Bahá’í News/Issue 214/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 214 | DECEMBER, 1948 | YEAR 105 | BAHA’I ERA |
The Guardian’s Message[edit]
Beloved friends:
The world in which we live has been pronounced “politically convulsed, economically disrupted, socially subverted, morally decadent and spiritually moribund” by the Guardian of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
This pronouncement is in essence a description of the condition of human society today. It is not an arbitrary judgement, or an invective, nor an analysis which might possibly have overlooked certain salient facts. It is an exact description, one made from the only point of view able to see the world as a whole and in relation to its fundamental purpose and responsibility. No one but the Guardian stands at that point of view, and no one but the Guardian can sum up the real meaning of what the view reveals.
The “apocalyptic upheaval” represents that shaking process by which a World Faith becomes something separate, distinct and apart from the body of death which civilization represents. It is the death-struggle from which the living soul and the spiritual being emerge from their long imprisonment in a physical person.
Now do we see why the Master was impelled and inspired to formulate the Divine Plan; why His Will and Testament completed Bahá’u’lláh’s design for a new order; why the Guardian so patiently directed the process of administrative evolution; why the Seven Year Plan was launched in 1937; and why the present Plan was given us in 1946: — the spiritual and social basis had to be laid before the disruptive process active within society could grow so disturbing that it could engulf the Bahá’ís themselves, city by city and nation by nation, and prevent them from completing the pattern of a new world.
But the Guardian’s vision would not be so clear upon a stricken society if it were not open to the far more potent forces making for a new and better creation. He who sees man in his extremity also sees the omnipotence of God.
Our intention, our capacity and our effort today produce results altogether out of proportion to their own power. To see the miracle of transformation now taking place on a world scale, one must go back to the very Book of Genesis and read again the symbolic record of the creation of the world. This time it is not the physical sun and moon and stars, nor the physical Eden and the first man and woman. Now that same Godly mind and will acts again, but the high creative drama involves faith and unfaith in the creation of a new humanity and a new order.
“Precious years are inexorably slipping by.” Let us try to choose consciously to be instruments for a divine creation, and not blind victims of that chaotic doom which stands at the end of the path of denial. To consecrate that decision, let us perform a specific action on behalf the Faith.
The Noah’s Ark for The Flood of World Calamity[edit]
It is natural for many persons, forewarned of approaching calamity of a general social nature, to think of some place of refuge that could be made ready before the floods rise.
Among believers, too, for many years one has heard discussion of what Bahá’ís could or should do, as for example prepare some tract of land in a quiet and retired agricultural area deemed comparatively safe from military attack or economic collapse or seizure by frantic hordes fleeing (according to this imaginary picture) from stricken industrial centers.
The authoritative Bahá’í view is in direct opposition to this policy of retreat from chaos into an artificial refuge prepared in advance. The Báb and Bahá’u’lláh stood in the forefront of all the public calamities rained down upon Their Faith. The Master went forth to meet the powerful foe; He did not retire behind a mountain or seek to hide beneath a tree.
Moreover, the position assigned to every faithful Bahá’í by the Manifestation has been definitely stated: “There is no place to flee to ...” Our only refuge is trust in God. The Divine Plan makes no allowances for the instinct of self-preservation. It enlarges from year to year the tasks which Bahá’ís are to carry out.
Stand wherever we are. Security is from the will of God, and not from schemes of men. The difference between the attitude of spiritual faith and the instinct of self-preservation lies here: that while both are aware of future calamity, faith is also aware that calamity is the mystery which conceals from unfaith the mercy and protection of God.
Bahá’u’lláh has built the Noah’s ark for the world today. It is not a hideout but a new world order. The Bahá’ís themselves are building this ark as they spread the Faith in their local community or carry out a mission in Latin America or Europe.
Your investment in security derives from dedication of soul, not purchase of land. The Bahá’í administrative order, aside from trustee property used for direct Bahá’í purposes, recognizes no cooperative schemes for development of so-called Bahá’í centers or Bahá’í economic experiments.
This friendly advice would not be complete without reference to one more item—interpretation of prophecy. Human society is full of psychic personalities who stand on the fringes between reality and imagination. Many such persons claim to be interpreters of ancient prophecy. They can fix the very day and hour when the calamities are to begin, and describe vividly many of the actual details.
To the Bahá’í there is no sound and valid interpretation of prophecy nor forecast of social conditions save in the authentic teachings of the Faith. We have an Interpreter. Non-Bahá’ís do not.
The Citadel of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
A Letter from the Guardian[edit]
To the National Spiritual Assembly
Dear and valued co-workers:
As the threat of still more violent convulsions assailing a travailing age increases, and the wings of yet another conflict, destined to contribute a distinct, and perhaps a decisive, share of the birth of the new Order which must signalize the advent of the Lesser Peace, darken the international horizon, the eyes of the divers communities, comprising the body of the organized followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the Eastern Hemisphere, are being increasingly fixed upon the progressive unfoldment of the tasks which the executors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s mandate have been summoned to undertake in the course of the second stage of their world-girding mission. Past experience, ranging over a period of many years, has taught them that no matter how formidable the external obstacles that have confronted them during the turbulent and eventful decades since the Master’s passing, and despite the strain and stress which internal crises, precipitated by enemies from within and by adverse economic circumstances afflicting their country, have imposed, the stalwart occupants of the citadel of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, have with extraordinary steadfastness, enviable fidelity and magnificent courage, not only shielded the interests, preserved the integrity and demonstrated the worthiness, of the Cause they have embraced, but have sallied forth, with dynamic and irrepressible energy to implant its banner and establish its outposts in countries and continents far beyond the original scene of their operations.
