Bahá’í News/Issue 211/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 211 | SEPTEMBER, 1948 | YEAR 105 | BAHA’I ERA |
On Presenting the Master’s Will to New Applicants[edit]
Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
Beloved friends:
In recent months the NSA has noted evidences of some confusion of thought among the believers concerning the way in which applicants for enrollment are to be taught the text of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Here and there the impression seems to exist that because one of the qualifications of faith is acceptance of all the provisions of the Will, therefore the local Assembly or Regional Teaching Committee is in duty bound to provide for reading the complete document.
The Guardian himself has specifically directed otherwise. The NSA brought this whole question to him officially, a number of years ago, and Shoghi Effendi’s reply was published in Bahá’í News No. 83, dated May, 1934.
For the clarification of this important matter the Assembly is very happy to publish the Guardian’s words again.
“Concerning the best method of presenting the Master’s Will to the newcomers, Shoghi Effendi is of the opinion that the NSA should first make some suitable extracts from the Testament, and to send these to all the local Assemblies for their use, so that there may be full unity in circulating the provisions of the Will among the new believers. The problem of choosing such excerpts is left entirely to the discretion of the NSA. The main thing, as it appears to the Guardian, is that the full station of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá be clearly explained, and that the origin, nature and working of the Administrative Order of the Faith be clearly stated. The full implications of such a recognition are evidently beyond the comprehension of any new believer. Such a knowledge can be acquired gradually and only when the essentials of the Faith have been clearly recognized and adequately understood.”
Since the Guardian’s words are conclusive, it is our blessed privilege to concentrate on effort to carry them out. The National Spiritual Assembly is convinced that understanding of the main elements of the Testament is essential in the case of applicants before they are enrolled. For this purpose the printed pamphlet of excerpts is ideal, since it contains supplementary excerpts which clearly explain the Testament itself.
For study by the Bahá’í community itself, the complete text is available, with the Guardian’s commentary as found in his World Order letters and in “God Passes By”.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Canadians gather at Franklin Camp, Georgian Bay, Ontario for the first Bahá’í conference held here, Aug. 7-14, 1948.
Election of Member to National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
In the August issue the National Spiritual Assembly announced that Mr. Leroy Ioas had been elected to fill the vacancy resulting from the death of our friend and co-worker, Mr. George O. Latimer. The Assembly now publishes the complete election report as certified by the tellers.
The three tellers appointed were: Mr. Stuart Sims, Chairman, Mr. Frank Baker, Miss Helen Campbell. The election was held at Green Acre at 2.00 P. M., Thursday, July 29, 1948, on the occasion of the NSA meeting.
The sealed ballots received from Convention delegates were turned over to the tellers with a reading of the names of the delegates who served at the 1948 Annual Convention.
159 votes were cast out of the 168 delegates, three delegates of the total of 171 having died since the Convention.
Of the 159 votes cast, one vote named a believer already on the National Assembly, and one vote named a believer now deceased. These two ballots were disqualified. The detailed tellers’ report follows:
Leroy Ioas, 57; Katherine True, 15; Matthew Bullock, 12; Margery McCormick, 8; Curtis Kelsey, 8; Mamie Seto, 7; Rafi Mottahedeh, 5; Marzieh Gail, 4; Mildred Mottahedeh, 4; Charlotte Linfoot, 4; Carl Scheffler, 4; Ali Yazdi, 4; Borah Kavelin, 2; Harlan Ober, 2; Rex Parmelee, 2; Charles Reimer 2; Wm. Sears, 2.
One vote was received by each of the following: John Allen, Arthur Dahl, David Earl, Bahíyyih Ford, Lawrence Hautz, Sarah Kenny, Wm. Lacey, Artemus Lamb, Loulie Mathews, Nina Matthisen, Ruth Moffett, Richard McCurdy, Charles Mason Remey, Herbert Suhm, Dr. David Ruhe.
[Page 2]
CROSS-SECTION VIEW OF SIMPLIFIED BOURGEOIS INTERIOR DESIGN
[Page 3]
PLASTER MODEL OF SECTION OF ORNAMENTAL PANEL BETWEEN MAIN INTERIOR COLUMNS
| “Praying for Added Fervor”
Message from the Guardian Greatly welcome initiated plans for Schools, delighted at progress of Temple work, acceptance of resolutions by UNO Conference, election of Ioas. Urge unrelaxing vigilance in maintenance of status and consolidation of Assemblies in North America, to insure steady expansion of manifold activities in Latin America and Europe. Praying for added fervor, speedy realization of high objectives of God-given mission of much-admired American Bahá’í Community. SHOGHI
Cablegram received August 9, 1948. |
Dear Bahá’í friends:
One quarter of our Bahá’í year has already passed and it might be well at this time to review just where we stand.
The National Assembly’s Budget for the year of 1948-49 was $275,000.00. A detail of this Budget was published in Bahá’í News with a letter from your Treasurer. In addition to the Budget the Convention recommended that the deficit of last year, amounting to $69,226.00, be added to this amount, and it was generally felt that this deficit goal could be met through sacrificial contributions of our savings or other capital assets.
For the first three months of this Bahá’í year, May, June and July, $22,669.00 was contributed to the deficit fund; and during this same period $5,410.00 was earmarked by the believers for the interior decoration of the Temple. Total contributions excluding the $22,669.00 towards the deficit fund amounted to $49,281.99.
You might think that this total of $22,669.00 contributed towards the deficit is good showing, but this represented a single contribution of almost $16,000.00 from one believer, and another contribution of $5,000.00 from another believer. The balance has been contributed by the general body of the believers. So our united or collective showing has really been very poor.
In the figure of cash receipts totaling $49,281.99 there is a small legacy of $6,000.00. So actually the total cash receipts to the Fund this year against our Budget of $285,000.00 has only been $43,281.00, if we exclude this legacy. The work on the Temple will begin the first part of November, and the Special Temple Trustees will report to you on this. Work on the dome of the Temple and the first clerestory has already begun, and both these jobs will be expensive ones and entail a sizeable outlay.
A matter which I would like to bring to the attention of all committees is the following. When budgets are voted by the N.S.A. they are not mailed out to the committee until we receive a request from the committee. Won’t you please direct all requests for money to the Treasurer’s office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, and by doing this your request will receive prompt attention.
