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[Page 1]

BAHÁ’Í

NEWS

No. 218

APRIL, 1949

YEAR 106

BAHA’I ERA

The Guardian Calls Every American Bahá’í to Face a Testing Period of Severe Ordeal Reliant Upon Outpourings of Divine Grace

Cablegram from the Guardian

The first half of the opening Decade of the Second Bahá’í Century is terminating. The great-minded, stout-hearted, high-spirited American Bahá’í Community, laden with the trophies accumulated in the course of their fifty years’ magnificent stewardship of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is irresistibly embarking upon a two and a half year period unsurpassed in its fateful consequences by any previous stage traversed in the Community’s eventful history.

Its members, without exception, are called upon to steel themselves without delay to face an unexpected emergency, seize a God-given opportunity, meet a supreme challenge, and show forth a tenacity of purpose, a solidarity in sacrifice, an austerity in everyday life, worthy the Martyr-Prophet of their Faith as well as their heroic spiritual forebears, the Hundredth Anniversary of whose agonizing tribulations, including captivity, sieges, betrayals, spoliation and martyrdom, is being commemorated during this same period.

No lesser tribute can be paid the memory of the glorious Báb, the immortal Quddús, the lion-hearted Mullá Ḥusayn, the erudite Vaḥíd, the audacious Ḥujjat, the illustrious seven martyrs of Tihrán and a host of unnumbered heroes whose lifeblood flowed so copiously in the course of the opening Decade of the First Bahá’í Century, by the privileged champion-builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh during the present critical stage in the unfoldment of the Formative Age of His Dispensation, than a parallel outpouring of their substance by the builders of the most holy House of Worship laboring in the corresponding Decade of the succeeding Century.

The American Bahá’í Community, exalted, singled out among sister Communities of East and West through revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, is unavoidably approaching a testing period, crucial, prolonged, potent, purifying, clearly envisaged by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, different from but recalling in its severity the ordeals which afflicted the dawn-breakers in a former Age.

The anticipated trials will enable its members to plumb greater depths of consecration, soar to nobler heights of collective endeavor, and disclose in fuller measure the future glory of their destiny.

Might not the strain, the stress, of the strenuous period now being ushered in through inscrutable dispensations of Providence, be productive of perspicuous benefits and blessings reminiscent of the incalculable outpourings of Divine Grace which followed closely in the train of the woeful trials immortalizing the initial, the bloodiest, the most dramatic period in the Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.

(signed) SHOGHI RABBANI

March 16, 1949

New Believers in European Goal Countries

There are now believers in seven different localities throughout Switzerland. The Bern Community held its first Youth Symposium on February 27, 1949. This was a great success, because there is a splendid youth group in that city which is very active.

The most newly declared believers in the Goal Countries are:

3 young men in Stockholm, Sweden

1 young woman in Bern, Switzerland

1 man in Basle, Switzerland,

1 man in Brussels, Belgium

1 woman in Rome, Italy.

The newest member of the Rome Community, Signora Scola, was taught by her husband and her daughter who have been Bahá’ís for some time. Her entrance into the Faith is of significance because she and her husband and daughter represent the first all-Bahá’í family in Italy.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bode, Who have recently returned from the Latin American teaching field are sailing on March 24 for Amsterdam, Holland, where they will take up their posts as pioneers.

The Naw-Rúz greetings which the ETC has been receiving include warm and loving messages to all the believers on the “Home Front.”

“Joyful Historic News”

Convey to friends the joyful historic news of commencement of construction of Arcade of the Báb’s Shrine coinciding with Fortieth Anniversary of the placing of His Remains in marble sarcophagus in vault of the same shrine by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

—SHOGHI EFFENDI RABBANI

Cablegram received March 21, 1949

THIS IS THE DAY[edit]

“This is the day in which to speak. It is incumbent upon the people of Bahá to strive, with the utmost patience and forbearance, to guide the peoples of the world to the Most Great Horizon. Every body calleth aloud for a soul. Heavenly souls must needs quicken, with the breath of the Word of God, the dead bodies with a fresh spirit.—Advent of Divine Justice, p. 69.

[Page 2]

Score to Date — March 30, 1949 on Response to the Temple Fund
Group	Number	Estimated for 2 years
$400	86	$ 68,800.00
$100	190	$ 38,000.00
$ 25	126	$ 6,300.00
*Special	381	$109,924.81
Totals	783	$223,824.81
Received against above resolves		$ 57,134.08
*All resolves not falling in other three categories.

This Is What it Means

American Bahá’ís not directly in touch with daily developments as they are reflected in the actions of the National Assembly and National Committees have no doubt been wondering just what has been happening. Why are Schools closed for two years, World Order suspended (after forty years of continuous publication of a Bahá’í magazine in America), and other Committee schedules drastically reduced?

Now the Guardian’s message of March 16 comes to tell us what it means. He deals with the crisis on all its levels. He encompasses our situation; gives us perspective and understanding; places us in our historical setting; exalts our difficulties by paralleling with them the ordeals of the early Bábi heroes and martyrs; calls upon us to be worthy of our Martyr-Prophet, the Báb; and makes our sacrifice of our wealth, our substance, equal to the lifeblood shed by the illustrious souls a century ago.

The Guardian defines this period of time as a time of testing. Our faith is to be proved to God and not merely asserted to our own self-satisfaction. The testing time sifts true from false. Nothing less could demonstrate the divine nature of this Revelation. The Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb draws nigh. Three years later, the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s mystical experience in the dungeon of Ṭihrán. The House of Worship must be built. The Bahá’ís must be worthy to be the builders—those whom the world, when the Temple is completed, will recognize as the worshippers of the God of all mankind.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Enrollment Cards[edit]

A Notice to Assemblies[edit]

The National Spiritual Assembly has decided to extend to local communities the system of enrollment now operating for new isolated believers and new members of groups.

That is, each Bahá’í, youth or adult, who applies for membership in the local community is to establish his or her acceptance of the qualifications at a meeting with the Assembly, as hitherto, and the Assembly will continue to record its acceptance of the applicant in the minutes.

However, when the applicant has been admitted, he or she is to be requested to sign an enrollment card which the Assembly will transmit to the National Office.

The enrollment card lists the qualifications of faith and the signature attests acceptance of them. The aim is not to ask the applicant to accept the qualifications twice—once orally and once in writing—but to complete the membership records in the National Office. The intention is to have on file a membership card signed by every newly enrolled believer, youth or adult, resident in or outside a local community, The Regional Teaching Committees have cards for isolated believers, and the National Spiritual Assembly is sending a number of cards to each local Assembly. When these are exhausted, the Assembly can apply for more.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Marriages[edit]

Maywood, Ill. Marilyn Kasper and George H. Lange, Feb. 26 in Oak Park.

Public Relations[edit]

At the request of the National Spiritual Assembly, Bahá’í Public Relations has sent local Assemblies a Questionnaire which seeks valuable information on what types of material and service are most in use and what types appear most effective for this new period of drastic economy. The Questionnaire was also sent to Area National and Regional Teaching Committees.

The Committee hopes that the convenient Answer Sheet sent with the Questionnaire will be filled out and returned by a large number of Assemblies and Committees. The information thus made available is to be tabled and analyzed so as to show what items of service are to be emphasized in future plans.

In connection with this Questionnaire, reference is made to another request for information mailed out by the Public Relations Committee at the request of the NSA a few months ago. The information sought was the list of organizations with which the local Assembly could effectively cooperate along inter-organizational lines.

The more Assemblies provide that information, the more complete and helpful the final result. Many Assemblies want to know what organizations have joined with the Bahá’ís on a common platform or conference with good results.

The Committee has reprinted the very fine illustrated article about the Faith which appeared in The Chicago Daily Tribune on February 26, 1949. The reprint is an offset sheet, letterhead size. As Public Relations projects must now be self-liquidating, the Committee offers copies at the rate of 50 for 75c, 100 for $1.50, etc.

This reprint can be used as free literature, as enclosure with local announcements, and in approaching the local editor with Bahá’í publicity.

Bear in mind that Assemblies and Committees can obtain free copies of literature financed by the Committee’s budget in a previous year: a packet of “The Reality of Brotherhood”; a packet of “The Principle of Religious Unity”; and also a packet of “Industrial Justice”—each for packing and shipping cost of 25c per packet.

Address for correspondence: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.

[Page 3]

Latin American News[edit]

After attending the Congress at Säo Paulo and then visiting several communities of South America and Panama, Mrs. Amelia Collins has returned home and given us a vivid first-hand account of the Congress and these communities. She was deeply impressed by the devotion and dedication of the delegates at Säo Paulo and by the eagerness of our Latin brothers everywhere to assume greater responsibilities.

The community of Säo Paulo took full advantage of the opportunity the Congress offered them for local meetings and publicity, Mrs. Collins said. A very impressive public meeting was held in their Municipal Library and was well attended. The press cooperated wonderfully and printed several fine articles about the Congress.