Neither the irreparable loss sustained by the termination of the earthly life of a vigilant Master, nor the acute distress caused by the financial collapse which suddenly swept their country, nor the unprecedented tragedy of a world crisis that swept their land and its people into its vortex, nor the perils and uncertainties, the exhaustion and the disillusionment associated with its aftermath nor even the soul-shaking tests which periodically assailed them, through the defection and the attacks of Covenant-breakers, occupying, by virtue of their Kinship to or their long association with the Founder of their community, exalted positions at the world center of their Faith, or in the land from which it sprang, or in their own country,—none of these have succeeded in vitiating the hidden spring of their spiritual life, in deflecting them from their chosen course, or in even retarding the forward march and fruition of their enterprises. In the toilsome task of fixing the pattern, of laying the foundations, of erecting the machinery, and of setting in operation the Administrative Order of their Faith, in the execution of the successive stages in the erection and exterior ornamentation of their Temple, in the launching of the initial enterprise under ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, which enabled them to establish the structural basis of the Order recently laid in their homeland in every Republic of Central and South America; in the sustained, the systematic and prodigious effort exerted for the enlargement of the administrative foundations of the institutions of their Faith in every State and Province of the United States and the Dominion of Canada; in the parallel endeavors aimed at the widespread dissemination of its literature, and the proclamation of its verities and tenets to the masses; in the launching of the Second Seven Year Plan, which has extended the ramifications of the Divine Plan across the Atlantic to ten sovereign States of the European continent, which has already yielded a rich return through the formation of the first Canadian Bahá’í National Assembly and the convocation of the first European Teaching Conference; in the repeated, the timely, the spontaneous and generous contributions they have made, on numerous occasions, for the relief of the persecuted among their brethren, for the defense of their institutions, for the vindication of their rights, for the consolidation of their activities and the progress of their enterprises—in all these the champions of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have, with ever increasing emphasis borne witness to the sublimity of the faith which burns within their breasts, to the radiance of the vision that shines, clearly and steadily, before their eyes, the sureness and rapidity that marks their gigantic strides, and the vastness and glory of the unique mission entrusted to their hands.
Milestones of historic significance have been successively reached and rapidly left behind. A still stonier stretch of road now lies before them. Rumblings of catastrophes yet more dreadful agitate with increasing frequency a sorely-stressed and chaotic world, presenting a challenge to grapple with the unfinished tasks, a challenge graver and still more pressing than any hitherto experienced. The present and remaining contracts, designed to consummate the magnificent enterprise, initiated almost fifty years ago, in the heart of the North American continent, and complete an Edifice consecrated for all time by the loving hands of the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, constituting the foremost symbol of the Faith, and incarnating the soul of the American Bahá’í community in the Western Hemisphere, must be speedily and systematically carried out, however onerous the task may become, in consequence of the inevitable fluctuations to which the present economic conditions are subjected, in preparation for the jubilee that must mark the completion of that holy Edifice. The recent broadening of the administrative basis of the Faith in a land that has served, and will long remain, the base of the spiritual operations now being conducted in both Hemispheres, in response to the ringing call of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, sounded three decades ago in His historic Tablets, must, no matter how arduous and insistent the tasks to be performed in Latin America and Europe, be fully maintained, and the process continually enlarged and steadily consolidated. The various agencies designed to carry the Message to the masses, and to present to them befittingly the teachings of its Author, must, likewise, be vigilantly preserved, supported and encouraged. The essential
[Page 3]
preliminaries, calculated to
widen the basis of the forthcoming
Latin America’s National Bahá’í Assemblies, to familiarize the Latin
American believers with the administrative duties and functions they
will be called upon to discharge, to
enrich and deepen their knowledge
of the essentials of their faith, its
ideals, its history, its requirements
and its problems, must be carried
out with ever-increasing energy as
the hour of emergence of these Latin
American communities into independent existence steadily and inexorably approaches. The necessary
guidance, which can alone be properly insured through the maintenance of an uninterrupted extension
of administrative assistance, through
the settlement of pioneers and the
visits of itinerant teachers to the
daughter communities, must under
no circumstances be completely
withdrawn, after their independence has been achieved. Above all,
the momentous enterprise initiated
in the transatlantic field of service,
so vast in conception, so timely, so
arduous, so far-reaching in its potentialities, so infinitely meritorious,
must, in the face of obstacles, however insurmountable they may seem,
be continually reinvigorated through
undiminished financial support,
through an ever-expanding supply of
literature in each of the required
languages, through frequent, and
whenever possible prolonged, visits
of itinerant teachers, through the
continued settlement of pioneers,
through the consolidation of the Assemblies already established, through
the early constitution of properly
functioning Assemblies in the few remaining goal countries as yet deprived of this inestimable blessing,
and last but not least through the exertion of sustained and concentrated
effort designed to supplement these
foci of Bahá’í national administrative activity with subsidiary centers
whose formation will herald the inauguration of teaching enterprises
throughout the provinces of each of
these ten countries.
As the dynamic forces, sweeping forward the First Seven Year Plan, on the last stages of its execution, rose rapidly to a crescendo, culminating in the nation-wide celebrations marking the centenary of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, synchronized with a further and still more precipitous decline in the fortunes of a war-torn, bleeding society, so must every aggravation in the state of a world still harassed by the ravages of a devastating conflict, and now hovering on the brink of a yet more crucial struggle, be accompanied by a still more ennobling manifestation of the spirit of this second crusade, whose consummation might well coincide with a period of distress far more acute than the one through which humanity is now passing.
Not ours to speculate, or dwell upon the immediate workings of an inscrutable Providence presiding alike over the falling fortunes of a dying Order and the rising glory of a Plan holding within it the seeds of the world’s spiritual revival and ultimate redemption. Nor can we attempt as yet, whilst the second stage in the operation of such a Plan has not yielded its destined fruit, visualize the nature of the tasks, or discern the character of the circumstances that will mark the progressive unfoldment of a third successive crusade, the successful termination of which must signalize the closing of the first historic epoch in the evolution of the Divine Plan. All we can be sure of, and confidently assert, is that upon the outcome of the assiduous efforts now being collectively exerted in three continents, by the North American, the Latin and European believers, acting under the Mandate of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, associated with the one and only Plan conceived by Himself, aided by the agencies deriving their inspiration from His Will and Testament, and assured of the support promised by the Pen of His Father, in His Most Holy Book, must solely depend the timing as well as the nature of the tasks which must be successfully carried out ere the closing of an epoch of such transcendent brightness and glory in the evolution of the mightiest Plan ever generated through the creative power of the Most Great Name, as manifested by the Will of the Center of His Covenant and the interpreter of His teaching.
There can be no doubt whatever that with every turn of the wheel, as a result of the operation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Plan, and with every extension in the range of its evolution, a responsibility of still greater gravity and of wider import will have to be shouldered by its divinely chosen executors wherever its ramifications may extend and however oppressive the state of the countries and continents in which they may have to labor. They must strive, ceaselessly strive, ready for any emergency, steeled to meet any degree of opposition, unsatisfied with any measure of progress as yet achieved, prepared to make sacrifices far exceeding any they have already willingly made, and confident that such striving, such readiness, such resolution, such high-mindedness, such sacrifice will earn them the palm of a victory still more soul-satisfying and resounding in its magnificence than any as yet won since the inception of their mission.
