Bahá’í News/Issue 203/Text
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NEWS |
| No. 203 | JANUARY, 1948 | YEAR 104 | BAHA’I ERA |
MAY - OCTOBER, 1947[edit]
Dear friends:
Because our national and international Bahá’í activities have become so pressing, and the time factor has paramount importance, the N.S.A. has decided to present to the community a summary of the actions taken during the first half of the current year. The following record is based on the Minutes and does not include Committee reports which have been made available in bulletins or through Bahá’í News.
This is the second year of the second Seven Year Plan, the four objectives of which were defined at the 1946 Convention and general plans for their attainment adopted last year. The situation now is no longer discussion of aims but more and more intense effort to speed the work already outlined.
1. The members elected to the National Spiritual Assembly at the 1947 Convention were the some persons who served last year, and they organized with a continuance of the same officers. The schedule of meetings adopted called for twelve meetings, with a total of forty-one days in session. For handling the presentation of correspondence and reports at the successive meetings the items are classified and the various classifications assigned to different members. Each attends the meeting prepared with a digest of the matters requiring consultation, action or information.
2. In appointing Committees and defining their functions, effort was made to distribute the memberships more widely and to effect greater concentration upon the task of forming new Assemblies.
3. A budget of $300,000 was adopted in order to sustain and further develop the work of Temple construction, European teaching, Latin American teaching, Assembly development in North America and general advertising and publicity. (Bahá’í News, June, page 13).
4. The publication of messages from the Guardian — cables, postscripts and longer communications — has been effected with all possible speed. Shoghi Effendi’s complete analysis of the activities and methods to pursue in presenting the new Seven Year Plan came in the letter published under title of “The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour”, and a copy mailed to every individual believer.
Here is the list of the successive messages we have received from Haifa so far this year: Convention Message, Bahá’í News, May, page 6. Three cables as published, June, page 1; excerpts from letter expelling a Persian believer resident in New York, July, page 5; excerpts from letters written through his secretary, July, pages 6 and 7; cable, and excerpts from letters, August, page 3; text of letter written to UN Special Committee on Palestine, September, page 3; cablegram dated September 10, October, page 4.
5. The Guardian’s statement on the Faith, prepared for the UN Committee, appeared in October issue of World Order, and the N.S.A. authorized a pamphlet edition through the Publishing Committee. The volume reprinting letters and cables received from 1932 to 1946, prepared last year was not received from the press until recently. A revised and simplified work on procedure, also compiled before the Convention, has now appeared under title “The Bahá’í Community”, consisting for the most part of passages from the Guardian’s writings. Another pamphlet authorized was the concluding passages of “Challenging Requirements” pertaining to American destiny.
ATTENTION
Urgent message from the Guardian to all believers. Special insert this issue. |
6. Communications issued in mimeographed form: A two-page letter to individual believers was mailed out soon after the Convention to report the Guardian’s Convention message
“In Recognition of Preeminent Services”[edit]
A Message from the Guardian[edit]
Highly gratified at unceasing, compelling evidences of exalted spirit of Bahá’í stewardship animating American Bahá’í Community, as attested by the alacrity of its national representatives in executing the first Temple contract, their promptitude in extending effective assistance to their Persian brethren, their vigilance in safeguarding integrity of the Faith in the City of the Covenant, and their vigor in prosecuting the national campaign of publicity. In recognition of preeminent services continually enriching the record of achievements associated with preeminent community of the Bahá’í world, I am arranging transfer of extensive, valuable property acquired in precincts of Shrines on Mount Carmel to name of Palestine Branch of American Assembly. Happy announce completion of plans and specifications for erection of arcade surrounding the Báb’s Sepulchre, constituting first step in process destined to culminate in construction of the Dome anticipated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and marking consummation of enterprise initiated by Him fifty years ago according to instructions given Him by Bahá’u’lláh.
Cablegram received December 15, 1947.
[Page 2]
and outline the major plans for this
year. On June 27 the “Challenging
Requirements” was mailed with a
covering letter in which the N.S.A.
appealed to each believer to try and
confirm one new soul this year. On
June 30 a letter went to the Assemblies in smaller communities appealing for concentration of their full
force on teaching work. A letter was
sent to Assemblies in larger communities on the same day asking
them to accept the challenge of
bringing one group to Assembly
status by April 21st. A letter also
went to groups on June 30 pointing
out their vital importance in the
campaign. On August 28 the N.S.A.
addressed all Assemblies urging
prayerful consideration of the condition of the National Fund. On September 16 a bulletin on “The National Teaching Campaign” was
mailed giving the theme of the
united effort for the year, four subjects for meetings, and references
to the teachings on these topics. On
the same day another bulletin went
to the larger communities reporting
that thirty-three Assemblies had
agreed to work with a group, and
explaining the general method to
use in this extension teaching work.
7. Turning to the successive letters prepared by the N.S.A. for publication in Bahá’í News we find exposition of these subjects: May—the great task of attaining 115 local Assemblies by April 21, 1948; June—eight principal points to note in national policy this year; July—a summary of the five aspects of teaching effort; August—reference to a number of passages in the Guardian’s message dated June 5; September—the “National Bahá’í Program”, the term designating the coordinated teaching campaign aimed at developing new Assemblies; October—the blessed spiritual freedom possessed by believers to serve the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
8. The Temple construction plans have been reported in detail from month to month in Bahá’í News. The chief points are — selection of architect, steps in preparation of working drawings, and placing of first contract for work.
9. Great progress has been made in the Latin-American and European teaching fields, as reported by the Committees directing these two important projects of the Seven Year Plan. In Latin America the work is being done in an increasing extent by the Assemblies now existing in all countries, and by Regional and National Teaching Committees supervised by the Inter-America Committee. In Europe the branch office of the European Teaching Committee has been well organized, Miss True, Chairman of the Committee, has made a visit to the various centers, and enrollment of new believers is proceeding very rapidly.
10. Authorization has been given the Public Relations Committee to maintain its advertising campaign in several magazines and in trade papers, and to develop its publicity and its mailings of the public teaching bulletin, as well as conduct a special campaign on the Temple interior plans. These activities have been reported from time to time.
11. The National Teaching Committee by October 30 had conducted the first meetings in the series planned for groups in the Southern California and Illinois-Wisconsin areas. This campaign represents the most determined effort yet made to organize the teaching methods needed for producing study and fireside meetings in towns having groups of five to seven or eight believers. The results have been very encouraging.
12. More frequent conferences with responsible Committees have been held, including conferences held during the interval between N.S.A. meetings. These latter conferences were for clarification of points requiring decision and for coordinating the plans and methods of the Committees participating in the National Bahá’í Program.
