Bahá’í News/Issue 213/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 213 | NOVEMBER, 1948 | YEAR 105 | BAHA’I ERA |
Nearly two million persons saw this outstanding publicity picture of the Bahá’í House of Worship. Featured in the leading position in a recent photographic exhibit in Chicago’s great public library, the picture, taken by Russell Hamm of the Chicago Tribune, appeared in that paper as No. 1 in a pictorial series on “Beautiful Chicago.” (Public Relations Committee)
Champion Builders of Bahá’u’lláh’s Rising World Order Must Scale Nobler Heights of Heroism[edit]
Message from the Guardian[edit]
The deepening crisis ominously threatening further to derange the equilibrium of a politically convulsed, economically disrupted, socially subverted, morally decadent and spiritually moribund society is testing the tenacity, taxing the resources and challenging the spirit throughout three continents of the chosen trustees and valiant executors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan. This present hour, however critical, fraught with uncertainty, cannot and must not retard the unfoldment of the manifold tasks so brilliantly inaugurated, so diligently prosecuted, so dazzling in their prospects.
The record of the Bahá’í community since inception of the Formative Age conclusively demonstrates that accomplishment of signal acts accompanied, or followed upon, periods of acute distress in European and American contemporary history. The machinery of the Administrative Order was established, and preliminary stage of construction of the House of Worship was undertaken, by a grief-stricken community in the anxious years following the sudden removal of its loving, watchful Founder. The superstructure of the Temple was erected amid the strain and stress of an economic depression of an unprecedented severity gripping the North American continent. The first Seven Year Plan, opening stage in the execution of the historic mission entrusted to the American Bahá’í community was launched in the face of a gathering storm culminating in the direst conflict yet experienced by mankind. The Tablets of the Divine Plan were revealed amidst the turmoil of the first World War involving great danger to the life of their Author. The remains of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Mother and Brother were transferred to site of monuments constituting focus of institutions of future World Administrative Center and erected on the morrow of the outbreak of hostilities while the Holy Land was increasingly exposed to the perils precipitated by the second conflict. The daughter communities of Latin America were called into being and exterior ornamentation of the Temple was consummated while the American mother community was in the throes of the last, most harassing stage of the devastating struggle. The world-wide Centenary celebrations crowning these enterprises were undertaken in such perilous circumstances and carried out despite the formidable obstacles engendered through prolongation of hostilities. National administrative headquarters were established in Ṭihrán, Cairo, Baghdad, Delhi and Sydney, national and international endowments were enriched and Assemblies incorporated in countries confronted by growing threat of invasion and encirclement. The second Seven Year Plan inaugurating the transatlantic mission embracing Scandanavia, the Low Countries, Switzerland, the Iberian and Italian Peninsulas, was launched on the morrow of the catastrophic upheaval despite the exhaustion, confusion, distress and restrictions afflicting a war-shattered continent.
[Page 2]
The first fruits of this newly-launched
Plan were garnered through convocation of first European Teaching
Conference and erection of the ninth
pillar of the Universal House of
Justice in the Dominion of Canada
despite premonitory rumblings of a
third ordeal threatening to engulf the
Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
The central structure of the Báb’s
Sepulchre was built while the precious life of its Builder was hanging
perilously in the balance. Plans were
drawn, contracts placed and foundations laid for its arcade while the
Holy Places were ravaged by flames
of the civil strife burning fiercely in
the Holy Land.
Precious years are inexorably slipping by. The world outlook is steadily darkening. The American community’s most arduous feats still lie ahead. Disasters overtaking Europe and America, more afflictive than any tribulations yet suffered in either continent may yet attend still more majestic revelations in the unfoldment of concluding stage of the second Seven Year Plan destined to witness successively the raising of the tenth and eleventh pillars of the Universal House of Justice, and the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Mother Temple of the West.
The champion builders of Bahá’u’lláh’s rising world order must scale nobler heights of heroism as humanity plunges into greater depths of despair, degradation, dissension and distress. Let them forge ahead into the future serenely confident that the hour of their mightiest exertions and the supreme opportunity for their greatest exploits most coincide with the apocalyptic upheaval marking the lowest ebb in mankind’s fast-declining fortunes.
Cablegram received November 3, 1948.
Letters from the Guardian[edit]
On Admittance of Applicants[edit]
“He has noted with care what you had written him regarding the question of admittance of applicants into the Cause. This is certainly a matter which calls for the utmost tact, wisdom and consideration on the part of Bahá’í Assemblies. While, as he himself has repeatedly stressed, a uniform procedure should be adopted and followed whereby every applicant should be required to express his whole-hearted and unconditional acceptance of the essential verities of the Cause, great care should also be taken not to insist on matters of a secondary importance which the newcomer cannot, for obvious reasons, fully grasp and apprehend at the beginning. Once the applicant has been admitted in the Community with a clear understanding of the duties and responsibilities, and essential implications which such membership entails, there would be no difficulty for him in gradually adjusting his whole ideas according to the requirements set forth in the Teachings. The process of becoming a Bahá’í is necessarily slow and gradual. The essential is not that the beginner should have a full and detailed knowledge of the Cause, a thing which is obviously impossible in the vast majority of cases, but that he should, by an act of his own will be willing to uphold and follow the truth and guidance set forth in the Teachings, and thus open his heart and mind to the reality of the Manifestation.” Through his secretary, to Mrs. Ethel M. Hunt. November 28, 1939.
On Increased Responsibility of American Bahá’ís[edit]
Now that the work carried on by the American Bahá’ís is becoming so important in both Europe and Latin America, their duties at home, likewise, are increasing in importance, and their sense of responsibility towards the work they have undertaken in this new phase of the Divine Plan must steadily increase. Their commitments are heavy; they must finish the Temple, send out more teachers, publish more literature, be worthy of the position they are taking in the eyes of the world, for the Public everywhere is growing more conscious of the Faith as a real force in the world, and its adherents must stand forth as exemplars of what they preach.”—Through his secretary, to believers who attended the General Session at Louhelen School, July 29, 1948.
On Inability of Modern Education to Produce a Mature Mind[edit]
People today indeed do tend to be very superficial in their thinking, and it would seem as if the educational systems in use are sorely lacking in ability to produce a mature mind in a person who has reached supposedly adult life! All the outside influences that surround the individual seem to have an intensely distracting effect, and it is a hard job to get the average person to do any deep thinking or even a little meditation on the problems facing him and the world at large. Over and over again Bahá’u’lláh cried out against the heedlessness of humanity, and warns of the fate such an attitude must lead to. Did we not know what God plans to, and will do, with the world in the future, we should certainly be as hopeless as many of the best thinkers of our generation have become.”—Through his secretary, to Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian, September 22, 1948.