May He Who called them into being and raised them up, Who fostered them in their infancy, Who extended to them the blessing of His personal support in their fears of childhood, Who bequeathed to them the distinguishing heritage of His Plan, Whose Will and Testament initiated them, during the period of their adolescence, in the processes of a divinely appointed Administrative Order, Who enabled them to obtain maturity through the inauguration of the first stage in the execution of His Plan, Who conferred upon them the privilege of spiritual parenthood at the close of the initial Phase in the operation of that same Plan, continue through the further unfoldment of the second stage in its evolution to guide their steps along the path leading to the assumption of functions proclaiming the attainment of full spiritual manhood, and enable them eventually, through the long and slow processes of evolution and in conformity with the future requirements of a continually evolving Plan, to manifest before the eyes of the members of their sister communities, their countrymen and the whole world, and in all their plentitude, the potentialities inherent within them, and which in the fulness of time, must reflect, in its perfected form, the glories of the mission constituting their birthright.
Haifa, Israel, November 8, 1948
Day of the Covenant[edit]
This Anniversary is dedicated to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant. The date of November 26 was designated by the Master when He gave permission to observe a day annually in His name. However, the original title “Souvenir of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” was chosen by American believers.
In his capacity as Guardian, Shoghi Effendi prepared a correct Bahá’í calendar some years ago for publication in The Bahá’í World. He informed the National Spiritual Assembly that this calendar was correct and should be used whenever the Bahá’í calendar was observed, and when the calendar was reprinted. At that time the Guardian chose the more befitting and dignified term “Day of the Covenant”.
On November 27, 1938, the Guardian wrote the National Spiritual Assembly: “For further particulars on this subject you should refer to the section entitled ‘Bahá’í Calendar’ in ‘The Bahá’í World’.”
The whole letter was published in Bahá’í News and was also reprinted in the four-page folder on the Calendar issued by the Publishing Committee. It is also found on back of the “1948—Bahá’í Era—104” calendar distributed by the Publishing Committee.
The gist of the matter is that whenever any question arises about the calendar, the friends should consult that section in any recent volume of The Bahá’í World. What they find there, and in the letter dated November 27, 1938, is authentic and final.
Bahá’í Census[edit]
A survey of the records in the National Office undertaken as of March 23, 1948, produced the following statistics:—
1. Adult Bahá’ís in the United States and its Territories, enrolled in local communities | 3802 |
2. Adult Bahá’ís enrolled in groups | 633 |
3. Adult isolated Bahá’ís | 915 |
4. Non-voting believers (mentally incompetent) | 18 |
5. Enrolled believers, present address unknown | 363 |
6. Enrolled Bahá’í Youth | 179 |
7. Enrolled Bahá’í Youth, present address unknown | 7 |
| ____ | |
| 5917 |
In addition to this basic figure, it is interesting to note that there are (as of November 23) 26 American Bahá’ís settled in Europe under the auspices of the European Teaching Committee, 21 American Bahá’ís settled in Latin America under the auspices of the Inter-America Committee, and in addition 22 Bahá’ís who have taken residence abroad and either permanently or temporarily transferred their membership outside the United States. This little band of heroic Bahá’ís is spread among the following countries: England, Scotland, Bulgaria, Sweden, Luxembourg, Israel (Haifa), Bermuda, Mexico, Virgin Islands, Venezuela, South Africa, Tunis, New Zealand, Japan, India, Iran, Iráq.
These statistics necessarily exclude the Bahá’ís of Canada who last year formed such an important part of our community.
Local Assemblies to Distribute Copies of Bahá’í News[edit]
In most communities, the individual believer receives his copy of Bahá’í News when he attends the Nineteen Day Feast next following the time when the local Assembly received copies in bulk from the National Office. The result is that a believer absent from the city or failing to attend the Feast does not receive Bahá’í News.
Bahá’í News is the national Bahá’í organ, the contact made by the national Bahá’í community with the individual believer. As such Bahá’í News should not be subject to local decision as to whether or not a person carried as a Bahá’í on the membership list receives his copy regularly. In fact, Bahá’í News is more important for the inactive believer than for those who attend every Feast, for it maintains a contact and offers the inactive believer a larger and more impersonal view of the Faith than is possible locally, and hence provides a perspective capable of reactivating the indifferent and healing those whose feelings have been bruised.
Therefore the National Assembly requests each local Assembly to deliver copies by mail to believers who do not receive them at Feasts or other meetings.
Suggested Feast Programs[edit]
FOR THE FEAST OF SOVEREIGNTY, JAN. 19TH
- DEVOTIONAL PERIOD
- A. Musical Prelude; Selections from Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Tschaikowski (Recorded)
- B. Worship
| Prayers and Meditations | 200 | “Thou seest, O my God...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 150 | “I know not, O my God...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 94 | “Magnified be Thy name...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 174 | “O Thou Whose nearness...” |
| READINGS FOR THE CONSULTATION PERIOD | ||
| Advent of Divine Justice— | 5-6 “The darkness of error... to “rise of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.” | |
FOR THE FEAST OF DOMINION, FEBRUARY 7TH
- II. DEVOTIONAL PERIOD
- A. Musicale Prelude. Selections from Parsifal, Wagner (Recordings)
- B. Worship
| Prayers and Meditations | 152 to 5 | “Lauded be Thy name...” |
| Bahá’í Prayers | 66 | “He is the All-Glorious, O God, my God...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 212 | “Glorified are Thou...” |
| Prayers and Meditations | 59 | “Lauded be Thy name...” |
- A. The Promised Day is Come 122 “The Great Age to Come.”
[Page 5]
To a list of nearly 5,000 key people
goes the quarterly public relations bulletin, “World Religion—The Goal of the
Bahá’í Faith,” of which the Guardian
says through his secretary: “The bulletin is an important and unique step
taken in the direction of teaching ...
can develop into an effective and worldwide organ of teaching.”
