Bahá’í News/Issue 204/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 204 | FEBRUARY, 1948 | YEAR 104 | BAHA’I ERA |
Cablegram from Guardian
Received Feb. 1, 1943
SHOGHI
|
The Guardian on Committee Responsibility
The National Assembly shares with the friends this statement included in a letter written by the Guardian through his secretary on December 27, 1947:— “He feels that Committees must assume more responsibility and exercise freedom of choice and judgment in electing their officers, and function as a corporate body with a corporate spirit. More especially so as now that the Cause is growing in numbers, and its responsibilities are being multiplied, national Committees are acquiring added importance and must seek, ever-increasingly, to follow the pattern of Bahá’u’lláh and assume responsibility for the election of their officers. These Committees must develop, become mature, and forge ahead courageously, relying more on united effort and less on personal leadership, as is now the case with local and national Assemblies.” Action has been taken by the NSA to adopt the principle that committee members are appointed by the Assembly but committee officers are to be elected by the committee members beginning with the administrative year May 1, 1948-April 30, 1949. Local Assemblies are informed that in their committee appointments for the year beginning April 21, 1948 they are to follow the same principle. Calendar FEASTS:
N.S.A. Meetings:
|
Arise Resolutely, Volunteer Instantly[edit]
Beloved friends:
Through many channels the Guardian’s cablegram of January 10 has been conveyed to your mind and heart—by the letter sent to Assemblies and Regional Committees January 13, by the insert added to January Bahá’í News, by the consultation conducted at the State and Province Conventions on February 1, and perhaps also by special meetings of your local community or group.
The message has been delivered to the front door of your conscious spirit. Now it remains for you to determine whether the door has been opened from within and the message received and accepted as an ambassador sent you from the Head of the Bahá’í World Faith.
What does the Guardian’s ambassador say? That there is a critical stage in our teaching task; that emergency measures must be promptly devised; that these must be supported by the entire mass of the believers, to safeguard the existing Assemblies and rapidly multiply their number; that further extension of other tasks must be subordinated; that Shoghi Effendi addresses to you a last-minute appeal to arise resolutely and volunteer instantly to fill the gap.
If we make no response it means that we have barred the door and denied entrance to this messenger from the Holy Land. For if the messenger is admitted into the home we find that he brings in one hand a tremendous obligation but in the other hand a supreme blessing. This is a mystery of the spiritual life, but it must be experienced each for himself; that the thing to do and the power to do it are the two aspects of divine command. Crisis does not mean defeat but new growth. We are challenged to seize this precious opportunity to live more deeply in the realm of victory.
Can we realize the mandate given America to spread the Faith internationally and not see that the American community must be continually enlarged.
“So precious an opportunity, so rare a conjunction of favorable circumstances,” the Guardian cried out to us nearly ten years ago in The Advent of Divine Justice, “may never again recur. Now is the time, the appointed time, for the American believers, the vanguard of the hosts of the Most Great Name, to proclaim ... their capacity and readiness to rescue a fallen and sore-tried generation....”
“Those who participate” he continued, “must know the history and teachings of the Faith, study its literature, assimilate its laws and principles, ponder its admonitions, tenets and purposes, commit to memory certain exhortations and prayers, know the essentials of administration, and keep up with its current affairs and developments.
In order to serve now on the deeper levels, each believer is asked to regard the period of the Fast, March 2 to March 20, as a blessed privilege for study as well as prayer. Set aside some one book for daily reading and meditation, whether the Gleanings, Divine Art of Living, Foundations of World Unity, or Dispensation. Devote a certain time day after day until the coals are fanned into intense flame.
In the realm of immediate action, the teaching needs are summarized as follows:—
- The goal to attain by April 21, 1948 is 175 local Assemblies in the United States and Canada.
- That means 32 more Assemblies than were elected last year.
- But of the 143 Assemblies elected last year at least 16 need settlers or new believers before April 21 or they will revert to group status.
- There are thus 48 different cities calling for settlers and intensive teaching work. About 150 settlers, less the number of new believers enrolled before April 21, must be placed.
- If you can move and settle in one of the 48 cities, notify the National Teaching Committee, or notify the Committee of your readiness to go out as a teacher for weekends, for circuits, or for periods up to two and three months.
Literature for the Blind[edit]
The Committee on Bahá’í Service for the Blind announces the completion of a new braille pamphlet.
FAITH FOR FREEDOM is now available in braille grade 2. One hundred (100) copies have been completed. Copies of FAITH FOR FREEDOM may be purchased in braille for $1.25 a copy.
Prayer for Building the Temple[edit]
“O Lord, make these holy souls who have arisen to build this Temple the dawning points of light and the manifestors of Thy signs. Make each a leading cornerstone in this great edifice, a pillar of its pillars, for Thou art the Helper, the Supporter, the Rewarder! These souls have arisen to serve Thee well, and have begun their servitude. Confirm, aid and encourage each by the promise of Thy divine favors and make them of the elect. Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful, the Able, the Giver, the Shining, the Hearer and the Seer!
“O God! O God! I implore Thee with throbbing heart and streaming tears, to aid each one who endeavors for the erection of the House of the Lord, the building wherein Thy Name is mentioned every morn and eve. Send down Thy benediction on whomsoever endeavors for the uprising of this Edifice among the sects and religions, and confirm him in every good deed of mankind; open
| Extension Teaching Reports
Action has been taken by the NSA to feature the subject of extension teaching by local Assemblies in the Annual Report prepared by the NSA. Each Assembly carrying on teaching work to develop a group to Assembly status is urged to see that a comprehensive report covering this work is sent to the National Office by April 1, or that regular progress reports are submitted up to that date. |
the doors of riches and wealth unto him and make him an inheritor of the treasures of the kingdom which perishes not; make him the sign of giving among the peoples and reinforce him by the sea of Thy generosity and bounty, which is surging with the waves of grace and favor. Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful and the Bountiful!”