13. Intensive study has been made of the needs of certain national Committees for office space and working facilities in the Temple area. The caretaker’s cottage at 112 Linden Avenue is to be made available for Committee officers and meetings as soon as Mr. Stewart can move his family into new quarters being provided across Linden Avenue. By Convention time, 1948, more or less permanent facilities will have been arranged for the European Teaching, Inter-America Teaching, National Teaching and Public Relations Committees and the various offices of the N.S.A. This step reflects the great increase in the work during recent years.
14. The N.S.A. has set up a number of temporary special Committees of its own body to make study and recommendations on various matters, and this system has greatly increased the Assembly’s power to consult effectively and to act promptly, as preliminary work is done in between meetings.
15. The deeds to the Davison School property, except for their family residence, have been transferred to Bahá’í Trustees by Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston, a truly munificent endowment both of property and facilities for the conduct of one of the leading Bahá’í Schools. This transfer created a new legal body, “Eggleston Trustees for the Benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and Canada” operating under the trust deed these devoted believers executed, and similar in function to the trusteeships already established for the Temple, Green Acre, Wilhelm property at West Englewood, Geyserville School, the Wilson house at Malden, Mass., and the International School in Colorado. Preliminary steps have been taken to purchase the Eggleston residence, so that the school property and facilities may be operated as an organic unit. The believers can be exceedingly grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston for their donation.
16. In the Bahá’í Directory inserted in Bahá’í News for July, the friends noted some changes in national Committee functions, all aimed at a better coordination of activity and more concentration of resources.
17. At the Guardian’s request, the following information was cabled him on May 22; There are 136 Assemblies, 218 groups and 906 isolated believers in Canada. Later he was informed that there were 45 incorporated Assemblies in the United States.
18. Under date of June 4 a bulletin was issued for the permanent records of the local Assemblies on the subject of the “Reception and enrollment of Orientals.”
19. Bahá’í greeting was sent to the International Esperanto Congress at Berne, Switzerland, and to the National Congress of the Esperanto Association of North America.
20. The steps to be taken for the formation of a National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada have been studied and outlined, and preliminary actions taken. The Province elections to be held February 1, 1948 will choose nineteen delegates to represent the believers of Canada at the First Annual Convention.
21. A statement on the Bahá’í teachings concerning the status of women
[Page 3]
was submitted to United Nations
Commission on the Status of Women
in August. The text of this statement
was published in World Order Magazine for October.
22. Through the kindness of Mrs. J. C. Davenport the Assembly has received a framed picture of the Parliament of Religions held at Chicago in 1893, and a copy of the two-volume record of the proceedings of the Parliament at which the Bahá’í Faith was mentioned publicly for the first time in America. The picture has been photographed and prints sent to the Guardian.
23. On receipt of two renderings of details of the modified Temple interior design which had been prepared under Mr. Allen B. McDaniel’s supervision for publicity purposes, action was taken to have reproductions made and inserted in Bahá’í News for every believer.
24. The Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights submitted to United Nations in February having been ratified and endorsed by all other existing National Spiritual Assemblies, a new edition has been prepared through the Public Relations Committees with a note of such ratification. As far as is known this makes the declaration the first public international Bahá’í document. The constitution and by-laws of the National Spiritual Assembly and the by-laws of a local Assembly were the first documents of an international character to be prepared and adopted by Bahá’ís.
From the records it would appear that the first international document to emanate from the members of the Bahá’í community was the constitution and by-laws of the National Spiritual Assembly, since adopted by the other NSA’s; and the by-laws of a local Assembly have also become a world document. The Bahá’í Declaration appears to be the first international document of the community directed to a public agency.
25. The Temple Program Committee has been authorized to conduct a weekly Children’s Hour on Sunday afternoon.
26. The resolutions and suggestions made at the 1947 Convention, and a record of the NSA actions taken after consulting on them, have been Published in Bahá’í News.
27. An NSA representative called at the U.S. Office of Education in Washington and reported that from information received it appears that religious holidays are determined locally, though in some states there are set regulations applying to all public schools in the state.
28. The smaller Assemblies have been been advised to request aid of the Regional Teaching Committees for the further development of their teaching work.
29. The Guardian has given his consent to the use of his letter to the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine for publicity purposes, and the text of his general statement on the Faith accompanying that letter has been published in World Order. Its publication in pamphlet form was ordered.
30. An experienced believer, Mrs. Cynthia Olson, was requested to prepare a questionnaire which could be sent to every American believer in order to provide the NSA with data about the kinds of training, experience and talents and capacities available in the community.
31. The Radio Committee has been authorized to prepare a brochure for the information of Assemblies, groups and isolated believers.
32. At the urgent request of the NSA of Persia, representations have been made to the State Department and to the American Ambassador in Ṭihrán, appealing for their assistance to protect the grave of Keith Ransom-Kehler in Iṣfáhán, the Persian civil authorities having adopted plans for constructing a new bridge which if carried out would run a highroad directly through the site of the memorial.
| Retirement of Inactive Members
Whenever a local Assembly or Regional Teaching Committee finds that a believer seems completely inactive and gives no indication of interest, the National Assembly wishes the Assembly or R.T.C. to make a final effort, in writing or by personal visit, to ascertain what attitude the believer himself has toward the Cause. The spiritual obligation for the administrative body is to give the member full opportunity to state his own case. If the person then declares lack of faith and interest, the case is reported to the National Assembly for action. If the person makes no response whatever to a letter or request for consultation, this also is reported to the N.S.A. with a record of the case. No Assembly or Regional Teaching Committee should remove a name from the membership list without authorization from the N.S.A. |
33. A firm of certified accountants have examined the NSA financial records and assisted the treasurer’s office in setting up a new and better system of accounts.
34. A committee has been appointed to recommend a form of placque to be placed in Temple Foundation commemorating the Master’s visit to the site on May 1, 1912.
35. The European Teaching Committee has taken new offices at 37 Quai Wilson, Geneva, in the Geneva International Center, considered to be an ideal location.
37. An NSA representative was appointed to supervise the enrollment of a group of American Indians who had been attracted and taught by Mrs. Stevison on their reservation near Omaha. These new friends not only signed the enrollment cards but sent a joint letter to the Guardian asserting their faith. The importance of this teaching work is made plain by the Master in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.
38. A number of statements of policy have been adopted for publication in Bahá’í News: that marriage services will not be conducted at the National Office; that in the consolidation of the Bahá’í community this year coordinated campaigns will be conducted, combining public meetings, circuits, fireside meetings, radio broadcasts and other teaching aids; on election of officers by local Assemblies; that a local Assembly should not incur an obligation of political activity or economic liability involved by joining community projects aiming at legislative enactments; on local Bahá’í endowments; that the NSA does not approve the holding of dinners or other entertainments for the purpose of raising funds from non-Bahá’ís; that a Bahá’í youth of less than twenty-one years of age is not qualified to serve as group correspondent (group secretary) as this is an administrative post.