A Friendship Ship, the Joan of Arc, arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile, at the tip of South America during February carrying students from France on a goodwill tour. Our pioneer in Punta Arenas, Eve Nicklin, through a non-Bahá’í friend was given an opportunity to be presented to the captain and passengers of the ship and to address them briefly. She quoted words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on peace and friendship and left them a copy of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era in French and several issues of World Order.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the already large youth group is continuing to grow and another has been formed in the nearby town of Yabucoa. International Bahá’í Youth Day was celebrated with an excellent program by the Group in San Juan, which was well reported in the newspapers with quotations from the various speakers.

Two weekly study classes and a youth group have been formed in Guatemala City as a result of the Congress there and Natalia Chávez has stayed on in Guatemala since the Congress to instruct them.

In Memoriam[edit]

Mrs. Frank R. Patterson, Indianapolis, Ind. 12-30-48

Mr. William Lew, New York, N.Y. 1-31-49

Miss Elsie Miller, Dayton, Ohio, 2-3-49

Mr. George MacCraw, Montara, Calif., 2-6-49

Mr. William H. Nicholas, Santa Rosa, Calif. 2-11-49

Mrs. Rebecca Leach, Chicago, Ill., 3-9-49

Mrs. Leona Fletcher, San Mateo, Calif. 3-3-49

From the Guardian to the Bahá’ís of Vienna[edit]

(Through Mr. Franz Pollinger)

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter dated June 15th has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf. He can quite well understand that after so many years of isolation from the rest of the Bahá’í world it came as a surprise to some of you to hear that we, as Bahá’ís, must not have any affiliations with churches or political parties. But he feels certain that when you meditate on this matter you yourselves will see the wisdom of it. We as Bahá’ís can never be known as hypocrites or as people insincere in their protestations and because of this we cannot subscribe to both the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and ordinary church dogma. The churches are waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ; we believe He has come again in the glory of the Father. The churches teach doctrines—various ones in various creeds—which we as Bahá’ís do not accept, such as the bodily resurrection, confession, or in some creeds, the denial of the immaculate conception. In other words, there is no Christian church today whose dogmas we Bahá’ís can truthfully say we accept in their entirety.—Therefore to remain a member of the church is not proper for us, for we do so under false pretence. We should therefore withdraw from our churches but continue to associate, if we wish to, with the church members and ministers. Our belief in Christ, as Bahá’ís, is so firm, so unshakable and so exalted in nature that very few Christians are to be found now-a-days who love Him and reverence Him and have the faith in Him that we have. It is only from the dogmas and creeds of the churches that we dissociate ourselves; not from the Spirit of Christianity.

Very much the same reasons motivate us in withdrawing from all political movements, however close some of their ideals may be to ours. We Bahá’ís are one the world over; we are seeking to build up a new world order, divine in origin. How can we do this if every Bahá’í is a member of a different political party—some of them diametrically opposite to each other? Where is our unity then? We would be divided because of politics, against ourselves and this is the opposite of our purpose. Obviously if one Bahá’í in Austria is given freedom to choose a political party and join it, however good its aims may be, another

Bahá’í community of La Paz, Bolivia January, 1949.

[Page 4] Bahá’í in Japan or America, or India, has the right to do the same thing and he might belong to a party the very opposite in principle to that which the Austrian Bahá’í belongs to. Where would be the unity of the Faith then? These two spiritual brothers would be working against each other because of their political affiliations (as the Christians of Europe have been doing in so many fratricidal wars). The best way for a Bahá’í to serve his country and the world is to work for the establishment of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order, which will gradually unite all men and do away with divisive political systems and religious creeds. He does not force you to do this at once. But urges you all to decide to withdraw from your churches and political groups within say, a year and then to help each other to do this. You will find your spiritual strength greater for taking this step.

With Bahá’í Love
(signed) R. RABBANI

Canada Needs French Speaking Bahá’ís

The eastern Canadian Teaching Committee would very much like to hear from any French-speaking believers who might have some time to spend teaching the cause in Canada, particularly in the Province of Quebec. Short periods of time would be deeply appreciated. If you can help our newly-‎indedependent independent‎ fellow-believers in this way, please write to EASTERN CANADIAN TEACHING COMMITTEE, ADELINE LOHSE, SEC., 3360 RIDGEWOOD AVE., MONTREAL, P.Q., CANADA.

Calendar

Feasts:

May 17—‘Aẓamat—Grandeur

Anniversaries:

May 2—Twelfth Day of Riḍván (Suspend Work)

May 22—Declaration of the Báb, (two hours after sunset)

May 23—Birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Declaration of the Báb Observed as above.)

May 29—Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, (3 a.m.)

NSA Meeting: April 27

Annual Convention: Apr. 28 - May 1

Suggested Feast Programs[edit]

For the Feast of GRANDEUR, May 17th

DEVOTIONAL PERIOD

A Musical Prelude

B Worship

Prayers & Meditations	294 “Praised be Thou, O Lord my God! ... to
	296 “... Thy most perfect Cause.”
Prayers & Meditations	327 “Exalted, immeasurably exalted ... to
	329 “... court of Thy oneness.”
Prayers & Meditations	252 Ch. CLX “My God, the Object of my adoration ...
Prayers & Meditations	117 Ch. LXXI “Magnified be Thy Name...”

READINGS FOR THE CONSULTATION PERIOD

Advent of Divine Justice 13 “His Unfailing Light”

For the Feast of LIGHT, June 5th

DEVOTIONAL PERIOD

A Musical Prelude

B Worship

Prayers & Meditations	59 Ch. XLIII “O God, Who art the author ...”
Prayers & Meditations	280 “I swear by Thy Glory, O Thou ... to
	281 “... and of Thy Power”
Prayers & Meditations	“My God, and the God of all things ... to
	283 “... of Thy creation.”
Prayers & Meditations	253 Ch. CLXI “Praise be to Thee, O my God! ...”
Prayers & Meditations	57 Ch. XLI “Thy unity is inscrutable...”

READINGS FOR THE CONSULTATION PERIOD

Advent of Divine Justice 11 “The Possibilities of the Future”

For the Feast of MERCY, June 24th

DEVOTIONAL PERIOD

A Musical Prelude

B Worship

Prayers & Meditations	Ch. XVI, p. 19 “Praise be to Thee, O Lord my God!”
Prayers & Meditations	24 Ch. XXI “Praise be Thou, O Lord my God!”
Prayers & Meditations	279 “Deny not Thy loved ones ... to
	280 “... the Self-Subsisting.”
Prayers & Meditations	31 Ch. XXVII “Thou beholdest, O my God, ...”
Bahá’í Prayers	29 “Darkness hath encompassed ...”

READINGS FOR THE CONSULTATION PERIOD

“The Promised Day is Come”	116 “... This great retributive ... to
	118 ...“service of the entire human race.”

Enrollments[edit]

Enrollments reported by
Local Spiritual Assemblies:

Fargo, N.D., 1; Chicago, Ill., 2; Ann Arbor, Mich., 1; Ft. Wayne, Ind., 1; Houston, Texas, 1; Berkeley, Calif, 1: Newark, N.J., 1; New Haven, Conn., 1; Los Angeles, Calif., 1; Jackson, Miss., 2; Maui, T.H, 1; New Orleans, La., 2; West Englewood, N.J., 2; Flint, Mich., 1; Rochester, N.Y., 1; Toledo, Ohio, 1; Miami, Fla., 1; YOUTH 7.

Enrollments reported by
Regional Teaching Committee:

NORTHEASTERN STATES

Western New York, 2

CENTRAL STATES

Ill., Iowa, 2

Wis., Minn., No. & So. Dakota, 1

WESTERN STATES

Idaho, Utah, Mont., 1

So. Calif., Ariz. 1 Youth

Washington State, 1

DIRECTORY ADDITIONS & CHANGES[edit]

Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries:

Portland, Ore.

Mrs. Ernest P. Haukedahl

723 S. E. 19th Ave. Z 14

New York City, N. Y.

Mr. Rustam Payman

Bahá’í Center

119 W. 57th t., Z 19

Arlington, Va.

Mrs. Bessie Barham

1622 N. McKinley Rd., Apt. 2

Long Beach, Calif.

Mrs. Leila Antonson

5458 Lime St., Z 5

Correction[edit]

Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

Mrs. Floyd H. Munson, Sec’y.

452 Fisher Rd., Z 30

(Erroneously reported to be Miss Mabel Kitchenmaster).

[Page 5]

Around the Bahá’í World[edit]

ÍRÁN[edit]

(From Bahá’í News and Reviews, published by the NSA of Persia)

“Inestimable honour has been conferred upon us through the receipt of a momentous, general communication in Persian from our beloved Guardian addressed to the Bahá’ís throughout the East on the occasion of Riḍván.... this outstanding work of the Guardian enables us once again to catch a glimpse of the immeasurable greatness of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.... The keynote of this matchless work is the exposition of the dazzling greatness of this divine manifestation and the demonstration of its supreme efficacy and power...

“The volume of the Guardian’s Persian writings has already attained a very high proportion. Outstanding among them is his eloquent, his glowing contribution to the history of the Cause, written in commemoration of the centenary of the faith... Its preamble in Arabic is indeed a masterpiece, irresistible in eloquence, rippling with rhythmic beauty, dynamic and soul-stirring beyond description.”