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to publish this prayer revealed by the Master and commend its use by the friends. The Temple Prayer carries a two-fold blessing: first, in invoking divine assistance for the completion of the Sacred Edifice; and, second, in its assurance of blessings for those who assist in this work.
Annual Conventions[edit]
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The first Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Canada will be held in Montreal on April 24 and 25.
For hotel or room accommodations, write the Chairman of the Housing Committee, Mrs. Adline Lohse, 3360 Ridgewood Ave., Apt. 17, Montreal, P. Q., Canada.
The Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of the United States will be held in Temple Foundation Hall, Wilmette, April 29 and 30, May 1 and 2, 1948.
| Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
For hotel or room accommodations, write Mrs. Mineola Hannen, 1416 Lee Street, Evanston, Ill.
The Canadian Convention Committees need advance notice of how many expect to attend the Convention. Canadian believers therefore should apply for accommodations as soon as possible, and if reservations are not needed, let the Montreal Assembly know that you expect to attend.
Reservations for the United States Convention should also be made as soon as possible.
Dr. Edris Rice-Wray sailed Jan. 9, 1948 to Puerto Rico.
Bahá’í Sales Committee[edit]
Pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
- Steel engraving—12x16, postpaid in U.S. $2.00
- Paris photograph—1½x2—10c; 3¼x4½—15c; 4½x6—25c
- Covenant photograph—5x7—25c
- Tablet photograph—4½x5½—25c
Photographs of Bahá’í House of Worship
- Postcard size—Six different views 3 for 10c, no mail order for less than 50c
- Seven different views—8x10—40c each
- Two views of interior—50c each
Temple Displays
- Reproduction of painting of Temple on linen—30x30—$5.00 postpaid in U.S.
- Etching of pen and ink drawing—10x10—25c postpaid in U.S.
Audio Material
- Centenary Records—6-12 in. double-face records
Visual Material
- 16 mm. color films of the Centenary consisting of two 400 ft. reels
Cost $80.00 to $100.00 - 16 mm. black and white films of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in New York—300 feet. Cost $12.80 to $15.00
- 2x2 in. slides—24 slides each, color slides of the shrines and gardens, Haifa and ‘Akká. $6.00 postpaid in U. S.
Ring Stones
- Stones come in ovals, oblongs, squares and round and are of different colors. Diagrams of shapes, sizes and colors will be supplied on request. Prices range from $4.00 up.
4639 Beacon Street
Chicago, Illinois
Identification of Bahá’í Group Photographs[edit]
| Suggested Daily Readings for March
“Immerse Yourselves in the Ocean of God’s Word ...”
Explanation: P&M: Prayers and Meditations. GL: Gleanings, B.W.F.: Bahá’í World Faith. |
The National Spiritual Assembly is informed that photographs of American Bahá’í communities, groups, School sessions, etc., as published in Bahá’í News from time to time, are not accepted as Bahá’í photographs by Oriental non-Bahá’ís to whom the pictures are shown if they have no evidence of Bahá’í identification.
Therefore the friends are requested to make clear the Bahá’í nature of group photographs by including a picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Temple or a symbol of the Greatest Name.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
This Earth One Country by Emeric Sala. This book which is such a good introduction to the Faith, especially for those deeply interested in the development of social justice and world order, is now available at a reduced price of $2.00 per copy. 186 pages bound in cloth.
The Báb’s Address to the Letters of the Living. This little pamphlet reproduced from hand letter copy of pages 92-94 of The Dawn-Breakers, is an ideal gift and especially for Naw-Rúz, price 10c but should be ordered in lots of five.
Chicago Sunday Tribune reprint article and illustrations of the Bahá’í House of Worship as flood-lighted during the Centenary celebrations published June 17, 1945. This is really an important pamphlet and should be used extensively for Public Meetings or publicity work of any kind. 20 copies $1.00.
Study With A Purpose[edit]
“You must come into the knowledge of the divine manifestations and their teachings through proofs and evidences. You must unseal the mysteries of the supreme kingdom and become capable of discovering the inner realities of things. Then shall you be the manifestations of the mercy of God, and true believers, firm and steadfast in the Cause of God.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Every Bahá’í has a sincere desire to know and understand the literature of our Faith, but few of us make study of it a regular habit, either because we do not feel that we are of the student type or because we do not know where to begin in the wealth of material available to us.
The following are a few suggestions that will be helpful in acquiring study habits.
1. Read and study with a purpose. Every Bahá’í devotes some time each day to the reading of the Holy Utterances. But instead of desultory readings, or in addition to it, select some aspect of the Faith or some subject about which you would like to be well informed. Reference to the article of the Study Aids Committee in January Bahá’í News will help you to choose an outline that may suit your immediate purpose. In your reading at other times on other subjects you will frequently come across references that can be incorporated in the outline. Make a note of them for use when you come to that topic in the outline you have chosen.
Another method is to select a subject of special interest—the immortality of the soul, evolution, prayer, education, universal peace, or any subject which you have always wanted to study thoroughly. Look up all the references you can find in the various study outlines, in Bahá’í World Faith and the other Writings, in Bahá’í World and in World Order Magazine. List them for your future use and if possible prepare a compilation of the most significant passages.
2. Concentrate on your chosen subject. Do not be tempted to pursue another subject that may attract your attention while you are looking up references. There is nothing wrong about this, of course, but if you want to study effectively you must confine the selection of your material to that which is useful to the subject on which you are working at the moment. Notes can be made of these interesting references or ideas for use and study at some other time. They may even suggest your next subject for intensive study.
Do not worry if you have trouble in concentrating. Everyone has this problem. The human mind is seldom capable of focusing on a given idea for more than a few seconds at a time, and so it becomes necessary to bring it back repeatedly to the central idea or theme. The more interesting the subject chosen, the easier it will be to concentrate on it. Therefore, until good habits of study have been developed, it is well to avoid subjects that are involved or too abstruse and to work on a few that are well defined. Here again the study outlines will help.
