Bahá’í News/Issue 224/Text

←Previous

Bahá’í News Issue 224

Next→

Proofread onceReturn to PDF view

[Page 1]

BAHÁ’Í

NEWS

No. 224

OCTOBER, 1949

YEAR 106

BAHA’I ERA

---

Northeast corner showing part of panel nearly half completed, exhibiting a bit of the fine carving

Stone by Stone, Arcade of the Báb’s Shrine Rises

(Letter received by NSA from Ben D. Weeden)

Our beloved Guardian has again asked that a report of the progress of the arcade being erected about the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel, be forwarded to you, in order that the friends may know the advance of this vital and important step in the growth of the Faith. The importance of this task cannot be stressed too greatly. Much could be written to enlighten the friends on this — but perhaps that is not needed as, no doubt, their hearts tell them.

With completion of the foundation toward the end of 1948, the enlarging of the site of the Shrine began. This meant cutting into the side of the mountain and the removal of many hundreds of yards of earth and rock. It was a difficult work and was not made easier by the very cold and rainy winter such as has not been experienced in Israel for many years. Yet, despite the adverse circumstances, under the direction of Shoghi Effendi, this work, including the necessary retaining wall, was completed within a period of time that amazed the engineers. It was truly a herculean task in itself and is the more remarkable if consideration is given to the fact that Shoghi Effendi also extended the terrace of the Garden upon which the Shrine is located, by a matter of some two hundred feet. A truly large undertaking in itself due to the steepness of the mountain.

As this work neared completion a new drainage system for the Shrine was put in and the day the first of stones so carefully cut in Italy, was to be laid, drew close. On March 14, 1949, one week before the fortieth anniversary of the placing by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá of the Báb’s blessed remains in the sarcophagus presented by the Burmese Bahá’ís for this purpose — the first threshold stone weighing half a ton, was set in its exact place upon the foundation. The beautiful arcade for the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel, conceived by Mr. William S. Maxwell, was really taking form. Dreams were taking on reality.

The setting of the one hundred and forty threshold stones proceeded swiftly and the base stones for three of the corners were put in position. At this point there was an interruption due to the long drought in Italy cutting the use of electric power to three days a week. This delayed the arrival of stone we needed to continue. How we would have liked to have sent some of our excess rain to Italy! Still, this interruption was not without its benefit, for it did give time to devise a special gantry to be used to lift the huge Rose Baveno pilasters and columns into place, and other pieces of stone work ranging up to a ton or more.

With the arrival of the needed pieces of stone the work was resumed with renewed vigor and with lightened hearts. It is progressing swiftly and in a most encouraging manner. The three corners upon which work is being done have taken on a strength and promise of beauty difficult to picture with the erection

[Page 2] Carved piece of Chiampo granite for upper part of curved panel, just taken from case.

of the two great, square Rose Baveno pilasters with which each finely proportioned corner is bound. To see one of these solid pieces of granite some fifteen feet long rise into position is a sight never to be forgotten. It is raised slowly and with infinite care until it is above its base and then, with much measuring, lowered into the position it will hold for ages. Six of these fine monoliths have been put into position and the stone work of Chiampo granite forming these corners is over half way to the top of the pilasters. This includes some of the very fine carved work of the curved section of the corners. Even in the present construction stage of these corners, they bring exclamations of delight from those who view them. Who can say how the first sight of the completed arcade will ravish the hearts of all who behold it?

Sitting within sight of the Shrine of the Báb as this report is being written, makes it difficult to keep thoughts within due bounds of a true report. Knowing that on the morrow a start is to be made in preparation for raising twelve of the graceful Rose Baveno columns tends to distracting thoughts of the future. Aye, that future! Those twelve great columns, and the twelve to follow, with each its carved capital, the graceful arches, the walls with the inlet star panels, then the balustrade and over all the great dome! That is what a Bahá’í would envisage if sitting here. That is what a Bahá’í would envisage upon seeing just one stone set in place and to be able to touch it. Further, a Bahá’í would sense something of the great import of what our beloved Guardian is creating on the side of Mount Carmel for the future of the world. How the Bahá’ís would strive and pray for the completion of the glorious covering for the Shrine of the Báb if they but knew something of this.