“The duties intrusted to our National Education Committee are manifold and exacting. Ever since the closing of Bahá’í schools in this country the matter of training and education of Bahá’í youth and children has assumed a grave and delicate aspect.

“... 95 beloved youths have volunteered for active service as pioneers, 280 to go out on visiting trips and that among the various forms of assistance offered by them is the pledge to give over 16,000 toomans towards the prosecution of the Plan.

“Such a spirit of enterprise and dedication, if fully developed and stimulated, seems to be quite capable of placing the youth in such a challenging position as to outnumber the adult settlers and pioneers now in the field.”

“On the whole, progress of pioneering in the neighbouring lands remains slow mainly because of the existence of the blind hatred and opposition of the natives in goal areas. However, there are indications that new possibilities are opening up.

“For the information of the beloved friends in other lands it would be appropriate to describe briefly the nature of those tragic events that tend to retard the progress of the Plan and at the same time cause undue suffering for those beloved souls who stepped forward into the arena of service.

“For instance emigrants to several goal centres were unable to gain foothold in the appointed localities, because as soon as the inhabitants came to know about their religious persuasion they withdrew their offers to let or sell houses and land to the new-comers. Thus being unable to find shelter, the friends were obliged to retrieve their steps with considerable loss ... At other places the natives are forbidden to associate or to have any business dealing with the friends. Consequently, they can neither procure the necessities of life, nor secure a job, nor engage in a profession, a condition not unsimilar to the excessive strain resulting from social and economic sanctions. In many localities Bahá’ís are denied access to public baths. It ought to be noted in this connection that except in Ṭihrán, very few homes in Írán do have private baths. There have been occasions when believers employed in Government Departments were either discharged from service or transferred to another area solely because of their allegiance to the Cause.

“However, cases such as exposure to ridicule and insults, pelting of homes, damaging Bahá’í-owned property, bringing false accusations against the friends—these and similar cruel deeds perpetrated against the person and property of the friends represent the milder type of persecutions and are matters of everyday occurrence.

“But sometimes these outbursts grow so fierce as to involve loss of life, such as the recent tragic incident which took place in Chalih-Zamin, a small village in North Írán.

“At about midnight ... a group of assassins raided the home of one of the believers in that village... As he was coming downstairs to answer the untimely call at the door he was greeted by no less than five bullets fired at him from outside the window, as a result of which his legs were shattered and he fell to the floor. Not satisfied with this odious deed, the raiders forced their way into the house and while using the vilest terms in reference to the Cause inflicted further fatal injuries upon the victim who passed to the realms beyond after a short while.”

(Note: The Persian N.S.A. urgently requests the believers not to publicize this because it would bring added persecutions.)

“It is our hope that these winds of adversity ... will serve to set our hearts ablaze with a radiant faith, with a renewed sense of love and dedication and to galvanize our humble efforts so as to be able to achieve a brilliant success for our beloved Cause through the fulfillment

Bahá’í Youth and friends at the First Youth Symposium, Sunday, Feb. 21, 1949, Bern, Switzerland.

[Page 6] of our cherished desires. We earnestly beg you, dear friends, to pray for the protection, deliverance, and success of the Persian Bahá’í community.”

The Home Front[edit]

LOS ANGELES, CAL.

Bahá’ís and their friends from Los Angeles and surrounding communities attended a Bahá’í open house, Feb. 18 at the center. The guest speaker was Dr. Ralph H. Lutz, professor of modern history at Leland Stanford University and his subject: “Education in a Chaotic World”. Following him, Mrs. Isabel Downing read from the Bahá’í Teachings on education. Dr. Lutz was a friend of David Starr Jordan, at whose request, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke at Stanford University in 1912.

SEATTLE, WASH. (from American Bahá’í Youth Bulletin)

“The Bahá’í Youth Study Group of the University of Washington has been holding some very excellent and well attended meetings, which have attracted the attention of other groups on campus. Religious Emphasis Week was February 7-12 at this University,” and this group secured as one of the main speakers for this outstanding event, Rex King, well-known Bahá’í. “As a result of Mr. King’s presence, the attendance of the Study Group has doubled.”

“Ralph Blohm, chairman of this group, writes that while Mr. King was in Seattle, he stayed at Ralph’s fraternity house and also gave a talk to these boys. Most of these fellows came up to Ralph and said, ‘You know, this religion has what I have been thinking of for the last few years, all rolled up into one’.”

“A Bahá’í woman living in Seattle has been washing Ralph’s shirts for him. She has been sending the proceeds of this work to the Temple Fund. So far, Ralph has succeeded in supplying her with shirts from 94 fellows, and now that this project has grown, several other women in the Assembly are helping in this wonderful work.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I.

A radio play, written by Irving and Jane Lovely was presented on radio station WEAN by the A.V.C. and Seminar on Human Relations. Many people made up the cast including Mr. Lovely and Nate Gould of the Brown University Lincoln Society. The aim of the broadcast was to show how easily people, even ourselves, can be prejudiced without realizing it, and thus commit the great crime of setting ourselves up as superior people.

“The Inter-Faith Meeting on February 13 was a good example of unity and brotherhood. High up in the old raised rostrum sat a smiling young Jewish Rabbi, a friendly Bahá’í, and a keen young Brown University student, also the speaker, Rev. Albert Thomas himself a son of missionary parents. There was a good congregation in the large and beautiful old Unitarian Church on Benefit Street, and the get-together in the church parlors was so friendly people were loath to break up. New friends were made and coffee and sandwiches were enjoyed. There was a literature table contributed by different faiths. Several were interested to know about the Bahá’í Faith and we learned more of theirs.”

Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of February, 1949[edit]

Alabama—Birmingham. Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona—North Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Arcadia, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Burlingame, Carmel, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Oakland, Pasadena, San Diego, Sacramento, San Marino, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, South Gate. Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—New Haven, Hartford.

Programmer’s Corner

“Let him (the believer) also attempt to devise such methods as association with clubs, exhibitions, and societies, lectures on subjects akin to the teachings and ideals of his Cause such as temperance, morality, social welfare, religious and racial tolerance, economic cooperation, Islám, and Comparative Religion, or participation in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational organizations and enterprises which, while safeguarding the integrity of his Faith, will open up to him a multitude of ways and means whereby he can enlist successively the sympathy, the support, and ultimately the allegiance of those with whom he comes in contact.”

—SHOGHI EFFENDI
Advent of Divine Justice, p. 43

Hints for Action:

1. Watch the newspapers in your town for the ‎anouncement announcement‎ of the meetings of World Federalists, Unitarians, and Societies for Peace. (Pan-American Week, April 12; World Trade Week, May 22; Lessons in Truth Week, — Unity School—, September 12; Religious Book Week, October 23; etc.)

2. Associate freely as a courteous listener at first, and then attract listeners, one by one, to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

3. Watch for opportunities to invite your associates to firesides or to public meetings.

—THE NATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

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, Peoria, Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Winnetka. Indiana—Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids, Waterloo. Kansas—Topeka. Louisiana—New Orleans. Maine—Portland. Maryland—Baltimore.

Massachusetts—Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Davison Twp., Dearborn 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, Helena. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Jersey City, Red Bank, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque, Albuquerque N. 10. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Jamestown, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo.

Ohio—Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, ‎Todelo Toledo‎. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Columbia, Greenville. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis, Nashville. Texas—Houston, San Antonio. Utah—Salt Lake City. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington. Washington—Kirkland, Marysville, Monroe, Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Racine, Madison, Milwaukee, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa. Wyoming—Laramie.

Total Assemblies	179
Assemblies Contributing	155
Assemblies not Contributing	24
Groups Contributing	51
Individuals Contributing	375

[Page 8]

ANNUAL REPORTS 1948-1949, A SUMMARY[edit]

National Spiritual Assembly[edit]

This is the third year of the Second Seven Year Plan, dedicated to consolidation of victories already won throughout the Americas, involving multiplication of Bahá’í centers and bolder proclamation of the Faith to the masses; completion of interior ornamentation of the Holiest House of Worship in the Bahá’í world; formation of National Spiritual Assemblies, pillars of the Universal House of Justice, in the Dominion of Canada, Central and South America; and the initiation of sustained teaching activity leading to the formation of local Spiritual Assemblies in ten countries of Western Europe.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada was established by the First Annual Convention of Canadian Bahá’ís in April, 1948. We are now the Bahá’í community of the United States.

The progress achieved in the other three projects is reported in detail by the respective Committees conducting the work.

The Bahá’ís of the United States have 179 local Assemblies. Of these, 51 are incorporated under statutes of their respective States or Territories. Incorporations effected in the past two years are: West Chester, Pa., May 5, 1947; Anchorage, Alaska, October 15, 1947; Boise, Idaho, February 12; Beverley, Mass., March 4, Albuquerque, N. M., March 29; and Jamestown, N. Y., July 26, 1948.