3. Other minor factors conducive to concentration are: a regular study period, daily if at all possible, with a minimum of external distraction; a satisfactory degree of physical comfort; having at hand before you begin all the books and other materials you will need so that your study period will not be interrupted by looking for another book or a pencil. Apply the methods you have found most effective in concentrating on other types of work or study. Bend all your efforts on increasing your own knowledge and disregard for the time being the idea of teaching lest your mind become concerned about the teaching problems involved.
4. Persevere. Remember that learning progresses, not steadily, but by degrees. You will find that you will progress quite easily to a certain point and then you will meet with difficulty and your interest will wane. But if you will persevere your understanding will suddenly clear and you will enjoy a sense of exhilaration and achievement.
5. Do not worry about what you consider a poor memory. It is only the habit of “remembering” that has not become well-established. Instead, strive to become thoroughly steeped in the subject and you will soon find yourself remembering exact words, phrases and sentences from the Writings which you will use in your discussions with other people.
| Bahá’í Vocational Survey
In order to compile the many different types of talent, training and experience possessed by members of the American Bahá’í community, the NSA has mailed a special survey form or questionnaire to every individual believer. The friends are requested to to take immediate action in filling the form out as fully as the facts indicate in each case and return it to the National Office. The larger local communities might have need for similar data, and the local Assembly can use this form if it wishes as a basis for producing a local survey. The data received will be compiled and indexed for reference. The aim is to provide the NSA with knowledge of the different types of capacity needed for service on national committees. |
6. Make constant use of your notebook. Often when you are traveling on a bus or street car, when you are eating alone, or when you are at work about the house or yard, ideas and questions will come to you. Jot them down at once and incorporate them in your study.
7. Write yourself a letter. This is a good way to test your understanding of the subject you are studying. Pretend that a non-Bahá’í friend has asked you a question related to your subject. Write the answer as you would give it in a letter. Put it away and read it a few days later to see whether you have anything to add or whether there are some points that should be clarified. This and other types of writing help to make the knowledge your own.
Follow some such plan as this consistently for a month or two and you will find that you have acquired a “certainty of knowledge” that is stimulating and gratifying.
“Praise be to God. You have heard the call of the kingdom ... Day and night you must strive that you may attain to the significances of the heavenly kingdom, perceive the signs of divinity, acquire certainty of knowledge and realize that this world has a creator, a vivifier, a provider, and architect ...”—‘ABDU’L—BAHÁ.
- STUDY AIDS COMMITTEE
Decisions Must Be Made[edit]
It was at Green Acre during a session of the National Spiritual Assembly and one of the believers had just come back from Europe. She told us of the friends in several of the goal countries, of their sacrifices, their frugal meals and of their stinting to make ends meet; of their victories already won and of the problems ahead in each country. Then she spoke of Germany and of Austria, of difficulties among the friends, of the loss of lives of the believers, particularly in Austria, and of the handful left.
| 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 Baha’i Community. The first issue appeared in December, 1924.
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. |
Suddenly I was struck with the tremendous weight the Guardian must be carrying and I felt that I had never had a problem, no, not in relation to his, for his problem is the whole world.
As we travel forward under the impetus of his, our Guardian’s encouragement, I wonder if we stop for a split second to ponder how much of the weight we lift from his shoulders each day.
We know almost his only happiness lies in our victories for the Faith. We also know how he follows us all along the path of achievement and how at every step he encourages us and makes the impossible seem within grasp.
There in Haifa he toils from seven in the morning until two hours after midnight; he, who in the sight of God is the most precious being on earth, he who is the center of His Cause today, the one toward whom the Master said we should all turn.
Have we individually and collectively, as believers in this great Faith, done our share? Have we shouldered our portion of the weight
FINANCIAL BUDGET 1947-1948
which must rest so heavily on his precious shoulders? Have we guarded and protected our Guardian, this precious trust given to us, that “no dust of despondency shall mar his radiant nature”?
We have as believers just one life to live. All that pertains to life, our success, our contacts, our trips, our travels, should be to one end—service to His Faith. For this is all that is real, all we leave behind.
We are at the crossroads today—decisions must be made and made promptly. Budgets will have to be supported and teaching plans carried forward or we shall be forced to retrench.
Your support is the answer to these decisions. Eight months of this Bahá’í year (Dec. 31, 1947) has brought into the Fund $146,818.55; $53,181.45 short of our goal. Contributions from January 1 to 17 have been $7,247.34.
- Faithfully,
- PHILIP G. SPRAGUE, Treasurer
“The Life-Blood of These Nascent Institution”[edit]
As the activities of the American Bahá’í community expand, and its worldwide prestige correspondingly increases, the institution of the National Fund, the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should be increasingly supported by the entire body of the believers, both in their individual capacities, and through their collective efforts, whether organized as groups or as local Assemblies. The supply of funds, in support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the life-blood of these nascent institutions you are laboring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be overestimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end.
Europe—Heart Warming News[edit]
“First declared believer Luxembourg. Letter following.” (Signed) Luxembourg Group.
The above cable, received December 21, 1947, brought the heart-warming news of another historical “First,” this time, in Luxembourg where the valiant pioneers have been working with unusual consecration, unity and harmony. Miss Suzette Hipp is the new member and the group Correspondent wrote of her: “She is strong in her faith, steadfast and selfless.” On the day Suzette declared her Faith, another of those who have been attending the study classes remarked to her: “You don’t look the same anymore.” This is typical of the beautiful testimonies the European Teaching Committee are constantly receiving, of the immediate and inspiring effect which the Teachings are having upon those who accept the Bahá’í Faith. The foundation of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cause is, indeed, being laid on “an unassailable basis.” Word has just been received of the declaration of Inga Ester Margareta Hokinsson in Stockholm. We particularly rejoice over this new Bahá’í as she is the wife of Sigvard Hokinsson, the second Bahá’í to declare himself in the Stockholm group, who first heard of the Faith from Martha Root in 1934.