[Page 4]
American pioneers with Bahá’í friends in Sweden. L. to R. Pia Johnson, Alice Dudley, Åke Norgren, Beatrice Ashton, Andrew H. Croon, Lennart Serenius, Eric Blomgren, Jennie Anderson, Sigvard Hakonsson.
New European Believers[edit]
It is with heartfelt gratitude that the European Teaching Committee announces six more declared believers since the last issue of Bahá’í News, making 33 now in all of the European goal countries. The new members of the world-wide Bahá’í community are:
Copenhagen:
Miss May Marit Vestby, Mr. Palle Benemann Bischoff
Rome:
Signor and Signora Fernando Morosi, Signorina Elisabeta Cofman, Signora Marianna Del Buono-Ved-Gäsperini.
Already the joy and bounty of being a part of an ever-widening Bahá’í community has been experienced by one of the new Danish believers in his recent visit to Stockholm. The Correspondent of the Stockholm group reporting on their celebration of the Feast of Questions on December 12, writes: “Palle Bischoff, visitor from Copenhagen and a recent Bahá’í, made the occasion a very happy one. Palle expressed his joy in becoming a Bahá’í and to be able to visit Bahá’ís in other communities in his travels.”
This issue also announces the opening of the last of the E.T.C. goal countries. Valeria Nichols is already at this post and will be reinforced in January by Louise Baker.
The valiant pioneers are being greatly assisted by the invaluable services of Marion Little and Henry Jarvis who are serving, so effectively, as itinerant pioneers. Marion has been recently in Luxembourg, Amsterdam and Brussels while Henry has been devoting his efforts to the Scandinavian groups. However, he is, at present, visiting in Amsterdam.
The Committee is very grateful, indeed, to report the forthcoming visit to all of our pioneer posts of Dorothy Baker, who leaves by plane from New York on January 12. Public meetings, special Firesides and social occasions, as well as openings in Universities are being arranged for her by the pioneers and the Committee feels confident that the results from this strenuous undertaking by Mrs. Baker will be very rich, indeed.
Translations and publications in the nine different languages involved present one of the major tasks in the European teaching work but encouraging progress is being made in these undertakings. “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” already exists in all of the different tongues. Soon the “Will and Testament” “Dispensation,” the special introductory pamphlet and the new “Bahá’í Community” will be completed in every language. In most of the Centers, selections of the Prayers and “Hidden Words” have been brought out in an attractive mimeographed form pending the printing of these in larger volumes.
Bahá’í Public Relations[edit]
The Faith reaped good coverage last month on the pages of the nations press. Biggest Bahá’í news: To all newspapers using AP’s Wide World service went a four-picture spread on “The Temple of World Religion,” including both interior and exterior views. Already has appeared in such major papers as the Cleveland “Plain Dealer” (in Sunday rotogravure, 427,077 readers), the St. Louis “Globe-Democrat” (across top of page two, 344,914), and the Toledo “Blade” (featured in “Peach” section, popular news-photo supplement, 174,789). Other publicity developments: Release on Temple interior construction has now reached an audience across the country in more than 50 newspapers and magazines. Clippings from assembly-cities include: Chicago, Wilmette, Evanston, New York City, Glendale, Calif.; Milwaukee, Wis., Alhambra and Los Angeles, Calif.; Racine, Wis.; West Chester, Pa.; Elmhurst, Ill.; Brattleboro, Vt.; Buffalo, N. Y. If your city is not listed, write PR for a discussion of your problem. Coming up: (1) A revised booklet on how to do Bahá’í publicity is scheduled for a late January release. (2) New copy for national ad campaign will appear in February 17 “World Report.” Because of growing demand for local ad tie-in, mats and cards will again be made available this month at cost. Assemblies and groups will be notified. (3) Annual press book for the Guardian is now in preparation. (So that Shoghi Effendi and the NSA may have a complete story on the proclamation of the Faith, all Bahá’ís are requested to please send clippings and references about the Faith to PR as soon as possible after publication.) Notes of interest: From the “National Geographic” last month came an interesting reference to the Faith. Wrote Dr. Nelson Glueck, president of Cincinnati’s Hebrew Union college, “... exquisite Bahá’í gardens in Haifa.” Also of note: “A World Religion?” by Dane Rudhyar in January’s “Horoscope” magazine.
| At this time when the European teaching project is entering into really a new phase, the Committee wishes to voice its very deep admiration and humble appreciation of the tireless, selfless and devoted efforts of its valiant and dedicated pioneers. |
Assemblies Contributing to Fund, November 1947[edit]
Alabama—Birmingham. Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona—Phoenix. Arkansas—Little Rock. California—Alhambra; Berkeley; Beverly Hills; Burbank; Burlingame; Carmel; Cloverdale Twp.; Glendale; Inglewood; Los Angeles; Monrovia; Oakland; Pasadena; Sacramento; San Francisco; San Diego; Santa Barbara; San Mateo.
Canada—Edmonton Vancouver; Winnipeg; Moncton; Halifax; Hamilton; Toronto; St. Lambert; Scarboro; Vernon. Colorado—Colorado Springs; Denver. Connecticut— New Haven. Delaware—Wilmington. District of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville; Miami; St. Augustine. Hawaii—Honolulu; Maui. Georgia—Augusta. Idaho—Boise.
| Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
Illinois—Chicago; Danville; Elmhurst; Evanston; 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. Maine—Eliot. Maryland—Baltimore. Massachusetts—Beverly; Boston; Springfield; Worcester.
Michigan—Ann Arbor; Detroit; Flint; Grand Rapids; Lansing; Muskegon; Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth; Minneapolis; St. Paul. Missouri—Independence; Kansas City; St. Louis. Montana—Butte; Helena. Nebraska—Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Hampshire—Portsmouth. New Jersey—Dumont; Montclair; 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. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Scranton; West Chester.
Rhode Island—Providence. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis; Nashville. Texas—Houston. Utah—Salt Lake City. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria; Arlington. Washington—Richmond Highlands; Monroe; Seattle; Spokane; Tacoma. West Virginia—Charleston. Wisconsin—Kenosha; Madison; Milwaukee; Racine; Wauwatosa. Wyoming—Laramie.
| Number of Assemblies contributing | 130 |
| Number of Individuals contributing | 128 |
| Groups contributing | 69 |
FINANCIAL BUDGET 1947-1948
For Economy in Distribution of Bahá’í News[edit]
Each year the local Assemblies in reporting their annual election give the number of copies of Bahá’í News needed for the community. To make for due and justifiable economy, the Assemblies are requested to make a survey and advise the NSA of the number now needed, as in many cases where there are two or more believers in a family, one copy might suffice. If the present supply is the minimum which can serve, the Assembly need submit no report. The aim should be to give thoughtful consideration to whatever economies can be effected without decreasing the capacity of the community to serve.
