Bahá’í News/Issue 221/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 221 | JULY, 1949 | YEAR 106 | BAHA’I ERA |
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MEETING THE CRISIS
“Study the Word” Personal action in teaching means two things: Study the Word and Tell the Story. Study of the Word increases our knowledge and builds up our spiritual strength. Telling the Story of the Faith to others gives our knowledge an outlet and brings the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh. For each two-month period this year, a specific Bahá’í book is being suggested for careful, personal study. For July and August we suggest study of The Advent of Divine Justice. The Advent is that great letter from the Guardian written in 1938. The Guardian reviews the services of the American believers and points to future tasks. The purpose of Divine Revelation is to transform human character. The success of Bahá’í teaching plans depends upon three spiritual essentials. Every individual faces constant, daily opportunities to teach the Faith. Establishing the Faith beyond America depends upon dedicated pioneers. The ultimate goal is the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Begin your personal study of The Advent of Divine Justice. We suggest: 1. Read carefully one section at a time. 2. Underline major ideas. 3. Take notes or outline to get the main themes developed by the Guardian. When you have finished your study of the book, check your knowledge by answering the following questions. (Why not write brief answers to each question?) Then check these questions with the book itself so that in July and August you may let the spirit of The Advent enter your mind and heart. Here are the questions:
—NATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
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“Welcome Initial Victory”[edit]
Cable from the Guardian
Greatly welcome, much impressed (by) remarkable feat (of) initial victory collectively achieved (by) self-sacrificing efforts (of) invincible, far-visioned, forward-marching American Bahá’í community. Ultimate victory now in sight bidding fair bring present emergency period (to) triumphant conclusion, seal fate second Seven Year Plan and open prospect (of) glorious inauguration (at) appointed time (of) third collective Plan designed terminate initial chapter (in) story (of) mysterious unfoldment (of) Divine Plan. Rejoice particularly (at) formulation (of) teaching plans so vitally linked (with) immediate destiny (of) Temple enterprise. Owing relaxation pressure occasioned (by) critical situation advise direct special attention invigorate activities conducted Latin America (and) European continent. Need for voluntary, self-supporting, wholly-dedicated pioneers calculated (to) supplement newly launched undertakings (in) both fields (is) still pressing acquiring greater urgency owing approaching emergence (of) Latin American National Assemblies and necessity consolidate swiftly newly-formed local Assemblies (in) ten European goal countries. Heart uplifted (at) contemplation mighty range (of) accomplishments embracing so vast field (in) both hemispheres. Prayers continually ascending Abhá throne both in thanksgiving (for) marvelous bounties already vouchsafed and (in) supplication (for) renewal (of) strength (for) attainment future goals.
Received June 29, 1949.
A Mighty Demonstration of Faith[edit]
A convincing demonstration of faith and service has been made by believers of the American Bahá’í Community. The NSA are happy and grateful to report that immediate responses to the Temple Plan have assured the on schedule performance of work planned for the summer and fall.
| Score to Date — June 30, 1949 on Response to the Temple Fund | |||
| Group | Number | Estimated for 2 years | |
| $400 | 137 | ................... | $109,600.00 |
| $100 | 458 | ................... | $ 91,600.00 |
| $ 25 | 446 | ................... | $ 22,300.00 |
| *Special | 732 | ................... | $186,704.15 |
| _________ | |||
| Totals | 1773 | ................... | $410,204.15 |
| Received against above resolves | $155,962.98 | ||
| *All resolves not falling in other three categories. | |||
There is a story behind this demonstration! It is one of increasing awareness on the part of the friends that this is the last unique opportunity to be one of the Builders of the Holiest House of Worship in the Bahá’í Dispensation.
The payments ahead will soon be upon us. The work must go forward. Let us recall with eager, devoted hearts our beloved Guardian’s words:
“... Nor can this campaign yield its richest fruit unless and until the community, in its entirety, participates in this nation-wide sacrificial effort. Nor can this collective effort be blessed, to the fullest extent possible, unless the contributions made by its members involve acts of self-abnegation, not only on the part of those of modest means, but also by those endowed with substantial resources. Nor, Indeed, can these self-denying acts, by both rich and poor, be productive of the fullest possible benefit unless this sacrificial effort is neither momentary nor haphazard, but rather systematic and continuous throughout the period of the present emergency.”
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?
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| Who chose the design for the
Temple at Wilmette? To what early pilgrim did the
Master say: “... the more they
(the believers) are united, the
more they will receive God’s
confirmation.”? Have you ever seen a photograph of the letter to Shoghi Effendi from Queen Marie of Romania? See Bahá’í World Vol. VIII, p. vii |
Notice: Local Treasurers
The National Treasurer’s office has requested that the following be called to your attention:
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Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Make Checks Payable to:
National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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Please distinguish between the contributions which are sent in behalf of your Assembly and your own personal contributions to the Special Fund.
Also, if Assembly contributions are to be reported in Bahá’í News for a particular month, they must be in the Treasurer’s hands on or before the last day of the month. In other words, a contribution for July should be received in the National Treasurer’s office before the end of July and not in August; neither should one lump sum be sent covering three or four preceding months. Reports are made up each month, covering funds actually received during that period.