The Committee also rejoices to report the third declared Bahá’í in Copenhagen — Gerhard Harry Andersen, a young medical student of 23 who, at his own request, has been attending study classes at least three times a week for the past two months.
Louise Baker, the latest pioneer, sailed on the Holland-America Liner “Nieuw Amsterdam,” Tuesday, January 13 and plans to be at her post with Valeria Nichols about January 22. The last itinerant teacher to leave is Dorothy Baker who embarked on her historic journey by plane from New York, Monday, January 12. Mrs. Baker will visit all of the goal countries and the pioneers are busy making plans for Public Meetings, informal Teas and Firesides and for Radio and Press publicity. Marion Little arrived in Rome on December 31 and Henry Jarvis returned to Stockholm at the Committee’s request. Once again John Carré is back in Amsterdam and will now divide his time between Belgium and Holland.
Madeline Humbert, who has just completed about a year’s service in the European teaching field, sailed for home on December 21, 1947. The European Teaching Committee wishes to record its heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of Madeleine’s historic services as the First pioneer to Belgium. The Committee also regrets to report the return of Eduardo Gonzales from the European Teaching field. Eduardo intends to continue his pioneer services in Venezuela.
Swiss Bahá’í Summer School, Sept. 27th and 28th, 1947
International Relief[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has worked out a plan whereby the friends can fulfill their desire to help the Bahá’ís in the needy countries of Europe, including Great Britain, within the limits of the Guardian’s instructions. The primary objective of all Bahá’ís is teaching, and one cannot do a great deal of active teaching work when physically exhausted through lack of food or lack of warm clothing and shoes. The objective of our International Relief, therefore, is to help Bahá’ís during the present post-war emergency, in order that they may pursue their active teaching of the Faith. This objective is accomplished through two channels: (1) The sending of packages of food and clothing by individual Bahá’ís, Assemblies or groups and (2) the sending of CARE packages. Except as individual orders may be placed with CARE, the ordering of these packages is done by the National Spiritual Assembly at the explicit direction of the Guardian, who notifies our NSA when to do so and to what extent funds are being transferred for this purpose from the International Fund.
The sending of packages by individual Bahá’ís, Assemblies or Bahá’í groups is our means of expressing loving encouragement directly to our fellow Bahá’ís who at present are living under difficult circumstances. In order that there may be fair distribution of these packages, the following plan has been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. When any of the friends or an Assembly or Bahá’í group wishes to send clothing or food to Bahá’ís abroad, please follow these steps:
- Write to the International Relief Representative (a postal card will do) and state: (a) number of packages you wish to send, (b) nature of contents, whether children’s clothing (approximate age of child), man’s or woman’s clothing, shoes, food, or both food and clothing, and (c) the choice of country if you have a preference. The National Spiritual Assembly’s International Relief Representative is Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Box 302, Winnetka, Illinois.
- Prepare your package and hold
it until you receive promptly from
the International Relief Representative a correct address (or addresses)
for your package (or packages).
[Page 7]
With this information will come to
you a postal for reply.
- Mail this reply postal for return to the International Relief Representative when you mail your package to the address sent you, writing on the postal (a) name of person to whom your package is addressed (or persons if more than one package), (b) name of sender (individual, Assembly or group) and (c) date of mailing package.
- Mail a note to the person or persons to whom your package is addressed, stating that you have that day sent a Bahá’í gift parcel.
Instructions and customs tags for mailing packages may be obtained at your local Post Office. All packages should be securely tied and clearly addressed, and marked “Unsolicited Gift Parcel.” Strong, corrugated cartons should be used and the contents (no breakables, no cigarettes) should be solidly packed. As soon as possible the National Spiritual Assembly will issue a Bulletin on International Relief, giving lists of Bahá’í addresses and general packaging and mailing instructions.
The National Spiritual Assembly approves the appointment of relief committees by the Local Spiritual Assembly to collect food and clothing and prepare the packages properly for mailing. Only used clothing that is clean and wearable should be sent. Duty is charged the person receiving a package, on any new garments in the package, declared or undeclared. The needy countries are particularly Germany, Austria, France and Great Britain.
The friends are reminded of the Guardian’s instructions (Bahá’í News, Dec. 1947, p. 2, col. 3) that we are not to send relief to contacts, “as this would seem in the nature of either a reward or an enticement for those attracted to the Faith,” but that relief may be sent to a pioneer who is in need, for personal use.
Our National Spiritual Assembly has shipped 25 sacks of flour (100 lbs. each) to the NSA of England and the NSA of Germany and Austria.
A list of Bahá’í children in the needy countries of Europe is being prepared. Notice will appear in a future issue of Bahá’í News as soon as copies are available for distribution.
Miss Louise Baker sailed Jan. 13th as pioneer to Portugal, and Mrs. Dorothy Baker flew to Europe Jan. 12th, to lecture in 10 goal countries.
Luxembourgville, Luxembourg, Nov. 3rd, L. to R. Anita Ioas, Marian Little, Lucienne Miguette, Honor Kempton, Sally Sanor.
Latin American Congresses Meet[edit]
Two highpoints in the hemispheric news this month are the gathering of delegates at two Latin American Bahá’í Congresses. Delegates from the Caribbean countries met at Mexico City, and the South American Congress was held at Santiago, Chile. Mrs. Marzieh Gail and Mrs. Loulie Matthews were among those present from the United States to assist in the program. (Next month’s NEWS will carry a fuller report of the Congresses.)
Mrs. Loulie Matthews, of Colorado Springs, founder of the International Bahá’í School and member of the Inter-America Committee, gave the official message on behalf of the Committee at the Mexico City Congress and stayed for the inauguration of the first International School of the Caribbean countries, the sessions of which followed immediately after the Congress. She was accompanied by two of the Colorado Springs friends and plans to do travel teaching en route home.