“This Hour, Crowded With Destiny”

Letter From The Guardian

Dear and valued co-workers:

The efforts exerted, and the results achieved, by the members of the American Bahá’í community during the opening months of the two-year emergency period are such as to merit the highest commendation and praise. They will, if the effort be sustained, evoke the admiration of the entire Bahá’í world, which is now watching, with feelings of wonder and expectancy, the outcome of the tremendous labor of this community now confronted with one of the most challenging, arduous and far-reaching tasks ever undertaken in its history.

The great forward stride that has already been undertaken, during so short a period, augurs well for the ultimate victory, now within sight - a victory which will pave the way for the successful execution of a seven-year enterprise, destined, in its turn, to enable its executors to launch, at the appointed time, the third and most glorious stage in the initial unfoldment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s unique and grand design for that privileged and conspicuously blessed community.

No less striking has been the achievement of the representatives of this community in the vast and most recent field of their historic and highly meritorious endeavors, exerted beyond the confines of their homeland, where over so vast a territory, on a continent, so agitated, and amidst peoples so disillusioned, so varied in race, language and outlook, so impoverished spiritually so paralyzed with fear, so confused in thought, so abased in their moral standards, so rent by internal schisms, victories so rich in promise, so startling in their rapidity, so magnificent in their range, have been won, and enabled, to such a marked degree, the deathless record of American Bahá’í service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

Now that so prodigious and successful an effort has been exerted on behalf of the Historic and sacred Temple, whose completion constitutes so vital an objective of the Second Year Plan, and so conspicuous a triumph won in the trans-atlantic sphere of its operation, its needs and other vital objectives, both at home and in the Latin American field, must receive, in the months immediately ahead, the particular attention of both the national elected representatives of the community who supervise the working of the Plan and the mass of believers who participate in its execution.

While the financial requirements of the Mother Temple of the West are being met with unabated heroism by rich and poor alike in the critical months that lie ahead, and the measures to ensure the undiminished support, and the uninterrupted consolidation of the European enterprise are being assiduously carried out, a parallel effort, no less strenuous and sustained should be simultaneously exerted in the North American continent and in Central and South America, for the purpose of preserving the prizes already won over the length and breadth of the western Hemisphere, where the initial impulse of this mighty and Divine Plan has been felt and its initial victories in foreign fields registered.

The Assemblies of the North American continent, constituting the base for the gigantic operations destined to warm and illuminate, under American Bahá’í auspices, the five continents of the globe, must, at no time and under no circumstances, be allowed to diminish in number or decline in strength and in influence. The movement of pioneers whether settlers or itinerant teachers, which in fields so distant from this Base, has exhibited so marvelous a vitality, must, within the limits of the homeland itself, be neither interrupted nor suffer a decline. The groups and isolated centers so painstakingly formed and established, must, conjointly with this highly commendable and essential duty, be maintained, fostered and if possible multiplied.

No less attention, while this emergency period taxes, to an unprecedented degree, the combined resources of the envied Trustees of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, should