How Many Bahá’ís?[edit]
Beloved friends:
Once each year the local Assembly checks over its list of Bahá’ís, to assure an accurate voting list for the annual election on April 21st. Each year also, the National Assembly prepares lists of Bahá’ís, state by state, for the State Conventions held in February.
Take your local list of names. You can count them up and say the total number of Bahá’ís in this city is 9, or 19, or 171.
But the numerical evaluation is misleading. Of the 19 or 171 Bahá’ís how many are active; how many are ardent; how many support whatever program is adopted; how many love the teachings and study them; how many keep up with the affairs of the Faith throughout this country and in other parts of the world; how many can realize just what matters are of urgent and of general importance, and do not lose themselves in some little jungle of personal complaint or transitory local dispute between personalities? How many have time and strength to serve? How many are trained to serve? How many are mature enough to serve and not expect the whole Community to serve them?
What are local Assemblies doing to awaken the dormant, provide useful activity for the eager, training for the inexperienced? How are these lists of declared Bahá’ís coming to fullfilment in terms of active believers? If a believer seems dormant, is this because the vital fire has not yet been kindled in his soul, or does this condition represent withdrawal on account of hurt feelings, or does it mean that the individual believer finds the Assembly work and the work of committees going on so energetically that he finds nothing to do?
The time has come for every community and every group to scrutinize itself, measure itself, understand itself, and find ways to overcome its own weakness and limitation.
It means nothing to say “eleven members” or “ten thousand members”, if the reckoning is by the adding machine and not by spiritual evaluation. Every member is a Bahá’í; and a Bahá’í is a human being to whom God offers in trust the powers and resources of His heavenly Kingdom. Five Bahá’ís can by unity produce in this world impressive
Commander Giuseppe Berardi, 81 years old, is the oldest believer in Italy. His home is in Florence with his son-in-law, Colonel Domencio d’Ambrosio, also a believer.
manifestations of that Kingdom.
The tasks laid upon the American Bahá’í Community are tests as well as sacred opportunities. When the spring comes the living tree puts forth leaves, the dead tree cannot respond. When a sacred duty is laid upon the Bahá’í Community, they respond who live in the Kingdom. It is not for us to pronounce any soul dead who does not work for the common goal. What we can and must say to ourselves is, what can we do to deepen the Bahá’í life of the community? How can we heal the sick soul? How can we train and develop the immature, the irresponsible personality? How can we raise ourselves above the limitations of personality, numbers, poverty, family obligation, ill health and all the other conditions of human existence, and help create that spiritual fellowship through which alone the Kingdom can be demonstrated with all its radiance, its vigor, its vision and its joy?
Every Bahá’í has two teaching obligations, and not one. He must offer the cup to every seeker and point the way to the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. He must likewise so teach and train himself that he can actively assist in the process of unity among Bahá’ís which the teachings declare is the foundation of universal peace.
Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of May, 1949[edit]
Alaska— Anchorage. Arizona—North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Carmel, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Oceanside, Pasadena, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, South Gate. Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—New Haven, Greenwich.
Delaware—Wilmington. Dist. of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville, Miami, St. Augustine. Georgia—Atlanta, Augusta. Hawaii—Honolulu. Idaho—Ada County, Boise. Illinois—Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Phoenix (Harvey), 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, Battle Creek, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Grosse Point Farms, Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Missouri—Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana—Butte. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Jersey City, Red Bank, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Jamestown, New York, Syracuse, Penn Yan, Yonkers.
North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo. Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, E. Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, 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, Tacoma. West Virginia—Charleston. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Racine, Madison, Milwaukee, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa. Wyoming—Laramie.
Total Number of Assemblies | 174 |
Assemblies contributing | 151 |
Assemblies not contributing | 23 |
Groups contributing | 49 |
Individuals contributing | 92 |
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NSA Meetings
The dates for NSA meetings for July and October have been changed as follows:
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Bahá’ís and friends following a lecture by Mrs. Ruth Moffett in the Bahá’í Center of Havana, Cuba, Mar. 9, 1949.
Latin American News[edit]
With the arrival of Eve Nicklin in Lima, Peru, and Natalia Chávez in Panama City, about the first of June, the two new National Teaching Committees are launching upon their year’s work. In accordance with the policy of placing responsibility more and more into the hands of the Latin American believers themselves, only Eve in South America and Gayle Woolson in Central America are North American pioneers who are members of these committees.
Eve flew from Punta Arenas on May 13, grateful for having seen her labors in that rugged climate rewarded at last by the zeal to serve evinced by believers there, and arrived next day in Santiago, where she spent ten days conferring with the outgoing National Teaching Committee and obtaining the necessary visas for her trip to Lima. Esteban Canales left Santiago with her but stopped off several days in Antofagasta, while Eve proceeded direct to Lima. The two of them are carrying the files of last year’s committee to Lima.
In Central America, Natalia Chávez has had to leave Guatemala City, despite her desire to stay there longer and the even greater desire of the local believers to keep her, in order to go to Panama, as a member of the new National Teaching Committee established there.