PHILIP G. SPRAGUE, Treasurer
Temple Construction[edit]
A summary of developments in Temple construction since the Annual Convention appeared in the August issue of Bahá’í News.
In recent weeks, further progress has been made in the development of the plaster models of sections of the interior ornamentation, and one of these models has been set up at the Temple site.
These pictures show the architect’s rendering of a cross-section of the simplified Bourgeois interior design which has been approved by the Guardian, and a view of the model of a section of the ornamental panels which are to be placed between the main interior columns. The particular section represented by the model is circled in the architect’s rendering.
The architect and the Bahá’í Technical Board have informed the Trustees that working drawings and specifications probably will be completed sometime in October, and that bids can be received and a contract let for the ornamentation of the main interior columns late in October or early in November.
Programmer’s Corner[edit]
“The stage is set. The hour is propitious. The signal is sounded. Bahá’u’lláh’s spiritual battalions are moving into position. The author of the plan that has set so titanic an enterprise into motion is Himself mounted at the head of these battalions, and leads them on to capture the cities of men’s hearts.”
Hints for Action[edit]
(1) Have you visited your local library to secure film-strip loans?
(2) Why not have a party and feature the film-strips that serve best as spring-boards to the introduction of the Bahá’í Message? (Brotherhood of Man, This World or None, etc.) Lively discussion may follow—and lead to a Fireside Study Class in your home!!
Assemblies Contributing to Fund, July, 1948[edit]
Alaska—Anchorage; Arizona—N. Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson; Arkansas—Eureka Sprgs., Little Rock; California—Arcadia, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Burlingame, Carmel, Geyserville, El Monte Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Glendale Twp., Inglewood, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Palo Alto, Pasadena, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Southgate.
Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver; Connecticut—New Haven; Delaware—Wilmington; Dist. of Columbia—Washington; Florida—Jacksonville, Miami; Georgia—Atlanta, Augusta; Hawaii—Honolulu, Maui; Idaho—Ada County, Boise; Illinois—Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Limestone Twp., Maywood, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Peoria, Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Indiana—Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend; Iowa—Cedar Rapids, Waterloo; Kansas—Topeka; Louisiana—New Orleans; Maine—Eliot, Portland; Maryland—Baltimore; Massachusetts—Beverly, Boston, Springfield; Michigan—Davison Twp., Dearborn Twp., Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe Farms, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Muskegon.
Minnesota—Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul; Mississippi—Jackson; Missouri—Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis; Montana—Helena; Nebraska— Omaha; New Hampshire—Portsmouth; New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Red Bank, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck.
New Mexico—Albuquerque, N. 10 Albuquerque; New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Jamestown, New York, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers; North Carolina—Greensboro; North Dakota—Fargo; Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo; Oregon—Portland; Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester; Rhode Island—Providence; South Carolina—Columbia, Greenville; South Dakota—Sioux Falls.
Tennessee—Memphis, Nashville; Texas—San Antonio; Vermont—Brattleboro; Virginia—Alexandria; Washington—Marysville, Monroe, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma; Wisconsin—Kenosha, Racine, Madison, Milwaukee, Shorewood, Somers Twp. Wauwatosa, White Fish Bay; Wyoming—Laramie.
Total number of Assemblies | 179 |
Assemblies contributing in July | 144 |
Assemblies not contributing | 35 |
Groups contributing | 39 |
Individuals contributing | 112 |
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mrs. Frank Osborne—New York City—6-29-48
- Mrs. Ivy Lorraine Barlet—Louisville, Ky.—7-21-48
- Mr. J. B. Wellendorf—West Allis, Wis.—6-25-48
- Mrs. Bert Edgecombe—Chenango Bridge, N.Y.—7-48
- Mr. James S. Allman—Hot Springs, Ark.—Date not reported (Killed in England during war.)
Bahá’í community of Rome, Italy with Benjamin D. Weeden of Haifa. Standing, L. to R., Franco Scola, Fernando Morosi, Philip A. Marangella, Mr. Weeden, Ugo R. Giachery, Filippo Fernando Volpi. Seated, Mrs. Verena Venturini, Mrs. Angeline Giachery, Miss Elizabeth Cofman, Mrs. Maria Morosi, Mrs. Marianna del Buono Gasperini. Front row, Mrs. June Marangella, Miss Lucia del Buono.
Europe Assumes Responsibility[edit]
It is a source of great happiness and gratification to receive reports from the newly-formed Assemblies in our “Goal Countries” of Europe which indicate that they are readily and efficiently assuming their tasks both of consolidation and of promotion of the Faith. The approach to their administrative problems is a very mature one amongst these new believers, and their sense of responsibility toward spreading the Faith is apparent in the fact that many are developing into effective public speakers as well as fireside teachers.
This summer all of the “Goal Countries” have had the privilege and benefit of a visit from Mrs. Beatrice Ashton. At the request of the E.T.C. Mrs. Ashton has been conducting classes in Administration, and from each of the Countries visited have come enthusiastic reports of the results of her outstanding work.
Our first pioneer, Mrs. Solveg Corbett, after serving in Norway for 23 months, has just returned to the United States. Mr. Anders Nielsen, one of the early pioneers to Denmark has also just returned. Elinor Gregory, who has been pioneering in Norway, has now gone to Amsterdam, Holland for a few weeks, to assist that new Assembly.
In July the E.T.C. had the privilege of meeting with Mr. David Hofman, a member of the British National Assembly. This meeting afforded the opportunity for consultation on the matter of translations and publications for our “Goal Countries.” The services of the British National Assembly through its Publishing Trust, and that of Mr. Holman’s own publishing company, have been of inestimable value.
The steady progress of the growth of the Faith in our “Goal Countries” of Europe should be a source of pride and gratification to the believers all over America, because it is the interest and sacrifice of those on the “Home Front” that has made the work and the sacrifices of our pioneers abroad possible.
[edit]
The Public Relations Committee has been concentrating for several months on the preparation of material to carry the Bahá’í message to the public in a planned and sustained campaign. The material now at the stage of completion includes a number of new and effective projects for operation by either large or small communities as well as publicity and advertising schedules which directly influence several million persons.