Pasadena “Town Meeting” Hears Bahá’í Speaker[edit]
About 1500 people were in the Civic Auditorium of Pasadena, Oct. 22, to listen to a panel discussion “Town Meeting” on the subject, “Building For Peace.” The Moderator and Broadcaster was Dr. J. E. Wallace Stirling, Director of the famous Huntington Library, and the Panel Speakers were, in their order: Miss Mary Beauchamp, Educational Assistant to the Pasadena Superintendent of Schools; Mr. Raymond G. McKelvey, President of the Pasadena United Nations Association; Dr. Gertrude Laws, Director Education for Women, Pasadena City Schools; Mr. Ralph G. Lindstrom, Chairman Advisory Board, United World Federalists; Mr. Horace Holley, “Executive Secretary National Assembly of the Bahá’í World Faith”; Dr. Eugene Carson Blake Presbyterian Minister representing Pasadena Council of Churches.
The speakers began at 8 p.m., finishing at 9 p.m. Then the meeting was open to written questions sent up from the audience. Meantime a synopsis of the proceedings was broadcast by Dr. Stirling. The program had required extensive rehearsal, each speaker using nine minutes on the platform, and alternating briefly in reply to questions. It was glorious to hear the words of Bahá’u’lláh, God’s Manifestation of today, coming over the loudspeaker system from Horace Holley. The result is bound to be a much wider recognition by the general public of what the Bahá’ís know to be the Divine Solution of the complex human entanglements by which a world “careless of God” has brought itself such chaotic misery today.
Prepare the Future[edit]
Once again from the Guardian comes guidance which alerts us to the opportunities which the future holds in our continual relations with the public. Recognizing that seldom does the future take care of itself, the Public Relations Committee has long-range planning and activities designed not to just get publicity, but rather to get proper, effective messages told in a dignified way in the proper places. This requires steady, continuous education of key people who are influential to the general public.
One of these activities is the quarterly bulletin entitled World Religion, a silent teacher which has made thousands of people aware of the goals of the Bahá’í Faith. A direct, economical and repetitive contact with a hand-picked public, the bulletin has, since 1932, told the story of the Faith with carefully selected Writings and timely and interesting facts.
Community Public Relations[edit]
How Bahá’í assemblies can perform a community service and at the same time effectively give the Bahá’í teachings was illustrated recently at Pasadena, Calif., and Winnetka, Ill., where programs of general public interest were presented.
Of particular interest was the “Seminar on World Affairs,” sponsored by the Lima, Ohio, Bahá’ís during UN week. Complimented the Lima News in an open letter TO THE LIMA BAHA’IS:
Dear Citizens: Observance of United Nations week largely was a result of the planning and foresight of your group. An approval of service rendered here is stamped. Speakers and programs were arranged in such manner that the theme remained in the spotlight ... Your object, to perform an educational service, was accomplished.”
Newspaper Columnist Assails Bahá’í Faith[edit]
While the members of the National Spiritual Assembly were in session November 5, 6 and 7, they received from several local Assemblies and individual believers copies of Westbrook Pegler’s column published on November 3. This column is a syndicated feature distributed by King Features Syndicate of New York City to a large number of daily papers throughout the country.
Action was taken by the Assembly to authorize a letter to Mr. Pegler answering his attack, and the Public Relations Committee was requested to prepare a press release for local Bahá’í use and send it out together with a copy of the NSA letter to Mr. Pegler.
Among other things, Mr. Pegler wrote: “I do, however, venture a fearless rejection of babism as a hellish doctrine ... a Persian delusion ... known as Bahá’í.”
The Public Relations Committee has also devoted its December space in “Editor & Publisher” and “Publishers Auxiliary” to the subject of this syndicated column, explaining the persecutions suffered by the Faith in Persia, Turkey, Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, the spread of the teachings to ninety-one countries, and stating its basic principle. A pamphlet summarizing the history and teachings is offered any newspaper man seeking information.
This episode is significant, affording believers one more evidence of the miraculous power of this Revelation to press forward to its goal, making use of enemies as well as friends to broadcast the teachings and prepare the masses to recognize and accept the Word of God.
Perhaps some of the new believers, startled by such an unexpected attack in a paper read by their friends and neighbors, might be reminded of the Master’s assurance expressed during His visit to America in 1912, that when the Faith shall be bitterly assailed and denounced from all sides, its numbers will grow with amazing rapidity.
Nothing from outside can harm the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. On the contrary, attempts to harm it will redound to its benefit and prove a blessing in disguise.
[Page 6]
Last farewells from the train window
in Frankfurt, Germany, as Mr. and Mrs.
Davison take leave of the Offenbach and
Frankfurt Bahá’ís, July 15, to return to
America as has their son Bruce. The
believers of Frankfurt have been deeply
touched by the tireless and fruitful work
of the Davisons for the Faith in their
area. A fitting expression of their feeling
is this quote from a letter: “The Davisons belong to us and we to them.”
Forel Jubilee Brings Tribute to Faith[edit]
The name of Professor Auguste Forel, the noted scientist and scholar of Switzerland, is greatly revered throughout that country. It is to Professor Forel that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921 wrote that memorable Tablet which is contained in “The Bahá’í Peace Program,” with which we are all familiar. September 1 of this year marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Auguste Forel. This occasion was commemorated throughout Switzerland. Doris Lohse, our pioneer in Zurich writes the following: “During the Jubilee celebration a Professor O. Volkard spoke twice in Zurich about Professor Forel and the Bahá’í Faith before an audience of 1000 persons. He mentioned that Professor Forel had recognized as the sole remedy for the ills of the world the Principles and Teachings revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the great prophet of the New Day.” Miss Lohse later presented a brief statement of appreciation of Professor Forel to his son Dr. Oscar Forel, who received this with deep appreciation. This occasion served greatly to enhance the prestige of the Bahá’í Faith in Switzerland.
The maturing process of the believers in our European goal countries is again demonstrated, this time by the formation of Regional and National Translating Committees, made up of new, native believers. There is one for the Scandinavian countries; one for the French-speaking countries; one for the German and one for the Italian. These Committees have already begun to function in a very systematic and orderly manner, and their contribution to the teaching work throughout Europe will be of inestimable value.
The total number of newly declared believers in the ten goal countries of Europe is 124.
(Ed. Note: For references to Dr. Auguste Forel, see God Passes By pp. 307, 316, 375).
International Relief[edit]
Address correction:
- Mrs. Beatrice Ashton
- Box 548
- Evanston, Ill.