As a result of Natalia’s intensive post-Congress teaching in Guatemala, six new believers have entered the Cause and the Community there has been greatly strengthened and deepened in the Teaching and in the Administration.
While in Guatemala, Natalia several times went by bus over a dirt road to San Salvador, to assist the Community there, on whose enthusiasm and maturity she comments highly.
The files of the outgoing National Teaching Committee of Central America are being mailed, some by boat and some by air, from Mexico to Panama.
Louise Caswell has arrived in Mexico City after two months’ teaching in Haiti. The intense activity of the Haitian friends she describes as outstanding, and expresses the highest praise for the labor and sacrifice of Amélie and John Bates, American pioneers. Mr. Eustace Bailey, of the Regional Teaching Committee she reports, has translated into French, Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s play, “How To Be and How Not To Be.”
Another Latin American pioneer will very soon be stepping out into the field — Srta. Mary Binda, of Chile, but who has been living recently in Bolivia, where she became a Bahá’í. In consultation with the National Teaching Committee of South America and the Inter-America Committee, she has chosen Caracas, Venezuela, as the scene of her endeavors. Here she can easily obtain employment as a secretary and be able to devote her evenings and week ends to the service of the Faith. She will reinforce our gallant North American pioneer, Miss R. Katharine Meyer, who is anxiously awaiting her.
Public Relations[edit]
The Committee continues its listing of references made to the Faith in non-Bahá’í publications, and thanks the friends who call such references to our attention.
“These Also Believe”, by Charles S. Braden, Macmillan, 1949. Dr. Braden of Northwestern University has published his study of religions in America outside the orthodox faiths. He refers in friendly and sympathetic manner to the Bahá’í Faith in a brief statement on Page 464, in Appendix B. Dr. Braden has recently visited the national Bahá’í office to verify his knowledge of the teachings for a lecture on the Faith, and to obtain copies of the most recent literature.
“Two on the Aisle”, by Harold L. Cail, a newspaper column, evidently syndicated, clipped from the Portland Evening Express, Portland Maine, April 28, 1949. Mr. Cail presents his interview with Bettina Edwards, member of the cast of “Oklahoma”. The interview features Miss Edwards’ deep interest in the Bahá’í teachings, which became the subject of the interview after Mr. Cail noticed her Bahá’í ring.
“Headline Events in Chicago”, June, 1949, issued by Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry. This monthly folder lists the Bahá’í Temple under the heading “Year-Round Attractions”.
Membership window display, Wilmette Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce of Wilmette, has reproduced the silhouette of the Temple on the sticker furnished its members to display on their store
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windows. Surprinted is the text,
“Member Chamber of Commerce.
Stand by Wilmette. Stay and buy—Wilmette, 1949.” Here the Temple
was selected because it is the distinctive symbol of the Village.
At the suggestion of Prof. Piper of the University of Syracuse, the editor of “The Encyclopedia of Labor”, Washington, D.C., requested a 1500 word statement on “The Bahá’í Faith and Labor”. The statement, after approval by the Reviewing Committee, was furnished. It developed the theme through ten selections from the teachings.
Will the friends please note that Bahá’í Public Relations is authorized to sell and distribute this material.
1. Public Relations Service Bulletins. One bulletin is on local
advertising, another on publicity—per copy | $ .10 |
| 2. Mats for publicity or advertising use: | |
Temple interior design | .50 |
Temple exterior views | .25 |
| 3. Literature for local mailings or free distribution: | |
a. Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights 10 copies for | 1.25 |
b. The Work of Bahá’ís in Promotion of Human Rights 50 copies for | 1.10 |
c. A School of World Religion 40 copies | 1.25 |
d. The Reality of Brotherhood 50 copies | 1.25 |
e. The Principle of Religious Unity—50 copies | 1.25 |
f. A Pattern for Future Society—50 copies | 1.25 |
g. Industrial Justice—50 copies | 1.25 |
h. Summary of Bahá’í Aims, Teachings and History—50 copies | 1.25 |
i. World Religion (Public Teaching Bulletin)—50 copies | 1.25 |
(To eliminate extra correspondence and bookkeeping, please send remittance with order. All prices include postage.)
The distribution of its service materials develops for the Committee a revolving fund which supplies its budget for the year. The Committee has no budget from the National Fund.
- BAHÁ’Í PUBLIC RELATIONS
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, Illinois.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Bahá’í community with Gayle Woolson, pioneer, December, 1948.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Bahá’í World Faith, bound in red leather. If you have not yet obtained a copy of this book published in commemoration of the Centennial of the Bahá’í Faith, there are a limited number of copies still available. 466 pages, gilt topped, bound in flexible red leather, containing over 1600 excerpts from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Price per copy ..... $5.00
The Bahá’í Centenary; Record of America’s response to the Call of Bahá’u’lláh, published for the Centennial of the Bahá’í Faith. 254 pages. Price per copy ..... $2.00
Mexico City Bahá’ís and friends at a picnic, Jan. 1, 1949
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English class for foreign-born in Spokane, was entertained at the Spokane Bahá’í Center. Pictured are students from Norway, Sweden, Bessarabia, Japan, Nicaragua, Germany, and Italy. Reginald King, their teacher is sated next to the little girl.