A whirlwind of problems and difficulties had to be met and solved in the two Congress cities by the National Teaching Committee of the two great areas, whose members were in charge of all arrangements. The problems were compensated for, however, by the enthusiasm and cooperation of all the friends. “A most heavenly spirit of unity and cooperation has arrived, praise be to God!” wrote Artemus Lamb from Santiago. He is secretary of the South American Teaching Committee and Marcia Steward is executive secretary of the Committee of the Caribbean countries. Other officers of the South American Committee include Sr. Esteban Canales, chairman; Srta. Betty Rowe, assistant secretary; and Srta. Rosi Vodanovic, treasurer. Additional officers of the Caribbean countries committee include Sr. José Antonio Benilla of Nicaragua, chairman; and Sra. Natalia Chávez of Honduras, treasurer and general secretary. All members of both committees with the exception of the two secretaries, are native believers.
One of the great accomplishments of this year is the gradual development of the two National Teaching Committees and their arms, the Regionals, in each country. At first each national committee was just an embryo of the future, a small inexperienced committee functioning in San José, Costa Rica, in the north, and Santiago, Chile, in the south. Gradually the influence of the Caribbean Committee began to spread up through the Central Americas. The work was consolidated in the existing communities, the friends became trained and stabilized, meeting their problems fearlessly and justly, working to develop native teachers of capacity, to start nuclei in new goal cities, and to bring a spirit of unity and cooperation that would join all of the countries in harmonious effort for the growth of the beloved Faith. This influence has now spread to the six Central Americas and stepped across into the great republic of the north, Mexico. Through the Congress, the Committee hopes to reach out its arms to the islands of the West Indies and to help to stimulate and coordinate their activities in a harmonious, over-all plan, the objective of which is to fulfill the Guardian’s seven year Plan in Latin America.
At the same time, the National Committee in Santiago began to reach out to the neighboring countries of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, and now to reach northward into the great country of Brazil and the ancient Bolivar countries of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. Through the Congress and school and teaching trips following these, it is the hope of the South American Committee to establish in that vast continent a harmonious, over-all plan of activity.
New native teachers who have been developed in South America include Srta. Leonor Porras and Srta. Inés Sarmineto of Bogotá, Colombia; Sr. Estéban Canales and Sr. Carlos Bulling of Valparaiso, Srta. Rosi Vodanovic of Santiago, and Sr. Toni Fillon of Loncocne, all of Chile, and Sr. Alberto Lovetón of Lima, Peru. New native teachers in the Caribbean countries include Sr. José Antonio Bonilla of Managua, Nicaragua; Sr. Oscar Castro of San José, Costa Rica; Sra. María Francisca Rivera and Sra. Natalia de Chávez of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Sr. Carlos Vergera of Mexico City and Sra. Viva Lismore of Havana, Cuba.
Four months ago, Gayle Woolson went to Venezuela for an intensive teaching trip. “I am simply thrilled and amazed at Venezuela,” she wrote. “All the doors in all the cities seem open to the Message. The general spirit of the Venezuelans is broad and free of fanaticism, and they seem eager and waiting to hear of the Teachings.... Every city seems ready to form a study group.”
During the trip, she visited nine cities, seven of them for the first time, and two that had been visited very briefly last January and where study groups had been formed at that time. These two cities, Maracay and Barquisimeto, became confirmed, one with nine registered members and the other with ten, besides classes of new students. In the other seven cities organized classes were formed of from 15 to 22 members, who promised to study hard to prepare themselves for assembly status later on. These nine cities are crying for further teachers to help them. The many other cities of this country are ready to arise and march in the spiritual vanguard of Bahá’u’lláh, if only they can be reached and taught.
Katharine Meyer, new pioneer to Venezuela, and the Regional Committee of that country will do all that is humanly possibly for the new communities and groups.
Magnificent publicity was given Miss Woolson in each city as the “Ambassador of the Bahá’í Faith” the “Bearer of the Bahá’í Message of Universal Peace and Brotherhood.” Masonic Lodges, Lions and Rotary Clubs sponsored large public meetings. The Masonic Lodges publicly invited, through the newspapers and by word of mouth, leading people to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh. Governors of states, educators, writers, professional men, artists and business men were among the enthusiastic friends and voluntary students.
In Stockholm, Nov. 1947, L. to R. Amelia Bowman, Henry Jarvis, Jennie Anderson.
BAHÁ’Í
A WORLD FAITH The human heart has been ordained to live in a divinely-created world of love and truth. Entrance to that heavenly world is not by death of the body but by re-direction of the powers of the soul. Each man can attain peace and assurance as he turns to the revealed Word. “God’s purpose in sending his Prophets,” the Bahá’í sacred writings affirm, “is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance and guide them to the light of true understanding. “The second is to insure the peace and tranquillity of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established.” Literature sent free on request. BAHA’I PUBLIC RELATIONS |
For community publicity programs this month, the second in the series of reprints of current national advertising (see cut), first to appear in “U.S. News-World Report” February 20, is now available. Offered at cost are postcards, 1c and newspaper mats, 12c. Same copy will also appear in “Newsweek” on March 12 and in April’s “United Nations World.”
The number of communities now using this opportunity to tie-in locally to the publicity prestige gained through the national campaign is now over 60, with 8,000 cards and mats distributed last month. Each mat has space for community name, address and telephone number.
Use of the ads, as part of a planned local campaign, aids to bring the Faith to the attention of those who would be influential friends, those who would on occasion say a good word for the Faith and Lend their facilities for general publicity. In this way more people become acquainted with the name “Bahá’í,” and acquire a sense of respect for the Faith through confidence in its aims and a gradual understanding of its teachings.