Green Acre Winter School[edit]
| ANNOUNCES: | THE SECOND WINTER SCHOOL SESSION—1948-49 Dec. 27 to Jan. 1, incl. Reimer House—Eliot, Maine Phone: Kittery 4034W |
| FEATURING: | Study Class, 10:00-11:30 a.m. “Study of the Covenant” Discussion Leader: Mildred Mottahedeh TEA TIME: 4:00-5:30 p.m. Tea—Book Reviews—Discussion. Reviews include: “Meeting of East and West” “Of Flight and Life” “Screwtape Letters” “The Wild Flag”
|
| RATES: | $22.00 - includes room, meals, and Course fee. |
| RESERVATIONS: | MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW! Due to limited space, reservations will be accepted on a “First Come” basis only. A $5.00 deposit is required with your reservation. This will be applied to the $22.00 rate. The remaining $17.00 can be paid on registration at the school. |
7153 BRYAN STREET
PHILADELPHIA 19, PA.
Louhelen Looks Ahead[edit]
|
Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
The Louhelen School Committee announces that its plans for the 1949 season include an intensive five-day teacher’s training course which will be given August 15-19 inclusive, to help meet the urgent appeal for trained teachers. Also, there will be two Junior Youth sessions in 1949. Ages 8-11 to be held July 10-15 inclusive, and ages 11-15 to be held July 24-29 inclusive. The senior youth, young adult, and adult sessions are being planned as usual.
Calendar[edit]
Feasts :
- Dec. 31—Sharaf—Honor
- Jan. 19—Sulṭán—Sovereignty
NSA Meeting:
- Jan. 7-9
And Now — South Africa[edit]
The following is an excerpt from a South African newspaper, dated Sept. 23, 1948: THE STAR of Johannesburg, Transvaal:
“A seasoned traveller who came to South Africa in a freighter to lecture on the principles of the Bahá’í Faith, is Mrs. E. R. Mathews, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, who is accompanied by another student of Bahá’í, Miss Ophelia Crum....
“Mrs. Mathews came here in 1936, on the luxury liner, Franconia. Her freighter travels this time were quite different, but both she and Miss Crum found them most enjoyable with sufficient amenities for comfort. They intended to travel South Africa, which they both love, while Mrs. Mathews lectures to women’s organizations on the new religion, Italian art, and books.
She is a woman with a wealth of humour.... She was booked to give a lecture on Bahá’í in New Zealand, and was being conducted to the lecture room when her shoe lace broke. She went into a shoe shop to buy a new one and the proprietor recognized her from a newspaper portrait and invited her to tell him all about her new religion. He called the assistants in their leather aprons from the back premises, and to any customer who entered the shop he said, “Sit there and don’t talk.” Mrs. Mathews gave her lecture, in entirely different circumstances from those in which she was booked to give it, and then hurried along to her meeting, and repeated it.”
Miss Crum writes: “... This is a hard assignment in this strange land of diamonds, gold and natives. ... Only one Bahá’í here... She ... is partly crippled but is making a great effort to introduce us about. On Tuesday morning we had a class of five and the next week it grew to twelve. Put an ad in the paper for those who would be interested in our Principles, and have had six answers so far. Will invite them to an evening class. We hope to find someone who will keep the people together and hold regular study groups after we leave....”
Writing For World Order[edit]
In order to attract thinking people to the Faith, we ought to try to raise continually the standard of writing in World Order. We hope that Bahá’ís who have writing ability will contribute frequently to the magazine. We are eager to receive new and fresh approaches to the Teachings, and articles which bring special information to bear on them. The same general ideas, restated in the same way, are not very interesting to regular subscribers who, once they are familiar with them, want something new. We need that originality of statement which comes from having pondered the Bahá’í Writings, thoroughly assimilated them, and so made them a part of us that when we write they emerge in a new and interesting form. This does not mean that we should alter the Teachings to suit ourselves, but that we should bring what special information we have and our own experiences to bear on them.
| Programmer’s Corner
“Wherefore, be thankful to God, for having strengthened thee to aid His Cause, for having made the flowers of knowledge and understanding to spring forth in the garden of thine heart. Thus hath His grace encompassed the whole of creation.” —BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, Gleanings
p. 303 Hints For Action:
COMMITTEE
—NATIONAL PROGRAMMING |
We do not wish to discourage amateur writers. Unless a large number of offerings come in, we cannot make a good selection. But we hope that contributors whose work is rejected will understand that not all manuscripts can be published.
All Bahá’ís are so busy that it is necessary to conserve our time and energies as much as possible. The editors have found that it is impossible to write long letters explaining just why certain contributions are not suitable. Such letters would constitute a correspondence course in writing, which would be a very good thing, but which simply is not within our power at the present time. We have, therefore, adopted a form letter for the rejection of manuscripts, hoping the believers will understand that this is merely a necessary labor-saving device.
Perhaps now is the time to develop a more professional attitude towards our Bahá’í publications. A letter from one contributor, who has had work published in a well-known magazine, illustrates this attitude perfectly. He wrote: “Please treat me as if your were paying for what I write and you could find plenty more writers who could do as well.” That sentence warmed our hearts.
Here are a few suggestions which, if followed, would make the editorial work of the magazine much easier:
- Send double-spaced typewritten manuscripts, first copies, not carbons. Single-spaced copy is very difficult to edit and a good clear manuscript saves time or money for retyping.
- Do not use thin paper unless you are in a distant country where postage rates are very high. It tears or becomes crumpled with much handling.
- Learn to spell and accent correctly the Bahá’í names, especially the words Bahá’í, Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The proper transliteration of these words, given us by the Guardian, can be found in any of the current Bahá’í literature.
The committee appreciates the contributions and the suggestions which
have been sent in and asks your help
in making the magazine a good
teaching medium.
[Page 8]
Community Folk Festival in Binghamton, N. Y. is the scene of a Bahá’í display, Oct. 9 and 10 amid thirty-four National origin exhibits which attracted many visitors.
The Home Front[edit]
Seneca Township, New York
This group has a worthwhile plan for getting prospects. Each Bahá’í will select a person or family whom he thinks might be responsive and try to establish a friendship during the coming months. This follows out the idea of “each one, teach one,” even though at the start it is only neighborliness. Seneca Township has no newspaper in which to publicize meetings so it must be done through personal contacts.
