, Calif., Oct. 7, 1947
- Miss Marion Russell, Beverly, Mass., (no date given—reported 10-23-47)
- Mrs. Deseria Pulley, Chicago, Ill., Oct. 22, 1947
- Mr. L. K. Lee, West Chester, Pa., Nov. 1, 1947
- Mr. Will Bowen, Riverton, N.J. (no date given—reported by RTC 11-5-47)
Correction: Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rich both passed away last April. Through an oversight, the death of Mr. Rich was never reported here. Mrs. Rich’s death was reported in the October issue.
Enrollments[edit]
North Albuquerque, N.M., 1; Butte, Mont., 2; Helena, Mont., 4; Birmingham, Ala., 1; Cleveland, Ohio, 1; New York, N.Y., 3; West Chester, Pa., 1; Alhambra, Calif., 1; Los Angeles, Calif., 1; Worcester, Mass., 1; Boise, Idaho, 2; Hackensack, N.J., 1; Rose Valley, Pa., 1; Lewisburg, Pa., 1; Pentwater, Mich., 1; Toledo, Ohio, 2; Normandy, Mo., 1; Montreal, P.Q., 1; Winnipeg, Man., 1; Total: 27 and 5 youth.
Corrections: October issue reported 1 enrollment for Niles, Mich. This should have been 2.
November issue erroneously reported 1 enrollment for Lansing, Mich.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Bahá’í Calendar for 1948 on card 6½x11. Bahá’í Feasts and Anniversaries and civil calendar for the coming year. Price $.10.
Bahá’í—The Coming of World Religion. Portfolio 12 pages with illustrations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and The Bahá’í House of Worship. A must attractive gift and for presentation to interest a friend in the Bahá’í Faith. Price including mailing envelope. $.50.
Photographs of Temple Interior Designs[edit]
Those desiring photographs of the two Temple interior designs may order them from Bahá’í Sales Committee through Mr. H. E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago, 40, Ill., at the rate of the set of two for 75c.
Lack of space prevents running “Pioneer” (Martha Root diaries) this month. The next installment will appear in January.
FINANCIAL BUDGET 1947-1948
Assemblies Contributing to Fund, October, 1947[edit]
Alabama, Birmingham. 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, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Moncton Halifax, Toronto, Regina, Scarboro, Vernon. Colorado, Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut, New Haven. Dist. 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, Waukegan, Wilmette, Champaign, Limestone Twp. Indiana, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend. Iowa, Cedar Rapids.
Kansas, Topeka. Kentucky, Louisville. Louisiana, New Orleans. Maine, Eliot. Maryland, Baltimore. Massachusetts, Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan, Ann Arbor, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville.
Minnesota, Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Mississippi, Jackson. Missouri, Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana, Butte, Helena. Nebraska, Omaha. New Hampshire, Portsmouth. New Jersey, Dumont, East Orange, Red Bank, Teaneck.
New Mexico, Albuquerque, North Albuquerque. New York, Binghamton, Buffalo, Jamestown, New York, Rochester, Yonkers. North Carolina, Greensboro. North Dakota, Fargo. Ohio, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lima.
Oregon, Portland. Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. 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, Spokane. West Virginia, Charleston. Wisconsin, Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Wauwatosa.
| Number of Assemblies contributing in Oct. | 126 |
| Number of Assemblies not contributing | 18 |
| Individuals contributing | 150 |
| Groups contributing | 76 |
Calendar[edit]
Feasts:
- Dec. 12, Masá’il—Questions
- Dec. 31—Sharaf—Honor
National Assembly Meeting: Jan. 1, 2, 3, 4.
[Page 6]
Some members of the Spiritual Assembly of Paris, France. Lucienne Migette, Edith Sanderson, Mr. Hakim, Mr. Charles Kennedy, Mr. Alai.
European Work Advances[edit]
The European Teaching Committee rejoices to report the new believer in Rome, Signor Fernando Morosi. The first declared Bahá’í in Brussels under the second Seven Year Plan, Madame Lea Nys, is already a very valuable and active member of the group.
The whole European teaching project seems to have taken on a new impetus and momentum and from each of the Centers are coming heartening reports of the wonderful progress of the work. The Committee members are impressed by the number of those attending study classes regularly and by the unusual contacts which are miraculously opening for the pioneers. Much of this new development, the Committee feels, is due to the assistance given by the itinerant teachers and by the widespread interest in the Faith which they developed during their stays in the different goal cities. Henry Jarvis and Marion Little are still continuing in the field. Henry has been concentrating on the three Scandinavian goal cities. In each of these Centers he has contributed invaluably by helping with the newly interested believers, by his excellent public talks and through his many meetings with new contacts. Marion Little has just finished her stay in Luxembourg and after a visit to Brussels plans to join the group in Rome.