Moreover, the Assembly is expected to make every possible effort to distribute Bahá’í News to the entire membership and not confine distribution to those who attend the next Nineteen Day Feast. Regard the News as a link which connects the believer with the Bahá’í activities of the world community; a link which becomes all the more important when illness or other condition produces infrequent local attendance. If necessary, mail the copies. A minimum of one per family is desired.
Enrollments[edit]
Albuquerque, N.M., 1; Detroit, Mich., 1; Sioux Falls, S.D., 1; Boise, Idaho, 2; Los Angeles, Calif., 1; Spokane, Wash., 3; Kansas City, Mo., 2; New York City, 3; Rochester, N.Y., 1; Dayton, Ohio, 1; Indianapolis, Ind., 1; Wauwatosa, Wis., 2; Colorado Springs, Colo., 1; San Diego, Calif., 2; Chicago, Ill., 2; Yonkers, N.Y., 1; Lima, Ohio 1; Washington, D.C., 1; Sierra Madre, Calif., 1; Rockville, Ind., 1; Manchester, Ia., 1; Waterloo, Ia., 1; Spokane (rural) Wash., 2; Phoenix, Ariz. (outside) 1; Green Meadows, Md., 2; Marysville, Wash., 2; Harrison, Ark., 3; Newport News, Va., 1; Brewer, Me., 3; So. Brewer, Me., 1; Berwyn, Ill., 2; St. Charles, Ill., 1; Quincy, Ill., 1; Kirkland, Wash., 1; Wyandotte, Mich., 1; Halifax, N.S., Can., 1; Montreal P.Q., Can., 1; Honolulu, Hawaii, 1. Total 55 and 8 youth.
Representation at Public Conferences and Conventions[edit]
The National Assembly has come to realize that in certain cases it might be desirable to have Bahá’í representation at public conferences and conventions sponsored by a non-Bahá’í body which fosters principles conforming to Bahá’í teachings and has a non-political and non-radical character. Steps have therefore been taken to provide for action covering representation at such conferences in various parts of the country.
In future, when the National Assembly is informed that a non-Bahá’í conference is to be held, authority exists to request a local Assembly or some well qualified individual Bahá’í to represent the NSA by attendance and participation. This attendance and participation, however, is not to be considered as affiliation with the organization nor does it commit the Bahá’í community to any specific program or policy adopted at the conference.
The purpose of Bahá’í representation would be in part to provide an observer to report on the proceedings, to make contacts, to explain the Bahá’í teaching and attitude, to correct any erroneous and misleading references to the Faith, and to make recommendations to the NSA on future participation.
Opportunity for Education in Foreign Lands[edit]
The NSA has been informed that under the terms of the Fulbright Scholarship Act of Congress, certain funds are set aside for subsidizing American students for education in a number of countries including Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. Grants are made under specified conditions; for example, preference will be given to veterans of the armed forces. The first group of students may go abroad at the start of the 1948-1949 school year.
For definite information, apply to Department of State, Attention: Division of International Exchange of Persons, Washington 25, D.C. If there are American believers who can qualify, the Fulbright Scholarship Act will assist them to serve the Faith in another country under very favorable circumstances.
Pioneer[edit]
“Australia. Perth, July 1924
The ocean trip from Hongkong to Melbourne, twenty-three days, not very good, was ill and the weather was very stormy ... All troubles were left on the ship and the most wonderful welcome awaited me in Australia—can never express it. Dozens of bouquets of beautiful flowers and fruits and gifts and the Melbourne Bahá’ís entertained me as if—well as if I were like the Dunns. New souls in Perth invited me west and sent the money for my carfare! I came from Melbourne to Perth, five day railway trip as soon as I had rested two days in Melbourne and met the friends. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are in Perth ... Such a welcome! It is heaven. My room filled with the most exquisite bouquets, fifteen friends brought them, a bottle of perfume, an exquisite rosary necklace ... I have the parlor in a beautiful home. Reporters came, friends came. At night Clara Dunn massaged my back and they do everything for my health. Such wonderful souls in Australia. It seems like a miracle all Mr. and Mrs. Dunn have accomplished. No need to ask what kind of teachers they are ... one only needs to look at their confirmed radiant Bahá’í children ... The days are filled to the brim, speaking, writing, it is one big intensive campaign just as in America ... Isn’t it heaven to be able to serve the Cause of God!
On board ship to South Africa. Nov. 1924.
One has much time to think on board this ship ... After a cracker would stay on my stomach I bolstered up my pillows and read four books on South Africa ... I am loaning Bahá’í books around. The Bishop and the hypnotist are such strong reincarnationists ... I have looked over their books and I have a splendid compilation on the Bahá’í viewpoint of reincarnation, we have spent hours discussing it, it has taught me a lot. I do not believe in arguing or criticising, but it is very important for every Bahá’í teacher to know his subject WELL ...
Sometimes I am sad that I do not pray more and study more (I get so busy), and am ashamed of the mistakes I am always making, but today I feel wonderfully happy. It is so glorious that a Manifestation has come with the WORD that is going to bring the Most Great Peace and a new divine civilization ... I couldn’t imagine a happier life than being a disciple in this Day of God ... the confirmations pour down, the doors open and the souls of the whole world are ready!
South Africa.
I arrived in Capetown on the eighth of December and remained there in the same house with Fanny Knoblock until the tenth of January ... I gave over thirty lectures, four were broadcast ... There is a wonderful spirit in Capetown.
Reached Johannesburg, in the Transvaal, on the twelfth of January. This is the center of South Africa. Every door opened ... have spoken twice a day, sometimes three times ... The newspapers always give good write ups. Four have been broadcast. A bare recital of lectures does not give you much idea of the beautiful souls touched, but Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá did everything and it was a constant astonishment to see how wonderfully it all worked out—people seemed just waiting to hear! Each day letters come from the “listeners-in” after the lecture broadcasts. One has just come now thanking me in the name of the “Voortrekkers” (farmers) of South Africa ... The altitude in Johannesburg was so high, it was so difficult to breathe that after a lecture I used to sit for two hours, too tired to move. I thought I was passing out one night and I prayed to live till I took the Bahá’í Message to every country.
Durban. Shall I tell you the bitter with the sweet? Some one wrote an awful article against the Bahá’í Cause, just as I arrived. It came out in the leading paper. It made me sick. But I decided to ignore it, not to mention it for maybe not everybody read it. You see it really did not make any difference, for all the press are my friends and
[Page 7]
Durban has opened every door! ... Also a man wrote the American
Consul and enclosed a letter urging me to speak in his home. I went
the first evening. The man is insane. There were nine fine people in
his house and the nine were much interested, so good came of it ... I
do not allow myself to be afraid of anyone.