1. A Dramatic Theme[edit]
This campaign is activated by the theme: “Religious Education for a Peaceful Society.” Its importance grows as one thinks of its many meanings and far-reaching implications. The issue of religious education in the public schools of the United States has been carried to the Supreme Court, arousing intense interest and profound feeling. In the form on which the Court made its decision, the question was whether sectarian religious instruction can be carried on in public schools.
But public interest has been awakened to the broader and more vital matters involved. The real question has become whether and how spiritual education can be given to both youth and adults with enough force and clarity to imbue them with sound social principles and world ideals.
At present neither secular nor sectarian education can accomplish this end. Their failure leaves a great gap in our present-day life which only the Bahá’í teachings can fill. The press is following this issue carefully, and the Public Relations Committee has noted that in one form or another the problem is becoming intensified in many countries.
The Committee does not deal with the theme as a subject or title, but as an area of public interest and spiritual importance.
2. A Compilation Keyed to the Public Campaign[edit]
To make a strong foundation for the campaign, a compilation has been prepared entitled “What Modern Man Must Know About Religion.” Many facets of the theme are developed by these selected passages from Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and the Guardian.
Six different groups of selections have been compiled: The Source of All Learning, The Purpose of Education, The Unity of the Prophets, Spiritual Civilization, The Nobility of Man, and A New World Order-twenty-nine pages, with list of references and a prefatory statement.
Here is the basic material assembled for the preparation of public talks and the conduct of a community study class or intimate fireside discussion group. Copies are avail able from the Publishing Committee.
3. The National Schedule[edit]
Advertisements which develop the campaign theme are appearing in two trade papers Editor & Publisher, and Publisher’s Auxiliary; in one national magazine having a large circulation, Newsweek; in one magazine devoted to world affairs, United Nations World; and in Saturday Review of Literature, which has a wide following among educators as well as the cultural group most interested in developments in literature and current thought.
| Fanny Lesch
Cablegram received Apr. 27, 1948 from Haifa: “DEEPLY SYMPATHIZE LOSS LOYAL DISTINGUISHED HANDMAID BAHÁ’U’LLÁH FANNY LESCH — PRESENT WITH YOU IN SPIRIT MEMORIAL SERVICE PRAYING ARDENTLY PROGRESS HER SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. SHOGHI
|
Of the four million readers of these publications, a certain number live in your community. These persons are becoming familiar with the Faith.
Publicity bringing out the salient points of the campaign theme will go out to 750 newspapers and news magazines during September and October. Their readers number many millions more.
Here is a powerful force which any local community can draw upon to create local interest.
4. The Local Teaching Plan[edit]
The feature of this campaign is that it offers any local community, large or small, a selection of publicity aids and contacts material for conducting an effective public teaching work by its own initiative and under its own control.
The weak point in local campaigns has been lack of contacts. The Public Relations Committee has devised a series of “World Questions” leaflets, and a new type of reprint of the national advertisements, which can be handed out by the individual believer or mailed by a committee to a selected list.
|
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, Miss Margaret Yeutter, 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. |
Other suitable contacts material are: a one-page statement on “The Work of Bahá’ís in Promotion of Human Rights,” and a new folder, “A School of World Religion.”
For distribution at meetings there are to be a new series of our brief compilations to deepen the inquirer’s interest and further acquaint him with the teachings. The booklet keyed to the campaign theme is entitled “Religious Education for a Peaceful Society.”
The local campaign can include these features: one or more public meetings before December 1, one or more mailings, newspaper advertising and publicity, a community study class, and fireside discussion gatherings.
A detailed outline of the campaign is to be mailed to Assemblies and Regional Teaching Committees. Write us and let us know what your community wants to do.
The Bahá’í Position On Military Enlistment and Service[edit]
Since many young believers will be affected by the new Selective Service law providing for compulsory military training, the National Spiritual Assembly wishes to state the Bahá’í position and request all believers without exception to uphold it.
- Bahá’ís are obedient to their civil government. Their faith obligates them to be good citizens.
- The Bahá’í teachings do not sanction pacifism, which is refusal to accept any military duty on grounds of personal conscience. The Guardian has said that pacifism is a form of anarchism, and is antisocial in nature.
- On the other hand, the Bahá’í teachings have been revealed for the establishment of world order and peace. The Bahá’í is directed by the Guardian to apply for exemption from combatant duty because of his religious faith, if the statutes provide for such exemption. In that case the Bahá’í serves in some other capacity, for example in the Medical Corps, which is non-combatant.
- When called for military service, the Bahá’í should apply for a non-combatant status under Section 6 (j) of the Selective Service Act of 1948. If Bahá’í credentials are needed, he can obtain them from his local Assembly, or if he does not live in a Bahá’í community, from the NSA. While training by itself is not combatant service, it is important for the Bahá’í to know what future military duty or obligation is involved. It is the first registration which counts.
- The latest instructions of Shoghi Effendi on the obligation of Bahá’ís in connection with military duty are contained in a statement published on pages 9 and 10 of Bahá’í News for October, 1946, and that statement should be read by all believers who are in the armed forces, or who may be called for training under the new draft law.
What the Guardian wrote at that time was: “As there is neither an International Police Force nor any prospect of one coming into being, the Bahá’ís should continue to apply, under all circumstances, for exemption from any military duties that necessitate the taking of life. There is no justification for any change of attitude on our part at the present time.”
Calendar[edit]
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Suggested Daily Readings for October 1948
O my God! Give me knowledge, faith and love, O beloved! Adorn my head with the crown of Thy providence, my heart with the light of knowing Thee, my tongue with the utterance of Thy greatest Name, and let my ear hearken to Thy holy Word.” |
October
|
FEASTS:
- Oct. 16—’Ilm—Knowledge
ANNIVERSARIES:
- Oct. 20—Birth of the Báb—(Suspend work)
NSA MEETINGS:
- Oct. 8-10
New Publications[edit]
The Publishing Committee is pleased to announce three new publications of special interest for study class and teaching use.
What Modern Man Must Know About Religion, a compilation made by the Public Relations Committee from the teachings which pertain to the subject of the national campaign on “Religious Education for a Peaceful Society.” In six parts, with Foreword and List of contents including sources of selections. Adapted for fireside teaching and offers material for public lectures and study classes. Mimeographed. 29 pages. Per copy, postpaid, $0.50.