The 1948 Convention was blessed with a cable from the Guardian which said: “Joyfully acclaim brilliant achievements transcending fondest hopes and setting the seal of complete victory on the stupendous labors undertaken by American Bahá’í community in the second year of the Second Seven Year Plan.” Shoghi Effendi also said: “Appeal to members of the community so privileged, so loved, so valorous, endowed with such potentialities, to unitedly press forward, however afflictive the trials their countrymen may yet experience, however grievous the tribulations the land of their heart’s desire may yet suffer, however oppressive an anxiety the temporary severance of external communications with the World Center of their Faith may engender, however onerous the tasks still to be accomplished until every single obligation under the present Plan is honorably fulfilled....”

In announcing plans for the current year in June Bahá’í News, the National Assembly explained its budget of $354,000. This vast undertaking included $69,000 to offset the deficit incurred by the Temple Construction Fund the previous year; Temple construction, $100,000; National Committees, $91,975; Trustee properties, $17,500; Schools, $1,000; Administration, $35,000; special items, including repairs to Temple structure, $21,800; and reserve, $11,625.

Serious consideration of the problems faced by the National Teaching Committee in dealing with small communities and groups throughout the United States led to the decision to decentralize the whole operation of consolidation work by setting up an Area National Teaching Committee for each of the four sub-divisions of the United States charted by the Master in His Tablets of the Divine Plan. The purpose was to concentrate more executive direction and energy, and develop a greater familiarity with conditions within a smaller teaching area.

On May 14, the Guardian cabled that he was delighted at “appointment of new committees for consolidation of teaching work.”

In July the Assembly conducted a joint conference with the officers of the four Area Committees, going over matters of policy, method and material, and invited the Programming and Public Relations Committees to explain their plans. Consolidation

Bahá’í Address

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work this year has been enlarged to cover teaching assistance to new and small communities up to a membership of fifteen adult Bahá’ís. From then on the community is expected to be permanently established and stabilized, with collective capacity to conduct its own local teaching and proclamation campaigns, choosing whatever assistance it wants from any national committee.

Still concerned with the rigorous duty to maintain all the newly formed and all small communities, on July 8 the National Assembly wrote all local Assemblies with a community of less than fifteen requesting consultation with the Regional Teaching Committee; and all the larger Assemblies urging that their Extension Teaching Committees assist small communities and also work with groups to form new Assemblies.

Meanwhile a printed “Call to the American Bahá’ís for Unity and Sacrifice” was sent to every individual believer. “You, the individual Bahá’í, are the mainspring of all action, the instrument of every sacrifice, and the ultimate object of all the love, intended to serve the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The progress of our great world mission rushes forward, or halts, just because you lend your will to it, or relax in your zeal and effort.”

A National Programming Committee was also initiated this year in order to make available teaching helps and materials better known and to initiate themes and programs, so that local communities might have more assistance in planning their fireside and public meetings.

On May 18 the Guardian, in his extensive letter we have entitled “My Appeal to This God-Chosen Community” (May 18, 1948) set forth our particular tasks for the current year:

“The placing, with care and promptitude, the successive contracts, designed to ensure the uninterrupted progress of the interior ornamentation of the Temple, at a time when the international situation is fraught with so many complications and perils; the acceleration of the two-fold process designed to preserve the status of the present Assemblies throughout the States of the Union and multiply their number;

[Page 9] the constant broadening of the bases on which the projected Latin American National Assemblies are to be securely founded; the steady expansion of the work initiated to give wider publicity to the Faith in the North American Continent and in circles associated with the United Nations; and, last but not least, the constitution of firmly established Assemblies in each of the remaining goal countries in Europe and the simultaneous initiation, in the countries already provided with such Assemblies, of measures aiming at the formation of several nuclei calculated to reinforce the structural basis of an infant administrative Order—these stand out as the primary and inescapable duties which the members of your Assembly—the mainspring of the multitudinous activities carried on in your homeland, in the Latin American field, and on the European front—must in this third year of the Second Seven Year Plan, befittingly discharge.”

Except for the warning implied in the Guardian’s message to the 1948 Convention already cited, the current year appeared to be proceeding along expected lines. Then, on November 3 the Assembly received the cablegram which introduced the new and challenging conception of crisis compelling us all to purify our vision and revise our plans.

“The deepening crisis ominously threatening further to derange the equilibrium of a politically convulsed, economically disrupted, morally decadent and spiritually moribund society... 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 mightiest exploits must coincide with the apocalyptic upheaval marking the lowest ebb in mankind’s fast-declining fortunes.”

Spiritually, no doubt, we are in our understanding of reality like insects who encompass only as much of a surface as they contact while moving over it—unless we recognize and accept guidance from an inspired source. The Guardian’s words raise our vision to a height where we can see a greater area of events and meanings than our own minds could produce.

With startling swiftness the conception of Bahá’í activity we held has been changed. Soon after the Guardian’s warning of November 3 it became apparent that Temple construction costs had gone up with the rise of the general price level. The cash reserve intended for the Temple in successive annual budgets had only been accumulated in part.

The months of December and January brought successive messages from Haifa which called for drastic revisions, even suspensions, of much established work, and committed the community to Temple contracts which are to proceed without interruption until completion within two or two and a half years. Inter-America, European Teaching and United States consolidation teaching has been maintained.

In February, March and April issues of Bahá’í News the Assembly has sought to share this tremendous epic of spiritual obligation with the friends. For sake of the record it is stated that the Assembly itself, without specific direction and authorization from the Guardian, would not, at that stage, have felt compelled to suspend the Schools and the magazine, and practically eliminate any committee project involving expense. Our national Bahá’í scene has changed. Until the Convention assimilates the facts, and a new assembly formulates plans for the coming year, the pattern will not be entirely clear.

The Guardian has more than once associated our Temple work with the Shrine of the Báb. His message of March 16, so recently received and circulated, calls upon us to be worthy of our Martyr-Prophet the Centenary of whose Martyrdom will fall next year; and expects from us a degree of sacrifice comparable to that of the Bahá’í heroes of the Dawn. “The anticipated trials will enable its members to plumb greater depths of consecration, soar to nobler heights of collective endeavor, and disclose in fuller measure the future glory of their destiny.”

In order to give effect to the yearning of the believers to discharge their great financial responsibility, the Assembly adopted and circulated a Plan enabling individual believers to contribute directly to the National Fund as well as continue their regular local contribution. Detailed reference to its provisions and its results pertains to the National Treasurer.

Lack of space makes it impossible to mention more than a few of the many subjects suitable for an annual report.

Internationally, the supreme event is the construction by the Guardian of the facade of the Báb’s Shrine on the slopes of Mt. Carmel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, in the Holy Land. This work has gone forward in one way or another without cessation, though this Bahá’í year we were cut off from communication with the Guardian for more than two months.

Next, the representation of the Bahá’í International Community by delegates in United Nations conferences open to accredited international non-governmental organizations: Geneva, Switzerland; Paris, France; Lawrence, Kansas; and Lake Success, New York. Moreover the Faith was represented by a delegate at the World Congress of World Federation Societies conducted in Luxembourg.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Canada has taken all necessary steps to apply for a Charter from their Parliament. The Charter, when granted, recognizes that Assembly as a legal body and confers upon it a constitution.

Each newly enrolled believer is presented with a copy of the Master’s Will and Testament and other literature with his letter of greeting and fellowship. This year an excellent new piece was prepared entitled “Your Experience as a Bahá’í,” which serves to orient the new friend in terms of Bahá’í fellowship and community life.

Intensive study has been made of the role of the Bahá’í School in the community, and the fruits of this work will appear when School sessions resume. A new committee on pamphlet literature has also made an extensive survey on types of subject needing treatment and styles of presentation making for the broadest popular appeal.

From the accompanying annual reports the friends will be able to fill in the essential parts of the year May 1, 1948—April 30, 1949.

[Page 10] (These reports from national committees cover the period from May 1, 1948, to January 31, 1949. Usually, these are mimeographed and given to each delegate attending the National Convention so that he will be better prepared to participate in consultation at the Convention. The NSA voted, in view of the present financial needs, not to publish Annual Reports for all the believers this year. Therefore, to save money and to serve two purposes, these condensed reports are being published in Bahá’í News to inform the delegates to the National Convention and also provide a brief record for each believer.)

American Memorial To ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]

Mrs. Edith Inglis, Roy Wilhelm, Borrah Kavelin, Miss Doris Raymond, Miss Ethel Revell, Emerson Walker, Ben Dacus, Mrs. Carrie Kinney, Mrs. Harriet Kelsey, Walter Goodfellow, Robert Fuller, Mrs. Amy Raubitschek, secretary.

The Thirty-Sixth Annual Gathering to commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America was held Saturday, June 26, 1948, at the Bahá’í Centre in West Englewood. Mr. Curtis Kelsey acted as chairman. The theme was “Basis for a Lasting World Unity.” Speakers were Mrs. Terah C. Smith, Saffa Kinney, Ali Kuli Khan, and Robert Gulick. Miss Ethel Revell read the address given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912. About 500 people were present.

Area National Teaching Committees[edit]

1. Northeastern States

Borrah Kavelin, chairman; Rustam Payman, vice-chairman; Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Della Quinlan, recording secretary; Curtis D. Kelsey, treasurer; Sally O‘Neill, Allah K. Kalantar.