Pioneering![edit]
(Postscript to a letter from Miss Honor Kempton, pioneer to Luxembourg.)
“An exciting ringing of the door bell. Upon opening the door an eager voice spoke in rapid German. I listened intently and caught the name Madam Greich (my landlady) Ah, I thought, he is enquiring for Madam Greich. I immediately told him in my best French manner that Madam Greich was in Brussels. Apparently my words had no meaning because he went rapidly on in his German. I listened patiently and was wondering what I could do to help him when suddenly I heard that Universal World “Bahá’í.” I just reached out and took his hand and took him into the salon. I found out that he did not speak French—only German and Luxemborgoise. So we just looked at each other and smiled. Suddenly I remembered the German translation of BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA which Jean Court had just brought back. I gave him the book—never shall I forget his excitement when he read the title and said out loud “Bahá’u’lláh.” His face just shone and he was trembling with excitement. So I motioned him to sit down and look through the book. He immediately started to read. He kept saying “Ya, ya, ya” and nodding his head so violently that I thought it would come off. Then he reached in his pocket and brought out a handful of money and wanted to buy the book. He showed me his passport, visa, etc., showing he was a Luxembourg citizen. Then I remembered that Paul Van de Brook was to come at two o’clock and meet Jean. So I showed him the clock and pointed to the hour of two and asked him if he could come back. He understood and left. At two o’clock exactly he returned and Paul came in a few moments later. I told Paul the story and Paul went in and spoke to him. His story is interesting. He lives in the Moselle Valley on the border of Germany. He is a Catholic but has no faith or interest in the ritual, dogma of the Church or any liking for the Priests. He was told recently that at 21 Rue Elisabeth Luxembourg-Ville there were people speaking of an honest religion and that he could not wait for anything until he had heard of it. He has been seeking for just such a religion and on reading the Revelation of St. John knew that this was the time for it to appear—according to the prophecies. He asked very humbly if there was caste system in the religion because he was a working man—he worked “with his hands and was simple.” It was quite thrilling to hear Paul tell him that this religion was for all—the highest and the lowest, the working man and the King. His face lighted up and he expressed his pleasure volubly. His wife, he explained, felt just as he did and he knew she would be overjoyed to know what he had found and they would read the book together. He asked Paul to ask me “how he could join.” So we told him that he would have to study the teachings and creative word of Bahá’u’lláh and to read of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, of the Guardian and of the Báb. All of which he was eager to do. He will return tomorrow night and bring his wife with him. Will ask Miss Hipp to come and interpret because she speaks good German and also English and it will be an experience for her. As far as I can make out Madam Greich was visiting the Moselle Valley last month and she must have spoken of the Faith to someone at that time and he in turn passed it on to this man. How strange that my little landlady should be an instrument for Bahá’u’lláh. Will let you know how it progresses.
This experience makes me think of the early days of the Christians when the word passed around by mouth “and they came seeking.”
“Co-Workers and Associates”[edit]
The Guardian has named the Latin American friends “co-workers and associates” of the “prosecutors of the Divine Plan.” This title is given to them in “The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour.”
That the Latin friends have done something to deserve this honor is shown by the rapid growth of the Faith in the 22 countries served by the Inter-America Committee in South American, Central America, Mexico and the West Indies. In April, 1944, there were 14 assemblies and 13 groups in these sister Americas. In April, 1946, during the two-year interim between the first and Second Seven Year Plans, this number had grown to 27 assemblies and 9 groups. In April, 1947, at the close of the first year of the Second Seven Year Plan, assemblies had increased to 37 and there are now reported 51 groups throughout the Latin Americas.
Sincere hearts of all classes have caught the fire of the love of God through the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, and have responded to His call. A judge of the supreme court, professors in the universities, many teachers, business men, newspaper and radio men, writers, actors, musicians, artists, physicians, attorneys and simpler folk are included in the ranks of the Bahá’ís in these countries.
Procedure on Bahá’í Photographs[edit]
As there are many uses for Bahá’í photographs, the National Assembly has adopted a simple method of coordination:
- Pictures which are sent to Bahá’í News are to be turned over to the National Office after the halftone cuts are made, unless the sender wishes its return.
- The Bahá’í World Editorial Committee is to notify the National Office once a month of the subjects of the pictures they have received for publication.
- The National Office, from all available information, will compile a list of pictures each month and send copies of the list to Bahá’í News Editorial Committee, The Bahá’í World Editorial Committee, Public Relations Committee, and Visual Education Committee.