[Page 3] be directed to the vast network of Bahá’í enterprises initiated throughout Latin America, where the work so nobly conceived, so diligently prosecuted, so conspicuously blessed, is rapidly nearing the first stage of its fruition. The flow of pioneers, so vital in all its aspects, and which has yielded such inestimable benefits at the early stages of this widely ramified enterprise, must, however urgent the other tasks already shouldered by an overburdened yet unfailingly protected community, be neither arrested nor slacken. The outpost of the newly born communities, established in the Straits of Magellanes in the South, must be held with undiminished vigor and determination. The major task of ensuring the breadth and solidity of the foundations laid for the establishment of two National Bahá’í Assemblies, through the preservation of the present Assemblies, groups and isolated centers and the restoration of any of these vital centers, now dissolved, to their former status, must be scrupulously watched and constantly encouraged. The process of the dissemination of Bahá’í literature, of Bahá’í publication and translation, must continue unabated, however much the sacrifice involved. The newly-fledged institutions of Teaching and Regional committees, of summer-schools and of Congresses, must be continually encouraged and increasingly supported by teachers as well as administrators, by pioneers from abroad, as well as by the native believers themselves. The highly salutary and spiritually beneficient experiment of encouraging a more active participation by these newly won supporters of the Faith in Latin America, and a greater assumption of administrative responsibility on their part, in the ever expanding activities to be entrusted wholly to their care in the years to come, should be, in particular, developed, systematized and placed on a sure and unassailable foundation. Above all, the paramount duty of deepening the spiritual life of these newly-fledged, these precious and highly esteemed co-workers, and of enlightening their minds regarding the essential verities enshrined in their Faith, its fundamental institutions, its history and genesis — the twin Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the present Administrative Order, the Future World Order, the Laws of the Most Holy Book, the inseparable institutions of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of Justice, the salient events of the Heroic and Formative Ages of the Faith, and its relationship with the Dispensations that have preceded it, its attitude toward the social and political organizations by which it is surrounded — must continue to constitute the most vital aspect of the great spiritual Crusade launched by the Champions of the Faith from among the peoples of their sister Republics in the South.

The magnitude of the tasks these heroes and champions of the Faith are summoned, at this hour, crowded with destiny, to discharge from the borders of Greenland to the southern extremity of Chile in the western Hemisphere, and from Scandinavia in the North, to the Iberian peninsula in the south of the European continent, is, indeed, breath-taking in its implications and back-breaking in the strain it imposes. The sacrifices they are called upon to voluntarily make for the successful performance of such herculean, such holy, such epoch-making tasks, are comparable to none but those which their spiritual forbears have willingly accepted at the hour of the birth of their Faith more than a hundred years ago. Theirs is the privilege, no less meritorious and perhaps as epoch-making to preside, in their own homeland and its neighboring continents over and direct the forces generated by, the birth of an order that posterity will acclaim as both the offspring of that Faith, and the Precursor of the Golden Age in which that same Faith must, in the fulness of time, find its fullest expression and most glorious consummation.

How great the opportunity which the present hour, so dark in the fortunes of mankind and yet so bright in the ever-unfolding history of their Faith, offers them. How unspeakably precious the reward which they who serve it will reap! How pitiful and urgent the need of the waiting multitudes of these continents, summoned to sustain the initial impact of the operation of a divinely impelled Plan which no force can resist and no power can rival!

For what this superbly equipped community, this ‎irresistably irresistibly‎ advancing army of the chosen warriors of Bahá’u’lláh, battling under His banner, operating in conformity with the explicit mandate voiced by His beloved Son, has already achieved, over so extensive a field, in such a brief time, at such great sacrifice, for so precious a Cause, and in the course of such turbulent years, I cannot but feel the deepest sense of gratitude the like of which no achievement, single or collective, rendered in any other part of the globe, by any community associated with the Cause of the Most Great Name has evoked. For what it will and must achieve in the future I entertain feelings of warm expectation and serene confidence. For it, I will continue, from the depths of a loving and grateful heart to supplicate blessings immeasurably richer than any it has yet experienced.

Your true and grateful brother,

(signed) SHOGHI

Haifa, Israel
August 18, 1949.

Messages from the Guardian

Cablegram received from the Guardian, July 20, 1949:

“Delighted progress temple work. Highly approve deeply ‎apreciate appreciate‎ suggestion defray expenses German representative Brussels conference. Supplicating Almighty’s blessing manifold activities pursued unrelaxing vigilance unflinching determination exemplary self sacrifice three continents by divinely sustained American Bahá’í community.

(signed) SHOGHI

(Excerpt from letter by the Guardian dated March 6, 1949 to: “The attendants at the Regional Youth Conference held in Washington February 19, 1949.”)

“He assures you all he will pray for your success, and that you may win many victories for the Faith.