In order to assist the 25 communities with a membership of less than 15, the committee worked from two angles:

1. Teaching. Every goal has been helped to carry on the three minimum teaching activities adopted by the NSA, of one publicized meeting a month, at least one regular fireside, and a study class for Bahá’ís, for which all have been urged to use the new outline on the Covenant. In order to attract and confirm the needed number of new believers, the “Northeastern Plan” was inaugurated, by which every goal community would hold one public meeting and three follow-up meetings a month, all lead by an outside Bahá’í whenever possible.

2. Strengthening the Assemblies. A large number of the goal communities were found to be lacking in knowledge of the Administration and in unity. Many have personality problems. A concentrated attempt has been made to help them through consultation with the ATC, and RTCs, and individual teachers.

Status of goals on January 31:

Total number of Bahá’ís in the 25 goals—266 in June, 1948; 261 in Jan., 1949. Twenty-one Bahá’ís moved out of the goals, eight or nine of them settlers; 11 moved into the goals; five believers enrolled in the goals.

Of the goals, four have less than nine Bahá’ís; one has reached 15; six give good promise of reaching 15. All are working to improve both in number and strength.

Conferences. Two area conferences for all believers; two area conferences with all six RTCs. Eleven conferences between the ATC and individual RTCs. Conferences, sometimes more than one, have been held with 18 individual goals, either by the ATC or the RTCs.

Bulletins for all Bahá’ís, except in communities over 15, have been distributed monthly by the RTCs. Help has been given to groups and isolated believers, especially in two regions.

As a whole, the assemblies are stronger than they were, more unified, more aware of their responsibilities and more positive in their attitude. All of the RTCs have given a great deal of time and effort. Four goals are being helped by the Extension Teaching Committees of three assemblies, New York, Binghamton, and Jamestown.

2. Southern States

John Inglis, chairman: Mrs. Annie Romer, secretary; David Ruhe, Mrs. Margaret Ruhe, Mrs. Louise Taylor, Mrs. Verna Inglis, Mrs. Mary Edson.

There were only six assemblies on last May 1 with 15 or more Bahá’ís. Three assemblies have attained the goal with several more nearly at that point. There have been approximately 30 new Bahá’ís enrolled and about the same number of transfers into the area, but five deaths and 25 transfers out of the region cut down the increase.

The Labor Day Conference at Ashville had to be cancelled due to polio. A very successful conference was held in November at Atlanta with Margery McCormick as consultant. A late February conference is planned for Memphis with Mrs. Margery McCormick as ‎consultlant consultant‎.

Traveling teachers have included Dr. Glenn Shook, Mr. and Mrs. Crane, and Mrs. Ruth Moffett. Mrs. Moffett spent a month in Charleston, W. V., and then went on to Jackson, Miss., and Augusta, Ga.

Considerable newspaper publicity has been obtained. The Pegler article appeared in several places and created interest. It was followed by splendid articles bringing out the truth about the Faith. Motion pictures have been used to quite an extent. Questionnaire cards have been used extensively in Texas. Materials sent by the Programming and Public Relations Committees have proved helpful and been quite widely used. Every community has had some type of public meeting. A contact was made with the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.

There have been many problems and in many cases it is felt that much has been done to ensure a sounder foundation. There is, we feel, a greater nearness to and understanding of the Guardian, a keener appreciation of the intense need of the time, and a sense of facing reality and assuming more responsibility.

3. Central States

Monroe Ioas, chairman; Mrs. May T. Scheffler, secretary; Mrs. Amelia Collins, Mrs. Florence Gibson, Clarence Suhm, Dr. Katherine True, Mrs. Sarah Walrath.

During the first nine months of this year the NTC has carried forward the general plan set by the NSA. Through the untiring efforts of the RTCs, the Extension Teaching Committees, and the efforts of all Bahá’ís, a certain measure of success has been attained. We have had excellent cooperation from the believers toward the objective of consolidating newly-established assemblies and bringing their number up to at least 15.

There were 38 communities which had to be brought up to 15. In most of these the number of native believers actually was less than nine, because of the settlers moved there in 1948. Present indications

[Page 11] are that we will succeed in holding the assembly status with all native believers, but only in a few instances will we actually reach the number that we have set as our goal. This does not mean that there was any lag in the teaching effort, for in all cases the general plans outlined have been carried out. Public meetings, classes for deepening the understanding of the believers themselves, as well as fireside meetings have been conducted regularly in the goal cities in this area. The Extension Teaching Committees continued the efforts they had started the previous year.

In most cases assembly status last year was achieved by the bringing in of settlers. In many instances these settlers have moved back to their homes. The number of new believers needed to bring these assemblies up to 15 varied and in most cases we will not be able to bring the number of native believers up to 15. Assembly status, however, will most likely be held secure.

We may summarize as of January 31: there are 31 assemblies in our area under 15; there are three having 16 believers or more; there are nine still under nine.

4. Western States

Mrs. Robert Kenny, chairman; Mrs. Jesma Herbert, secretary; Mrs. Florence Mayberry, recording secretary; David Mayberry, Winston Evans; John McHenry, treasurer.

The NTC has so far this year issued six bulletins to all regions as well as useful teaching material and references. We have regularly and promptly transmitted material and suggestions from the National Programming Committee. Individual teaching problems have been answered promptly. Regional conferences have been encouraged, and smaller district conferences and workshop conferences on special topics suggested and developed. A feeling of closeness with the RTCs has ‎ has‎ been striven for.

The regions have been educated to rely more fully on their own teaching resources. Weather interfered with teaching assistance planned for Montana and Oregon. Mrs. Kenny made a teaching circuit through Washington and Oregon in late January and February. Mr. McHenry and Mrs. Herbert assisted in parts of California and Arizona.

The NTC assisted in the promotion and support of the Town Meeting for Peace held in Pasadena and initiated by that Bahá’í community.

A thumbnail survey of the area reveals the following as of January 30: Alaska — 1 goal, near attainment. They have used traveling teachers, radio, publicity, and participation in a Fair. Five groups have been formed. Colorado-Wyoming — 2 goals, one goal attained. Conferences have been held in the goal cities, and a ten day seminar in Denver. Idaho-Montana-Utah — three goals, one attained and one new assembly anticipated. Participation in Northern Montana States Fair proclaimed the Faith widely; the region is working energetically. New Mexico — 1 goal which may be absorbed by annexation to a neighboring city. Consistent meetings and a fine conference held. Northern California and Nevada — eight goals; two attained, four near attainment, two in a weak condition. Oregon — no goal city, but groups have been formed and teaching work stimulated. Washington — five goals. Progress has been difficult but there is a hopeful upward trend. Frequent conferences have been held, and the National Programming schedule has been followed for public meeting circuits. Southern California and Arizona — 19 goals; six have attained and most of the others are working consistently. A Winter Institute, held in Phoenix, Arizona, lent additional impetus to the Arizona teaching program. Four assemblies are in great danger of losing their status.

Archives and History

Dr. Otto Zmeskal, chairman; Mrs. Gertrude S. Struven, secretary; Miss Ruth Dasher, recording secretary; Mrs. Nelle Heath, M. D. Roach, Mrs. Corrine True, Dr. Khan Zia.

The plan of activities for the coming year may be summed up as follows: (1) the determination of the number and authenticity of all unpublished Tablets (The recipients of the published tablets have, with few exceptions, been ascertained); (2) the classification and cataloging of photographs now in the Archives; (3) Cataloging of the Master’s Tablets; (4) cataloging of the Guardian’s letters; (5) classification of new and existing material received for preservation in the Archives.

Among the gifts received this year are: the personal collection of Bahá’í mementos of the late George Latimer; 179 Kodachrome color slides of the Temple; a scrapbook containing notices and reviews of Jenabe Faḍl’s lectures and activities in America; several journals kept by Mason Remey on recent teaching tours; files of “Minutes of the Executive Board of Bahá’í Temple Unity”, March 1909 — May 1919; some beautiful Persian embroideries and hangings; a copy of “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Talks Given in Paris” with His own signature, a gift of the Bahá’í of the British Isles.

Receipts were issued this year for 223 letters from the Guardian and 10 Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The friends are strongly urged to send in the original Tablets now in their possession, both for preservation and as, to quote the Guardian’s own words: “No Tablets will be published in the future for which the original signed or sealed manuscripts are not available.”

Audio-Visual Education

Charles Wolcott, chairman; Mrs. Clyde S. Longyear, secretary; Mrs. Donald B. Keyes, Mrs. Charles Wolcott, Dr. Clyde S. Longyear, Arthur S. Patterson, Dr. David S. Ruhe, Archie Tichenor, Clarence Welsh.

Several radical changes were made this year in committee functions. Bahá’í Sales Committee and National Programming Committee, both centrally located, took sales and distribution, and the program usage of all visual and audio-visual materials produced to date. Research and production of new materials were thus the chief responsibilities for this year.

Production work has been carried out entirely by the eastern section of the committee, a three-man unit consisting of Dr. Ruhe, Mr. Tichenor and Mr. Welsh. Dr. Ruhe has continued work on the slide film “Bahá’í Administration.” A slide film about Green Acre was started as a new project this year.