Chile is pleading for new pioneer teachers to help them with the task of adequately teaching some ten new groups scattered along the tremendous length of the Chilean seaboard. In Colombia and Venezuela Rotary and Lions’ Clubs open their doors to Bahá’í teachers and some of them are studying the Faith at their meetings. A typical letter has just come in from the grand master of the Masonic lodge in La Guiara, Venezuela, thanking the committee for pamphlets and correspondence articles furnished, and stating that all members of the lodge are studying these and are deeply interested. The latest issue of “Estrella,” Masonic magazine in Latin America, has just come in carrying a Bahá’í article by Gayle Woolson.
Many of the Bahá’í friends are very poor, for most of the Latin American countries have been suffering from increasingly severe economic crises and the great majority of the people live below the poverty line. Their sincerity, however, is demonstrated in a little story sent by Sheila Rice-Wray from Ciudad Trujillo. Sheila had been explaining the importance of the national fund which the friends are trying to establish to help with teaching projects. One very poor man, the father of an all-Bahá’í family of five, drew out of his pocket all of the little that he had and placed it in the fund. He went home that night not knowing where the next meal for his family would come from. A day or two later he came to see Sheila and told her that now he had better work. His family would be able to eat and he could also give something to the fund. Out of such faith and sacrifice a new spiritual order can be built in the world.
World Order[edit]
Table of Contents[edit]
December, 1947[edit]
- Bahá’ís Look to the Future
- William Kenneth Christian
- The Idea of Social Justice
- R. W. Gaines
- Beloved Írán: Land of Light
- Robert L. Gulick, Jr.
- Dawn in the East, Poem
- Gertrude W. Robinson
- Fanaticism, Editorial
- Eleanor S. Hutchens
- The Fragrance of Letters
- Rúḥíyyih Khánum
- Security that Endures
- Maye Harvey Gift
- High Lights of the Newer Testament, A Compilation
- Marion Crist Lippitt
- With Our Readers
Louise Caswell is en route to Panama to initiate a correspondence teaching campaign in that country after spending the past three months in El Salvador where she established an active study group in Santa Ana and assisted the Regional Teaching Committee in opening a correspondence teaching campaign.
News from Other Lands[edit]
AUSTRALIA. Encouraged by the Guardian the NSA of Australia and New Zealand are inaugurating a six-year plan to terminate, like the seven-year plan in the United States, in 1953. The plan will include, as at present outlined, the development of groups into assemblies in Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth and Port Adelaide. The local assembly of Adelaide has decided on twelve goal towns in South Australia. The Sydney and Hobart friends have also named goal towns. The NSA has appointed an “Employment for Settlers” committee to help would-be settlers find employment in goal towns. The national headquarters is in Sydney. The Annual report shows 181 voting members in Australia and New Zealand and tells of activity in the way of radio talks, public lectures, use of slides, press publicity, spreading literature in libraries, youth groups, fireside and study groups. The friends are planning a summer school for the first eleven days of January.
In his letter to the Australian and New Zealand NSA urging this plan the Guardian writes: “I fully realize how small are your numbers, how circumscribed are your means, how vast the distances that separate the centers already established. But I firmly believe that the initiation of a Plan to remedy the very deficiencies from which the infant Administrative Order is now suffering, and a firm resolve to carry out its provisions, as well as a sustained effort to make the necessary sacrifices for its consummation, will set in motion forces of such magnitude, and draw upon both communities blessings of such potency, as shall excite the wonder of the believers themselves, and cause their Faith to enter an era of unprecedented expansion and marvelous and fruitful development.”
Our prayers join those of our friends in these far-away countries for the glorious success of their Six-year Plan.
PERSIA. The June issue of the Persian “Bahá’í News and Reviews,” now published in English, tells of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Ṭihrán Spiritual Assembly covering five days, May 1-5. We quote from the “News:”
“The community was divided into five groups and on each day one of the groups was invited to take part in the celebration. Sponsored by the Ṭihrán Spiritual Assembly five glorious meetings were held during the evenings in the newly built auditorium at the National Bahá’í Headquarters. Apart from their historic aspect, the meetings were so glorious, so solemn, so spectacular in their simplicity that Ṭihrán can hardly remember to have witnessed anything of its kind. The main floor of the auditorium was packed to capacity with many standing. A conservative estimate puts the average number present at each meeting at no less than 2000.” The program each evening consisted of addresses and music, both vocal and instrumental.