In Jerusalem, Palestine, last month the newspaper carried the story on the interior construction work in the Temple. From a series of releases distributed during the past two years, more than 1,000 newspaper clippings have been received. Add “Business Week” (Jan. 10, 1948) to the list of those magazines in which the Portland Cement Association’s ad featuring the Bahá’í Temple—“Beauty to the top of its gleaming white dome”—has appeared.
To each assembly and group now tottering but who must stay on the Bahá’í map, PR last month sent a kit of materials to be used in the local campaign. It will be followed this month by a “ABC” bulletin on “Bahá’í Public Relations.”
Miss Margaret Swengel sailed Jan. 9, 1948 to Puerto Rico.
The Home Front[edit]
PHILADELPHIA, PA. The week of November 10th, 1947 in Philadelphia was known as “EDUCATION WEEK,” an invitation was extended to Jessie E. Revell to speak at the GEORGE R. SMITH PUBLIC SCHOOL at 19th & Wharton Streets.
An assembly of 325 children ranging from six to eight years sat on the floor of the assembly room for this special program. After a song by the whole assembly, a short recitation by one pupil, a song by another, Miss Revell was called upon to talk to the children. She began by telling them that they looked to her like a lovely garden of beautiful flowers, then she described a garden with different kinds of flowers and related the children to a human flower garden of GOD, different in color, some black, some white, others yellow and red etc. but each one beautiful, and because each one was beautiful it made the whole garden beautiful.
She emphasized that the deeds of children were like the perfume of the flowers, showing how everybody loves flowers with sweet perfume and if our deeds are kind and loving, and if we are peacemakers, then everybody will love us. At this point she showed the children a magnet—how it picked things up and these things were drawn close to the magnet, showing that we, too, could attract people to us by our kind actions, by our obedience to our parents and teachers, by being gentle in our conduct and speech.
Another object shown to the children was a lily bulb (not at all attractive); and also a picture of a beautiful lily. Miss Revell explained that the bulb has in it all the things to make a beautiful lily but it has to grow beautifully day by day to bring out the lily. In each one of us are the things to make us beautiful and each day if we practice good deeds, we will develop beautifully (like the lily). We practice our lessons in order to know them, so we must practice good deeds, we must be kind and gentle so that we may be beautiful flowers in GOD’S garden.
Miss Revell was invited by the Principal, Dr. George Lyle, to return to that school when he would like her to speak to the older children.
NEW YORK, CONNECTICUT and ONTARIO. At the suggestion of the Regional Teaching Committee of upper New York State and Connecticut, in collaboration with the Ontario R.T.C. a joint Teaching Conference was arranged for the friends at Niagara Falls, New York on Saturday and Sunday, October 11th and 12th.
On Saturday evening a public meeting was held at the Unitarian church in Niagara Falls under the chairmanship of Mrs. Terah Smith of Binghamton, New York with Mr. George Goodman of Hartford, Connecticut and Mr. John Robarts of Toronto as the speakers whose topics were “The Search for Faith” and
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“Bahá’í — A World Program,” respectively. Their excellent presentation of these subjects was so interesting that the Bahá’í literature table was well patronized and many
discussion groups tarried long after
the formal program was concluded.
Sunday noon, the Teaching Conference for Bahá’ís only, convened at a Bahá’í home in Youngstown, N.Y. Blest with warm and beautiful autumn weather the friends were able to make full use of the outdoor terrace and spacious grounds during the lunch hour.
Following refreshments the friends turned to God in prayer and devoted their time to the Theme of the Conference—“The Teaching Plan of 1947-48.” Speakers from both sides of the invisible border took part in the agenda prepared by the National Teaching Committee. Ways and means to “redouble” our efforts in accordance with the Guardian’s plea were prayerfully and carefully considered and many helpful ideas and suggestions given such as:
- “Each one teach one.”
- Teas—which could be a simple verbal invitation to one or more. Or — by written invitation worded “To introduce the Bahá’í Writings” and sent to special groups, culminating in a Fireside Group eventually.
- Familiarize the locality with the Principles and verities of the Faith effectively and inexpensively by the following suggestion: Pay for space weekly in the local newspaper for a direct quote from the Bahá’í Writings to be used in conjunction with a picture of the Bahá’í House of Worship reduced to the size of one inch, since a picture attracts attention.
- Increased contribution to the
general fund through sacrifice. In
discussing the individual believer’s
role, the “controlling principle” of
Bahá’í conduct, as set forth by the
Guardian, was quoted:
“A chaste and holy life must be
made the controlling principle in the
behavior and conduct of all Bahá’ís. ...”
—Advent of Divine Justice, page 25.
Music and prayer concluded this memorable Conference, which coincided with the Canadian Thanksgiving Day and Columbus Day.
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. For five days, Monday through Friday, Nov. 10 to 14, inclusive, 9:45 to 10:00 a.m., National Bahá’í transcriptions were broadcast over radio station KIMO of Independence, Mo. In telephoning people on the mailing list to listen to the broadcast these interesting developments took place: One woman who answered a questionnaire ad in the newspaper about a year ago said she would like to read a book. A New Era was given her. One who formerly attended classes several years ago said she was on a PTA committee and this committee, on Dec. 1st and continuing throughout the year, is arranging to have literature and magazines of all churches in Independence in the high school and available as reading material for the students, and that she would like to have the Bahá’í Faith represented. A selection of pamphlets was given her, and a copy of the November number of the World Order Magazine was also included. Another said she had read the New Era which had been given her sometime ago and would like to read another book.—Three persons at the radio station, the Chief Announcer, the Program Director, and the Assistant Program Director, have requested literature from one of the Assembly members who has a daily program at the station—they asked for the literature without solicitation—and one is reading a book.—The Program Director was so well pleased with the quality of the transcriptions and the favorable comment he has received that he has scheduled five more of the transcriptions, Monday through Friday, Feb. 2 to 6, inclusive. He also said the Bahá’ís would be booked in turn with the churches of independence on the 9:45 to 10:00 a.m. program, each organization having one 5-day week broadcast. So once every 3 months it will be the turn of the Bahá’ís of Independence to present the daily devotional program of one 5-day week. (Free radio time)—
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
(Portion of a letter received by the National Spiritual Assembly from the secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Alexandria, Va.)