Experimental work with commercial film strips has shown that many of them have too strong a propagandistic element for Bahá’í program use. Research work on script and pictorial material has been carried out with a view to later productions.

Bahá’í News Editorial

Mrs. Roberta Christian, chairman; Gordon Fraser, Mrs. Margaret Jamir.

Regular monthly meetings were held throughout the year with full

[Page 12] attendance of all members. We sustained a great loss in the death of Mrs. Bertha Kirkpatrick last May. During her period of service she prepared the “Suggested Daily Readings” column. Since her loss, Mrs. Delphia Kent, of Binghamton, N. Y., has undertaken this service.

The limitation of space in Bahá’í News is our greatest problem, and we regret that we cannot use all the fine material sent in. We strive constantly to improve the readability of the paper, keeping in mind the fact that the Guardian said he hoped it would become “the foremost Bahá’í journal in the world.”

Our efforts to make the paper readable and vital are constant because it is the official organ through which the National Assembly keeps in constant touch with every believer. Not to read each issue carefully is to miss many important communications.

Bahá’í World Editorial Committee for Vol. XII[edit]

Robert L. Gulick, chairman; Virginia Breaks, corresponding secretary; Victor Alexander, Duart Vinson Brown, Georgina FitzGerald, Marzieh Gail, Mrs. Loyce Lawrence, Christine Lofstedt, Mrs. Sarah Pereira, Robert Powers, Mrs. Myrtle Sylva, Mrs. Marion Yazdi, Ali Yazdi.

Volume XII of The Bahá’í World covers the two-year period from April 1948 to April 1950. Its general theme is “The Sovereignty of God” and “The Emergence of World Civilization.”

Our objectives are to furnish as complete a picture as possible of the many activities carried on in the Cause during this period, to show the growth of the world community and the vital contributions the Bahá’í Faith makes in the world today. We hope to make Volume XII an attractive and inspiring source of information both to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

The same divisions and classifications of subject matter will be kept in Volume XII as are found in previous volumes. Effort will be made to improve the quality of the material within this general plan, to widen the range of subject matter, to include new contributing writers and to have material representing all geographic areas where the Faith is established.

Please send all suggestions, articles, photographs and other material for The Bahá’í World to the secretary, P. O. Box 238, Palo Alto, California.

Child Education[edit]

Mrs. Annamarie Honnold, chairman; Mrs. Raymond Rouse, secretary; Mrs. Sylvia Parmalee, Mrs. Kit Goldstein, Mrs. Margaret Garven, Mrs. Amy Brady Dwelly, Miss Arline Lindenstruth, Mrs. Elizabeth Fox, Mrs. Gaylord Christensen, Mrs. Ruth Foster.

The year’s work may be summarized as follows: (1) “The Child’s Way,” a bi-monthly bulletin available to all persons interested in training Bahá’í children. (Cost: 10c per copy, 50c per year.) Purpose: “To cooperate with child education facilities maintained in local communities and to foster parent education from the Bahá’í point of view.” (2) Story sheets — short accounts of incidents in the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, for the small child; mailed free of charge to all who subscribe to the bulletin. (3) A song book—approved by a previous committee, can now be obtained for $1.00 from the Publishing Committee. (4) Prayer book—revision of one previously published, now awaiting NSA approval for publication. (5) “The Kingdoms of God”—an instructive, illustrated book for the intermediate child, approved by a previous committee, will soon be sent to the NSA for approval for publication.

European Teaching[edit]

Miss Edna M. True, chairman; Mrs. Julia Shows, secretary; Mrs. S. W. French, Mrs. Enos M. Barton, Mrs. Philip G. Sprague, Mr. Leroy Ioas, Mrs. Sylvia Ioas, Dr. Katherine True, Mrs. Thomas R. Wood.

The First European Teaching conference was held in Genoa, Switzerland, from May 22 to May 26. Four Committee members, Mary Sprague, Edna True, Sylvia and Leroy Ioas, were in attendance. The American Bahá’ís were also represented by Sara and Paul Harris who later undertook a teaching trip through several countries. In all, 92 Bahá’ís from 18 countries were present. The spirit of unity and loving fellowship prevailed and the results of the Conference far exceeded hopes and expectations. (Reports of the Conference have appeared in past issues of Bahá’í News.)

Since the Geneva Conference, the committee has concentrated on consolidation of goals already achieved, development of communities already established in seven of the goal countries and establishment of local assemblies in the other three, the translation, publication and dissemination of literature, and the beginning of some extension work.

Last summer the committee sent Beatrice Ashton to all of the newly-established assemblies to give them intensive study in Administration. Mason Remey visited many centers as an itinerant teacher, and Mrs. Joel Stebbins spent several weeks in Switzerland. Jeanne Bolles visited all the Scandinavian centers. Excellent results were reported from the visits of all of these itinerant teachers.

Marion Little returned to Europe as a pioneer. Doris and Don Corbin went as pioneers to Sweden in October. In late January an important change was made in the ETC Geneva Office. Etty Graeffe went temporarily as a pioneer to Luxembourg en route home to care for her aging parents. Honor Kempton was asked to replace Mrs. Graeffe as the representative in the Geneva Office.

Despite the financial crisis here on the home front, the Guardian cabled that he wanted the Committee to hold another teaching conference this summer. Plans are therefore being developed for a second conference in August.

The number of newly declared believers in the goal countries shows a gain of 62 since last Convention.

International Relief[edit]

Representative: Mrs. Beatrice Ashton.

From the International Fund $1600 has been received and been put into CARE orders to help pay workers restoring the building bought by the German NSA for their National Headquarters in Frankfort. From this amount 125 Food Packages and 65 Swiftning Packages have been sent, and acknowledged by the German NSA. Work has progressed so that a part of the building will be ready for their National Convention this spring.

A special donation from Íráq was used for German relief.

A complete list of Bahá’ís in Germany has been received from the Social Committee of the German NSA. A complete list of Bahá’ís of France, received last year, has been kept up to date. The Bahá’í International

[Page 13] Bureau, Geneva, keeps us informed of conditions and needs of Bahá’ís in other countries of Europe not under the ETC.

From May 1, 1948, to January 31, 1949, a total of 115 requests has been received from Bahá’ís or Bahá’í communities for addresses for package sending. It is known that 199 packages have been sent to addresses given out on these requests. Every Bahá’í community and group, as well as isolated Bahá’ís, in Germany have received packages, the number being in accord with the size and need of the community.

One or more CARE packages have been sent to every Bahá’í community or group in the U. S., British, and French Zones of Germany. This has been made possible through the requests of Bahá’ís and communities in the United States cooperating with the International Relief Representative so that distribution could be guided. The local efforts can be illustrated by the Bahá’í Children’s Class of Philadelphia which sent a CARE food package to the Bahá’í children of a large German community.

Any Bahá’í or community or group that has had a share in thus encouraging the Bahá’ís of these other countries during these days of difficulty has had a real and active part in helping to spread the Bahá’í spirit and the Bahá’í teachings in these lands.

Inter-American[edit]

Edwin W. Mattoon, chairman; Miss Julie Regal, secretary; Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mrs. Amelia Collins, Miss Elizabeth Cheney, Ellsworth Blackwell, John Eichenauer, Charles M. Ioas, Miss Evelyn Larson, Mrs. Loulie Mathews, Miss Gwenne Sholtis.

During 1948-49 our Bahá’í brothers to the South have awakened to the importance, the responsibilities, the functions, and the demands upon themselves of their own National (Territorial) committees and have arisen with great enthusiasm to meet the challenge set before them by the Guardian — the formation of their own independent National Spiritual Assemblies in 1951.

Last August, the following powers were turned over to their two National Teaching Committees: full authority over the RTCs (one for each country) in their territories, over the gathering and disbursing of all funds contributed from their territories, over their quarterly bulletins. In consultation with the IAC, they supervise their traveling teachers and draw up the agenda for the Annual Congresses.

Regional conventions (one for each country) were held during November, at which reports on Bahá’í activities in that country were presented and discussed, and the delegate to the Congress was elected.

The real devotion and genius and the rapid advancement of the Latin American Bahá’ís were demonstrated at the Conventions held simultaneously at Guatemala and at Säo Paulo. For weight of achievements, all previous Latin American conventions were eclipsed. The improvement and increase in the number of publications in Spanish and Portuguese, preparation of radio scripts, publication of the bulletin, organization of youth groups, strengthening of communities, and broadcasting the Message were amply discussed and a series of recommendations made to the NTCs and the IAC.

Latin teachers have stepped increasingly to the fore this year and have rendered wonderful service. Bolstering their efforts are 17 pioneer teachers from the United States, most of them resident settlers. More pioneers who will become self-supporting resident settlers are needed. The IAC urges anyone who can undertake such a project to communicate with their secretary.

A series of lessons on the Faith is mailed out by Elizabeth Cheney to contacts made by teachers in Latin America who request this kind of follow-up.

A revised Spanish edition of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era has been published this year; also a translation of an abridgement of God Passes By. A procedure entitled “The Spiritual Bahá’í Community” was written by Elizabeth Cheney and has been mimeographed and distributed to all groups, assemblies, and RTCs.