The paper contains an interesting account of Robert Gulick’s visit to Ṭihrán and other Persian cities. (See our October issue for Mr. Gulick’s own account of this visit). He was received most enthusiastically at a meeting in the National Headquarters arranged in his honor and at which he spoke through an interpreter to an audience of over 2000. “Every single foot of sitting or standing space on the main floor of the auditorium and in the surrounding galleries was filled.” There was “a terrific burst of cheer and acclamation” when the western brother stepped upon the platform.
A fine report of the valuable work of their Relief Commission shows that from March 22 to May 22, $1000 was sent by the Persian NSA to the United States NSA for relief work in Germany, besides $2500 specially contributed by the Persian friends. Also 671 parcels of food and other necessities were sent directly to friends in 14 different European countries.
The following letter from an eleven year old boy in Germany to a Persian boy of the same age is typical of the gratitude expressed in the many letters received by the Persian donors: “My dear young brother of the East: You are so very kind and generous indeed. I must have been very lucky to receive your lovely gift of cloth which you had spared from yourself. It did not only serve my needs so well but proved a veritable bridge connecting East and West so strongly that no earthly power can ever undermine this union. I will be thinking of you each night when I go to bed praying that God may help me to follow in your steps. I shall tell other German children all about this so that ... it may banish every trace of hatred from their hearts and give way to peace and love instead.... We are not disheartened on account of the present hardships and deprivations. These serve to bring us bright hopes for the future.”
The Sháh of Írán, his majesty Pahlaví, is presenting a medal to the two graduates of the University of Ṭihrán who have had the highest scholastic averages. Both are Bahá’ís. Miss Soria Shedai majored in foreign languages, and Mr. Kiomare Eizadi received his degree in Architectural Engineering.
| Annual Reports
In view of the great expense involved in printing the 1946-1947 Annual Reports for free distribution to individual believers, the National Assembly has adopted the following plan:—To send complimentary copies to the Guardian, the various NSA’s, National and Regional Committees of North America, local Assemblies and groups. Those desiring an individual copy may order it from the National Office at 25c each, postpaid. |
Bahá’í Talking Book[edit]
We are happy to share with the friends the good news of the successful distribution of the Bahá’í Talking Book, WORLD ORDER THROUGH WORLD FAITH.
Through the co-operation of the American Foundation for the Blind, the September issue of “Talking Book Topics” gave to the blind, who have a talking book machine, full details regarding release and forthcoming distribution. In many instances, inquiries were received before distribution could take place.
This Talking Book, mentioned in Bahá’í News of August 1947, is now available to the blind in the United States and its Territories through the facilities of the Distributing Libraries for the blind listed by the Library of Congress. In Canada, it may be obtained from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, in Toronto.
The Home Front[edit]
AUGUSTA, GA. A chaplain at Oliver General Hospital in this city regularly broadcasts—and identifies-Bahá’í prayers from the hospital radio station. The friends here have also placed literature in the bus and train stations. One of the friends is complying with the request of a breakfast club by sending postcards with cheery greetings to various hospitals and children’s homes, using the Temple postcards. Attention is directed to the beauty of the Temple and the hope that they will see it some time is expressed.
The Regional Bulletin of Georgia carried a “Question Box” on the last page, where one question pertaining to the Faith is printed together with the answer and pertinent quotations from the Teachings. Perhaps a regional bulletin is a more appropriate place for such a feature than the BAHÁ’Í NEWS as has been suggested.
HOUSTON, TEXAS—A professor at the University of Houston assigned “The Bahá’í Faith” among others appearing in the book They have Found a Faith by Marcus Bach, to one of his students for her term theme paper. The student looked up the secretary of the regional teaching committee and did the research work at her home. In a manner of reciprocity, this student appealed that the University of Houston stock Bahá’í reference books in its library, and a request for them was obtained for our National Library Committee, which will place the books promptly in this new, large and richly endowed southern university.
MAYWOOD, ILL. The Maywood Bahá’ís are 100 percent subscribed to World Order magazine, and have presented three gift subscriptions to their public library and two hospitals.
YONKERS, N. Y. A Fellowship meeting at the Yonkers Y.W.C.A. held recently was attended by about 40 people. As non-Bahá’í guest speaker, Colonel Douglas R. Crier, President of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People attracted many negro listeners. Miss Dorothy Champ, a Bahá’í from New York City, spoke, and the meeting resulted in the making of several excellent contacts.