“... It occurred to one of the members of our Community that at one time when she was saving pennies, it surprised her how fast they accumulated and wondered if that would not be a means to increase donations to the National Fund without really feeling the effect of an additional donation.
“The suggestion was made ... during the consultation period of the next Feast and was unanimously accepted by all members present. It was then voted that all the friends desiring to do so, save their pennies and turn them in at each Feast, to be sent as a separate and additional donation to the National Treasurer on the first of each month regardless of the amount ...”
A check for an interesting amount accompanied the letter.
World Order Magazine Subscription Progress[edit]
We are grateful for the splendid and immediate response to our call for aid in procuring one thousand new subscriptions as presented in a recent issue of Bahá’í News.
As mentioned in our appeal, we are seeking the cooperation of our Bahá’í friends in the enrollment of one thousand new subscribers as a means to insure the magazine being maintained on a self-sustaining basis without further increasing the yearly subscription rate, in order to keep pace with increased cost of production.
As a result of our first call, we have at this writing received one hundred and sixty of the desired number, and we are so happy to note that several letters accompanying the gifts and donations give assurance of further orders with promise of 100% of their local Assembly enrollment. All this is stimulating to our hope that one thousand new subscriptions may be realized.
With renewed thanks to the friends who have already responded we trust this report will result in materially reducing the number still required to complete the full one thousand new subscriptions we need. A $2.00 subscription for a friend may mean a new Bahá’í or if your local library is already receiving the magazine, each $2.00 donated to the WORLD ORDER LIBRARY SUBSCRIPTION FUND means the recording of a new subscription to another library, name and address of the donor being mailed to the librarian.
Address all gift subscriptions or Library Fund donations to WORLD ORDER, 100 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Make checks payable to World Order Magazine.
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Joint conference of the R.T.C.’s of New York, Conn. and Ontario, Canada, Oct. 12th in Youngstown, N.Y.
Classification of Materials for Preservation in National and Local Bahá’í Archives[edit]
This classification has been made in order to clarify the nature of the material to be preserved in the Archives, with a suitable distinction between that which should be sent to the National Archives and that which should enter into the Archives established by a local Spiritual Assembly.
- Tablets and relics of Bahá’u’lláh and the Bab, whether original Tablets or photostatic reproductions. This material is essentially National in character.
- Tablets and relics of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Tablets should be original, signed Tablets, or authentic reproductions such as photostatic copies. Tablets should be accompanied by original translation if possible. All original Tablets should be preserved in the National Archives. Photostats of Tablets revealed to the Spiritual Assembly, or to individual believers, might well be placed in the local Archives. As regards the nature of relics, the Guardian has given the following explanation: “The general principle should be that any object used by Him in person should be preserved for posterity, whether in the local or National Archives. It is the duty and responsibility of the Bahá’í Assemblies to ascertain carefully whether such objects are genuine or not, and to exercise the utmost care and caution in the matter.”
- Letters of Shoghi Effendi. These are of three different classes—those written to the N.S.A. and the entire American Community; those written to local Assemblies; and those written to individual believers ... Original letters to local Assemblies are for the most part not confidential and can be preserved in the National Archives, with photostats in the local Archives. Letters to individual believers can be sent to the National Archives and photostats obtained for the recipient and for the local Archives.
- National events and activities. Such events as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s American journey, the rounding of the Temple, early historical records of the Star of the West, Bahá’í Publishing Committee, Green Acre, Geyserville, Temerity, and Louhelen Ranch and other activities of more than local importance constitute an impressive aspect of Bahá’í history, and all original documents and records should be turned over to the N.S.A. if not already done, for its examination and subsequent deposit in the National Archives.
- Local records and activities. Records and documents pertaining to such activities are of two classes: the Minutes and correspondence of the Spiritual Assembly, which are preserved by the Assembly itself, and non-administrative material of historical interest and importance, such as programs, newspaper clippings, Historical Record Cards, etc. It is recommended that each Spiritual Assembly also provide a bound book in which its Archives Committee can keep a record of enrollments of new believers and also deaths or removals from the community.
- Bahá’í publications: A complete file of all publications, such as books, pamphlets, and magazines, news letters, etc., of official Bahá’í character is being developed in the National Archives, and the cooperation of the friends is requested to make this complete. Out-of-print Bahá’í books and pamphlets will be appreciated.
- Individual records and papers. Families in possession of the papers belonging to such prominent workers as those named in “America and the Most Great Peace” will appreciate that such records are part of the history of the Cause and might well be turned over to the Archives and History Committee. Other personal records might similarly be turned over to the local Archives Committee.
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
RICHMOND HIGHLANDS, WASH.
- Mrs. Zara B. Dunne
18017 Aurora Ave.
Seattle 33, Wash.
- Mrs. Zara B. Dunne
MUSKEGON, MICH.
- Mrs. Rhoda Broughton
1518 Beidler St.
- Mrs. Rhoda Broughton
RED BANK, N. J.
- Mrs. Audrey Wark
105 McLaren St.
- Mrs. Audrey Wark
REGINA, SASK., CAN.
- Mrs. Jennie Larkin
Box 264
- Mrs. Jennie Larkin
New Groups:
- Tenafly, N. J.
- Mrs. Catherine de Forge, Corres.
532 Knickerbocker Rd.
- Mrs. Catherine de Forge, Corres.
- Green Meadows, Maryland
- Mr. Robert E. Hart, Corres.
6524 19th St.
- Mr. Robert E. Hart, Corres.
- Brewer, Maine.
- Mrs. Lillian V. Reed, Corres.