Shoghi Effendi[edit]
Shoghi Effendi is the Great Grandson of Bahá’u’lláh—the Grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. His mother — Ziah Khánum — is the oldest daughter of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and his father Mírzá Hadi is a relative of the Báb. He therefore is descended from the two great Manifestations of the Bahá’í Dispensation—the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.
He was born in the Prison City of ‘Akká on February 28, 1897—the eldest Grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He was a most unusually attractive child and greatly loved by both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Greatest Holy Leaf. Always he lived with his family in the home of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and there was under the training of the Master from his birth. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had private teachers (2 French governesses) in His old prison home for the children in His family and later Shoghi Effendi went to a French school in Haifa and from there he went to Beirut College and graduated. In 1920 he entered Oxford University in Baliol College and made English his major study and it was while still at Oxford when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ascended Nov. 28, 1921.
It was found that the Master had appointed him to be the Guardian of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and its Center after the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Life Chairman or head of the Universal House of Justice whenever it is elected. He is the only authoritative Interpreter of the writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.
Public Recognition of Faith Increases[edit]
From a group of college students in Athens, Greece, the Bahá’í Faith last month received an enthusiastic boost. Wrote the association secretary: “... We are so much interested in having your programme which we will try to put into action. I personally am completely resolved to work at it that if I had the possibilities to travel, I would gladly spend my lifetime to make it known all over the world ... I wish to pay my respects to the Guardian, Mr. Shoghi Effendi, and all the members of the Committee ... We shall form a Bahá’í Committee for Greece if you allow it ...”
During the past year, responses to Bahá’í advertising have come from persons in every state and from more than 30 countries of the world. Students from more than 50 colleges and universities have requested information about the Faith. The Committee maintains an active mailing list to educators, students and college libraries. Wrote two college students “who feel that the religious concepts to which we have been exposed do not adequately answer the problems presented by the world today, we were very much interested in your advertisement in Newsweek. Would you please send us some literature concerning the Bahá’í Faith?”
How well Bahá’í observers at the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco (1945) succeeded in presenting the Bahá’í viewpoint was evidenced in Great Britain, last summer when the leader of India’s delegation to the UN, Sir A. Ramaswami Mudaliar, had this to say to a British believer:
“A little group of Bahá’ís who were at the conference and met me afterwards, congratulated me on having given expression on that world platform to some of the beliefs they held dear. That is how I have become acquainted and soon deeply interested in the Bahá’í Faith. I have since had the privilege of meeting Bahá’ís in various centers in India, Europe and America. I have a very happy and lively recollection of my visit to Wilmette, Ill., where I was taken around the “Temple of Light”—the Bahá’í Temple—a beautiful and inspiring structure, which in its very architecture, with its nine sides dedicated to the nine great religions of the world, emphasizes the universality of all religions ... The Bahá’í Faith remarkably speaks not of one Prophet for all time but of a succession of prophets as Divine Dispensation sees need for them ... How much the world needs such a spirit today ...”
Spotlight on the Temple: Northwestern university students reading their 1948 Syllabus saw a picture of a group of NU editorial workers. Prominently displayed on a bulletin board in the background was a publicity picture of the Bahá’í Temple ... Chicagoland’s television audience recently saw what was probably the first televising of the Bahá’í Temple. Occasion was a yacht race off Wilmette harbor filmed from lakeside ... To the crew and 25 leading press representatives aboard the Navy’s huge flying boat “Mars,” which recently flew non-stop from Honolulu to Chicago, went an air-view of the Temple. The famous craft circled majestically near the Temple preparatory to landing in Chicago harbor ... For years Great Lakes ships have been using the glistening white dome of the Temple as a landmark. Recently one ship’s master paid a visit to the Temple. In appreciation to the “little lady who so graciously guided me through the Temple,” the captain sent a card of thanks and a note that he would wave as his ship passed far out on Lake Michigan each Friday ... One of the most successful publicity releases featuring the Temple (nearly 800 clippings) was the wartime Navy photograph of “Point Oboe,” as pilots tagged the Temple. Now, with a great reserve program at nearby Glenview air station once again filling north shore skies with planes, pilots circle “Point Oboe” as a trial run before leaving on training flights ... In response to a recent ad, one reader wrote: “Only once in my life did I ever see your Temple, and then it was from an airplane. It is the most beautiful structure I have ever seen.”
Publicity notes: To the 46,265 readers of the Waterloo (Iowa) Sunday Courier, staff writer Frances Jordan McHugh introduced the Waterloo Bahá’í community. “They are but 13 strong, and their faith is that founded by Bahá’u’lláh and called Bahá’í. They have no sermons and very little ceremony—no more than a school classroom. Mostly they study—‘investigate’ they call it.” Accompanying the long article is a picture of the Waterloo Bahá’ís, captioned: “Theirs is called the World Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and their activities are far from the ‘weird and eerie’ conception many people attach to ‘cults’ and independent faiths.”
In his widely-syndicated column, “The Deep South Speaks,” Bahá’í editor Robert Durr recently wrote: “I find that the Bahá’ís, even in the deep South, are the only group which includes persons of all races with various religious backgrounds who are building the type of men and women to live, love, worship and work on the basis of total equality. These people seem to know where they are going—what the world tomorrow must be like if we are to live, grow and be happy.”
Editorialized Editor Jessen in Jessen’s Weekly, a Fairbanks, Alaska, paper, “The Bahá’í teachings are so sound and so simple that it is astonishing that leaders have been imprisoned for their expression.”
Smith College Alumnae Quarterly (August, 1948) carried this interesting item about artist Mark Tobey’s “Arena of Civilization,” which “depicts in layers the different strata of civilization that evolve one out of the other, culminating in Toynbee’s prophecy of the Bahá’í spirit in the upper section devoted to our modern age.”
Results of long-range planning, good press relations for the Bahá’í Faith was evidenced in recent weeks when at least a half-dozen syndicated news stories and features appeared in papers, both large and small, across the country. Many towns and cities covered were receiving Bahá’í publicity for the first time. The outstanding fact is not to be found in the number of clipping returns, however, rather in that editors are accepting our material as news. Another item of interest is that editors and writers are using materials sent out in previous years by this committee and local Bahá’í publicity committees, indicating the value of such activity which at the moment seemed lost.
The Heart of the Bahá’í Community[edit]
Beloved Friends:
The intention, and the ability, of the Bahá’ís today to develop a world community inspired with love for God, reverence for His law, and justice and consideration for all types of human being, are not only the greatest matters being undertaken on earth today: they are the greatest undertaking humanity has ever assumed. Town by town, country by country, by tens and by scores and by hundreds, the believers who have responded to the Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh pursue this sacred mission.
Without changing their residence, they have changed their hearts; without abandoning their family or professional responsibilities, they work with a new mind. In a society stricken by fear they build a society of firmest conviction. Surrounded by conditions reflecting injustice, inequity, prejudice and lawlessness, the Bahá’ís are they who by unity know that evil will be barred out, and by activity for the sake of His Cause soul sickness and contagion are left behind.