DAYTON, OHIO. The Dayton Community, like so many others, found summer “Sunshine Teaching” a grand way to reach seekers.... On Labor Day, a picnic was held at the home of the McCoys in Waynesville, Ohio. The McCoys left the Dayton community several years ago ... bought a farm, and have since been actively engaged in spreading the Teachings in this small farm community. Years of patient labor with apparent indifference by the people there are now slowly beginning to bear fruit. With this picnic and sunshine teaching medium, 39 people were gathered, 11 of whom were not Bahá’ís—as many seekers as a whole year of public meetings had attracted.... A second informal gathering was held on October 26th with 5 inquirers present, all showing considerable interest. The McCoys are now planning, with the nucleus of these seekers to hold a study and discussion class every other Sunday evening.... The Dayton assembly will assist, as the Wayne Township Group hopes to become an Assembly by next April.
SIOUX FALLS, SO. DAK. An extremely successful Children’s Class is flowering here. There are nine children attending, ranging in age from 5½ to 9 years. They are divided into two groups for comfort in teaching and enjoyment... Classes meet every Saturday afternoon at 2:30 and music is stressed throughout the class. Both groups gather together in the beginning, for memorized prayers. This is followed by singing and sometimes selections of appropriate and simple symphonic music on records. The children are taught to appreciate lovely music as part of their regular work in the class. At present the study outline “To Live the Life” is being used; some of the children have colored notebooks with pictures of flowers pasted on the outside cover. A Bahá’í Child’s A B C is used, and at present the children are preparing a program which will be given for their parents and friends.
Five of these children have Moslem parents, and three are Christians, the ninth being the child of Bahá’ís.
The report received states “the children are all so enthusiastic, and love it.” And this report closes with the Words: “... no special talents, but all are working hard and it is surprising what comes forth.”
| Criterion for Achievement
“The first condition is firmness in the Covenant of God ... The second condition: Fellowship and love amongst the believers ... The third condition: Teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay, rather, to all parts of the world, but they must travel like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who journeyed throughout the cities of America. He was sanctified and free from every attachment and in the utmost severence ... The aim is this: The intention of the teacher must be pure, his heart independent, his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted and in the love of God a shining torch. Should he become as such, his sanctified breath will even effect the rock; otherwise there will be no result whatsoever ...” ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
|
FAIR EXHIBITS. We find it impossible to include all the reports from everywhere about the splendid exhibits which have been held at County and State Fairs this year. Neither can we estimate hundreds of thousands of people who have thus first seen the word “Bahá’í” and received some knowledge, at least of its meaning. Many reports were accompanied by lovely pictures which limitations of space prohibited using. Regretfully, we must be content with mentioning just a few of the places from which we received thrilling reports of these exhibits: Kitsap County Fair, Bremerton, Washington; Mineola Fair, Long Island, N.Y.; Snohomish County Fair, Monroe, Washington; County of Maui, Territory of Hawaii; and many others. And we all realize and appreciate the long hours of faithful service rendered by the countless friends who served at these booths answering questions and giving out literature.
[Page 10]
CHARLESTON, W. VA. Mrs. Ethel
Stephens of Newport News spent a
few days in Charleston in October. She addressed the student body
at the West Virginia State College
on the subject, “Education at the
Adult Level for the New Age.” Moving pictures, in color, of her biracial children’s project in Newport
News were shown at a fireside
gathering and at the Bahá’í Center
at a public meeting; and the newspaper writeups of these activities resulted in an invitation to speak and
show the pictures at a meeting of the
Charleston and Kanawha County
Women’s Federated Clubs (Negro.) ... It offered a splendid introduction
of the Faith to this organization.
Charleston has instituted a weekly “BAHÁ’Í INFORMATION PLEASE” Hour in a sort of game form using “True” or “False” statements prepared from material in BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA: The questions, in card form, read by the Bahá’ís in succession and voted on as to their truth or falsity by the guests, are interspersed with questions addressed to Bahá’ís by their guests as to what Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said on various subjects: with the actual quotations, also taken from the book, to check the Bahá’ís’ answers. The result is to concentrate thoughtful attention of non-Bahá’ís on each statement of the text. The method is proving so popular and successful as a means of teaching that the material is being offered to the National Study Aids Committee.
| Bahá’í News is published by the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada as the official newsletter of the Bahá’í Community. The first issue appeared in December, 1924. Bahá’í News is edited for the National Spiritual Assembly by its Bahá’í News Editorial Committee: Mrs. Roberta Christian, chairmen, Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Mr. Gordian 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. |
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. An interesting story comes from the friends in Indianapolis: “... We had a civil engineer from northern India who attended our public meeting in the afternoon and spent a pleasant evening” with several Bahá’ís in a friend’s home. He had been forced to stop off in this city because of illness, while touring in the United States with the Indian Embassy in the interest of Public Works. Two of the Bahá’ís heard of him and visited him in the hospital. They recited healing prayers for him and invited him to visit after he was better. While in the Bahá’í home he glanced through a volume of THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD and noted that of the twelve cities in his District, ten had Bahá’í communities. Before leaving, he remarked significantly that he had been brought up in a religious environment, having been a Moslem, but “While in college, got away from it...” “How strange and remarkable that I should take sick in this city and learn about religion in a new light through the Bahá’ís.”