- R.F.D. 3
- So. Brewer, Maine
- So. Berwick.
- Miss Martha Heber, Corres.
Old Fields
So. Berwick, Maine.
- Miss Martha Heber, Corres.
- Elsinore, Calif.
- Mr. Paul Park, Corres.
711 N. Main St.
- Mr. Paul Park, Corres.
- Florida—Mrs. Lucile H. Buffin—30 S.W. 71st. Ave, Miami, Fla.
- Texas—Mrs. Mary Beal Edson—20 Briar Hollow, Houston 6, Texas.
- Illinois—Mrs. Betty de Araujo—4457 Beacon St., Chicago 40, Illinois. (formerly Miss Betty Scheffler).
Appointment and withdrawals were reported by the N.S.A. at its Jan. meeting as follows:
R. T. C. Committees
- Md., Va., W. Va.
- Mr. Albert James—added.
- Mrs. F. Woodward Hipsley—added.
- Mrs. Ethel Stephens—Unable to serve
- Western Pa. & Ohio.
- Mrs. Katherine Alio—added.
National Committees.
- Bahá’í News.
- Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian—added.
- Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick—unable to serve.
- Youth Activities.
- Mr. Robert Lewis—unable to serve.
- Eggleston, Maintenance Committee.
- Mrs. Dorothy Hofman—added
- Mr. Arnold Ketels—added
- Mr. Frank Baker—added.
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Assembly members of Caracas, Venezuela, one of latest communities to be incorporated in Latin America.
Assemblies Contributing to Fund[edit]
December, 1947[edit]
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, Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal, Scarboro; Vernon. Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—New Haven.
Delaware—Wilmington. District of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville, Miami. Hawaii—Honolulu, Maui. Georgia—Atlanta. Idaho—Boise. Illinois—Chicago, Danville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Champaign, Limestone Twp. Indiana—Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids. Kansas—Topeka. Kentucky—Louisville. Louisiana— New Orleans. Maine—Eliot.
Maryland—Baltimore. Massachusetts—Boston, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Ann Arbor, Detroit, 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. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island—Providence. Tennessee—Memphis, Nashville. Texas—Houston. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Utah—Salt Lake City. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington. Washington—Richmond Highlands; Monroe, Seattle, Spokane. West Virginia—Charleston. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Wauwatosa.
Assemblies contributing | 127 |
Individuals contributing | 166 |
Groups contributing | 74 |
World Order[edit]
February
Trade is One Thing...
Harold Gail
World Citizenship — a Moral Reality in the Bahá’í Teachings
Horace Holley
My Country, Poem
Robert Whitaker
What are the Bahá’ís Doing?
Editorial
Garreta Busey
Far-Away Iṣfáhán
Robert L. Gulick, Jr.
By This Measure, Poem
Ida Elaine James
Siyyid Káẓim
Eleanor S. Hutchens
“Not Mine Till Shared,” Poem
Gertrude W. Robinson
The Development of a World Society, (Concluded)
Fannie Jupnik
Books, Poem
Martha Boutwell Garvin
High-Lights of the Newer Testament
A Compilation from the Bahá’í Writings
Marian C. Lippitt
With Our Readers
In Memoriam[edit]
- Miss Hanna Lohse—Chevy Chase, Md., Aug. 27, 1946.
- Mrs. Leona Heyden—Green Bay, Wis., Nov. 27, 1947.
- Mrs. Mary Caldwell—St. Augustine, Fla., Nov. 27, 1947.
- Mrs. Olive B. Dible—Los Angeles, Calif., Dec. 16, 1947.
- Mrs. Joan Palmer—Butte, Mont., Dec., 1947.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Cowles—Montreal, Quebec, Can., Dec. 10, 1947.
- Mr. Mason Riddle—Chicago, Ill., Dec. 31, 1947.
- Mrs. Bertha Rawlins—Chicago, Ill., Dec. 31, 1947.
- Mr. John Sykes—Chicago, Ill., Jan. 7, 1948.
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies: Seattle, Wash., 2; Beverly, Mass., 1; San Francisco, Calif., 1; Moncton, N.B., Can., 1; Regina, Sask., Can., 1, youth, 2.
Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees: NEW ENGLAND—1; WESTERN PA. & OHIO—1; ILL. AND IOWA—2; WIS., MINN., NO. DAKOTA, SO. DAKOTA—4; LA., MISS.—1; SO. CALIF. & ARIZ.—1; WASH., ORE.—1.
| Page | Col. | |
Archives, Material Classification | 11 | 1 |
Blind, Literature for | 2 | 2 |
Calendar | 1 | 3 |
Conventions, Annual | 3 | 1 |
Directory | 11 | 3 |
Enrollments | 12 | 3 |
European News | 6 | 1 |
| Fund | ||
Where We Are | 5 | 2 |
Assemblies Contributing | 12 | 1 |
Treasurer’s Letter | 5 | 1 |
| Guardian | ||
Cablegram Feb. 1st | 1 | 1 |
Committee Responsibility | 1 | 3 |
Fund | 5 | 3 |
Home Front | 9 | 2 |
International Relief | 6 | 3 |
Latin American News | 6 | 3 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Arise Resolutely | 2 | 1 |
Extension Teaching Reports | 2 | 3 |
Group photograph identification | 3 | 2 |
Temple Prayer | 2 | 3 |
Vocational Survey | 4 | 3 |
Public Relations | 9 | 1 |
Publishing Announcements | 3 | 3 |
Sales Committee | 3 | 2 |
Study Aids Committee | 4 | 1 |
Suggested Daily Readings | 3 | 3 |
World Order Subscription Fund | 10 | 3 |
World Order Contents | 12 | 2 |
AUGUSTA, GA. Word comes from Augusta that it was the radio announcer rather than the Chaplain of Oliver General Hospital who broadcast Bahá’í prayers, as stated in this column in the December issue.