Annual Reports From Local Spiritual Assemblies[edit]
Annual reports for Bahá’í year 105 received from 21 Local Spiritual Assemblies reveal activities varied in scope but united in purpose. The fascinating story of heroism and loyalty, of devotion to God and service to His Cause is found in the simple and sincere accounts of their deeds, their hopes and aspirations during the past year.
Behind the mere statistical numbers of people, meetings and things, there is a universal spirit working for the Kingdom of God among all humanity. Inadequate to express that spirit, here nevertheless are a few high lights from each of the reports received:
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
This community engaged in extension teaching by participating in the Matanuska Valley Fair at Palmer, where a booth was set up for distributing Bahá’í literature. During the three days of the Fair, an estimated 200 souls were given the message...souls who came from a great many different towns and localities in Alaska.
The Anchorage group sponsored weekly 15-minute programs over radio station KENI, using transcriptions sent by the National Programming Committee. In November, 1948, station KBYR was so impressed with the educational aspect of the Bahá’í teachings that they offered the group 15 minutes of free evening time each week “in the interest of the public service.” From November to March 15th, the group averaged 30 minutes a week of radio broadcasting, using talks given by 10 local Bahá’ís and one non-Bahá’í professional reader.
More than 40 came to the public meetings or asked for literature as a result of the radio programs. In addition to study classes, firesides and special anniversaries, 51 public meetings were held in Anchorage, and five new believers were confirmed.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK.
Highlighting public meetings for the year was the visit of Mrs. Margery McCormick. She presented a lecture to the colored group and spoke at the first mixed meeting at the Y.W.C.A., showing slides and conducting the discussion that followed.
Regular Sunday afternoon meetings were held at the Bahá’í Center, presenting Temple pictures, prepared papers, panel discussions and round table discussions.
Beginning June 18, 1949 and continuing to the present, a series of weekly articles was written for the Arkansas State Press. Each article, 10 to 18 inches in single column length, contained direct or approved Bahá’í writings.
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
The first public meeting of the year was held at the College Woman’s Club on August 1, 1949, at which Mrs. Marion Hoffman spoke on “Unity, the Life of Nations.”
The second large public meeting commemorated United Nations day, October 24th, at which Mrs. Marzieh Gail spoke on “Will the Nations Unite?”
Berkeley believers maintain a large stock of books and pamphlets to sell, loan, and give away. Books were exhibited at all public meetings.
The lending library, according to the Berkeley report, has been helpful in interesting people who have inquired as a result of the listing in the telephone directory.
CARMEL, CALIFORNIA
Many firesides were held continually throughout the year by this community and resulted in new contacts. In addition to this activity the believers deepened their own faith by holding weekly study classes.
During the weeks of UNESCO and United Nations meetings in the Carmel vicinity the group gained much publicity. To 50 key societies the group sent individually typed letters. Free publicity including Temple pictures, and paid advertising rounded out the public relations activity.
GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
Extremely successful among the Glendale community activities were the children’s classes held each Sunday for children four to six, and seven to nine years of age.
Each class had a teacher and an assistant who followed definite objectives chosen at the beginning of the year. The children were requested to learn prayers at home, partly to acquaint non-Bahá’í parents with the beauty and reverence of those prayers.
At classes, Bahá’í songs were learned, and the ABC book was studied, as well as “Creation” and “The Oneness of Mankind.”
In their scrapbooks, made in the shape of the Chicago Tribune picture of the Temple glued to the front cover, the children pasted typewritten copies of the prayers. Each prayer was illustrated by pictures cut from magazines. The activity period included handiwork, hikes and gardening.
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GLENDALE TOWNSHIP, CALIF.
Seven new believers were added to this community during the year through the prayers and activities of the believers.
The Bahá’í School for children ages 3 to 10 was started in September and held every Saturday morning at 9:30 o’clock except on Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the day before Easter. At the request of their parents, seven non-Bahá’í children attended the classes.
The Birth of the Báb was appropriately celebrated with a birthday cake, Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday with a present for each child, and the Intercalary Days with a party, each child receiving a small favor.
The Christian Holy Days during this period were discussed and their true significance explained to the children.
Materials used were “To Live the Life,” the “Creation” lessons, A Bahá’í Child’s ABC, A Bahá’í Child’s Songbook, handicraft, Li Lun, Lad of Courage by Treffinger, story material, and various story books with the stories adapted to Bahá’í attitudes and purposes.
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT
In addition to their many other activities such as firesides and public meetings, the New Haven friends sponsored a book display in several libraries.
The display of Bahá’í books and pictures of the Temple were on exhibition for two weeks at the main library. Then the display was transferred to the library in West Haven, where it remained for two weeks, after which it was exhibited for 10 days at the Westville library.
By this means many free leaflets and booklets were taken by the library patrons, introducing the Faith to many new people.