The Fireside Teaching Method, a manual prepared by the Study Aids Committee. Years of practical experience has gone into the organization of this material which serves as a guide for believers wishing to conduct an intimate fireside meeting to attract, inform and confirm new friends. Part one asks, and answers, nineteen questions most frequently raised about firesides. Part two gives a suggested outline for use with inquirers. Part three provides a list of sources for material and ideas. Part four is a “true or false” test the believer can apply to himself to find out how much he understands the fireside teaching method. Mimeographed. 11 pages. Per copy, postpaid, $0.35
Reading List for Study of the Covenant, compiled by Mrs. May P. Stebbins. Here the Assembly, group or individual student will find where to look for the basic material needed for study of the basic Bahá’í subject, the Covenant. Part I lists the references to material readily available at this time. Part II refers to material in early Bahá’í books and pamphlets and back numbers of Star of the West, etc., most of which can be found in reference libraries at Bahá’í schools or in the private collections of a few believers. Mimeographed. 4 pages. Per copy, postpaid, $0.15.
Corrections — Bahá’í Settlers
(July Issue)[edit]
- Mrs. Edna Williams—from Washington, D.C. to Alexandria, Va.
- Mr. Harvey Wilner (not Wisner)—same
- Miss Feny Paulson—from Arlington, Va. to Bergenfield, N.J.
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
HAIFA, ISRAEL[edit]
(The following excerpts are taken from a recent letter from Mr. Ben Weeden who is now, with his wife, the former Gladys Anderson, in Haifa with the Guardian.)
“The work on the Báb’s Shrine is still going ahead, especially the stone work in Italy ... It is not possible to ship any of the finished work at the present but arrangements for its storage were made at the time the contracts were signed ... Shoghi Effendi is very anxious to have it here in Haifa.
“At present we are working on the plans and laying of the foundation of the facade ... It is not easy to find a contractor or labor with all the demand for air-raid shelters, defense work, repairing damaged buildings and the armies’ need of men. Still, with a bit of luck it would be possible to get this below the ground work done before the winter rains put a stop to it.
“Another thing of which Shoghi Effendi wishes me to mention to you is what has resulted from Gladys’ and my marriage in Palestine rather than Egypt, as was first planned.
“As you may remember, Gladys and I were married in Jerusalem by the Amman L.S.A. at the request of Shoghi Effendi. Due to the shifting and changes going on at that time at the American Consulate and other government offices of the British Mandate, we could not get our marriage recognized at that time. This worried us quite a bit as it was the first marriage of western Bahá’ís by eastern Bahá’ís.
“After the British Mandate ended we took the matter up with the new State of Israel here in Haifa. It was surprising how smoothly the whole thing went. They registered and endorsed the records of our marriage as entered in the Bahá’í book used here at the World Center to record such Bahá’í marriages and filed their copy, giving full recognition to the Faith and its right to perform marriages ... When we presented the records to the American Consulate there was no hesitation as to registering Gladys as Mrs. Weeden, and so, it would seem now that through one of the consulates, the U.S. has recognized the Bahá’í marriage of two Americans ...
“At no time have we been in real danger here on Persian St. The gardens have not been touched and work has continued on them every day. There was fighting at Ákká but it did not effect Bahjí. They have not requested quartering of people there, though that has been done in many places nearby. There has been no time when the Bahá’í Anniversary observances could not be held. That is the broad picture to which should be added on the other side of the ledger, restricted moving about Haifa until the Jews drove out the Arabs, no moving about the hinterland until the truce. I won’t mention mail and cable difficulties!
“Every night is blackout now that the truce is over ... We have had air-raids and a few bombs dropped. No damage done ... Watching the birth of a new State and being at the spot where important history is being made is a very interesting event ...”
JAPAN[edit]
(Excerpts from a letter from Robert Imagire)
“On June 19, 1948, at the Shinagawa Girls’ School, assembled 11 persons who recognize the Four Divine Stations of Forerunner, Author, Exemplar and Guardian. Though the formation of the Spiritual Assembly is authorized only on the 21st of April, a temporary body of 9 was formulated on the 19th of this month, a body devoted to the sacred task of promulgating our beloved Faith in Japan, and to the building of the foundations of the Divine Plan in close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present-day Bahá’í administration throughout the world.”
PERSIA:[edit]
Persian National Spiritual Assembly: Shu’allah ‘Ala’i — Chairman; Nur-id-Din Fath-i-‘Azam — Vice Chairman; ‘Alí Akbar Furutan, Secretary; Munir Dirakhshan, Treasurer; Vali’ullah Varqa, Abdu’l Husayn Nai’mi, Aḥmad Yazdani, Zikhrullah Kgadim, ‘Alí Muḥammad Barafrukhtih.
EGYPT and SUDAN[edit]
The N.S.A. of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Sudan: Mohammed Mustapha Sulaiman — Chairman; Iskandar Hanna — Vice-Chairman; ‘Alí Hussein Ruhi — Secretary; Sobhi Elias — Treasurer; Dr. Rochan Yazdi, Abdul Rahim Yazdi, Mustapha Salem, Abdul Fattah Sabri, Hussein Amin Ibrahim.
A cable from Shoghi Effendi, May 5, 1948 carried this message, “Only national assembly Bahá’í World deprived privilege formulation plan Egyptian Assembly. Appeal convene promptly special session National Assembly consider carefully inauguration Five Year Plan with definite objectives aiming multiplication Bahá’í Centers. Urge entire community rise as one man fulfill objectives by nineteen fifty-three. Eagerly awaiting response all believers ensure success first collective enterprise Egyptian Bahá’í history.”
The NSA promptly met on the sixteenth of May and approved the following objectives for their Five Year Plan.
- To increase the number of Assemblies to nine — establishing three new assemblies.
- To increase the number of Centers to thirty-three, establishing nineteen new centers, so that the Faith be represented in all districts of Egypt.
- To purchase land for a permanent Summer School.
- To purchase a piece of land from those surrounding the National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, to cope with the expected expansion of the Cause in Cairo.
- To establish a Bahá’í Magazine.
- To extend activities to other countries in Africa by sending teachers to these parts, and to re-establish the Assembly in Tunis.
- To ask the Spiritual Assemblies in Khartum and Addis-Ababa to discuss a similar plan and the N.S.A. of Egypt will supervise their execution.