Library[edit]

Mrs. Stuart Sims, chairman-secretary; Mrs. Dorothy Fisher, Mrs. Helen Lawser, Duncan McAlear.

In this committee the secretarial work is distributed in the correspondence assigned in connection with various types of libraries, and each member has assigned tasks and projects after consultation. The chairman was elected to act as secretary in keeping records and files together and to make over-all reports.

This year 31 books and 16 sets of our most attractive pamphlets were given to 31 libraries; this literature was donated to 26 public libraries, four college libraries, one Army Post library. Letters were sent to 40 “barren libraries” in the Southern States with a book offer.

Cards were sent to all assemblies announcing Religious Book Week and suggesting arranging displays. Twelve assemblies reported interesting results where Bahá’í books were given prominence.

National Programming[edit]

Mrs. Dorothy Baker, chairman; Mrs. Margery McCormick, vice-chairman; Mrs. Myrtle Wendler, secretary; Miss Elsie Austin, Mrs. Mary Haggard, John Haggard, Leroy Ioas, Mrs. Ruth Moffett, Arthur Patterson, Mrs. Sarah Pereira, Mrs. Florence Reeb, Mrs. Gertrude Struven, Mrs. Marguerite True.

The functions assigned to this committee were: “To assemble, publicize and establish the coordinated use of all types of materials; to plan coordinated series of meetings on the public level and on the intimate fireside level; to program types of meetings for deepening in the Faith; to promote the development of teachers and to carry on such assigned public teaching activities as the NSA may choose to promote in the course of the years.” These functions were given with the definite hope for public campaigning, but this was given up because of the financial crisis. Teacher training for campaign service was also laid aside. The motto for the year became “Help the believers help themselves.”

The committee recommended four minimums for teaching: one public meeting a month, one regular fireside, one deepening class, and individual daily effort to attract and confirm one person this year.

The following bulletins designed particularly to assist the smaller communities have been issued: 1—Teaching facilities, 2—Programming for Public Meetings, 3—Programming for Deepening our Faith, 4—Programming for Revitalizing our Feasts, 5—Pioneering at Home, 6—Reminder for Winter Term of Deepening, 7—Reminder for the Winter

[Page 14] Public Series, 8—Final Facilities Bulletin, 9—Preparation for Membership, 10—Spring Reminder.

The Programmers’ Corner appearing monthly in Bahá’í News has been designed to assist the individual. It has stressed contact and fireside work and called attention to special public opportunities from time to time.

After programming the Public Relations syllabus and the course on the Covenant prepared by the Study Aids Committee, the committee prepared a syllabus entitled Story Supplement to God Passes By. A map of the journeys of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a directive sheet for pronunciation of Persian names, and a breakdown of the study of God Passes By into twenty convenient lessons accompanies the Supplement. The Supplement itself is composed of stories taken from many accredited published sources, including Maḥmúd’s Diary.

The lending library of films set up by the committee is listed in detail in Bulletin No. 10—Spring Reminder.

A fireside companion piece is planned to follow the Story Supplement to God Passes By. Based on a new approach to Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, this teacher’s guide is geared to the new inquirer, and offers a few suggestions, questions, and stories for each chapter.

Reference lists and suggested readings from which to draw for Bahá’í weddings, funerals, and anniversaries are now under review.

Public Relations[edit]

Horace Holley, chairman; Richard McCurdy, secretary; William C. Henning, Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Mrs. Alice S. Cox, Mrs. Doris Holley, Mrs. Richard McCurdy, William Foster, Clarence Ullrich, William R. Lacey.

The function of public relations is to develop a favorable awareness of and interest in the teachings of the Bahá’í World Faith. The committee has tried to set in motion a process which tends to carry more and more individuals through three stages of Bahá’í contact: (1) — acquaintance with the Faith, (2) — interest in and some familiarity with basic teachings, (3) — a desire to study the teachings and attend public Bahá’í meetings.

National publicity and advertising have helped to create a recognition for the Faith. By mailings of the bulletin “World Religion” and by special mailings, opportunity to attain knowledge is offered. In the third stage, the individual is prepared to notice announcements of local activities and in time attend them. A by-product of this process is to win respect for the Faith from key people in a position to exert influence. An example of this is the increasing number of students who apply for literature in order to write a paper or term thesis on the Bahá’í teachings. Other examples are the references to the Faith in current books and magazine articles.

The Bahá’í Public Relations theme adopted this year was practically handed to the committee by the development of a public crisis in the field of education and religion. The problem of teaching religious truth has blown up in schools and churches and has become an issue not merely in the United States but one way or another in every civilized country.

By September the committee was prepared to send out a broadside announcement of a national advertising and publicity campaign in which local communities might participate. By October 29 all the new material was ready and a packet of samples of fourteen different items was given each assembly.

By December the committee had filled orders for mats, query cards or printed matter from no less than 141 communities and groups. Clippings of publicity have been received from 115 communities and groups. The compilation called “What Modern Man Must Know about Religion” which the committee started for its own guidance and inspiration, has gone through three editions with the Publishing Committee.

The heart of our Public Relations work lies in the reflection of the Holy Spirit by the communities and groups. This is the third and final stage in the proclamation and consolidation of the Faith in our country. National public relations can but proclaim; local public relations must not only proclaim but attract, instruct and confirm. To serve the local community, Bahá’í Public Relations goes farther than to offer an opportunity to participate in a national campaign. It strives also to help train a body of local workers.

Questionnaires[edit]

Ward M. Calhoon, chairman; Herbert Suhm, treasurer; Mrs. Sylvia Calhoon, secretary; Dessel Suhm, Jean Bohn, Ruth Shulz, Barbara Perleberg.

The Question Cards published this year were the number nine for Temple guides, number six mailing type, and the number six regular for personal use and at public meetings.

The Mailing type questionnaire again led in popularity for several reasons: 1-low cost, 2-selective value since they may be directed to any desired segment of the population, 3-the cards get at the subjects of greatest interest to the contact, 4-each believer can take part by sending out cards.

Reviewing[edit]

Mrs. Marguerite Firoozi, chairman; Miss Elizabeth Brooks, Mrs. Marion Mills, Miss Gretchen Westervelt.

The following manuscripts have been submitted to the Reviewing Committee from May 1, 1948, to January 31, 1949, and reports thereon sent to the National Assembly: A Primer on the Bahá’í Faith by Miss Helen Frink; Human Relations for World Unity, a compilation by Mrs. Cox; What Modern Man Must Know About Religion, a compilation from the Public Relations Committee; God Is Man’s Goal, a compilation by W. Kenneth Christian; Religious Education for a Peaceful Society, a compilation from the Public Relations Committee; Man: The Supreme Talisman, a compilation from the Public Relations Committee; The Religion of World Unity, a compilation from the Public Relations Committee; Fundamental Requirements of Membership, a compilation received from the N. E. Area Teaching Committee; Sarah J. Farmer, by Margaret Ford, received from the Green Acre Committee; An Awakening, by Cynthia Rather Lealie; Translation of the Foreword of an Italian edition of Hidden Words, received from the European Teaching Committee.

Schools[edit]

1. Geyserville

Arthur L. Dahl, Jr., chairman; Mrs. Louise A. Groger, secretary; Mrs. Mary Collison, Miss Blossom Hay, Mrs. Jesma Herbert, Paul Jones, Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Miss Gladyce Linfoot, Gustav Lowe, Dr. Mildred Nichols, Mrs. Arna Perron, Mrs. Bernice Stroessler, John Stroessler, Mrs. Jessie Vanderford, N. F. Ward, Mrs. Helen Wilks.

The twenty-second annual session of the Geyserville Bahá’í School,

[Page 15] from June 20 to August 1, 1948, presented the most varied academic program yet offered, in three two-week sessions, to 165 different individuals, including 13 inquirers and 46 children under 15, whose stay at the School was more than a visit of a day or two. The Annual Unity Feast was held on Sunday, July 4, between the first and second sessions so that students from both groups might attend it. Childrens’ classes were offered for the first four weeks, an increase of two weeks in their program made possible by the new building for children’s classes. It had been erected since last summer by the Maintenance Committee. New lamps in the Administration Building, a paved patio in the back of it, and a public address system for use under the Big Tree were other much appreciated Maintenance Committee improvements.

The following ten courses were given in each two week period: Bahá’í Administration, The Bahá’í Way of Living, “God Passes By”, Research in the Spiritual Teachings of the Faith, Advanced Research, Fundamental Teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, Islám, The Planning and Delivery of Bahá’í Talks, Progressive Religion, Principles of Bahá’í Teaching.

Afternoons were used for study, rest, recreation and informal discussion groups. Evening programs included recorded music, motion pictures, art classes for adults, public meetings, panel discussions and dances.

2. Green Acre

Marguerite Sears, chairman; Edith Segen, recording secretary; Dorothy Fisher, corresponding secretary; Dr. Genevieve L. Coy, Dr. Glenn P. Shook, Rustam Payman, Clarence Welsh, Rene Welsh, Lucien McComb.

In the 1948 season classes were held for nine weeks, from July 5 through September 4.