I leave here on the sixth of February. The boat stops nineteen places. I shall reach Port Said, stop over one boat, and then go to Haifa.
Going up the Red Sea towards Port Said. March 1925
This wonderful and very hot voyage up the East Coast of Africa is drawing to a close. It has been possible to give the Message in several cities where it has never been heard before. It has been such a great opportunity in every way. There are six hundred people on this ship now ... Although I am in the third class, fifteen people in the first class, (all important people including the wife of the chief justice of South Africa) have called on me and invited me to the first class—today five came over to hear about the Bahá’í Faith ... It has been arranged that I am to speak tomorrow afternoon, on the deck to both the first and third class passengers — it took courage to ask the Captain to lecture to his first class people, but he was lovely and arranged it immediately ... In Zanzibar I took the booklets to the Sultan of Zanzibar and also to Sir Aga Khan, a descendant of Mohammed ... I have been very busy in the different ports and the days between were few. I have studied Esperanto and made considerable progress.
Ten years ago this month I moved heaven and earth and could not get from Port Said to Haifa. Now ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, my mother and father, have passed to the Kingdom of Light, and I, a pilgrim, feel I am going “home” in going there. It will be so sweet to see the Greatest Holy Leaf and the Holy Family and so glorious to confer with Shoghi Effendi. It will be joy and health and inspiration for the years still ahead.
England. London 1926.
It has rained every day since I came to London and always we carry the umbrella. I was amused when Claudia Coles assured me this is London’s dry season. I wonder what the other seasons can be, but I liked London immensely. When the English get these teachings they will take them to China and other lands with the same calibre, stick-to-it-iveness and efficiency with which they have taken Christianity.”
A display of Bahá’í publications in Braille prepared by our Bahá’í Service for the Blind.
Correction — Paris[edit]
As many of the friends who have been Bahá’ís for some time will remember, the Paris community is believed to be the oldest Bahá’í group on the continent of Europe. It was established over fifty years ago and has functioned uninterruptedly ever since. Despite the fact that the group has lost several members through bombing, deportation, and privations the meetings were never interrupted even through the perilous days of the invasion. The Guardian has written to them praising their steadfastness.
Literature published in France on the Faith has been placed by the Paris friends in State and Municipal Libraries and in Universities. It has also been sent to hundreds of people who are considered leaders in thought and welfare.
With regard to the teaching plan which the Guardian gave them in a letter dated February 25th, the Paris friends have already succeeded in enrolling new believers in Lyons and they feel that it is probable that the Lyons assembly will be re-established there by the coming April.
In referring to the publication of French Bahá’í literature, I stated that they were beginning new publications of the Guardian’s letters. In stating this, it was not my intention to convey the idea that these were the first publications. Those of us who have seen previous publications of French Bahá’í literature have realized the efforts of the Paris friends in this regard. The pioneers who are in countries where French is spoken have been greatly indebted to the Paris friends for the tremendous strides that have been made in translation and publications of Bahá’í literature in that language.
In completing this brief survey of the work of the Paris Bahá’ís, I should like to say that many of the American Bahá’ís who have done outstanding work for the Faith in this country were confirmed in Paris.
Error in Bahá’í Pamphlet[edit]
The believers are requested to note that there is a typographical error in the recently issued pamphlet “The Bahá’í Community.” A line has been omitted on page 58. Under “Election of Convention Delegates,” after “wishes to stress the” the following words should be added: “importance of reminding the believers that they should make every”.
“We Do Forget Facts ...”[edit]
Have you decided to prepare yourself for more effective participation in the Seven Year Plan? Let the history and teachings of your own Faith be your first objective. Do you know them thoroughly? Are there blank spots in your knowledge?
Although the 10-lesson study course is only “An Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings” (15c), the questions in this and other general courses will help you to diagnose your own knowledge, find its weak points and so decide your first study project. Get out that old “Bahá’í Study Course” (50c) of 36 lessons and use its questions to test yourself on a more inclusive and detailed basis. Try the true-false tests and the multiple-choice tests following the “Study Outline on the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.” (15c). It’s fun and you needn’t divulge your “mark” to anyone. We almost invariably give “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” our textbook of the Faith, to any inquirer interested enough to read more than a pamphlet. But do you know all the information that is in it? Look through the “Course of Study Based on Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era” (25c) and find out. Perhaps you studied “Fundamentals of Bahá’í Membership” (20c) before coming a Bahá’í, but we do forget facts, though we may grow in understanding. This outline will test your knowledge of Bahá’í Administration as none of the above courses will.
These general outlines are designed for classes of inquirers or new believers and you may think it a waste of time to use them merely to measure your knowledge. We challenge you, however, to do as suggested without looking up many, many references to verify or add to your store of information.
If you find yourself hazy about the various aspects of administration, “An Aid to the Study of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh” (15c) brings together many sources and shows the relationship of each detail to the whole.
If history is your weak spot, “God Passes By” with its study outline (10c) is the answer. It “combines and correlates exposition of the Teachings, summary of the historical events, presentation of the Persons of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in their spiritual significance, and statements on their principle Tablets and Works.”
“Essential Verities of the Bahá’í Faith” (35c) brings additional references to the Bahá’í Principles—still our most ready bridge to the public—and familiarizes us with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s matchless technique in approaching the American public of 35 years ago.
| Suggested Daily Readings February
In connection with the readings outlined for February we suggest that each one read again the letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to the Bahá’í Community on page one of the November issue of Bahá’í News. The letter says in part: “The mystery which interpenetrates the institutions and organic gatherings of the Bahá’í Community is profound.... We may attain glimpses of this mystery by pondering those Tablets the Master revealed over a long period to the American Assemblies.... Many of these Tablets were gathered together in chapter nine of Bahá’í World Faith.” This is why the readings this month are taken from chapter nine of Bahá’í World Faith.
|
Since world events demand increased understanding of the Guardian’s letters, “Study Outlines and Aids for World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi” (50c) will be found especially helpful to Bahá’í students. They simplify and clarify the mass of timely information and interpretation contained in the letters as well as making suggestions for the most effective use of the outline. Another approach to the same source material is made in “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh—A Study Outline” (10c) which follows six major themes through all of the Guardian’s letters published under this title.
The basic spiritual truths of our Faith can be mastered with the aid of study outlines for “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” (15c) and “The Kitáb-i-Íqán” (20c). The first emphasizes primarily the spiritual station of the Báb, of Bahá’u’lláh, and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the authority and goal of the Bahá’í administrative order. The second reveals this preeminent book of Bahá’u’lláh as the key to progressive revelation and the study of comparative religion.