Syracuse, New York
“Is the U.N. Developing a Conscience?” was the title of Hilda Yen’s talk here on October 24. She drew a complete parallel between the U.N. and the Bahá’í Faith. It was a talk much appreciated by those attending and resulted in two good contacts.
Bozeman, Mont.
Though only two in number, the live-wire group of this town provided a hotel room and fine publicity for a meeting on Human Rights, Oct. 24 with Harold Hunt of Butte as speaker. A prominent woman leader of Bozeman who knew of the Faith through contacts in California attended. She is deeply interested in the Faith and considers the Bahá’ís to be outstanding people wherever found. Bahá’ís attended the meeting from Helena and Great Falls.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Miss Jessie Revell was guest speaker, Oct. 3 before a youth group at Fellowship House, which is composed of citizens who are endeavoring to bring greater understanding between people of various races, religions, and nationalities. Her chairman was a young Nisei girl and the audience contained people of varied backgrounds. Following the talk, illustrated with pictures, Miss Revell answered such questions as the Bahá’í attitude toward military service and what is the Administrative Order. One of the young men who had met two Bahá’í servicemen while in the army, gave valuable perspective to the speaker’s question period since he is acquainted with the teachings.
Ada County, Idaho
A joint gathering of the Ada County and Boise communities was held at the home of Mrs. Avona Duncan for the purpose of meeting her grandmother, Mrs. Solveig Corbit, pioneer to Oslo, Norway. The friends heard a very interesting and stimulating account of her experiences and of the Geneva Conference, illustrated with pictures.
Hamilton, Mass.
Open house is maintained on each of the nine Holy Days at the Hamilton Center. On October 20, Mrs. Nancy Bowditch showed pictures of the Holy Shrines and Gardens on Mt. Carmel and of the Temple in Wilmette in commemoration of the birth of the Báb. Also, in the morning she conducted a children’s hour.
Berkeley, Calif.
The third birthday of the United Nations, Oct. 24, was celebrated by the Berkeley community with a special event at the College Women’s Club. Marzieh Gail’s talk on “Will the Nations Unite,” made the point that the Bahá’í Faith gives opportunity for a world-wide loyalty and that this common faith is essential in the achievement of human unity. The nations will be firmly united when their peoples adhere to the teachings of God’s Messenger for our time, Bahá’u’lláh. The meeting was opened by the chairman, Dr. Robert L. Gulick, Jr., with motion pictures: “Americans All,” a March of Time production dedicated to the elimination of race, religious, and national prejudice: and “Now the Peace,” a film tracing the history and outlining the objectives of the United Nations. Films are scheduled at the start of programs to encourage people to come on time and in order to have a maximum number of persons present during the lectures on the assumption that it is better for people to walk in during the films than to have them disrupt the lecture.
It was a first Bahá’í meeting for a number of persons in the sizeable audience which was truly international and interracial. Bahá’í literature in many languages was prominently displayed and along with the free distribution of a “Pattern for Future Society” a State Department pamphlet, “The United Nations — Three Years of Achievement,” correlated to the talk was given away, this being a new idea of the Berkeley friends to use related government literature.
Topeka, Kan.
A Bahá’í Center was formally established here on Oct. 3, with a public meeting and tea, realizing at last a long-cherished hope. The opening of the newly decorated and furnished room was publicized by newspaper and personal invitation and is now being used for study classes.
Independence, Missouri
The free time offered the Bahá’ís by radio station KIMO for five days,
[Page 9]
Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 was put to excellent use by this community when
it presented its first self-produced
broadcast, mainly composed of direct quotations from the teachings,
interspersed with soft organ music.
The first three days were tape-recorded for actual use but the last
two were done by personal appearance. Favorable comments came in
and the station program director
liked the presentation.
Are Your Letters and Tablets Being Preserved for Posterity?[edit]
Dear Friends:
The longer the number of Tablets, as yet not received by the Archives, are retained, the less the likelihood of their being preserved for future generations. The great historic importance of the letters of the Guardian will be appreciated much more in the future than now. The Guardian has stated that nothing will be published or be considered as authoritative in the future unless there is an original in hand.
Newly formed groups and Assemblies are especially encouraged to begin at once to gather material for their archives as listed herein, lest the very important beginnings be forgotten.
Friends with valuable collections and libraries should make provisions in their wills for the bequeathing of this material to the National Archives.
714 Sheridan Road
Wilmette, Illinois
October 1947
Classifications of Materials For Preservation in National and Local Bahá’í Archives[edit]
This classification has been made in order to clarify the nature of the material to be preserved in the Archives, with a suitable distinction between that which should be sent to the National Archives and that which should enter into the Archives established by a local Spiritual Assembly.
I. Tablets and relics of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, whether original Tablets or photostatic reproductions. This material is essentially National in character.
II. Tablets and relics of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The Tablets should be original, signed Tablets, or authentic reproductions such as photostatic copies.
At an inter-community picnic in the Verdugo Hills, Sept. 12, Bahá’ís and friends from Burbank, Van Nuys, and Glendale Twp., Calif. are shown listening to one of the speakers, Mrs. Florence Holsinger.
Tablets should be accompanied by
original translation if possible. All
original Tablets should be preserved
in the National Archives. Photostats
of Tablets revealed to the Spiritual
Assembly, or to individual believers,
might well be placed in the local Archives. As regards the nature of relics, the Guardian has given the following explanation:
“The general principle should be that any object used by Him in person should be preserved for posterity, whether in the local or National Archives. It is the duty and responsibility of the Bahá’í Assemblies to ascertain carefully whether such objects are genuine or not, and to exercise the utmost care and caution in the matter.”
III. Letters of Shoghi Effendi. These are of three different classes—those written to the N.S.A. and the entire American Community; those written to local Assemblies; and those written to individual believers ... Original letters to local Assemblies are for the most part not confidential and can be preserved in the National Archives, with photostats in the local archives. Letters to individual believers can be sent to the National Archives and photostats obtained for the recipient and for the local Archives.
IV. National events and activities. Such events as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s American journey, the founding of the Temple, early historical records of the Star of the West, Bahá’í Publishing Committee, Green Acre, Geyserville, Temerity, and Louhelen Ranch and other activities of more than local importance constitute an impressive aspect of Bahá’í history, and all original documents and records should be turned over to the N.S.A. if not already done, for its examination and subsequent deposit in the National Archives.