The lecture-discussion courses were as follows: Hidden Words, The Divine Art of Living, What Modern Man Must Know about Religion, The Iqán, some Answered Question, Parts 3 and 4, Changing Your Thinking, The Advent of Divine Justice, Bahá’í Questions and Answers. Throughout the summer there was a course on the Introduction to the Faith for those at the School who were not Bahá’ís.

Students had the advantage of Dr. Shook’s experienced help in the Research Seminar which also was held during the nine weeks of the session. A course in Effective Speech was given in July and in August.

Other work-shop courses were: Psychology of Teaching, Bahá’í Administration, Creating Public Interest, Training Teachers for Bahá’í Children’s Classes, Current Events in the Light of the Bahá’í Teachings, Creative Writing, Radio Script Writing.

The Junior School, for children from two to fourteen, was in session for six weeks. Three teachers were responsible for the work in the mornings, 9:30 to 12:15, Mondays through Saturday. In the afternoons, five days a week, there are two hours of supervised recreation.

During Youth Weeks, from July 25 to August 7, the youth prepared their own program, selecting their own adult counselors and teachers for the courses they wanted. Another successful week was Young Adult Week, August 22 to 28, for young adults between the ages of 21 and 30.

3. International

Mrs. Loulie Mathews, chairman; Mrs. Bahiyyih Ford, secretary; Mrs. Gladys Roberts, Miss Ophelia Crum, Mrs. Wanden Kane, Mrs. Sylvia Ioas, Bishop Brown, Edwin Mattoon, Harry Ford.

The International School held two ten-day sessions, June 19 to July 10. Students registered from the States, South America, Europe and Asia.

The subjects taught were: Book Study, Some Answered Questions; lectures and work-shops on international teaching, Latin America and Europe, Administration. The teachers were: Mrs. Loulie Mathews, Mrs. Gayle Woolson, Mrs. Marion Little, Miss Flora Hottes, and Mr. Leroy Ioas.

Annual Regional Day, with a picnic dinner and all-day program, was largely attended. In cooperation with the Colorado Springs Assembly, public lectures and a concert by School personnel were given.

There was a unanimity of feeling that here at this beautiful School was an ideal place for spiritual, mental and physical sustenance.

4. Louhelen

Mrs. Marguerite True, chairman; Mrs. Helen Eggleston, corresponding secretary; Robert Gaines, recording secretary; Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Clinton Wideman, Arnold Ketels, Paul Pettit, Mrs. Addie Miller, Miss Phyllis Hall.

This was the first season when the Louhelen School did not depend completely upon the experienced guidance of its founders Helen and Lou Eggleston. Maintenance of the School and the conduct of the sessions were the responsibility of the School Maintenance and Program Committees respectively. Mr. Arnold Ketels acted as the able resident director, and members of the Program Committee or their appointees served as teaching coordinators at each session. An unusually fine corps of volunteer Bahá’í teachers gave of their time as inspirational leaders of the courses.

Each session was arranged around a new skeleton curriculum, in the hope that every week would present a variety of facets about the Faith, and that those students who stayed for several sessions would find no repetition, but rather a wide and ever-expanding field for thought and research. This new curriculum was the brain child of Mrs. Bertha Kirkpatrick.

One more “first” that flowered in 1948 was Homecoming for Louhelen alumni over the Labor Day weekend. The School was showered by its students with linen, books and tools. The summer’s work was marked by a deep feeling of dedication to the tasks set us by our Guardian. The year closed with another successful Winter Session devoted to study and practice in the Bahá’í way of life.

Service for the Blind[edit]

Mrs. Amedee Gibson, chairman; John F. Gibson, secretary; Dr. Vera Graham, Mrs. Melba Call King, Mrs. Mabel Perry, Mrs. Gertrude Schurgast, Miss Ella Quant.

The first nine months of the year brought many opportunities for the expansion of our work. We have received many requests for information, and sales are increasing rapidly. Books have been purchased for displays, for contact work, and gifts to blind people. There are now many more blind inquirers.

The first Braille edition of The Renewal of Civilization was completed in July. A step by step production by means of which the braille plates and the work done last year were paid for from that year’s budget, made it possible to complete

[Page 16] the work at a very little cost this year.

A copy of the Talking Book World Order Through World Faith was accepted by the Radley Correspondence School for the Blind. This school is the only correspondence school for the blind in the world.

A gift copy of The Renewal of Civilization, in Braille Grade 2, was presented to each of the 25 Distributing Libraries for the Library of Congress. Gift copies were also presented to five major libraries outside the United States.

Correspondence with blind inquirers is carried out by committee members in both English and Esperanto Braille.

Study Aids[edit]

Charlotte Linfoot, chairman; Burnice Brophy, Mary Collison, Nellie Roche, Mamie L. Seto.

Material Produced:

The Fireside Teaching Method, a manual on developing and conducting fireside meetings, with suggestions of subjects to be covered in inquirers’ classes.
Study and Discussion Outline for What Modern Man Must Know about Religion.
An outline for the study of The Covenant, consisting of quotations from the Writings.

Articles Published:

The committee prepared for Bahá’í News a review of current study outlines and also a “quiz” designed to assist the friends in checking their knowledge and practice of the fireside teaching method.

Material Being Prepared:

A general study, which will probably become a series of four outlines, to replace several excellent outlines now obsolete. One outline, God, His Manifestations, and Man, has been completed. The textbook is Bahá’í World Faith.
Material used in three courses at the 1948 session at the Geyserville School has been made available to the committee for possible use for study outlines.

Special Projects:

In April an appeal was made through Bahá’í News for volunteers to assist in looking up references for possible use in the proposed general study outline. Fifty-seven Bahá’ís responded, of whom 33 accepted and completed one or more assignments. The committee is deeply grateful for this valuable assistance.

Temple Program[edit]

Margarite Ullrich, chairman; Nina Matthisen, secretary; Florence Zmeskal, Helen Roach, Clarence Suhm, Ruth Westgate, William Foster, Harriet Hilpert, Edwin Koyle.

The work at the Temple under the supervision of this committee is the planning of the public meetings on Sunday afternoons, the Children’s Hour, and the guide work.

There were 41 different speakers on the programs of the Sunday afternoon public meetings, 20 of these being out-of-town speakers. Forty-three different chairmen served during this past year. (Space does not permit our listing the speakers or chairmen).

One Sunday each month the Children’s Hour is devoted to art lessons and to art appreciation. Music is a regular part of their activities. The children presented an inspiring program at one of the Sunday public meetings.

The Temple slides and recorded narrative are shown on Sundays and holidays.

The need for more guides is a continual problem. Two guide classes were conducted under the direction of the committee.

The Temple was open daily for visitors from June 2 to October 16. The total of visitors from May 1 to January 31 inclusive was about 23,600. This includes tours made by organizations of all kinds, numbering from 20 to 200. Many of the visitors were from out of the country.

Station WNMP in Evanston each Saturday afternoon announces the next day’s public lecture at the Temple. Skokie papers have kept their readers informed of Temple activities. Both National and International Youth Days were observed at the Temple by appropriate programs presented by the youth. The Questionnaire cards, which are given out with the souvenir folder to Temple visitors, are bringing increasingly good results, some requests for literature having come from as far away as Turkey.

World Order Editorial[edit]

Dr. Garreta Busey, editor; Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, managing editor; Mrs. Mable Paine, Mrs. Gertrude Kenning, Victor de Araujo, Pearle Easterbrook, Mrs. Elsa Blakely, Robert Durr.

The editors of World Order feel that with the inclusion of the picture, the selection of articles of general interest, the balancing of each issue, the elimination of articles that are too cozy or esoteric, the magazine has become a good teaching medium. The plan has been to deepen the understanding and spiritual capacities of Bahá’ís and to provide a medium for teaching the Faith to new people. We hope that we succeeded in a measure, at least.

The present emergency suspends our work for the time being.

CONTENTS

	Page
Addresses	8
Annual Reports
National Spiritual Assembly	8
American Memorial to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	10
Area National Teaching Committee
Northeastern	10
Southern	10
Central	10
Western	11
Archives and History	11
Audio-Visual Education	11
Bahá’í News Editorial	11
Bahá’í World Editorial	12
European Teaching	12
International Relief	12
Inter-America	13
Library	13
National Programming	13
Public Relations	14
Questionnaire	14
Reviewing	14
Schools
Geyserville	14
Green Acre	15
International	15
Louhelen	15
Service for the Blind	15
Study Aids	16
Temple Program	16
World Order Editorial	16
Around Bahá’í World	5
Calendar	4
Canada Needs Teachers	4
Directory	4
Enrollments	4
Europe	1
Fund
Assemblies Contributing	7
Score to Date	2
Guardian
Cablegram Mar. 16 “Joyful Historic News”	1
Vienna letter	3
Home Front	7
Latin America	3
Marriages	2
Memoriam	3
National Spiritual Assembly
“This is What it Means”	2
Pictures
Bern, Switzerland	5
La Paz, Bolivia	3
Programmers’ Corner	7
Public Relations	2
Suggested Daily Readings	6
Suggested Feast Programs	4