This is the most mysterious process of the ages. It is as though in an ancient rug, once beautiful, now rent, discolored and outworn, certain threads could be used again, and these threads are pulled from the old rug and rewoven in a new design.
The pulsating heart in this process of society-building is a social institution imbued with spiritual significance, the Nineteen Day Feast.
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Correspondence on Budget and Financial Matters The National Spiritual Assembly requests all National Committees to address the Treasurer’s Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, on matters pertaining to their budgets and other financial matters. In general, all believers are to deal directly with the Treasurer on such matters. |
The Nineteen Day Feast is not one of many Bahá’í meetings. It is not an occasion or gathering which any Bahá’í can deem to be incidental to some other, more important duty. The Nineteen Day Feast is the shuttle which, in the hands of the Divine Artist, weaves into the new Pattern all those threads which are strong enough to serve His purpose.
Groups study, individuals pray, Assemblies deliberate committees plan. All this is essential and necessary, but nothing on earth today has the specific and functional purpose of the Nineteen Day Feast — the builder of the world community which must demonstrate the Most Great Peace.
“The Nineteen Day Feast was inaugurated by the Báb and ratified by Bahá’u’lláh, in His Holy Book, the Aqdas, so that people may gather together and outwardly show fellowship and love, that the Divine mysteries may be disclosed.” “The Nineteen Day Feast has been described by the Guardian as the foundation of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh ... Bahá’ís should regard this Feast as the very heart of their spiritual activity, their participation in the mystery of the Holy Utterance, their steadfast unity one with another in a mystery raised high above the limitations of race, class, nationality, sect, and personality, and their privilege of contributing to the power of the Cause in the realm of collective action.”
Programmer’s Corner[edit]
“The full measure of your success is as yet unrevealed, its significance unapprehended. Erelong ye will with your own eyes witness how brilliantly every one of you, even as a shining star, will radiate in the firmament of your country the light of Divine Guidance, and will bestow upon its people the glory of everlasting life....”
Challenging Requirements p. 26
Hints for Action[edit]
Have you “associated freely” this month with one outside society having aims similar to those of the Bahá’ís? Which one? Did you report it to your L.S.A. Attend the public meetings or the organizational meetings of like-minded groups (for example, Church sponsored public forums, Book Review and Current Events Clubs, P.T.A., Health groups, Esperantists, World Federalists) and meet those prospective Bahá’ís who may be “ripe” for the teachings!
SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
In His Will and Testament ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes that he is the primal branch of the Divine and Sacred Lote Tree that has grown out from the Twin Holy Trees (meaning Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb) and that he is the sign of God, the Chosen Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God.
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Green Acre Winter School There will be a winter session at Green Acre School during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Classes will be in session from December 27th through January 1st. More details will be published later. Anyone interested in attending and wanting information should contact: (MRS.) DOROTHY M. FISHER
7153 BRYAN ST. Because of limited accommodations, reservations must be made by those planning to attend. Please make them as soon as possible. |
“The Mighty Stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the Guardian of the Cause of God.”
Note: Translation of a letter from Mírzá Hadi to Dr. Zia Bagdadi, written many years ago, in response to a request for information about Shoghi Effendi.
“Appeal Entire Community”[edit]
Appreciate Assembly’s message. Praying for success of plans. Urge special effort expedite work of Temple, reinforce pioneer endeavor in Europe owing to deteriorating international situation. Appeal to entire community wholeheartedly persevere irrespective darkened outlook.
Cablegram received October 21, 1948.
Calendar[edit]
- Dec. 12—Masá’il—Questions
- Dec. 31—Sharaf—Honor
- NSA Meeting: Dec. 3-5
Prestige of Faith Grows in Europe[edit]
One of the most important peace organizations in Europe today is the “World Movement for World Federal Government.” Its United States representation is from the United World Federalists.
This year the organization held its annual Congress in Luxembourg from Sept. 5 to 11, and invited our NSA to send a Bahá’í representative as observer. Mr. Ugo Giachery, one of our pioneers in Rome, was chosen to be the representative. All the Bahá’í pioneers living in Luxembourg were thoroughly alert to the significance of their opportunity to publicize the Faith on this occasion. They began before the Conference by offering their assistance to Mr. Henry Koch, Secretary of the Executive Committee of the organization. This was gratefully accepted and because of the valuable assistance given, the Bahá’ís were granted permission to put up a Bahá’í display booth in the building where the Conference was held.
Mr. Koch gave a dinner party after the Conference, and, of the help given him by our pioneers, he said the following:
“It really seemed as though they had been sent to me by a higher power ... I was afraid that I would have to turn the Conference to Paris. I was so desperate for help... but they came to me unheralded—it was a miracle.”
The display booth was most attractive, dignified and impressive. It was placed at the top of the stairs in the building containing the Conference hall, a spot that everyone had to pass to get to the meetings. The effect of the large banner with “Bahá’í World Faith” printed on it, and hung over the display was arresting and dramatic.
Envelopes were prepared containing a copy of “The Bahá’í Peace Program” and a copy of “Unity of Conscience,” together with an attractively printed card saying:
“To the Participants in the 1948 Congress of the World Movement for World Federal Government: The members of the Bahá’í World Faith realizing your interest in the cause of World Unity, and appreciating your effort toward its establishment, offer these booklets for your consideration.” These envelopes were given to the delegates and observers from the display booth.
Since observers were not allowed to give a public verbal statement, the Bahá’ís prepared a powerful press release which Mr. Giachery gave to the delegates and to all the accredited press. Mr. Giachery and the Luxembourg believers were extremely busy throughout the Conference personally contacting key people from all the different countries represented there. Directly after the Conference the Bahá’ís held a large public meeting and several smaller informal meetings inviting the people to hear Mr. Giachery speak on “The Bahá’í Pattern for World Order.”
This Conference is reported in detail because of the following significant facts: 1. An invitation from the World Movement for World Federal Government Organization to our NSA to participate in its 1948 Congress shows that the Bahá’í Faith is growing in strength and prestige throughout Europe; 2. This Congress furnished a wonderful opportunity through its delegates to spread the knowledge of the Faith to many many countries of the world, and 3. it shows what an invaluable service is rendered the Faith when such an opportunity is exploited to its fullest degree by our devoted believers. From Luxembourg Mr. Giachery went to Amsterdam and to Brussels to assist these Communities with public talks and firesides.
The E.T.C. expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Miss Mildred Elmer and Mrs. June Marangella who have served devotedly in their respective fields of Switzerland and Italy, and have just returned to the United States.
The latest pioneer to sail for Europe is Mrs. Marion Little, who left on Oct. 16 to take up her post in Madrid.
International Relief[edit]
The following excerpts from letters received recently from Germany illustrate the continued need for warm clothing, especially shoes and woolen garments, and food for Bahá’ís in that country.