V. Local records and activities. Records and documents pertaining to such activities are of two classes: the Minutes and correspondence of the Spiritual Assembly, which are preserved by the Assembly itself, and non-administrative material of historical interest and importance, such as programs, newspaper clippings, Historical Record Cards, etc. It is recommended that each Spiritual Assembly also provide a bound book in which its Archives Committee can keep a record of enrollments of new believers and also deaths or removals from the community.
Bahá’í publications: A complete file of all publications, such as books, pamphlets, and magazines, news letters, etc., of official Bahá’í character is being developed in the National Archives, and the cooperation of the friends is requested to make this complete. Out of print Bahá’í books and pamphlets will be appreciated.
VII. Individual records and papers belonging to such prominent workers as those named in “America and the Most Great Peace” will appreciate that such records are part of the history of the Cause and might well be turned over to the Archives and Historical Committee. Other personal records might similarly be turned over to the local Archives Committee.
[Page 10]
Bahá’í Assembly of Quito, Ecuador with traveling teacher Esteban Canales, seated second from right.
Latin American News[edit]
Delegates from each country of Latin America to the annual congresses to be held in January, one in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and one in Guatemala City, are being elected during November. The Regional Teaching Committee of each country will hold a meeting of believers of the entire country at which will be discussed their recent activities and the tasks before them, and during which the election of their delegate will be held. Registered believers unable to attend this meeting in person will be permitted to send their votes by mail.
Gayle Woolson has met with a warm response to the lectures on the Bahá’í Teachings which she has given before Masonic and Lions clubs in Havana and several other cities of Cuba. As a result, about 500 persons have signed cards requesting that correspondence lessons be sent them. (These were written and are mailed out by Elisabeth Cheney). Gayle explains the critical need for some kind of follow-up work after a teacher has given the Message and then moves on, if the seeds sown are to germinate and yield permanent fruit. The Regional Teaching Committee of Cuba is also following up, through personal correspondence, the contacts made by Gayle. Besides, Sra. Viva Lismore, of Havana, will go every two weeks to Matanzas to teach a class just formed there, and Julio Perez, also of Havana, will go every other Saturday to Pinar del Rio to teach another class.
On October 28 Gayle flew to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She writes of the believers there: “I have had to do much explaining to the friends on administrative points and it is encouraging to see their eagerness to learn and to do things right.”
She also relates: “I went out to see the ‘Bahá’í Cultural Center’ the other day. During the day there are classes for some thirty children who are learning to read and write, and they recite the twelve principles and the sayings above the nine doors of the Temple by heart. The school is a little hut with a straw roof, just as all the little huts around it where these poor children live.... At night, illiterate adults are taught and on Monday afternoons the sick are attended to by Dr. LaFleur and two nurses.... The services of the school and clinic are wonderful and so helpful to those poverty-stricken people who turn to them for help.”
About mid-November Gayle will proceed to the Dominican Republic, and from there to Puerto Rico and Jamaica, returning to Cuba for a few weeks before going to the Congress in Guatemala.
The assembly of Quito, Ecuador, was elected in October, during the stay of Esteban Canales, taking advantage of special permission granted by the National Spiritual Assembly because of extraordinary conditions that had obtained there last April. Esteban’s strenuous labors here were also rewarded by the enrollment of several fine new believers, including the publisher of a local daily newspaper. (The Bahá’í activity in Quito recently has been given wonderful write-ups in the press). An attractive center was opened in the heart of the city and the Assembly’s teaching committee is diligently planning weekly public meetings.
The Portuguese Publishing Committee in Bahá’í Brazil, has just finished translating the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. These are being reviewed and will soon be published. God Passes By has been translated and reviewed and will be given to the printer very soon.
In Buenos Aires a new edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era has just come from the press and in Santiago, Chile, a Spanish translation of God Passes By has been printed.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bode, after three years in South America, sailed from Santiago, Chile, for New York on November 11. They hope to re-establish connections in this country which will enable them to again serve the Faith in foreign fields.
Among the more important accomplishments for the Faith made by the Bodes while in South America was the overseeing of the translation of God Passes By and the publishing of Some Answered Questions in Portuguese, the copyrighting of these books with the Brazilian National Library, and the obtention of incorporation of the Faith in Brazil.
Pioneer Needs In Latin America[edit]
The National Assembly has been informed by the Inter-America Committee that some of the friends are under the impression that the Guardian has recalled American pioneers from the Latin American teaching field.
The Assembly wishes to correct this erroneous impression. On the contrary, there are six countries in South America and seven in Central
[Page 11]
America which lack American pioneers and need them. However, the
Inter-America budget, unfortunately,
cannot make arrangements with volunteer pioneers which were possible
a few years ago.
What the Committee hopes is that some of the friends can serve on a self-supporting basis. The Committee believes that teachers and stenographers can readily find work in most countries of Latin America.
The Guardian On Observance of Feast Date Calendar[edit]
The National Assembly wishes to make available some words from the Guardian answering a question rather frequently raised. One of the believers wrote Shoghi Effendi to inquire whether the Nineteen Day Feast date can be changed when it coincides with a date assigned to a publicly-advertised Bahá’í lecture.
“This is really a matter of secondary importance, and should be decided by the Assembly. Meetings which have been publicly advertized for a certain date cannot, obviously, be cancelled.” — Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, September 21, 1946, to Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Blackwell.
Corrections[edit]
The November issue ran a picture on pg. 7, of a gathering of Montana Bahá’ís.
The caption failed to include the friends from Butte, who submitted the picture. We apologize.
Beware, Lest Ye Be Tempted[edit]
“Beware, O men, lest ye be tempted to part with Him in exchange for the gold and silver ye possess. Let His love be a storehouse of treasure for your souls on the Day when naught else but Him shall profit you; the Day when every pillar shall tremble, when the very skins of men shall creep, when all eyes shall stare up with terror ...”
“Say: O people! Fear ye God, and turn not away disdainfully from His Revelation. Fall prostrate on your faces before God, and celebrate His praise in the daytime and in the night season.... Make ... mention of thy Lord, that haply the headless among our servants, may be admonished through thy words....”