Although the general courses first referred to were intended for group study, most of the study aids can be adapted to individual or group study or used as classified references. They should be found in every Bahá’í library — community or personal.
Next month we will share with you some study suggestions that have been found helpful. In the meantime, let’s begin to study systematically and regularly. If you are not thoroughly acquainted with “The Advent of Divine Justice,” read it over again (“Study Outline and Aids for the Advent of Divine Justice,” 35c) that the vision of the world-embracing campaign in which you have enlisted may keep you steadfast in your purpose. Incidentally, it contains excellent teaching suggestions and methods.
Louhelen Bahá’í Summer School Sessions[edit]
Junior Youth Session
- June 28-July 9, incl.
First General Adult Session
- July 11-July 23, incl.
Second Adult Session
- July 25-July 30, incl.
Third Adult Session
- Aug. 1-Aug 13, incl.
Senior Youth Session
- Aug. 15-Aug. 27, incl.
Young Adult Session
- Aug. 29-Sept. 4, incl.
Louhelen Homecoming
- Sept 5, 6.
The various topics for these sessions will be under the following general heads:
History and Fundamental beliefs of the Bahá’í Faith; personal life and understanding of the Faith; social teachings of the Faith; related backgrounds of the Faith; teaching the Faith.
Details, teaching and rates will be published later. Make plans now for attending one or more of these sessions.
[Page 9]
Mrs. Dorothy Baker who leaves from New York on January 12th, to visit all of the European pioneer posts.
World Youth Day[edit]
If you have not seen the December issue of the Bahá’í Youth Bulletin, may we call it to your attention? It is most appealing and indicates a great surge of interest and activity from our youth. We quote from page one:
“World Youth Day will be February 15, 1948. That is the third Sunday of February. The international theme will be, “Youth Challenging the old World Order.” Here is what to do: Hold large public meetings, and have the youth of your community assume full responsibility. Use representatives of minority groups as ushers, hosts or hostesses whenever possible. Use Bahá’í Centers and cooperate with and enlist the support of your local and national assemblies. Have a forum, and if the group is small, plan a fireside. Then invite other groups whose ideals coincide. Have artistic members prepare posters advertising your event. Then notify your local newspapers and use the radio. Take pictures. Note: Air Mail a report with pictures to the editor of the Youth Bulletin. Illustrate it appropriately. We will publish a special edition and air mail copies to all countries participating. Address all correspondence and reports to: National Bahá’í Youth Committee, 1017 First Wisconsin National Bank Bldg., Milwaukee 2, Wisconsin, USA. Plan Your Program Now!
The Home Front[edit]
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. On Sunday evening November 9th, 1947, Mr. Lawrence Hautz of the Milwaukee Bahá’í Assembly was a guest speaker at an organization of young people at Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church in our city. This organization “The University of Life” is the oldest Interdenominational Sunday Church program in the United States. Its registration to date has reached nearly 700 members.
Mr. Hautz spoke before the class of “Why Different Religions.” This group consists of a membership of eighty students ranging from 18 to 35 years of age. Each Sunday they spend becoming better acquainted with other religions and denominations. Mr. Hautz’ lecture before this group was very interesting and well received by the students, as was shown by the great interest in his lecture. The fact is that they kept him so late answering their questions that the group finally had to be asked to leave the church, and it was interesting to note that they kept him answering their questions all the way up the stairs and out of the church.
We feel that this lecture by Mr. Hautz before this young student group is one of the outstanding Bahá’í events which has taken place in our city in a long period of time. The interest of this group is further indicated by the fact that they have made another request for a Bahá’í speaker for their February meeting.
BREWER, MAINE. Practically isolated from Bahá’í teachers or contacts, a believer here, herself a Bahá’í only a little more than a year, has taught a class from seven to ten people for a year with the resulting enrollment of four.
FLINT, MICH. The International Institute of Flint was host to twenty Bahá’í youth and friends, Dec. 7th, for a discussion on “Public Speaking Techniques” led by Paul Pettit. Sample talks were given for critical analysis. Highlight was the talk given by a colored non-Bahá’í boy on racial oneness. Plans were crystallized for the next meeting Dec. 28th during winter session at Louhelen School.
The night before, 35 young people enjoyed a fellowship evening of games, music, and dancing in a Bahá’í home. By their own inquiry, in group formed upstairs around the fireplace to learn about the Bahá’í teaching on marriage and other specific subjects. Two out of town Bahá’í girls, overnight guests of a member of the community, attracted the hostess’s disinterested sun so much that he inquired about local youth meetings and Louhelen Winter Session to study. News items appeared in two local papers and the adult Bahá’ís cooperated splendidly with rooms and meals.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA. Needless to say, November was a very busy month for the Anchorage Bahá’ís. In addition to the regular radio broadcasts and newspaper publicity and public meetings, the Special Anniversaries were observed as follows:
Sun., Nov. 23rd—International Bahá’í Youth Day, in the Music Room of the Anchorage Hotel. Verne Stout
Marastone Lodge at Asheville, N.C. is scene of this inter-regional group meeting on Labor Day weekend.
[Page 10]
showed the 35 mm. slides of the Temple and Capt. S. A. Pelle gave a short
inspiring talk to the Youth.
Wed., Nov. 12th—Bahá’u’lláh’s Birthday, in the Music Room of the Anchorage Hotel. Capt. S. A. Pelle talked on the Bahá’í Teachings, and Betty Becker on Bahá’u’lláh. There were 25 present and the guests included a Negro soldier and two Eskimo ladies.
Wed, Nov. 26th—Day of the Covenant, in the Music Room of the Anchorage Hotel. Evelyn Huffman was chairman for the evening, and Verne Stout spoke on the Bahá’í Faith, and Frances Wells on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the United States in 1912.”
Fri., Nov. 28th—Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was observed at 1:00 a.m. by six of the believers at the home of Robbie and Helen Robinson. A recording of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s voice was heard.
As two of the above special meetings took place on the regular Wednesday evening public meeting night, they constituted the public meetings on those dates. The other two regularly scheduled meetings were as follows:
Wed., Nov. 5th—Capt. S. A. Pelle, “Education in the New Age.”
Wed., Nov. 19th—Janet W. Stout, “Creating World Unity.” (the third in the series of meetings on the theme, “World Faith for World Freedom.”)
Two new study classes continued in November: Tuesday afternoons and Friday evenings. The latter will be a public speaking class as well as a study class in the Bahá’í Teachings.
The Bahá’ís were also instrumental in two recent meetings of the Friendships Unlimited Club at the USO. Capt. Pelle showed movies on Latin America, and Capt. Fowler (non-Bahá’í) at another meeting showed colored slides of India, China, the Near East, and the Alcan Highway to Alaska.