“It is so hard to get clothes for the children, as they are growing and we need for them especially warm things like woolen stockings or wool to knit them, warm trousers and especially shoes. We are thankful for anything you send. All the believers are hardly able to work on account of lack of food.... We do not want to complain as we know you bring already so many sacrifices for us. But you know it is hard to keep up the Bahá’í work if you are so weak. It seems the whole world is hungry and we realize how hard it is to help the whole world.”
“We must always bear in mind our self is but a shadow. That Bahá’u’lláh perhaps works through us means all. This is what all the heroes of the Faith including your pioneers have been and are still now practicing. I am not as much ‘German’ as I have been. I am a Bahá’í only, a world citizen. But my task is this German work and I know the needs here. Perhaps it is because of this inner change that the American believers mean so much to us.... The time of this early fall has been hard for many friends as food has been, mostly without potatoes, very scarce.... Your nice parcel well arrived. I divided it among some friends who have been in special need and had some for our own, with much great joy.”
“Winter now has come and we have only a little fire in our kitchen, the only room that may be heated, because the other fireplaces are destroyed, and besides that we would not have coal or wood enough. So it is well that inside is burning the fire of love to Bahá’u’lláh and each other.”
International Relief Representative
Evanshire Hotel, Evanston, Ill.
“Darkness hath encompassed every land, O my God, and caused most of Thy servants to tremble. I beseech Thee, by Thy Most Great Name, to raise in every city a new creation that shall turn towards Thee, and shall remember Thee amidst Thy servants, and shall unfurl by virtue of their utterances and wisdom the ensignes of Thy victory, and shall detach themselves from all created things.
Potent art thou to do Thy pleasure. No God is there but Thee, the Most Powerful, He Whose help is implored by all men.”
| Suggested Daily Readings for December, 1948 |
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This picnic group in Kansas City, Mo. represents Bahá’ís and friends from Independence, Mo., Kansas City, Kan., Little Rock Ark., and Kansas City, Mo. on Aug. 8. It was the idea of the youngest Bahá’í, Charles Dorsey, to hold this gathering so his interested contacts could meet some of the Bahá’ís. Four of his friends and five youth attended.
The Home Front[edit]
DANVILLE, ILL.[edit]
A Fellowship meeting to bring better acquaintance between the Bahá’ís of Champaign - Urbana and Danville was held Oct. 4 in the YWCA of Danville. This meeting preceded the first of a series of public meetings sponsored by the Danville community. Chris Leins presented the discussion topic, “The Divinity of Economy.” Evidence of increased growth was shown by the acceptance into the Faith that evening of three new youth, Clifford Andrew Bige, Mary Lou Bige, and Wanda Weaver, due greatly to the firesides conducted by Miss Weaver’s mother.
NEW YORK, N.Y.[edit]
A Bahá’í youth from New York, Donald Harvey has been actively publicizing the Faith through the use of his own experimental radio station, WXBM. He has used twelve of the Bahá’í radio transcriptions and further uses symphony music and popular forms as well. Now he is mailing out his broadcast schedule to about 120 names in his neighborhood.
INGLEWOOD, CAL.[edit]
Over fifty friends from southern California attended the annual memorial service at the grave of Thornton Chase, Sept. 30. The program was opened with the prayer revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the grave of Mr. Chase. A beautiful address was given on the life of the deceased by Willard Hatch who had known him personally.
FALSINGTON, PA.[edit]
A Sukiyaki Dinner, combined with a Bahá’í meeting held Sunday, Aug. 1 in Falsington attracted 24 interested people. Annamarie Honnold’s talk, “World Religion for World Peace,” drew close attention and many questions afterward, as well as a follow-up article in the “Trenton Times.”
GREAT FALLS, MONT.[edit]
During the Northern Montana State Fair at Great Falls, Aug. 2-7 a Bahá’í booth was maintained. Some 400 to 600 people were personally contacted and at least 10,000 visitors to the Fair saw the name Bahá’í.
PALMER, ALASKA[edit]
The Mantanuska Valley Fair was the focus of cooperation between the
Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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Alaska RTC and the Anchorage Assembly in the maintenance of a booth, Sept. 4-6. A display of the global theme, “One World” was attractively enhanced by green leaves beneath the words, “The earth is one country and mankind its citizens.” A minimum of 200 persons were given personal attention and showed sincere interest. A newspaperman from Juneau asked the friends to write an article for his paper telling of the Bahá’í movement in Alaska from the beginning.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Religious Education for a Peaceful Society, pamphlet prepared by Public Relations Committee for its national mailing list of educators, a supply of which has been taken by the Publishing Committee for sale to Assemblies and individuals. This statement analyzes the failure to establish peace by action of individual conscience, sectarian religion, nationalism, and secular education, and outlines the new, universal education developed in the Bahá’í teachings. 24-page pamphlet. Paper cover with all-over Temple design. Text cites twenty-six quotations from the Writings. Per copy, 25c postpaid.
A Bahá’í Child’s Song Book. A book of songs for the small child, illustrated and bound in blue. This attractive book is the same size and shape as A Bahá’í Child’s ABC and contains songs designed to illustrate major Bahá’í principles, a Grace before meals song, a prayer before sleeping song, a Temple song, the Greatest Name and others of general appeal.... Per copy, $1.00 postpaid.
Memorial for Martha Root in Honolulu[edit]
The Honolulu friends held a social meeting in their center on Sept. 19 to welcome back Dr. and Mrs. Otto H. Swezey from an extended visit to the states and enjoyed accounts of their visits in California, Utah, and Vancouver. Later the group went to pray at the grave of Martha Root. The simple but beautiful stone over her tomb was on this day decorated with pink Mexican creeper and liana vines in a semi-circle against a background of water lilies of blue, pink, yellow and purple while all around, plumeria trees and both golden and pink shower trees were bursting with bloom against the intense blue of the sky.
While they stood beneath a pink shower tree, a favorite of Martha’s, a friend read one of the best loved prayers of this blessed soul. A gift of leaves from America and rose petals from the shrine of the Greatest Holy Leaf sent by a New Zealand friend were placed in the earth beside the headstone and then each of the nineteen friends read a special prayer for the occasion, with the closing one for the protection of our Guardian.
Bahá’ís gathered in Helena, Montana for a state-wide picnic in Remini State Park, Aug. 29, are from Great Falls, Helena, And Bozeman.
Suggested Feast Programs[edit]
FOR THE FEAST OF QUESTIONS, DEC. 12th
DEVOTIONAL PERIOD
A. Musical Prelude; It Is Fulfilled—By Bach (recording)
B. Worship
| Prayers and Meditations | 255—“Lauded and glorified...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 190—“Magnified be Thy name...” |
| Divine Art of Living | 87—“I beseech Thee, O Thou...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 248—“Create in me a pure heart...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 259—“O Thou Whose face...” |
READINGS FOR THE CONSULTATION PERIOD
Gleanings—149—“And now concerning thy question” to “His holy and hidden Tablets.”