FALLSINGTON, PENNA. “More Guests Than Teacups” titled an amusing story sent in. A Regional Committee meeting was taking place recently, and the members were assisting in the giving of a tea to attract new people. Before the tea, the deliberations of the Regional Committee were very discouraging because efforts for teaching had apparently been thwarted at every turn. A prayer for guidance and success for the planned tea was made at the close of the meeting and the members enjoyed a brief recess. Soon after the time set for the tea, guests began to come and now the hostess began to wonder how she was going to meet the teacup shortage. Sixteen non-Bahá’í guests came. There were 6 committee members there. Twenty-two guests in all and only 15 teacups! The problem was solved by confiscating the cups of the committee guests and not asking them if they would like a second cup! The wonderful spirit of cordiality and interest in the presentation of the Cause was beyond the fondest hopes of the Bahá’ís.... The wonder of the success of this tea in such a small town (only 200 population) and the wording of the telephone invitations given by the hostess might be tried elsewhere. She said, in effect, that she was having a Committee Meeting, and was giving a tea in the afternoon so that these friends might have the opportunity “to meet some of the worthwhile people of Fallsington. We do hope you can come ...” Who could resist such an invitation?
Sunday school group of the Philadelphia Bahá’ís, singing under the direction of their teachers Miss Edith Segen and Mrs. Dorothy Fisher.
Goal Cities[edit]
All our teaching efforts should be concentrated on confirming new believers and establishing new assemblies to reach our goal of 175 assemblies by next April.
The National Teaching Committee is sponsoring a special campaign in the following eight cities: (The Assembly or R.T.C. responsible is given in parenthesis) Winnetka and Park Ridge, Ill., (sponsored by Wilmette Assembly); LaGrange, Ill., (Illinois R.T.C. responsible); Shorewood, Wis. (Milwaukee); Burbank, Cal., (Los Angeles); Huntington Park, Monrovia, and Inglewood, Cal., (So. Cal. and Ariz. R.T.C.).
Local Assemblies are sponsoring the following groups: San Raphael (San Francisco); Alameda (Oakland); Likely (Sacramento); Arcadia (Los Angeles); San Marino (Pasadena); Compton (Long Beach); Tucson (Phoenix); Syracuse (Binghamton); Glenview (Evanston); Phoenix and Harvey (Chicago); Quincy (Peoria); Waterloo (Cedar Rapids); Cambridge (Boston); Portland (Eliot); Jersey City (New York City); Upper Darby (Philadelphia); Toledo and Findlay (Lima); E. Cleveland and Rocky River (Cleveland); Mobile (Birmingham); Gulfport (New Orleans); San Antonio (Houston); Somers Township (Kenosha); Duluth (Minneapolis); Highland Park (Detroit); Kirkland (Seattle); and Webster Groves (St. Louis).
[Page 11]
Regional Teaching Committees are sponsoring the following: Fresno and Palo Alto (No. Cal.); Monrovia Twp. Southgate, Pasadena Twp., Big Bear Lake,
Santa Monica, Glendale Twp., (So. Cal and Ariz.); Markham, Melrose Twp., (Ill. and Iowa); Palmer, Dover, Brookline (New England); Newark, Bergenfield, Englewood (New Jersey); Granger Twp., Hinkley Twp., Lakewood (Ohio and W. Penna.); Columbia (N. and S. Car.); N. Augusta (Georgia); Pinecastle, North Miami (Florida); Knoxville (Ala. and Tenn.); Whitefish Bay, Green Bay, Glenfield (Wisc., Minn. and N. and S. Dak.); Bremerton, Sultan (Washington and Oregon); Fort Collins, Santa Fe (Wyo., Colo. and New Mex.); Winnebago (Nebr., Kan. and Mo.); Dearborn Twp., Davison Twp., Kalamazoo (Michigan); Tulsa (Ark. and Okla.).