Three books were presented to the Yale Divinity School library, for which a letter of thanks was received.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
A variety of programs featured regular Sunday evening meetings held at the Bahá’í Center. Book reviews, devotional meetings, guest speakers and out-of-town speakers were enjoyed by the believers and their guests.
Regular firesides were also held at the homes of believers. These were successful in attracting and teaching several people in the Faith.
Until the Center was temporarily closed in February, a study class for Bahá’ís and interested persons was held weekly throughout the year. Some Answered Questions and Bahá’í World Faith were among books studied.
BOISE, IDAHO
Non-Bahá’í speakers used on various programs during the year included a college professor, an attorney, a labor representative, a League of Women Voters’ president, a League member, and a Negro speaker.
A guest book was maintained at all public meetings, and contains the signatures of 48 non-Bahá’ís, 17 of whom also signed their addresses.
Using both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í suitable material, the various group meetings included symposiums, panel discussions, forums, open house with refreshments, a dramatic sketch by children, film slides and film strips.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
Rustam Payman of New York City, and Matthew Bullock of Boston were speakers at public meetings held by the Springfield Bahá’ís during the past year.
An annual outing was held in June at Porter Lake in Forest Park, with Bahá’ís from surrounding communities, and many non-Bahá’ís attending.
World Order magazine was sent to 10 individuals in Springfield for a period of three months as a means of interesting them in the Faith.
LANSING, MICHIGAN
This community has enrolled three new adult believers and one youth through its advertising, publicity, firesides and public meetings during the past year.
A total of 27 weekly public meetings began in October. There were 21 talks, five of which were given by out-of-town speakers. Two non-Bahá’ís took part in panel discussions.
In addition, four special public meetings were held at which Dorothy Baker, John Robarts, Lawrence Hautz and Charles Monroe Ioas gave addresses.
Three weeks before one special public meeting, a believer spent several days making personal calls on a list of contacts. For another meeting, each believer invited his own contacts, instead of having the community mail out invitations.
For still another meeting, a special planning committee was appointed with one person acting as executive to check final details.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
A well-rounded program of public meetings, discussions, advertising, publicity, and free literature characterized activity of the Kansas City believers during the year.
A Bahá’í study class was held weekly at which The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, the “New Covenant Course”, and “What Modern Man Must Know About Religion” were studied.
The group also used the subjects and outline sent to them by the Programming Committee. Non-Bahá’í attendance throughout the year was 29 people.
HELENA, MONTANA
The Helena Bahá’ís held a regular public meeting each month at which several visiting Bahá’í speakers gave very able assistance.
Study classes, group public speaking classes, and firesides completed the group activity.
The Helena believers report the maintenance of a literature display in the public library, from which free literature has been generously distributed.
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
An unusually successful inter-racial meeting was held on September 12, 1948. Following the dinner served to the Bahá’ís and their guests in the patio of the Heights Community Center, talks were given in the adjacent hall.
Dr. Miguel Jorrin of the Inter-American Affairs department of the University, Hobart LaGrone, president of the local chapter of the NAACP, Mrs. Muriel Ives, and Paul Sanford were speakers on the program.
The birth of Bahá’u’lláh was celebrated by an original narration with musical accompaniment on the life of Bahá’u’lláh.
One of the believers, Mrs. Mary Lou Ewing, spoke by invitation to the class in the Philosophy of Religion at the University. The lecturer was accompanied by a fellow believer who recorded the questions
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asked by her appreciative audience.
Rustam Payman, a believer from New York City, was later engaged to give four lectures to this same University group.
JAMESTOWN, N.Y.
Jamestown Bahá’ís are enthusiastic about the use of radio for teaching the Faith. Station WJOC carried a Bahá’í sponsored program honoring United Nations Day, with script prepared by the teaching committee and approved by the Assembly.
Mrs. William Sears participated in an interview program, and a series of 12 transcribed programs was also presented over station WJOC.
The Jamestown believers elected a “Goodwill Ambassador”, whose duty was to send cards and notes of sympathy, congratulation, or whatever was called for by illness, marriage, birth, death, graduation, or other personal occasions.
GREENSBORO, N.C.
A series of public meetings held Sunday evenings at the Bahá’í Center proved instrumental in attracting many people and confirming three in the Faith.
Every Sunday morning at 11 o’clock the group held a study class for deepening their faith. In addition to this activity, several members held firesides at their homes during the year.
In January when the road show “Oklahoma” played at Greensboro, Bettina Edwards, a member of the cast, and a believer, held a fireside at the home of Mrs. Haitti.
COLUMBUS, OHIO
A deepening class, public meetings, discussions and panels were among the activities of Columbus, Ohio Bahá’ís.
Some of the discussion topics were: “What is the purpose of God in creating man?”, “The two stations of the Prophet”, “This day is God’s new Springtime”, “Are you conscious of the reality of man?”, “The power of the Word of God”, “This earth one country”, “Mankind’s release from bondage”, “Religion builds a better world”, “The progress of human rights”, “God speaks again”, and “Individual security in a chaotic world”.