- 150—“As to thy question concerning the origin of man” to “none can be found ready to answer.”
FOR THE FEAST OF HONOR, DEC. 31ST
DEVOTIONAL PERIOD
A. Musical Prelude; The Lords Prayer by Bach (recording)
B. Worship
| Bahá’í Prayers | II “All praise O my God,” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 227 “All Glory be to Thee...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 222 “Unto Thee be praise,” |
| Divine Art of Living | 76 “He is the Compassionate,” |
READINGS FOR THE CONSULTATION PERIOD
- Advent of Divine Justice—18-9-0—“Of these spiritual prerequisites” to
- “Ornament of holy and goodly deeds.”
Bahá’ís of Urbana, Champaign, and Danville, Illinois at Danville, Oct. 4, 1948.
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
GERMANY
(From Geneva Bureau News Exchange)
The Bahá’í Youth of Germany gave the entire month of August to the clearing work on the Frankfurt National Centre. “The building, (recently acquired by the NSA) is 50% ruin, and an enormous amount of work preparatory to reconstruction is necessary. The young people are to cart away rubble and to scratch off dirt and cement from every brick that can be used again, there are about 30,000 bricks.... Even “old” friends are so fired with enthusiasm for this “spadework” that many of them have sent in their names to volunteer for it. Martin Aiff and wife are in charge of the organizational part: a community kitchen will serve all volunteer workers.”
CANADA
(From Canadian Bahá’í News, August, 1948)
This issue begins with the thrilling words, “WE ARE ON THE MARCH” David Hofman, from England, author of the book. “The Renewal of Civilization,” who has just completed a teaching tour from Vancouver to Montreal made at the request of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly, was impressed with the virility of the new communities, their confidence in achieving Canada’s goal, and the potentialities of the believers.
The Five Year Plan is gathering momentum. Eastern Canada has chosen nineteen new localities to be settled before the end of this Bahá’í year. The West already has to its credit the settlement of the first new locality since the Plan started in the transfer of a believer to Nanaimo, B.C. The goal for this year is one hundred localities in Canada with at least one or more resident Bahá’ís.
GREAT BRITAIN
(From Bahá’í Journal, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles.)
The thrilling story of the inception of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh in Wales, by the declaration of the first Cardiff L.S.A., April 21st, 1948, is told in this issue. It starts with the solemn dedication on April 21, 1947, of two Bahá’í mothers, with young children to care for, to work for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in Wales. On May 30th came the news from the N.T.C. that Cardiff was to be a Goal Town, and have an assembly by Riḍvan, 1948. A pioneer, Fred Stahler, came in June. In July, an informal meeting attracted two contacts. At the end of July, another meeting resulted in five contacts. At Summer School, two more pioneers were found, and arrived in September. Then active public teaching was begun. October 14th, the first widely advertised public meeting held in Wales was held, with eight enquirers present. In reply to a letter concerning this meeting, the Guardian replied,
“I wish to add a few words in person and assure every one of you my deep admiration of the spirit you manifest, the services you render, and the determination with which you are initiating the great historic teaching enterprise in Wales.”
“If spur were needed, this was sufficient to translate “total activity” into a practical fact! A succession of radiant teachers came monthly.” On December 16, 26 non-Bahá’ís attended a public meeting. On December 27 a teacher, Charlie Dunning, came for a two-month visit. In January a room was obtained for weekly meetings, and regular and persistent publicity was started. Large public meetings were held with increasing success. In March, the first declaration was received. In April three more settlers brought the number to nine in time for April 21.
“April 21 saw the declaration of the first Cardiff L.S.A.—the inception of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh in Wales—not taken by us as the end of our work, but as a further means whereby the challenging task of presenting the Faith to the Welsh people could be continued.”
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
(Excerpts from the Bahá’í News Bulletin, Published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand:)
The National Spiritual Assembly has changed its Bahá’í Quarterly to a monthly Bahá’í News Bulletin owing to the urgency of the Teaching Plan, so that news and activities of all the communities can be forwarded to the believers as quickly as possible.
In the June issue, the believers are reminded of the Yerrinbool Bahá’í Winter school, to be held Sept. 1-9.... Recordings are being made of the voices of Mother Dunn and Effie Baker—early believers ... friends are requested to have telephone number listed under the name Bahá’í ... settlers are called for any and all parts of Australia and New Zealand. Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Melbourne to sit with N.S.A. for an hour in loving consultation on their plans.
In the July issue mention is made of the forwarding of cash and book donations to the NSA of India and Burma. The Auckland Assembly reports that they have placed Bahá’í books in the libraries of some of the overseas ships which call at their port. Mr. Frank Wyss, one of the active youth of the Werriwa Youth Group has recently returned from America to his home at Tahmoor, N. S. W., having completed his course of studies. While there he had the privilege of attending the 1947 Convention at Wilmette and also spent a few days at the Youth session of the Bahá’í Summer School at Louhelen, Michigan.... Believers are urged to set the goal of confirming one new believer each during this year.
IRAN
(From Bahá’í News and Reviews, published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia, Convention issue.)
“Convention time was indeed a grand, joyous occasion. The resuscitating spirit of Riḍván seemed to have breathed a new life into every form and substance. The towering dome of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, bathed in the spring sunshine, stood high glittering like a huge star above the dark green view of the capital.
“Within the walls of the Centre, the touch of colour wrought by the hand of Nature upon its green belt gave one the impression that Nature was busy decorating the place in preparation for the approaching event of the year. The trees were in bloom and buds were bursting open in luxuriant beauty. The strips of lawn stretched along the southern and western approaches to the building were studded with lovely patches of white, red, purple and pink flowers, while the pines and cypresses
[Page 9]
ranged in line along the drive
seemed to be standing at attention
bending their heads in homage at
every breeze. Such was the outward
spectacle that greeted the eye on
entering the Centre during the Riḍván season, whereas in the realm of
spirit a profound sense of spiritual
delight pervaded the hearts of all
those who were privileged to visit
the Centre during the Convention
time. Everybody there seemed to be
moving in a circle where love and
dedication reigned supreme—a state
of being in utter contrast to the unenviable life that was going on beyond those precincts.”
The paramount issue of discussion during the Convention was that of pioneering. “Enveloped in a rapt and reverent silence the convention heard reading of excerpts from the beloved Guardian’s inspiring messages in which he earnestly appeals to the entire body of the Persian believers to make heroic and sustained endeavours for the timely consummation of this historic enterprise.” Then there were commissions reports on pioneering, containing some constructive suggestions to help the NSA in steering this project.