Publishing Announcements[edit]
The Challenging Requirements of the Present Hour by Shoghi Effendi. This letter, dated June 5, 1947, was addressed by the Guardian to “the prosecutors of the Divine Plan in the United States of America, and the Dominion of Canada; and their associates throughout Central and South America; and their representatives on the continent of Europe.” It was printed as a pamphlet by the National Assembly and a copy given to every believer. This communication outlines in detail the essential tasks to be accomplished during the Second Seven Year Plan, and is therefore a constant guide and directive to every committee and individual Bahá’í. Its text is not included in the volume “Messages to America” because it was written after that compilation had gone to press. Thirty six pages, paper cover pamphlet. Per copy, 25c.
Your Experience as a Bahá’í. This attractively printed pamphlet has been developed at the direction of the NSA to help orientate new believers and assist them to enter actively into community life. The contents include “What Is Different about the Bahá’í Community. (1. Group life. 2. The lack of sharp distinction between spiritual and social living, 3. Getting rid of the partisan spirit, 4. Consultation, 5. The Guardian)”. “Deepening Our Spiritual Understanding”, “Tests,” “Building the Kingdom of God,” and “We Are Not Alone.” The friends will find this helpful for group discussion and in the preparation of individuals for enrollment in the community. Price: .20 per copy.
Security for a Failing World by Stanwood Cobb. Condensation of his book in pamphlet form convenient pocket or hand bag size. Also easy to enclose in letters to friends. Sold in lots of ten only, .50c.
Bahá’í Calendar 1949. Now available. Price: .10c each.
Correction: Price of Index for God Passes By was wrongly listed in Bahá’í News for October 1948, as .15c. Correct price is .25c per copy.
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:
Urbana, Ill., 1; New York City, 3; Columbus, Ohio, 1; Greenwich, Conn. 1; Chicago, Ill., 2; Denver, Colo., 7; Okla. City, Okla., 1; Colo. Spgs., Colo., 2; Oakland, Calif., 1; YOUTH 4.
Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees
NORTHEASTERN STATES
- Penna. 1
- New Jersey 1
- Western N. Y. 1
- Mass., Vt., R. I. 1
SOUTHERN STATES
- Ala., Ga. 1
CENTRAL STATES
- Ill., Iowa 1
- Wis., Minn., No. & So. Dakota 1
WESTERN STATES
- Wash. 2 & 1 Youth
LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES:
- TACOMA, WASH.
- Mrs. Nettie Asberry
- 1219 So. 13th St.
- ARCADIA, CALIF.
- Mr. Stanley M. Blakeslee
- P. O. Box 795
- EL MONTE TWP., CALIF.
- Mrs. Jessie B. Nash
- P.O. Box 402
Honolulu Bahá’ís assembled for prayers at the grave of Martha Root in Nuuanu Cemetery, Sept. 19, 1948
|
Suggested Daily Readings for January, 1949
“O Lord, cause to descend upon us quietness and tranquility—shower upon us the clouds of Thy mercy in great abundance and make us to characterize ourselves with the characteristics of the spiritual.” |
Jan.
|
- Mr. Charles W. Colebrook, Worcester, Mass. 10-4-48
- Dr. Thomas C. Chapman, Kansas City, M. 10-14-48
- Mrs. Olive Thomasson, Los Angeles, Calif. 10-18-48
- Mr. Robert T. Sims, Chicago, Ill. 10-23-48
- Mrs. Ruth Blankenbicker, Milwaukee, Wis. 10-16-48
- Mr. Charles H. Niemann, Washington, D. C. 10-28-48
- Mr. Joseph J. Sawyer, Sr., Greensboro, N. C. 10-28-48
- Mrs. Lillian Steed, Orange, Conn. 11-1-48
Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona—Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas—Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Arcadia, Berkeley, Beverley 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, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Marino, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Southgate.
Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—New Haven, Hartford. 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, 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, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Ann Arbor, Davison 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—Butte, Helena, Nebraska—Omaha. New Hampshire—Portsmouth.
New Jersey—Bergenfield, East Orange, Englewood, Montclair, Red Bank, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque, Albuquerque N. 10. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Jamestown, New York, Rochester, Waterloo, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo. Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, E. Cleveland, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Scranton, West Chester.
Puerto Rico—San Juan, South Carolina—Columbia, Greenville. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—
|
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. |
Memphis, Nashville, Texas—Houston, San Antonio. Utah—Salt Lake City. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington. Washington—Kirkland, Marysville, Monroe, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. West Virginia—Charleston. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Racine, Madison, Milwaukee, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay. Wyoming—Laramie.
Total number of Assemblies | 179 |
Assemblies contributing—Oct. | 154 |
Assemblies not contributing—Oct. | 25 |
Individuals contributing—Oct. | 118 |
Groups contributing—Oct. | 44 |
The Value of These Days[edit]
“Render thanks unto God the Eternal truth, exalted be His glory, inasmuch as ye have attained so wondrous a favor, and been adorned with the ornament of His praise. Appreciate the value of these days, and cleave to whatsoever beseemeth this Revelation.”
| Page | Col. | |
Archives Material | 9 | 1 |
Calendar | 6 | 3 |
Enrollments | 11 | 3 |
European News | 6 | 1 |
Fund, Assemblies Contributing | 12 | 2 |
Green Acre | 6 | 2 |
| Guardian | ||
“Citadel of the Faith” | 2 | 1 |
Observance of Feast Date | 11 | 1 |
Home Front | 8 | 1 |
Latin American News | 10 | 1 |
Louhelen | 6 | 3 |
Memoriam | 12 | 1 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | ||
Distribution of Bahá’í News | 4 | 3 |
Guardian’s Message | 1 | 1 |
Newspaper Attacks Faith | 5 | 3 |
“Noah’s Ark for Flood of ... Calamity” | 1 | 2 |
Newspaper Columnist Attacks Faith | 5 | 3 |
Pasadena “Town Meeting” | 5 | 1 |
| Pictures | ||
Binghamton, N. Y. | 8 | 1 |
California Community picnic | 9 | 2 |
Davison, Mr. and Mrs. | 6 | 1 |
Honolulu Bahá’ís | 11 | 2 |
Quarterly Bulletins | 5 | 1 |
Quito, Ecuador, Assembly | 10 | 1 |
Programmers’ Corner | 7 | 3 |
Publishing Announcements | 11 | 2 |
South Africa | 7 | 1 |
Suggested Daily Readings | 12 | 1 |
Suggested Feast Programs | 4 | 2 |
Writing for World Order | 7 | 1 |