Temple Visitors[edit]
Temple Visitors of various countries, in addition to the many from the United States and Canada Dec. 30, 1946—Oct. 26, 1947:
(As names of cities were not always legible the number is sometimes indicated after the country.)
| AFRICA | Totals | |
|---|---|---|
| Tunis | 1 | |
| Nigeria | 1 | |
| Johannesburg | 5 | 7 |
| ALASKA | 1 | |
| Anchorage | 1 | 3 |
| Fairbanks | 1 | 3 |
| AUSTRALIA | 1 | |
| Melbourne | 3 | |
| Sydney | 2 | 6 |
| Georgetown | 7 | 7 |
| CZECHOSLOVAKIA | 8 | 8 |
| CHINA | ||
| Shanghai | 6 | |
| Hongkong | 2 | 8 |
| CUBA | 6 | 6 |
| DENMARK | 7 | 7 |
| EGYPT | ||
| Cairo | 3 | 3 |
| ENGLAND | 10 | |
| London | 16 | |
| Readings Berks | 1 | |
| Norwich | 1 | |
| Kent | 2 | |
| Bristol | 1 | |
| Cambridge | 1 | |
| Huddersfield | 5 | |
| Bath | 1 | |
| Cheshire | 1 | |
| Slough | 1 | |
| Gainsborough | 1 | 41 |
| FINLAND | ||
| Helsinki | 1 | 1 |
| FRANCE | ||
| Paris | 4 | |
| Bordeaux | 1 | 5 |
| GERMANY | ||
| Stuttgart | 2 | |
| München | 1 | 3 |
| GREECE | 1 | |
| Athens | 4 | 5 |
| HAITI | ||
| Port-Au-Prince | 1 | 1 |
| HAWAII | ||
| Many Visitors | ||
| HOLLAND | 7 | |
| Rotterdam | 1 | 8 |
| ICELAND | 1 | 1 |
| HUNGARY | ||
| Budapest | 1 | 1 |
| INDIA | 32 | |
| Karachi | 2 | |
| New Delhi | 1 | |
| Bombay | 1 | |
| Nagpur | 2 | 38 |
| IRAN | ||
| Teheran | 3 | |
| Shiraz | 1 | 4 |
| JERUSALEM | ||
| Palestine | 1 | |
| Haifa | 1 | 2 |
| JUGOSLAVIA | 1 | 1 |
| MEXICO | 10 | 10 |
| NEWFOUNDLAND | 1 | 1 |
| NORWAY | 2 | |
| Oslo | 8 | 10 |
| PHILIPPINES | 1 | |
| Manila | 2 | 3 |
| SCOTLAND | 2 | |
| Edinburgh | 1 | 3 |
| SOUTH AMERICA | ||
| Argentina | 3 | |
| Buenos Aires | 6 | |
| BRAZIL | 1 | |
| Rio de Janeiro | 5 | |
| Bahia | 3 | |
| PARAGUAY | ||
| Ascunsion | 1 | |
| PERU | ||
| Lima | 2 | |
| CHILE | ||
| Santiago | 3 | |
| Valparaiso | 1 | 25 |
| SWEDEN | 15 | 15 |
| SWITZERLAND | 23 | 23 |
| SYRIA | ||
| Lebanon | 2 | |
| Damascus | 1 | 3 |
| TURKEY | ||
| Istanbul | 7 | |
| Andara | 1 | 8 |
| WEST INDIES | 8 | |
| Kingston, Jamaica | 2 | 10 |
| (TOTAL VISITORS from May 30th to Nov. 1, 1947 about 18,000) | ||
| Total Visitors from foreign countries for same period | 277 | |
| “The Destiny of the American Nation”
By Shoghi Effendi The publishing Committee has brought out a small pamphlet reprinting the Guardian’s words about America from his letter “Challenging Requirements.” This is a most timely and effective statement for teaching use, contacts, mailing lists, etc. Order from Publishing Committee at the rate of ten copies for 50c. |
| Suggested Daily Readings*
January
“Immerse Yourselves in the Ocean of My Words.” LOVE
God’s Love For Us
Fire of God’s Love
Our Love For God and Man
Love and Unity
* If you are one who finds these suggestions helpful will you not let us know by writing to the editor of Bahá’í News? |
Green Acre’s First Winter Session[edit]
| DATES: | December 27 to January 2, 1947-48 |
|---|---|
| CLASSES: | Will be held at Lucas Cottage and will be Round Table Discussion Type. Content will be planned to meet the needs of those who
register for the session. Send your suggestions on your
registration blank. From these suggestions, the committee
will plan the material for study. This will be an opportunity for intensive study and for deepening spiritual understanding of the Faith. |
| HOUSING: | Lucas Cottage and Rogers Cottage (home of Reimer’s) and homes of Eliot Bahá’ís. Rooms to be shared by two persons. |
| COST: | $20.00 per person per week. This covers room and board, with meals from supper, Sat., Dec. 27 through mid-day meal Fri., Jan. 2. In addition the cost covers heat, light and laundry of linens. |
| REGISTRATION: | Cannot exceed a total of 20 persons. Registrations will be accepted in the order in which they
are received. It is unlikely that we shall be able to house
students who can attend for the week-end only.