Lively discussions followed and the whole field of pioneering was surveyed by delegates in the light of their experience and up-to-date knowledge. Delegates gave first-hand accounts of the position of pioneering in their respective districts, described the amount of work that so far has been done and what still remains outstanding. “They disclosed to the eyes of their fellow-members the hopes they cherish, the cares they harbour, and the difficulties they have encountered, and by so doing they portrayed a vivid picture of the whole project as it slowly takes shape through the organised effort of the believers.”
There was great interest and surging enthusiasm. They did not belittle the setbacks and the trying and ominous circumstances that were likely to be encountered. “There was no lack of bold optimism in ultimate victory. In fact everyone cherished the ardent faith that no matter how adverse the force of opposition may prove to be, the devoted, the hardly-pressed army of Bahá’u’lláh in this land, far from failing to fulfill its pledge, will surge forward and achieve the desired goal before the time expires.”
Bahá’ís Assembly of Bucaramanga, Colombia
Latin American News[edit]
All of the Bahá’í communities of Latin America this year are receiving the stimulus and aid of a visiting teacher who spends from a few days to several weeks in each place: Esteban Canales in South America, Natalia Chávez in Mexico and Central America, and Gayle Woolson in the Antilles.
After six weeks in Quito, Ecuador, Esteban Canales has entered Colombia, where six Bahá’í communities eagerly await his visit. From there, his route will take him thru Venezuela and Brazil, and he will arrive in Sao Paulo in time for the third annual South American Congress opening January 20. The Congress will last four days and, after a day of rest, will be followed by four days of Bahá’í school.
Natalia Chávez set out the middle of October from Mexico to visit all the Bahá’í communities of Central America, as far as Panama.
Gayle Woolson, after meeting for a day with the Inter-America Committee the end of September left for Cuba. In accord with the desires of that country’s Regional Committee, she is visiting the capitals of four provinces. From there, in late October, she will proceed to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, then back to Cuba briefly and on to Guatemala to attend the Central American Congress and School, which will be held simultaneously with those of South America.
The Regional Teaching Committees of South and Central America are enthusiastically and diligently undertaking and carrying out teaching projects. In Cuba a correspondence campaign was launched several months ago which succeeded in attracting inquirers from several provinces to investigate the Faith. The Cuban Regional Committee has been meeting twice a week to study and answer the correspondence which this kind of campaign involves.
Immediately following the splendid Regional Teaching Conference held in Santiago, Chile, September 11 and 12, Carlos Bulling, of Viña del Mar, set out for the town of Rancagua. He called on a family there whom he had previously interested in the Faith, who helped him to present some Bahá’í programs over the local radio station. He was also able to explain the Bahá’í Teachings to a newspaper editor and library director who promised him their full cooperation to publicize the Faith upon his return to Rancagua in October.
A Regional teaching campaign is being launched by the Rio de Janeiro community in the neighboring city of Niteroi, with the hope of forming another assembly there next April.
The Regional Committee of El Salvador is sending teachers from the capital twice a month to the towns of Santa Ana and Sonsonate.
High in the Andes of Sucre, Bolivia, a young Chilean lady is striving to plant the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh firmly in that city, Bolivia’s traditional capital. She is Rosy Vodanovic, of Santiago, Chile, who arrived in Sucre early in September.
Convention Echoes[edit]
Thursday afternoon. Reports on Workshops. The following are excerpts from the report on the Workshop in “Education to Remove Prejudice.” The report was given by Miss Elsie Austin and Mr. Borah Kavelin.
Mr. Kavelin said, “We had a very lively discussion upon this subject ... and these points were brought out as creating prejudice: 1. Ignorance. 2. The influence of traditional education and stereotyped attitudes. 3. Unpleasant personal experience with one of a group, and thereby labeling all of that same group. 4. Frustration and inferiority complex, which sometimes results in prejudice. And 5. Economic insecurity ....
“Prejudice is of two types ... voluntary and ... involuntary ... the involuntary type of prejudice can more easily be overcome. The voluntary is more deeply rooted and obviously, there the educational process must be somewhat more extensive.
“The remedies for removing prejudice were divided into two classifications, ... the first is spiritual enlightenment. One way to start this educational process on a spiritual basis is perhaps to find one principle of the Bahá’í Teachings upon which you can have common understanding. The best approach would seem to be not to label any form of prejudice but rather to say that we have a human problem which is more general in its application and which embraces all forms of prejudice. Once you have established a common basis for understanding which is acceptable to the individual or group that you are trying to influence, you can go on from there and find other common bases of agreement, and then perhaps eventually that individual or that group will accept all of the Bahá’í principles, which we know will call eventually for the elimination of prejudice.
“Another very important means, spiritually, to remove prejudice is ... the use of prayer. That cannot be over-emphasized.
“The third point is the proof that we can offer that the only security that man can have lies in spiritual security. Therefore, we must stress spiritual values.
“Another means is to stress the unity in the diversity of mankind through unity in God.... We must try by our actions to prove to others that prejudice can be eliminated.
Ruḥiyyíh Khanum’s Letter, Cont’d.[edit]
I say this because I think anybody, even such spiritual bodies as our Bahá’í Assemblies, does well to remember that when you have authority the easiest of all things is not to be gentle but to come down hard. It saves argument, patience, time, discussion. But it is wise to remember that although such a technique is highly effective it creates hurt feelings, alienation and often inertia. As you have not yet got a National Assembly this can in no way be construed as a criticism! But as you are about to have one, it seems to me there is no reason why you should not begin your national Bahá’í work on a higher level than other Bahá’í Assembly ever has. To be spiritually ambitious is surely the right attitude for the servants of God to take. Bahá’ís all over the world work in harmony with their National Assemblies, they carry the Cause forward under the direction of these bodies, are obedient to them and have confidence in them. But that does not mean this first Canadian National Assembly cannot, in conjunction with its electorate now forming an independent national community for the first time, rise to a far greater spiritual height. What Bahá’u’lláh primarily brought to the world was love and unity. Everything He revealed, His laws, His world system, His teachings and explanations, is subordinate to and designed solely to promote, love and unity.
Therefore, the very first thing for the Canadian National Assembly and the Canadian believers to do is to realize profoundly their unity with each other, their love for each other. The Bahá’ís must not see their National Assembly as something now apart from them and above them, managing them or doing all the work for them. The National Assembly must not go into an Olympian huddle and get a “Nine complex” or become afflicted with the pox of aloofness; no, the believers must feel their National Assembly is their very heart, doing the most vital work for the whole body, needing support, protection, and full co-operation, and the National Spiritual Assembly, on the other hand, must realize that although it is the heart, the hands, the eyes, the ears and the mouth are the far scattered believers whom it represents and serves and without whom it can achieve nothing.