Recently the “Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”, and the “Bahá’í Declaration on Human Rights and Obligations” have been translated and printed in Arabic. Also the translation of “The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh” by Shoghi Effendi is to be printed soon as a pamphlet and distributed to the members of Parliament and others in an attempt to have recognized the Bahá’í marriage certificates.
The newsletter still cannot be issued as the authorities have stopped its issue pending certain formalities.
Native Latin Americans Arise[edit]
The most significant aspect of the development of the Cause in Latin America during the last year has been how the native believers have arisen to shoulder its responsibilities and to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to its service, sometimes at the cost of great personal sacrifice. We see supremely able, entirely consecrated teachers take the field, abandoning their homes and worldly comforts; devoted, energetic National Teaching Committees are laboring earnestly to spread the Teachings far and wide and to lay a groundwork for future independent Latin American Bahá’í administration; Bulletin, Publishing, and Radio Committees are performing admirably their functions.
Lately, Gwenne Sholtis returned from three years in Bolivia, where she helped in building up the community of La Paz, in establishing the Assembly of Sucre, and in incorporating the Faith in Bolivia. In Peru, on her way back, she placed the first article on the Faith ever to appear in a newspaper there.
Jean Silver, who courageously and with exemplary devotion labored for several years in Cuba, first in Havana and later in Cienfuegos, just returned home and is spending a month at Green Acre.
Gayle Woolson returned to St. Paul, Minn., after two and a half years in Central and South America, where she performed outstanding services, being recalled by her father’s request to see her again before his passing. She is returning to Colombia and Venezuela the end of September, where seven new assemblies anxiously await her.
Among the United States pioneers now in Latin America, appear the following: Leonora Armstrong, Brazil; Louise Caswell, Panama; Josephine Kruka, Cuba; Artemus Lamb, Chile; Elena Marsella, Dominican Republic; Katharine Meyer, Venezuela; Edmund and Muriel Messler, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Eve Nicklin, Chile; Cora Oliver, Panama; Edris Rice-Wray, Puerto Rico ; Sheila Rice-Wray, Dominican Republic; Marcia Steward, the Antilles; Margaret Swengel, Puerto Rico; Shirley Warde, Argentina.
The chairman of the South American Teaching Committee, Esteban Canales, of Valparaiso, Chile, has reached Quito, Ecuador, on his round-the-continent journey, which will give to the Teaching Committee a complete picture of Bahá’í progress in every country. Esteban, himself a newspaperman, has made splendid contacts among journalists and intellectuals in the various cities where he has been and has spoken on the Faith in universities, cultural centers, clubs, etc., everywhere securing much valuable newspaper publicity. In Guayaquil, he spoke on the Faith in Ecuador’s most elite hall, where an invitation to speak is very hard to secure.
Besides this, Esteban’s greatest work has been the help which he has given the Bahá’í communities which he has visited, educating them for greater maturity, looking towards the day when the administration of the Cause will rest wholly in the hands of a Spiritual Assembly of South America.
To strengthen the community of Sucre, Bolivia, the Teaching Committee proposes sending a vital young lady from Santiago, Chile, on a teaching visit there, Rosy Vodanovich, who is also Continental treasurer. A new assembly doesn’t become strong enough immediately to stand on its own feet, even though its members be sincere. The tender sapling needs continual cultivation for some time. That is why resident pioneers are so vitally needed in many places.
In Central America, good news comes from Guatemala, where the Faith has just been granted incorporation, bringing to the half-way mark the number of countries where the Faith has been incorporated: Cuba, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay.
The manuscript translation into Spanish of God Passes By has been received by the Publishing Committee in Santiago, Chile, from Col. Arturo Cuellar, of La Paz, Bolivia, its translator. Very soon, it will be published in book form. Col. Cuellar had submitted his manuscript to a distinguished literary critic for review, to assure the perfection and excellence of the translation.
An effort is being made by the two Latin American Teaching Committees, in cooperation with the Inter-America Committee,
Local Spiritual Assembly of Havana, Cuba.
and especially
with our youthful members,
Charles Ioas and John Eichenauer,
to initiate the organization of youth
groups in Latin America. The Teaching
Committees of Central and
South America have appointed Iola
Edwards, of Colon, Panama, and
Eve Nicklin, of Punta Arenas, Chile,
to be their youth counsellors.
Observance of the Nine Holy Days[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly publishes once more the Guardian’s direction concerning the Nine Holy Days which first appeared in Bahá’í News of August, 1947. This direction is not an administrative ruling but an expression of a basic Bahá’í ordinance which previously had not been applied by believers in the West. Not only does proper observance of these days sacred to the Faith pertain to the spiritual life of the individual believer; our effort to impress upon employers, government departments and school officials the fact that these particular days are as sacred to us as Christmas or Easter to the Christians, or Passover to the Jews, will of itself contribute to the general recognition of the Faith as an independent religion. The strength of the Cause in our land emanates from the degree of completeness to which we all observe and obey the Bahá’í laws and ordinances.
“He wishes also to stress the fact that, according to the Bahá’í laws, work is forbidden on our nine Holy Days. Believers who have independent businesses or shops should refrain from working on these days. Those who are in government employ should, on religious grounds, make an effort to be excused from work; all believers, whoever their employers, should do likewise. If the government or other employers refuse to grant them these days off, they are not required to forfeit their employment, but they should make every effort to have the independent status
[Page 9]
of the Faith recognized and their
right to hold their own religious Holy
Days acknowledged.”—Shoghi Effendi,
through his secretary, July 7,
1947.
In this connection the NSA wishes to advise the friends that no national action can be taken to bring about a recognition of the Holy Days by public schools, thus enabling Bahá’í youth to remain absent from school on these days. Public schools have more or less local jurisdiction in such matters, and therefore the parents, with such help and advice as the local Assembly can give, should approach the officials of the school where their children are enrolled.
Request for Information About Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly would like information concerning the Tablet which the Master is believed to have revealed to the President of the American University at Beirut. For many years certain passages relating to education have been attributed to the Master as excerpts from a Tablet actually revealed.
These passages on education are of great importance, but it must be established whether they come from pilgrim’s notes or an authentic Tablet; and if from pilgrim’s notes, whether the notes were in any manner certified by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The NSA will be grateful for any factual information which believers can provide.