BRATTLEBORO, VT.
The Brattleboro community held one public meeting a month, which was well advertised and well attended. Posters and notices of meetings were placed in various locations in town, as well as on the outside entrance door of the Bahá’í Center. Very satisfactory newspaper publicity was given these public meetings.
Mrs. Hilda Yen Male filled a request to speak at Marlboro College, Vt. The college had previously been given a subscription to World Order magazine, and wanted to hear a talk by a Bahá’í who was also connected with the United Nations.
In Brattleboro, Mrs. Male also spoke at a meeting of the World Federalists, giving the Bahá’í point of view on world government.
This community held an average of one fireside a week in a home, in addition to special classes for persons wishing to join the Faith, and discussion classes on the Covenant for believers. The believers held prayer services every evening at the Center for 19 days during the Fasting period.
MADISON, WISCONSIN.
The teaching committee sponsored a “Children’s Garden” which began the year with an enrollment of 10 pupils from five to 13 years of age. Average attendance was five pupils, with five visitors.
The believers enlarged their faith and abilities through a study group held during the Fall and Winter months.
People from five foreign countries attended the Naw-Rúz feast sponsored by the Madison Bahá’í Youth Group.
WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN.
Radio broadcasting activity of the Wauwatosa community included 13 broadcasts of 15 minutes each on station WEMP Sunday evenings at 6:45 o’clock.
The speakers at a series of buffet supper public meetings held at Hotel Underwood included Mrs. Moffett, Horace Holley, Carl Scheffler, and Leroy Ioas.
Principles of the Bahá’í Faith are kept before the public by regular weekly advertisements in the Wauwatosa News.
Four different fireside classes for non-Bahá’ís were held each week, as well as regular study classes for believers.
The immediate result of these activities is eight new believers, one youth, and five believers who are not residents of Wauwatosa.
L.S.A., of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, April, 1949
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Bahá’í News Mailing
Beginning with this issue, Bahá’í News will be sent directly to each believer from the National office. If there is more than one believer in your family and one copy is sufficient, please notify the National Bahá’í Office, listing the members of your family and indicating the one to whom it should be addressed. |
| Colón, Panamá, L.S.A., January, 1949. Mrs. Louise Caswell holding Greatest Name. |
| L.S.A., Santiago, Chile, April, 1949. |
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Programmer’s Corner
“In these days, the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance for it is the head cornerstone of the foundation itself. This wronged servant has spent His days and nights in promoting the cause and urging the peoples to service. He rested not a moment, till the fame of the Cause of God was noised abroad in the world and the celestial strains from the Abhá Kingdom roused the East and West. The beloved of God must follow the same example. This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of servitude to the Threshold of Bahá!” —Excerpts from the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in Selected Writings of Shoghi Effendi, pp. 3-4.
Hints for Action. 1) Has your community had a summer picnic? 2) Could you play host or hostess with a few other Bahá’ís at a summer garden party? Your guest list could include prospective believers. And if you timed your program cleverly you could feature a fifteen minute talk by your best local Bahá’í speaker on one of the following subjects of current interest: The Bahá’í Attitude toward Brotherhood, The Bahá’í Attitude toward Wealth, Bahá’í Attitude toward Universal Peace, the Bahá’í Attitude toward Government, The Bahá’í Attitude toward Race, The Bahá’í Attitude toward Marriage, The Bahá’í Attitude toward Education, etc. |
The Edifice of God[edit]
“O Concourse of creation! O people! Construct edifices in the most beautiful fashion possible, in every city, in every land, in the name of the Lord of Religions. Adorn them with that which beseemeth them. Then commemorate the Lord, the Merciful, the Clement, in spirit and fragrance.
“Teach your children what hath been revealed through the Supreme Pen. Instruct them in what hath descended from the Heaven of greatness and power. Let them memorize the Tablets of the Merciful and chant them with melodious voices in the galleries built in the Temple of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár.”
Bahá’í World, I, 59-60
“Temples are the symbols of the
divine uniting force, so that when
the people gather there in the house
of God they may recall the fact that
the Law has been revealed for them
and that the Law is to unite them.
... That is why Bahá’u’lláh has
commanded that a place of worship
be built for all the religionists of the
world; that all religions, races and
sects may come together within its
universal shelter; that the proclamation of the oneness of mankind shall
go forth from its open courts of holiness; the announcement that humanity is the servant of God and that all
are submerged in the ocean of His
mercy.”
—P.U.P., I, 62
“Now the day has arrived in which
the Edifice of God, the Divine Sanctuary, the Spiritual Temple shall be
erected in America. I entreat God to
assist the confirmed believers in accomplishing this great service and
with entire zeal to rear this mighty
structure, which shall be renowned
throughout the world. The support of
God will be with those believers in
that district, that they may be successful in their undertaking. For this
cause is great because this is the first
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in that country ...”
“Its building is the most important
of all things. This is the spiritual
foundation, for that reason it is the
most important of all foundations;
from that spiritual foundation will
come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of
humanity....”