And speaking of the mouth brings me to the National Fund! For surely this all important orifice is the National Fund? Neither the heart nor the hands will be of much use to the body unless it gets sufficient nourishment! As contributions to our Faith are voluntary this puts its administrators in a very difficult position: They know they must ask and they cannot grab. They also know that the Bahá’ís get tired of being asked and yet, when they see the wheels of the work coming to a standstill from lack of means, they are forced to ask again and again. So it seems to me each Bahá’í should do his or her best to remember the embarrassing position of the National Assembly in this matter and try to ensure some measure of steady support to the work of the Cause. From now on Canada is on her own and must assume the necessary obligations and sacrifices along with the glory and distinction.
As I look back it seems to me unbelievable that it is so many years since I left this home. But in these years I have learned that people abroad hold Canadians in high esteem. They are viewed as having the virtues of the Americans and the virtues of the British with fewer of the faults of either! It seems to be the commonly held opinion of Europeans that the Canadians are a very progressive, very well balanced more or less morally upright nation. I say more or less because no people possesses full moral rectitude to-day. I think our Guardian shares in this view. I think He is looking at Canada now with a keen and speculative glance, waiting to see what such a budding—great and coming nation is going to contribute to Bahá’í history. Whatever you are going to contribute. I assure you, you cannot do it too fast to satisfy Shoghi Effendi’s ambitions for you! To the North, to the East and to the West of this room you are sitting in he sees nothing but goals for you to accomplish, victories for you to achieve, undertakings for you to launch, laurels for you to win, golden pages for you to write! His enthusiasm for you is unbounded. And, of course, we know from whence it springs. From ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. For He is the one who, thirty-one years ago, impatient for time to roll by, and already seeing the future as an accomplished fact,
[Page 11]
addressed you as the believers in the King Provinces of Canada and “Newfoundland, Yukon, Mackenzie, Keevateen, Ungava, Franklin Islands and
Greenland”. As He said in the course of His address in this room, before you
came to this country it was all spiritual forest and wilderness and look what
your cultivation has brought it to. Now a fruitful forest and wilderness
stretches out before your, waiting for the husbandman’s hand, the wilderness
in the hearts of your fellow Canadians, the Red Indians, and the Eskimos.
Montreal ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited, Montreal He blessed—the heart of French Catholic Canada. He wrote of His visit to our city: “The time of sojourn was limited to a number of days, but the results in the future are inexhaustible. When a farmer comes into the possession of virgin soil, in a short time he will bring under cultivation a large field. Therefore I hope that in the future Montreal may become so stirred that the Melody of the Kingdom may travel to all parts of the world from that Dominion and the Breaths of the Holy Spirit may spread from that center to the East and the West of America.
“O ye believers of God! Do ye not look upon the smallness of your number and the multitudes of the nations. Five grains of wheat will be endued with heavenly blessing whereas a thousand tons of tares will yield no results or effect. One fruitful tree will be conducive to the life of society, whereas a thousand forests of wild trees offer no fruits. The plain is covered with pebbles, but precious stones are rare. One pearl is better than a thousand wildernesses of sand; especially this Pearl of Great Price, which is endowed with Divine Blessing. Ere long thousands of other pearls will be born from It. When that Pearl associates and becomes the intimate of the pebbles, they also all change into pearls.
“Therefore, again I repeat, that the future of Canada, whether from the standpoint of civilization or from the viewpoint of the virtues of the Kingdom is very great. Day by day civilization and freedom shall increase. Likewise the cloud of the Kingdom will water the seeds of guidance sown in that Dominion. Consequently, rest ye not, seek ye no composure, attach not yourselves to the luxuries of this ephemeral world, free yourselves from every attachment, and strive with heart and soul to become fully established in the Kingdom of God. Gain ye the heavenly treasures. Day by day become ye more illumined. Draw ye nearer and nearer unto the Threshold of Oneness. Become ye the manifestors of spiritual favors and the dawning-places of infinite lights! If it is possible, send ye teachers to other portions of Canada, likewise dispatch ye teachers to Greenland and the home of the Eskimos.”
Convention Echoes, Cont’d.[edit]
That calls for living the life. And we must also try to show great forbearance to those who do evidence prejudice, no matter how deep-rooted it may be on that individual’s part. Perhaps eventually, by constantly showing love and understanding of that individual’s problems, he may see the light. It is like dropping water on a stone; eventually, that will be worn away....”
Miss Austin said: “... We felt that while the spiritual attack dealt with the creation of the heart for unity of mankind, education dealt with the creation of the means for unity of mankind, and necessarily dealt with attitude and programming on the part of Bahá’ís ... which ... would encourage and provide association, afford the development of appreciation for the differences of humanity and promote and initiate avenues for cooperation between different groups of humanity.
“Under Association, we talked about the importance of individual approach, of avoiding the minority group attitude: ‘We are being kind to you, dear Brother, because you are of the minority group, you know, and we just love minorities.’ That is what a recent writer calls ‘That wonderful oppressed approach.’
“We don’t think that is Bahá’í, nor do we think that the Bahá’í technique calls for a further exploitation of the historic interracial club approach, where people get together, air their hostilities and their differences, and never really get to the things that bring them together.... We should educate Bahá’ís to educate other people on the importance of taking the individual as a member of the human race where he stands, not labeling him or wrapping him with the wrappings of a particular group or class.
“We discussed the use of civic and community organizations which have objectives compatible with the Faith ... such as the Human Relations Committees in various cities, interfaith groups, World Citizen Association, and the World Federalist group. We felt that under association programs of adult education which brought people of various groups together were important, and programs of child education, which brought children of various races together, were important, and one of the friends contributed the very interesting idea that in some of our programming and education, we should teach children to face the fact of prejudice.
“So often, people want to make children believe there is no prejudice, there is nothing but love and sweetness in life. Then they get loose in the school yard of the community and run smack into it and don’t know what to do with it.... There should be some programming to teach children the correct attitudes and the correct answers when they run into name calling, into discrimination and into hate attitudes.
“Under Appreciation, we felt there should be more inter-cultural programs, and these are a wonderful means for teaching people to appreciate the contributions which have come from mankind’s differences.
“... Friendly contacts and visits to the heads and leaders of other faiths in the community are important. The Bahá’í Assemblies ... should have some contact ...
“There should be programs and understanding to teach the Bahá’ís the backgrounds of the various religions, so that when they meet people from other faiths, they would know by what door to enter.
“Under Cooperation, the workshop came alive with many suggestions as to programs, one that Bahá’ís should be vigilant as individuals and as a community in seeing that all the community activities of the Bahá’ís include persons of other races and backgrounds. One of our points of distinction can be the way in which we manifest the rainbow.
“... Bahá’ís should provide a pattern for other groups of the community in being courageous in their use of friends from minority backgrounds in positions of capacity and prominence.
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries:
- SANTA MONICA, CALIF.
- Mrs. Leone Wallace
- 1048-A 19th St., Z 25
- PORTLAND, ORE.
- Mr. Ernest P. Haukedahl
- 4504 S. E. 65th Ave. Z 6
- MADISON, WIS.