Calendar[edit]
Feasts:
- Jan. 19—Sultán—Sovereignity
- Feb. 7—Mulk—Dominion
N.S.A. Meeting:
- Feb. 13, 14, 15.
Geyserville Summer School 1948[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. |
- DATE: June 20 to August 1, inclusive.
- UNITY FEAST: July 4, 1948.
- SESSION to be divided into three two-weeks’ Periods.
- ADULT COURSES FOR FULL SESSION and to include:
- Study of Spiritual Teachings of Faith
- “God Passes By”
- History of Islam
- Comparative Religion
- Bahá’í Way of Living
- Bahá’í Administration
- General Teaching Methods
- Inquirers Classes.
CHILDREN’S CLASSES ONLY for period from June 20 to July 17.
FOR RESERVATIONS address:
- Mr. Alfred Zahl,
826 West Grunt Place,
San Mateo, California.
Further detailed announcements will follow.
Latin America[edit]
This month of January is of great importance to Bahá’ís of Latin America, and therefore to all of us. Two congresses followed by two international school sessions are being held, the one in Mexico City for the Caribbean area; the other in Santiago, Chile, for South American believers. Among the teachers and lecturers at Mexico City are Marzieh Gail, Marcia Steward, Sra. Natalia de Chávez, Sr. Illescas and Sr. Castro. The congresses, like our convention, furnish opportunity for discussion, suggested plans, getting acquainted and uniting the hearts. Each one closes with a public meeting.
The schools give time for intensive study and deepening in the teachings. Courses include such subjects as: Bahá’í Bridges to Catholicism, Rosacrucianism, Masonry, etc.; laboratory practice in phases of Bahá’í Administration: Prayer as a motive power. The range of subjects and careful plans for these congresses and schools as well as actual achievements makes us ask—are our Latin American friends outstripping us in North America?
Wonderful news has come from Venezuela. Two goal cities seem to have their assemblies assured for this year, one in Barquisimeto and one in Maracay. There are also two newly organized study groups in Venezuela. Gayle Woolson writes that the receptivity of Venezuela is very great and that the intelligent people of almost any city are ready to organize study groups if they have help in doing so. The accounts of radio programs, newspaper articles with photographs, invitations to address clubs and lodges, and great confirmations of the hearts which have greeted Gayle on her two and a half months trip through Venezuela, read like a pioneer’s dream of bliss, but all these are real, every one. Gayle reports that Miss Katherine Meyer of Washington, who joined her in Maracay, is “wonderful” and well adapted to carry on the work in Venezuela.
Another cause of rejoicing is the going forth on their first pioneer journey of Dr. Edris Rice-Wray of Glenview, Illinois, and Miss Margaret Swengel of Wilmette. They will sail January 9th from New York for Puerto Rico, where Edris will serve as director of the T.B. Hospital in Guayama, second largest city of the island, and Margaret hopes for an appointment at the University. Both will live for the time being in the lovely apartment of Sra. Maria Teresa Martin de Lopez, which serves as the Bahá’í center in San Juan and is within driving distance of the centers that Edris will serve.
Mrs. Amelie Pumpelly Bates reports that the Bahá’í community in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has its own center and that an enthusiastic group is studying the Faith.
Sr. Oscar Castro of San José, Costa Rica, has joined the march of native teachers. He is helping at the Congress and School in Mexico City and will then begin a three months’ project assisting in the development of the Cause in Nicaragua through direct teaching and through correspondence teaching.
Sra. Natalia de Chávez of Honduras has done splendid work in
[Page 11]
helping the Community of Guatemala City to grow and reorganize
and to incorporate the Faith in that
country. She has also established a
group in the goal city in that country. In El Salvador she has helped
continue the work started by Louise
Caswell.
Artemus Lamb reports his first contact with the Masons. He was invited by the Masons of Osorno, Chile, to speak at their lodge dinner on the Bahá’í Faith. He writes: “It was a most tremendous event, with such interest as I have never witnessed. In the concluding talk of the chairman he was so moved his hands were shaking.” The Rotary Club helped in forming a group in Osorno and in Valdivia. The correspondence teaching plan is being used successfully in Chile.
In Peru, too, people are learning of the teachings through correspondence. A high school teacher has interested a group in Oxapampa, while another high school teacher writes that he is “avidly reading” all he receives about the Faith and sharing with his friends. Others in Colombia and Ecuador express eagerness to know more through correspondence and literature.
The National Teaching Committee of South America has begun its publishing functions with the printing of three pamphlets at Santiago: “The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour,” the revised edition of “Will and Testament” and the guide to administration which will be published shortly. A little later “God Passes By” will be published.
Bolivia has the honor of being the third country in South America to attain incorporation of the Faith and Venezuela is the fourth. Applications are pending in Chile and Peru. Panama has the honor of being the second to attain incorporation in Central America and Guatemala the third.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mrs. Beulah Storrs Lewis, Los Angeles, Calif. 11-9-47
- Mrs. Wilhelmina Norlander, Kenosha, Wis. 11-5-47
- Mr. S. S. Newby, Philadelphia, 11-10-47
- Mr. Clifford Thompson, Eagle River, Wis. Sept.
- Mrs. Jessie Fagan, Glendale, Calif. Date not reported
- Mrs. Daisy V. Roberts, Los Angeles, Calif. 11-4-47
- Mrs. Ida Buchanan, Pittsburgh, Pa. Date not reported
- Mrs. Alice Cooper, Jackson, Miss. 11-20-47
- Mrs. Beatrice Burner, Helena, Mont. 11-24-47
Sample display using the new kits available from the Visual Education Committee.
New Display Kits Ready[edit]
The first Kits of display aids we have prepared for help in setting up community displays, have been sent to the Bahá’í Sales Committee, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago, 40, Illinois, through whom they will be sold and distributed.
These first units are packaged separately, for convenience and economy of handling, but we hope you will use both of them. They are listed as Community Kit. No. 1, and Map Kit No. 1.
Community Kit No. 1 contains the following items:
- 1 folding tripod lucite easel 12½ inches high
- 1 folding tripod lucite easel 8 inches high
- 3 lucite card holders
- 3 printed cards, describing literature and some Bahá’í Principles
- 1 small photo of sample display showing use of all above items
- 1 instruction sheet for using easels
Map Kit No. 1 has the following contents:
- 1 Global Map, in color, 24 inches square
- 1 Instruction sheet for mounting Map on backing board
- 1 Printed banner to use across the Map— BAHÁ’Í WORLD FAITH
The price of these two kits, combined, is $8.50, postpaid.
These Kits are intended to furnish basic display fixtures for arranging small window, counter and table displays. Additional “props,” as you will see by the picture enclosed with the Kit, are books or pamphlets either available among the believers in a community or can be bought from the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. The Braille literature may be purchased from Mrs. Amedee Gibson, Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 616 North Oxford Avenue, Los Angeles, 4, Calif.