“Today, the establishment of the
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is of paramount
importance.... This is the beginning of organization; it is like unto
the first church founded in Christianity; it is an expression of the
elevation of the Word of God.”
“When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, with
its accessories, is established in the
world, aside from its religious or
spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect upon civilization.
Aside from the religionists, who will
feel its influence, materialists will
not be exempt therefrom. Moreover,
it contains divine wisdom, spiritual
effects upon the intellects and
thoughts. Subsequent to its erection
these will become evident.”
“Some material things have spiritual effect, and the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
is a material thing that will have
great effect upon the spirits of the
people. Not only does the building
of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár have an
effect upon those who build it, but
upon the whole world.”
“This Bahá’í Temple is a supreme
house of worship, and a place of
spiritual gathering and of the manifestation of divine mysteries. The
friends of God must endeavor with all
their hearts and souls that this structure may be raised and completed.
... It has a great effect because it is
the beginning of the foundation. After
centuries it is not so important as it
is now, but now it is very important.
At first they build the Temple and
worship in it and grow. In past times
they could not build it so outwardly.
This building will be the cause of
unity and prosperity of the Cause.
The unity comes; from every part
the believers will assist. This is a
heavenly society and also it will be
the cause of strength. The believers
will get blessings and bounties. It
cannot be compared with the church
of the old time. You have only to
begin, everything will be all right.”
“The mystery of the edifice is great
and cannot be unveiled yet, but its
erection is the most important undertaking of this Day.”
Bahá’í World, I, 59-65
“All the inhabitants of the world
are in these days engaged in warfare
and strife, but the friends of God are
striving with heart and soul to lay the
basis of the Palace of the Kingdom;
so that the call of prayers and supplications may ascend to the heights
of heaven. The flowers of material
and divine civilization shall grow in
the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár perfuming the
nostrils with the Fragrances of
Truth. Its doors will be opened before the face of all nations, religions
and sects. Whosoever enters therein
is welcomed.”
Bahá’í World, VI, 400
“Know you for certainty that ye
will be confirmed by the aids of the
Holy Spirit, and that you will render
the Kingdom of God a distinguished
service, whereby you will become
dear in both realms and will shine
forth as morning stars from the
horizon of the love of God. This organization of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
will be a model for the coming centuries, and will hold the station of the
Mother ...”
Bahá’í World, IX, 495
Maui County Assembly Authorized to Conduct Bahá’í Marriages[edit]
A letter received from the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the County of Maui, T.H., advises us that on May 7, 1949, the Chairman of the Assembly was authorized to conduct Bahá’í marriage ceremonies by the civil authorities of the Territory of Hawaii. This authorization was conveyed in License No. 2079.
The friends are reminded that the National Spiritual Assembly can provide copies of the Bahá’í Marriage Certificate at 25c each.
Information about the conduct of Bahá’í marriage is available in a special bulletin for local Assembly use.
The Home Front[edit]
BUTTE, MONTANA
The glorious challenge to finish the Temple before the allotted time and the austerity in living it entails is already reflected in plans laid down by the Assembly for a Summer Study Session in Butte. One of the believers has generously offered the use of her lovely tree-shaded cottage for this purpose. The enthusiasm generated by this resolve is remarkable.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Word comes that Captain S. A. Pelle is being transferred from Fort Richardson here, to Fort Dix, N.J. Long an active force in local civic affairs as well as in work for the Bahá’í Faith, his departure will leave everyone with a sense of loss.
In seeking to establish the legal authority of the Anchorage Assembly to perform valid marriage ceremonies, a letter was written to the Territory Attorney General. The Alaska Territorial Laws state in part (Chapter 24 of the 1947 session laws):
“All marriages to which there are no legal impediments solemnized before or in any religious organization or congregation according to the established ritual or form commonly practiced therein are also valid.” Word has recently been received from the Attorney General’s Office that “if the Bahá’í Faith is a religion,” any marriage conducted according to its prescribed form is legal. This letter has been recorded in the U.S. Commissioner’s Office in Anchorage and the Assembly is now ready to perform marriages.
ST. LOUIS, MO.
On March 20 an advertised public meeting was held, with the speaker being Mr. Arthur Kuhl, editorial writer of the Star Times, one of the large St. Louis dailies. His subject, “The Necessity for a World Government” was followed by reading from the Bahá’í Peace Plan and distribution of copies of “The Pattern for a Future Society”. The 37 people attending remained for an hour of discussion and nearly all stayed for the ensuing Naw-Rúz program and supper.
WICHITA, KAN.
In April at a meeting of the Pan American Club in the El Charro Cafe, Mr. Ronald Preuss gave a Bahá’í talk to an audience of some 75 persons. This meeting was in the interests of the UNESCO inter-community affiliation project between Wichita and Orleans, France, a cultural and educational type of interchange. Ronald was one of ten persons under final consideration by the Board of Judges for the position of Community Ambassador. Though not the one finally selected, still Ronald made many fine contacts.
ELMHURST, ILL.