Readings at Nineteen Day Feasts[edit]
Shoghi Effendi has recently clarified the nature of readings at Nineteen Day Feasts by stating that the program for the devotional part of the Feast should include only the reading of revealed prayers. This direction has not eliminated other readings from the whole Feast program. We are to conduct such other readings during the period of consultation, when excerpts from the Guardian’s writings and passages from writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá other than prayers can be read.
It becomes evident that the devotional period is to be set aside for prayer and worship as a source of inspiration and a deepening of the power of unity, so that consultation and action may produce fruit.
A bulletin to be issued by the Programming Committee will provide suggestions and helpful advice concerning the conduct of the Feast.
Bahá’í Relationships to United Nations[edit]
In the Guardian’s cablegram of April 16, addressed to the Annual Convention, we find this reference to United Nations: “Recognition extended to the Faith by United Nations as an international non-governmental body, enabling appointment of accredited representatives to United Nations conferences is heralding world recognition for a universal proclamation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.” A few days later, in his cablegram beginning “Joyfully acclaim brilliant achievements” dated April 26, the Guardian included recognition by United Nations as one of the achievements of the American community: “... whose spokesmen are securing recognition of the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s rising world order in the United Nations.”
On May 18, 1948, writing through his secretary, Shoghi Effendi advised the NSA as follows: “The recognition given your Assembly (as representative of the other National Spiritual Assemblies) by UNO as a non-governmental body entitled to send representatives to various UNO conferences, marks an important step forward in the struggle of our beloved Faith to receive in the eyes of the world its just due, and be recognized as an independent World Religion. Indeed, this step should have a favorable reaction on the program of the Cause everywhere, especially in those parts of the world where it is still persecuted, belittled, or scorned, particularly in the East.”
These passages give us a good background for a review of the development of Bahá’í relations with United Nations.
The first stage was application for recognition of the NSA of the United States and Canada as a national non-governmental organization. This was obtained in the spring of 1947, bringing with it the status of an accredited observer. Under this status the NSA submitted two formal statements: A Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights; and A Bahá’í Statement on the Rights of Women. A Bahá’í United Nations Committee was appointed; a Bahá’í observer attended UN sessions, and effective contacts made.
The second stage was application for recognition of the Faith as an international non-governmental body—a much more important status. The question was whether the Guardian would make application, as no other international Bahá’í institution yet exists. He directed that the matter be worked out with the other National Spiritual Assemblies. A form was thereupon suggested for each NSA to fill out, authorizing the American NSA to act for them in relation to UN matters. This form was executed by the seven other National Assemblies then existing (winter, 1947-1948) and in the name of “The Bahá’í International Community” the eight Assemblies were given recognition as an international organization. When the Canadian Bahá’ís formed their own National Assembly, it executed the same form, and this has been filed with UN. The Bahá’í International Community is thus a union of nine National Spiritual Assemblies for the purpose of maintaining a relationship to UN. “The Bahá’í International Community” has no other function or authority. It is not an international Bahá’í institution as such bodies are defined in the Master’s Will and Testament. It acts solely in relation to United Nations.
There are two particular advantages in having the status of international non-governmental organization: first, such organizations can send delegates to important UN conferences; and second, only such organizations can apply for consultative status, which gives the right to direct participation in activities of UNESCO.
The first Bahá’í representation at an international UN conference took place in May, 1948, at Geneva, when Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, Mr. Ugo Giachery and Mr. C. Mason Remey, under appointment as representatives of the “Bahá’í International Community,” took part in a gathering of many representatives of international non-governmental organizations under UN auspices to confer on Human Rights. Five delegates were appointed, but Mr. Leroy Ioas and Mrs. Marion Holley Hofman could not serve.
A request was received prior to the conference for a brief statement on what Bahá’ís are doing to promote human rights, and this statement has been published in World Order Magazine and also issued by the Public Relations Committee.
The Bahá’í delegates introduced two resolutions which were approved
[Page 10]
and accepted by the Geneva conference.
“RESOLVED: That the Non-Governmental Organizations endeavor through their local branches and with the permission of the governing authorities to educate and prepare the peoples of non-member nations for their eventual entry into the United Nations.”
“RESOLVED: That the Non-Governmental Organizations who here represent a good portion of the world’s population can go far in the implementation of Article No. 1 of the Declaration of Human Rights by themselves setting the example within their own organizations by eliminating within these organizations all sorts of prejudice whether it be that of race, creed or color. They would thus present a living example of the implementation of Article No. 1.”
Both these resolutions are deeply significant, and their formulation and introduction at the conference was a distinct service rendered by the Bahá’í delegates.
A third stage in the development of relationships with UN is pending. Action has not yet been taken by the UN body directly concerned.
Meanwhile a truly providential connection with United Nations was made through the Guardian himself. The UN Special Commission on Palestine visited that country in 1927, and its chairman addressed a letter to the Guardian asking for a statement on the Bahá’í interests in Palestine. The Guardian’s written letter to the chairman, and its enclosure, his general statement on the history and aims of the Faith, reveal dramatically the increasing stature of the Faith in the eyes of responsible international bodies. The letter was published in Bahá’í News, and the statement in World Order Magazine. It is now available as a pamphlet from the Publishing Committee.
Moreover, we must remember that United Nations has succeeded to the trusteeship of the Holy Land in which are located the Bahá’í Shrines and the seat of the Bahá’í worldwide administrative order. Due to the official status the Faith enjoys with UN, it has been possible for the “Bahá’í International Community,” through our NSA, to file with the UN trusteeship council a certified list of Bahá’í religious properties in Palestine (now Israel) and record an official appeal for their protection.
Daily the doors open to further evolution in our collective relationship to UN, and through it, in our contacts with other organizations. These possibilities are to be cherished by every believer. United Nations is vital to the establishment of the Lesser Peace, and in this role it is part of the destiny unfolding within mankind under the guidance of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Bahá’í Attitude Toward United Nations[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has become accredited with United Nations as a national non-governmental organization. In addition to this, the nine National Spiritual Assemblies under the title of “The Bahá’í International Community” have been accredited as an international non-governmental organization. By express delegation from other National Assemblies the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States has been authorized to act for the Bahá’í International Community on matters related to UN. The NSA recommends a spirit of utmost cooperation in reference to comments by Bahá’ís about United Nations.
In view of these steps and the resulting official cooperation between the Bahá’ís and United Nations, the believers are asked to refrain from careless criticism of UN policies and from unfavorable comment upon crises now confronting UN. The Guardian has approved the above-mentioned relationships and encourages their development.