Genevieve L. Coy, Chairman 10 Patchin Place, New York, 11 |
| STUDENT INFORMATION: | |
| Living quarters will be simple but they will be warm and as comfortable as possible, however, you will want to bring warm clothing. Please do not expect to do laundry or pressing. | |
- Saturday, Dec. 27, 1947 through Friday, Jan. 2, 1948
- NAME________________
- ADDRESS_____________________
- I should like to share a room with___________________
- I shall probaly arrive on_____________, and shall remain until____________. (Exact hour of arrival may be sent later).
- The following are my suggestions as to content of courses:
- I enclose $5.00 deposit, to be credited toward the $20.00 fee for the week.
Directory[edit]
Additions and Changes[edit]
New Groups
- Lakewood, N.Y.
- Mr. Herbert F. Hern, Corres.
12 Vista Way
- Mr. Herbert F. Hern, Corres.
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Mrs. Olivia Kelsey, Corres.
- 2520 W. 47th Terrace
- Signal Hill Twp.
- Mrs. Helen S. Becker, Corres.
- 6018 Autry Ave., Belleflower, Calif.
| Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries
- Birmingham, Ala., Mrs. Verna Inglis, P.O. Box 1726
- Louisville, Ky., Miss Gertrude Eisenberg, 2215 Bonnycastle Ave.
- Omaha, Nebr., Mrs. Josephine Jones, 6714 Lake St., Zone 4
- Houston, Texas, Miss Dorothea Slight, 401 West 23rd St., Zone 8
Changes in Group Correspondents
- Southgate, Calif., Mrs. Rose West, 9705 Truba St.
- Inglewood Twp., Calif., Mrs. Frank Heywood, 3516 109th St., Inglewood
Regional Teaching Committees
Appointments & withdrawals were recorded by the N.S.A. at its Nov. meeting as follows:
- New York-Conn.: Mrs. Aline Cowan, Mrs. Lucien McComb, Sr. added
- No. & So. Carolina: Mrs. Christine Bidwell added
- Mich.: Mrs. Doris Corbin, Sec’y. 4640 Cass Ave., Suite 1, Detroit 1
- Maratimes: Mrs. Doris McKay, Sec’y. 279 Richmond St., Charlottetown, P. E. I.
- Quebec: Mrs. May E. Day added
National Committees
- Temple Program, Mrs. Nina Matthisen, Sec’y. 77 E. Cedar, Chicago, Ill.
| Page | Col. | |
| ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | ||
Criterion for Achievement | 9 | 1 |
Addresses | 12 | 3 |
Calendar | 5 | 3 |
Directory Corrections | 12 | 1 |
Radio Committee | 3 | 2 |
Enrollments | 5 | 1 |
European Teaching | 6 | 1 |
| Fund | ||
Where We Are | 5 | 2 |
Assemblies Contributing | 5 | 2 |
Green Acre Winter Session | 12 | 1 |
| Guardian | ||
Cable | 3 | 3 |
Children | 3 | 1 |
European Relief | 2 | 3 |
Healing Prayer | 2 | 3 |
Infallibility, Voting, Chastity | 3 | 1 |
Local Assembly Status | 3 | 1 |
Marriage | 2 | 2 |
Publishing Announcement | 11 | 2 |
Year 1335 | 3 | 1 |
Home Front | 9 | 1 |
Latin America | 7 | 1 |
Memoriam | 5 | 1 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Annual Reports | 8 | 3 |
Letters from Guardian | 4 | 1 |
Pictures, Procedure | 7 | 1 |
Teaching Obligations (Letter) | 3 | 3 |
National Teaching Committee | 1 | 1 |
Fireside Teaching | 2 | 1 |
Goal Cities | 10 | 3 |
News from Other Lands | 8 | 1 |
| Pictures | ||
Caswell, Louise | 7 | 2 |
Kansas City, Teaching Conference | 2 | 2 |
Paris Bahá’ís | 6 | 1 |
Philadelphia Sunday School | 10 | 3 |
Publishing Announcements | 5 | 1 |
“Destiny of the American Nation” | 11 | 2 |
Study Aids Committee | 4 | 2 |
Suggested Daily Readings | 11 | 3 |
Talking Book | 8 | 3 |
| Temple | ||
Photographs of Interior Design | 5 | 1 |
Stairway Contract | 1 | 1 |
Visitors | 11 | 1 |
World Order Contents | 7 | 3 |