In response to a request by the Student Christian Association of Elmhurst College, Carl Scheffler spoke in the college chapel at their Wednesday morning assembly on April 27. Most of the lecture was on the historical background of the Faith. About 150 students attended this lecture, and at least 30 remained another hour afterwards to have questions answered, at which time Robert Imagire told them of the growth of the Faith in Japan.
GENEVA, N.Y.
On April 3 a conference was held with many attending, to hear Philip Sprague on the importance of the Temple work. These were some of the highlights: We have only one life to live and it must be connected with the Faith by giving it service. Our degree of sacrifice will measure our achievement. Never will there be another opportunity to help build the Holiest House of Worship in the world. Completion of the Temple is essential now because when completed a power will be released which will be felt around the world.
“Eyes to the Blind ...”[edit]
Following are excerpts from a letter from a blind inquirer to our National Bahá’í Service for the Blind Committee:
“... I believe that I was the first reader to take the braille copy of The Renewal of Civilization out of the New York Library. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and consider it the most fascinating and complete piece of Bahá’í literature I have yet been privileged to read...But to return to your book: it answers so many questions and presents such a clear picture of the Bahá’í Faith, that it deserves a very wide reading...I believe that the excellent write-up which the book received in The Braille Book Review will do much to give it that well deserved circulation. The article was well designed to draw the attention of all readers who are sincerely interested in the future of humanity.”
(The Braille Book Review goes to blind readers not only in this country but in all countries where English Braille is read.)
L.S.A., Tegucigalpa, Honduras, April, 1949.
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An Appeal to the Believers The National Programming Committee is interested in receiving material relating to the world’s great Religious and Progressive Revelation, and we are asking the believers to supply and send us any copy that can be spared of compilations, or research of any sort, textbooks, or visual material on this subject. The Committee is interested in receiving material which can be kept permanently in its files. If you have such copies to spare, will you send them to:
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Enrollments
Enrollments reported by Alaska, Anchorage, 2; Calif., Glendale, Twp., 1; Santa Monica, 1; District of Columbia, Wash., 1; Fla., St. Augustine, 1; Hawaii, Maui, 2; Ill., Champaign, 2; Ind., Indianapolis, 1; La., New Orleans, 1; New Jersey, Red Bank, 1; New York, Geneva, 1; Yonkers, 1; Ohio, Lima, 1; Ore., Portland, 1; Texas, San Antonio, 1; Wash., Seattle, 1; Wis., Milwaukee, 1; Wyo., Laramie, 1; YOUTH 5. Enrollments reported by NORTHEASTERN STATES
CENTRAL STATES
WESTERN STATES
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In Memoriam[edit]
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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, Mr. Richard Nolen, 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. |
- Mrs. Philomeme Altman, Detroit, Mich. 5-17-49
- Mrs. Edwinna Powell, Corvallis, Ore. 6-1-49
- Mrs. A. D. Taite, Cartersville, Va. 3-16-49
- Mrs. Josephine Perkins, Kansas City, Mo., 5-25-49
- Mr. J. S. Marquardt, Milwaukee, Wis. 6-7-49
- Mrs. Emma Johnson, Somers Twp., Wis. 6-8-49
- Mr. J. Allen Gorrell, Lima, Ohio 5-27-49
- Mountfort Mills, New York City, 4-24-49.
Calendar[edit]
FEASTS:
- July 13—Kalimát—Words
- Aug. 1—Kamál—Perfection
- Aug. 20—Asmá—Names
ANNIVERSARIES:
- July 9—Martyrdom of the Báb—at noon (suspend work)
NSA MEETING:
- July 15, 16, 17
Bahá’í community of Sucre, Bolivia, April, 1949.
| Guardian | |
“Welcome Initial Victory” | 1 |
Addresses | 2 |
Annual Reports, LSA’s | 6 |
Bahá’í News Mailing | 9 |
Calendar | 12 |
“Edifice of God” | 10 |
Enrollments | 12 |
“Eyes to the Blind” | 11 |
| Fund | |
Assemblies Contributing | 3 |
Local Treasurers, Notice | 2 |
Score to Date | 2 |
Home Front | 11 |
Latin America | 4 |
Local Treasurers, Notice | 2 |
Memoriam | 12 |
“Meeting the Crisis” | 1 |
| National Programming Comm. | |
Appeal to Believers | 12 |
“Meeting the Crisis” | 1 |
| National Spiritual Assembly | |
“How Many Bahá’ís?” | 3 |
Marriages, Maui County | 10 |
Meeting dates changed | 3 |
“Mighty Demonstration of Faith” | 2 |
| Pictures | |
Berardi, Comd’r, Giuseppe | 3 |
Colon, Panama | 9 |
Havana, Cuba | 4 |
Port-au-Prince, Haiti | 5 |
Mexico City | 5 |
San Pedro, Honduras | 8 |
Santiago, Chile | 9 |
Spokane, Wash. | 6 |
Sucre, Bolivia | 12 |
Tegucigalpa, Honduras | 11 |
Programmers’ Corner | 9 |
Publishing Announcements | 5 |
Public Relations | 4 |
| Temple | |
Mighty Demonstration of Faith | 2 |
Quotations from Teachings about | 10 |