Renewal of Civilization Available in Braille[edit]
| From: | Bahá’í Service for the Blind 616 North Oxford Avenue, Los Angeles 4, California |
The Committee wishes to announce the completion of a Braille edition of The Renewal of Civilization by David Hofman. It has been presented as a gift to the 25 Distributing Libraries for the Library of Congress; to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, in Toronto, Canada; to the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, Auckland, New Zealand; to the Institute for the Blind, Sydney, Australia; and to the National Institute for the Blind, London, England.
A notice has gone to the Braille Book Review, which is widely distributed among the blind.
Sighted believers will find it sufficient to mention to their blind friends that this book is available in their Distributing Libraries.
A few copies are available for purchase.
Bahá’í Youth on the March[edit]
The following are excerpts from the Bahá’í Youth bulletin for September.
National Youth Day[edit]
THE FOURTH ANNUAL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH DAY will be held on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1948!
This is an excellent opportunity for you to present an outstanding program. The theme for this year will be “World Unity, a Reality.” This theme can be introduced by one or more speakers as your particular community or group desires.
Here are a few ideas which might help you in making this a big event in your area. Hold a large public meeting with representatives of minority groups as ushers, hosts or hostesses whenever possible. Use the Bahá’í Center and co-operate with and enlist the support of your local assembly. Have a forum, and if the group is small, plan a fireside meeting. Then invite other groups whose ideals coincide. Have artistic members prepare posters advertising your event. Notify your local newspapers and use the radio ... take pictures!!!
If you feel that the National Bahá’í Youth Committee can be of assistance to you, please contact them. Also, send pictures and a report of your National Youth Day observance!
Geyserville Conference[edit]
A conference of the youth of the Western States was held July 25th at the Geyserville Summer School in California, with about twenty-four youth present. The first topic for discussion was the formation of Regional Youth Committees.... The suggestions of the National Youth Committee in regard to the College Bureau were explained. It was recommended to the youth that they try to attain official standing in their universities and that a standard charter be prepared for all universities.
The second part of the conference was in consideration of the place of the youth in the Summer School and the recommendations will be
[Page 11]
sent to the Geyserville Summer
School Committee.
College Bureau[edit]
The College Bureau is being set up under the direction of the National Youth Committee to co-ordinate and assist the youth in the colleges and universities. Its purpose is to compile, and supply information to Bahá’í Youth in schools throughout the country, which may aid them in forming groups, locating students, and advising youth in the selection of the right college.
The Bureau is also attempting to standardize the charter or statement of purpose for presentation to all schools.
At present the files at the National Youth Office are not at all complete. The College Bureau would like to have the following information about all Bahá’í Youth in college — NAME, HOME AND SCHOOL ADDRESS, BIRTH DATE (DAY, MONTH AND YEAR), YEAR OF EXPECTED GRADUATION, AND PREVIOUS COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED.
Send this information IMMEDIATELY to, The College Bureau 1017 1st. Wis. Nat’l. Bank Bldg. Milwaukee 2, Wisconsin U.S.A.
Australia Speaking[edit]
No doubt you wonder why so little is heard from the Australian Youth, but you must know that our members are as yet few and scattered. Our National Youth Committee is relatively young and it is just beginning to use its legs. There are five on this committee; three in Sidney and two in Adelaide—one thousand miles away ... With a N.Y.C. representative in Aukland, New Zealand, we hope to have stronger support from there in the future as they have made rapid strides in the past few months. Reports of their enthusiasm and activities sound very promising.
Our main efforts have been expended in gathering our youth forces together and in producing a youth letter which has already helped to bring a feeling of unity amongst the scattered groups and youth members.
There are active youth groups in Sidney, Caringbah, Werriwa, Adelaide, all in Australia, and Aukland, New Zealand. But apart from these groups, there are quite a number of isolated youth scattered throughout the country. The Adelaide group has met regularly each month for years. A year ago the group increased their meetings to one a fortnight.
The Sidney Youth Group, consisting of but a handful of members, holds regular monthly meetings at the Bahá’í Headquarters under most pleasant conditions, gathering together their interested contacts and friends to hear talks, discussions, and music.
The Caringbah Youth are much younger and mostly of Bahá’í parents. These children are being well guided and taught by the local secretary, meeting once every fortnight. It is the intention of this teacher to introduce arts and craft instruction as a part of the procedure of each meeting.
The Werriwa Youth Group temporarily disbanded when five of its active members went abroad in 1946—four to America, and one to Switzerland to study. However we hope to have some of these back with us soon. Just recently a group of young people have been founded under the guidance of adult members.
In a number of towns and country districts there are isolated members. Through the Australian Youth Letter, we are endeavouring to educate, enthuse, and assist them to carry on with their breaking of the soil in order to establish active youth centres.
Convention Echoes[edit]
Do you remember the thrilling statement made by Mr. Winston Evans at the Fortieth Annual Convention? We reproduce it here:
“If we are ever to reach any of the goals ... we have all got to operate on much higher levels of activity. I feel that the Bahá’í Community as a whole does not feel the urgency of the hour. Too many people in contacting Bahá’í groups have been impressed with our complacency, our smugness. They have said, ‘The Bahá’ís do not act as though they believe their story.’ Do the Bahá’ís believe? Do we believe what the Guardian has been telling us? Do we really believe that America is on the verge, Americans destined, to experience tribulations on a scale unprecedented in history? I would like to quote a very dynamic editorial from the Christian Sentry. They were commenting on the death of John Wynant. As you know, John Wynant said that he felt the people of today do not realize, did not appreciate, the urgency of the times. The Christian Century, in commenting on this, said, ‘In the presence of such tragedy, judgement is stilled.’ But we must reckon with the fact that lies behind the death of such a man as John Wynant. Despair is creeping over us, and over the best of us most of all. The stars of promise have all but faded from the sky. We are on the road to destruction and destruction is drawing close. We need something tremendous to lift us out of our infatuation with doom. It must be something that extends all the way down to the roots of thought and action. It must set blazing beacons that would light a new path, an entirely different path. Does the Christian church know what that tremendous something is? We Bahá’ís do know what that tremendous something is.