Although the picture necessarily includes the use of books relating to the types of Bahá’í literature described on the printed cards, it is not suggested that all these items be used in one display.
A variety of attractive small displays may be set up using different arrangements of books, pamphlets, and theme texts, you may work out locally.
A series of small displays, appearing frequently, are successful promotional aids. They may be planned around one theme or topic, and tied in, by choice of literature and placards, to whatever local press publicity is also being carried out.
We shall welcome your suggestion regarding additional items for later Kits. Please send photographs of displays using these Kit materials, which may be shared with other communities, to the Visual Education Committee, Mrs. Marion Longyear, Sec., 456 Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif.
Important Publishing Announcement:[edit]
Book and Pamphlet by the Guardian[edit]
Messages to America, by Shoghi Effendi—Selected Letters and Cablegrams addressed to the Bahá’ís of North America from 1932 to 1946. 118 Pages, bound in fabrikoid.
This work, edited by the NSA,
brings together the Guardian’s messages as written by his own hand
and covering a decisive epoch of our
Bahá’í history. They have until now
been available only in copies of
Bahá’í News, in Annual Reports and
in temporary pamphlet form. Here
we may cherish and study anew
what the Guardian has written about
the spiritual life, about certain Bahá’í
books, about great international
Bahá’í events, the setting up and continuity of the first Seven Year Plan
and the inauguration of the Second
Seven Year Plan up to the cable
dated December 3, 1946. Those longer
letters supplied as pamphlets—The
Spiritual Potencies of that consecrated Spot (December 21, 1939), and A
God-Given Mandate (June 15, 1946)
are also here, set in their historical
context. The solemn warnings of
the imminent Second World War, the
role of the American Bahá’í community as trustees of the Master’s
Divine Plan, the messages to the
Conventions—all are here. For clarity of outlook, firmness of resolution,
depth of understanding—the Guardian’s spirit has transforming power.
Price per copy, $2.00
The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh - A World Religion—reprint as pamphlet of the Guardian’s statement to United Nations Special Committee on Palestine which appeared in the October number of World Order Magazine. Here is that summary which presents the basic principles and teachings in the form of an important public document and with the fulness of understanding which we most desire to convey to the leaders of public opinion, to teach to attracted souls, and to impress upon the masses of the people. A local teaching program of several public talks and a special mailing campaign could be developed by any Assembly out of this material. The pamphlet has an attractive cover and eight pages of text. Sold in lots of five copies for 50c; in larger quantities at the rate of 10c each.
World Order
January, 1948
Table of Contents[edit]
Bahá’u’lláh’s Message and the Germans
Karl Schueck
Knowledge, Poem
Martha Boutwell Garvin
The Sun Illumines
‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Panama, Crossroads of Destiny
Duart Vincent Brown
What is the Bahá’í Faith?
W. M. Firuozi
The Development of a World Society
Fannie Jupnik
Spirit of Faith
Floyd H. Munson
104 Anno Domini and 104 Bahá’í Era, Editorial
Mabel H. Paine
The Fragrance of Letters (Concluded)
Rúḥíyyih Khánum
Highlights of the Newer Testament
A Compilation from the Bahá’í Writings
Marion C. Lippitt
With Our Readers
The leading article for February will be “Trade is One Thing—,” by Harold Gail.
Directory[edit]
Additions and Changes[edit]
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries
Anchorage, Alaska
- Mrs. Frances Wells, Box 45
Augusta, Ga.
- Mrs. Wm. H. Rickards, 29 Broad St.
- (This is Miss Betty Shook who was married at Christmas time)
Westchester, Pa.
- Mrs. Marian R. Lee. 312 W. Miner St.
New Groups
- District No. 9, Baltimore County
- Mr. Fred Sudhop, Corres.
- 519 Anneslie Rd., Baltimore 12, Md.
- Sierra Madre, Calif.
- Mrs. Hazel Pennington, Corres.
- 177 Lowell Ave.
New Correspondents
- Santa Monica, Calif.
- Mrs. Mary Loper, 1303 Third St.
- Cambridge, Mass.
- Mr. Firuz Kazemzade, 1 Exeter Park
Groups Dissolved
- Napa, Calif.
RTC and National Committees
- Appointments and withdrawals were reported by the N. S. A. at it’s Dec. meeting as follows:
RTC Committees
- Wash. & Ore.
- Mr. Harold Neff—added
National Committees
- Archives & History
- Mr. M. D. Roach—added
- Bahá’í Sales
- Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Niss—added
- Youth Activities
- Mr. Robert Lewis—added
- Dr. Edris Rice-Wray—unable to serve
Robert Imagire, left, pioneer to Japan, met Naoki Yoshino, Tokyo’s only Bahá’í youth at a Bahá’í meeting on Sept. 28th. In the picture with Robert is Mr. Inoye, native Japanese believer.
| Page | Col. | |
Addresses | 5 | 1 |
Calendar | 10 | 1 |
Directory | 12 | 2 |
Education in Foreign Lands | 6 | 1 |
Enrollments | 5 | 3 |
European News | 4 | 1 |
Fulbright Scholarship | 6 | 1 |
| Fund | ||
Where We Are | 5 | 2 |
Assemblies Contributing | 5 | 1 |
Geyserville, 1948 | 10 | 3 |
| Guardian | ||
Publishing Announcement | 12 | 1 |
“Recognition of Services” | 1 | 3 |
| URGENT MESSAGE | Insert | |
Home Front | 9 | 2 |
Latin America | 10 | 2 |
Louhelen, 1948 | 8 | 3 |
“May-October, 1947”, NSA Summary | 1 | 1 |
Memoriam | 11 | 1 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Distribution of BAHA’I NEWS | 5 | 2 |
Representation at Conferences, etc. | 6 | 1 |
Retirement of Inactive Members | 3 | 3 |
Summary: May-October, 1947 | 1 | 1 |
Pamphlet, error | 7 | 3 |
Paris Correction | 7 | 3 |
| Pictures | ||
Baker, Dorothy | 9 | 1 |
Braille Publications | 7 | 1 |
Asheville, N. C. | 9 | 2 |
Sweden, Pioneers | 4 | 1 |
Visual Education Kit | 11 | 2 |
Japan—Robert Imagire | 12 | 3 |
Pioneer, Martha Root | 6 | 2 |
Public Relations | 4 | 3 |
Publishing Announcement | 12 | 1 |
Study Aids Committee | 8 | 1 |
Suggested Daily Readings | 8 | 3 |
“We Do Forget Facts ...” | 8 | 1 |
World Order Contents | 12 | 2 |
World Youth Day | 9 | 1 |