- Mrs. Maud Lacey
- 112 W. Johnson St. Z 3
- NEWARK, N. J.
- Mrs. K. Mathewson
- 71 Milford Ave. Z 8
- SYRACUSE, N. Y.
- Mrs. Grace R. Cody
- 129 Fage Ave.
- HARTFORD, CONN.
- Mr. Stuart Kittredge
- 757 Maple Ave. Z 6
- CHARLESTON, WEST VA.
- Miss Garnet Crawford
- 811 Lee St., Rm. 201
- TUCSON, ARIZ.
- Miss Mary Louise Kelsey
- 1132 E. Mabel Ave.
Regional Teaching Committee Secretaries:
- PENNSYLVANIA
- Mrs. Anna Mikurlya
- P. O. Box 108
- Fallsington, Pa.
- MASS., VT., R. I.
- Mrs. Helen LaVey, Cor. Sec’y.
- 59 Parkside Ave.
- Braintree 84, Mass.
- ALABAMA, GA.
- Miss Olga Finke
- 1247 Sells Ave., S.W.
- Atlanta, Ga.
- INDIANA
- Miss Louise Ann Jackson
- 336 W. Washington St.
- Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:
Chicago, Ill., 5; Honolulu, T. H., 1; Waterloo, Iowa, 1; Spokane, Wash., 1; Berkeley, Calif., 1; New York City. 2; Lima, Ohio, 1; San Francisco, Calif., 1; Fresno, Calif., 3; Waterloo, N.Y., 1; Los Angeles, Calif., 1; Brooklyn, N.Y., 1.
Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees:
NORTHEASTERN STATES
- Eastern N.Y., Conn. 1
- Western N.Y. 2
- Mass., Vt., R. I. 1
SOUTHERN STATES
- Fla. 1
CENTRAL STATES
- Mich. 1
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mr. Solon Fieldman, Miami, Fla. 9-5-48
- Capt. James Scott, Miami, Fla. reported 9-10-48
- Mr. Ole Hove, Templeton, Calif. 4-13-48
- Mrs. Mary Movius, Buffalo, N.Y. 9-5-48
- Mrs. Carol Rich, Arcadia, Calif. 9-28-48
- Mrs. Bruce Munro, Big Bear, Calif. 9-30-48
- Mr. William Carlile, Denver, Colo. 10-4-48
Assemblies Contributing to Fund, Sept., 1948[edit]
Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona—North Phoenix; Tucson. Arkansas—Eureka Springs; Little Rock. California—Alhambra; Berkeley; Beverly Hills; Burbank; Burlingame; Carmel; Geyserville; El Monte Twp.; Escondido Twp.; Fresno; Glendale; Glendale Twp.; Inglewood; Long Beach; Los Angeles; Monrovia; Monrovia Twp.; Oakland; Oceanside; Palo Alto; Pasadena; San Diego; San Francisco; San Marino; San Mateo; Santa Barbara.
Colorado—Colorado Springs. Connecticut—New Haven. Florida—Jacksonville; Miami. Georgia—Augusta. Hawaii—Honolulu. Idaho—Ada County; Boise. Illinois—Batavia; Champaign; Chicago; Danville; Elmhurst; Evanston; Limestone Twp.; Maywood; Oak Park; Peoria; Springfield; Urbana; Wilmette; Winnetka. Indiana—Indianapolis; Fort Wayne; South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids; Waterloo. Kansas—Topeka. Kentucky—Louisville. Louisiana—New Orleans.
|
Bahá’í News is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as the official news-letter of the Bahá’í Community. Edited for the National Spiritual Assembly by 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 and other matters pertaining to distribution to the Bahá’í National Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. |
Maine—Eliot; Portland. Maryland—Baltimore. Massachusetts—Beverly; Boston; Brookline; Springfield; Worchester. Michigan—Ann Arbor; Davison Twp. Detroit; Flint; Grand Rapids; Grosse Pointe Farms; Kalamazoo; Lansing; Muskegon; Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth; Minneapolis; St. Paul. Mississippi—Jackson. Missouri—Independence; Kansas City; St. Louis. Montana—Butte. Nebraska—Macy; Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Hampshire—Portsmouth.
New Jersey—Bergenfield; Dumont; Englewood; Jersey City; Montclair; Newark; Ridgewood; Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque; Albuquerque N. 10. New York—Binghamton; Buffalo; Jamestown; New York; Rochester; Syracuse; Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo. Ohio—Cincinnati; Cleveland; Dayton; Columbus; Lima; Mansfield; Toledo. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Scranton; West Chester.
Puerto Rico—San Juan, Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Columbia; Greenville. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis; Nashville. Texas—Dallas; Houston; San Antonio. Utah—Salt Lake City. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria; Arlington. Washington—Marysville; Monroe; Richmond Highlands; Seattle; Spokane; Tacoma. Wisconsin—Kenosha; Racine; Madison; Milwaukee; Shorewood; Somers Twp.; Wauwatosa; Whitefish Bay. Wyoming—Laramie.
Number of Assemblies | 179 |
Assemblies contributing | 153 |
Assemblies not contributing | 26 |
Groups contributing | 36 |
Individuals contributing | 108 |
Marriages[edit]
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.
Mabel C. Coxwell and Henry W. Kelsen. This was New Mexico’s first Bahá’í marriage.
| Page | Col. | |
Addresses | 6 | 3 |
Around the Bahá’í World | 8 | 1 |
Budget and Finance, Correspondence | 4 | 2 |
Calendar | 4 | 3 |
Convention Echoes | 10 | 1 |
Directory | 12 | 1 |
Enrollments | 12 | 1 |
European News | 5 | 1 |
| Fund | ||
Assemblies Contributing | 12 | 2 |
Correspondence about | 4 | 2 |
Green Acre Winter School | 5 | 3 |
| Guardian | ||
Data about | 2 | 3 |
Letters from | 2 | 1 |
Special Cable | 1 | 1 |
Home Front | 6 | 1 |
International Relief | 5 | 2 |
Latin America | 9 | 1 |
Marriages | 12 | 2 |
Memorial, Martha Root | 7 | 1 |
Memoriam | 12 | 1 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Heart of the Bahá’í Community (Letter) | 4 | 1 |
| Pictures | ||
Bucaramanga, Colombia, Assembly | 9 | 1 |
Kansas Bahá’ís and friends | 6 | 1 |
Montana Bahá’ís and friends | 7 | 1 |
Temple | 1 | 1 |
Urbana, Champaign and Danville Bahá’ís | 7 | 1 |
Programmers’ Corner | 4 | 2 |
Public Recognition of Faith | 3 | 1 |
Publishing Announcements | 7 | 1 |
Ruḥiyyih Khanum’s Letter to Canada | 10 | 1 |
South Africa | 4 | 3 |
Suggested Daily Readings | 6 | 3 |
Suggested Feast Programs | 7 | 2 |