“Someone has said, ‘It is too late now for religion to be taught. It has to be caught. And caught from someone who is on fire.’ So, if we are to have 15 members in every local community next year, a lot of us have got to get on fire. The Guardian has told us recently—if I can quote correctly—he says, ‘Ultimately all the battle of life is with the individual. There is no amount of organization that can cause or prevent victory or failure or resolve the inner problems of life at a crucial moment, particularly at times like these.’ He says, ‘When great forces are loose in the world, we see some strong souls become weak, and some weak souls miraculously strong.’ We have been prepared, we should be the most prepared people on earth, but sometimes I feel we are not.
“What can we do about this? As one thing, we must realize that the stakes are pretty high now, that it is all or nothing. We can’t just go part of the way. As Allen Hunt in his beautiful book Say Yes to the Light points out: ‘If we don’t say yes to a little light, we will not have the opportunity to say Yes to more light.’
“I’d like to close with just one or two more quotations. Lots of times
[Page 12]
I’ve been a part of small communities and large communities. I hear so much talk of ‘I’m not on this committee — I can’t do anything.’ We should all be self-starters. We do not have to have a platform to give the Message. We should all, each, every one of us, be so charged with the spirit, every day, that when we touch someone they will not be likely to forget it. I have had my greatest confirmations, I think, when I have been all alone. ‘Should a man, all alone, rise up in the name of Bahá’u’lláh and put on the armor of His love, him will the Almighty cause to be victorious, though the forces of earth and heaven be arrayed against him, ... and ... with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise harm me.’
“The people want what we have got, but we have got to prove to them that we have this something, this tremendous something that the world is seeking, and an intellectual concept is not enough. The world wants more than our principles today. So I’d like to close with these words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: ‘It all depends on faith now. I say unto you that if anyone should rise up in the name of God today, he will be assisted by a spirit of God, and He will send His hosts from Heaven to help you, and nothing shall be impossible if you have faith. And now I give you a commandment which shall be as a covenant between you and me: that ye have faith; that ye have faith so strong that nothing can disturb it, that no storm can move it, that it should endure even to the end. Even should you hear that your Lord has been crucified, be not shaken in your faith, for I am with you always. According to your faith so shall your blessings be. This is the balance. This is the balance. This is the balance.”
Southern California[edit]
“Memorial Service for Thornton Chase, Inglewood Park Cemetery, September 30. This year, as every year, the services will be held at the grave of Thornton Chase on the anniversary of his ascension. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has said ‘You must celebrate yearly, annually, the day of his departure from this life; all of you, on My behalf, may go and visit the tomb, and if possible spread a feast for the poor....’ (Star of the West, Vol. 4, No. 13) Thornton Chase became the first American believer on the fifth of June, 1894. The date of his ascension was 1912, at the age of 65. On October 19, a few weeks after his passing, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited the grave. What a bounty to us in Southern California to be able to visit the only shrine in the Western Hemisphere!”
Firesides and study classes are being held in the following assemblies and groups, Alhambra, Beverly Hills, Burbank, El Monte Twp., Elsinore, Glendale Twp., Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oceanside, Pasadena, San Diego, San Marino, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Santa Paula, Southgate, and Phoenix and Tuscon, Arizona.
Also, monthly public meetings are conducted in Beverly Hills, Inglewood, Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena and Tucson, Arizona.
Study classes for Bahá’ís only are going forward in Burbank, Los Angeles, Inglewood, San Diego, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara.
Even classes for the training of children are being sponsored by Glendale, Los Angeles, and Tucson.
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies
Phoenix, Ariz. 1; Greensboro, N.C. 1; Waterloo, Iowa 2; New York, N.Y. 1; Dearborn, Mich. 1; Denver, Colo. 1; Burlingame, Calif. 2; Boise, Idaho (Ada Co.) 1; Portsmouth, N.H. 1; Albuquerque, N.M. (North Ten)* 1; Kansas City, Mo. 1; Milwaukee, Wis. 2; YOUTH 1
*(Ada Co.)
Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees
WESTERN STATES So. Calif., Ariz. 2
CENTRAL STATES Ill., Iowa 1
Additions and Changes for Preliminary Directory 1948-1949[edit]
Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries
- Burlingame, Calif.
- Mrs. Phoebe Babo
- 1620 Balboa Way
- Ridgewood, N.J.
- Mr. Joseph Galvin
- Box 239
National Committees
- European Teaching Committee
- Correct address of Mrs. Julia Shows to 4034 N. Keystone Ave.
- Inter-America Committee
- Correct name of secretary to read Miss Julie Regal
*(Please note that North Ten must appear after Albuquerque, N.M. and Ada Co. after Boise, Idaho as in each instance there are two different Assemblies with the same post office address.)
| Page | Col. | |
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, request for information | 9 | 1 |
Assemblies Contributing to Fund | 4 | 1 |
Braille | 10 | 2 |
Calendar | 6 | 2 |
California | 12 | 1 |
Convention Echoes | 11 | 2 |
Directory, corrections in | 12 | 2 |
Directory 1948-1949 | 5 | |
| Insert | ||
Egypt and Sudan | 7 | 2 |
Enrollments | 12 | 2 |
Europe | 4 | 2 |
| Guardian | ||
“Praying for Added Fervor” | 3 | 1 |
Fanny Lesch | 5 | 3 |
Haifa | 7 | 1 |
Japan | 7 | 2 |
Latin America | 8 | 1 |
Memoriam | 4 | 1 |
Military Enlistment, position on | 6 | 1 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Election of Member to | 1 | 3 |
Where We Stand | 3 | 3 |
Nine Holy Days | 8 | 3 |
Nineteen Day Feasts | 9 | 1 |
Persia | 7 | 2 |
| Pictures | ||
Canadian Conference | 1 | 1 |
Havana Assembly | 8 | 3 |
Rome Community | 4 | |
Temple Interior Design | 2 | |
Temple, plaster model | 3 | 1 |
Programming Committee | 3 | 2 |
Public Relations Campaign | 5 | 1 |
Publishing Announcement | 6 | 3 |
Settlers | 6 | 3 |
Suggested Daily Readings | 6 | 2 |
Temple Progress | 3 | 2 |
United Nations | 9 | 2 |
United Nations | 10 | 2 |
Will and Testament, presentation of | 1 | 1 |
Youth | 10 | 3 |