“He himself is frightfully busy these days with his routine work and the new and tremendous work of building the arcade of the Holy Shrine of the Báb. The degree to which you serve and assist the Cause there will lighten his load and help him, you may be sure, for much of his correspondence and time is taken up in attending to details which, if the friends studied the Teachings and administration, and followed their precepts and laws, would never arise or need to be referred to him! So he urges you to study, ponder what you read, and do your part.”

(signed) R. RABBANI

[Page 4] Group of representatives present at the European Teaching Conference in Brussels, Aug. 5-7. Taken on the steps of the Universite Libre where the entire conference was held.

Guardian Hails European Conference

Heart overflowing (with) joyous exaltation (on the) occasion (of the) holding (of the) Second European Teaching Conference celebrating attainment (of the) objectives (in the) historic Second Seven Year Plan (in) all (the) ten goal countries (of the) European continent.

(My) hopes fondly cherished (at the) inception (of the) transatlantic project (have been) fulfilled, nay far surpassed. (The) establishment (of) twelve assemblies, (the) formation (of) twenty-two additional groups (and) isolated centers ere (the) halfway mark (of the) Plan (has been) reached, constitute (an) outstanding exploit, unparalleled since (the) inauguration (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, unsurpassed in vastness, range, (and) spiritual potency by any collective enterprise undertaken by (the) followers (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh in any continent (of the) globe since (the) inception (of the) Formative Age (of) His Dispensation.

(I am) moved (to) offer (my) warmest congratulations (to the) American National Assembly (as the) trustees (of the) Plan, (to the) European Teaching Committee (as) its appointed executors, (to) all pioneers whether settlers or itinerant teachers, (to) all native believers both new (and) old, (to) all newly-formed assemblies, (to) all groups (and) all isolated believers who directly (or) indirectly participated so valiantly (in) this unique, brilliant (and) greatest single victory since (the) Plan (was) set (in) motion.

(The) stage (is) set, (the) moment propitious for no less spectacular (an) exertion (of) effort, concentration (of) attention (and) expenditure (of) energy (during the) course (of the) final phase (of the) Plan (on the) European continent, aiming, though above (and) beyond (the) prescribed objectives, at (the) broadening (and) consolidation (of the) structural basis already laid: through (the) preservation (of the) prizes recently won, (the) conversion (of the) larger groups (into) assemblies, (the) expansion (of the) recently instituted extension work, (the) increased participation (of the) native believers (in) both (the) administrative (and) teaching activities, (the) acceleration (of the) translation (and) publication (of) Bahá’í literature, (the) gradual institution (of) regional summer schools, (the) promotion (of) closer fellowship (and) more active collaboration despite great distances, paucity (of) resources, diversity (and) range (of) customs (and) language among (the) budding communities, scattered (in the) north, west, south (and in the) heart (of the) European continent, which posterity will recognize (as the) bedrock (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s fast evolving Administrative Order, (the) torchbearers (of) His embryonic World Order, (the) heralds (of the) yet unborn world civilization, amidst (the) turmoil (of the) travailing age, (and the) overspreading gloom (of the) present chaotic social (and) political order.

(The) firmly knit, sacred bonds (of) spiritual fellowship (are) more enduring, (are) possessed of greater cohesive strength than any ties (of) kinship or race, (are) more potent (than) any social ideology or political alliance, (are) deriving constant sustenance from (the) Mandate issued (from the) pen (of the) Author (of the) Divine Plan, (and are) assured (the) overshadowing protection vouchsafed by (the) Lord (of the) Covenant Himself, presiding (over the) Plan’s unfolding destiny. Let them (on) this auspicious occasion dedicate themselves, through their assembled representatives (to the) dual task (of) steadily consolidating their infant strength (and) tirelessly diffusing (the) holy influences inherent (in) their mission, until (the) visionless, slumbering, spiritually-impoverished continent (is) awakened through (the) saving grace (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation and its peace (and) security unassailably established through (the) redemptive power released through (the) emergence (of the) institutions (of the) divinely appointed World Order.

(signed) SHOGHI

Received July 29, 1949

Copy of Reply from the Conference to the Guardian

Beloved Guardian: Your loving, inspiring message (to) second European Teaching Conference, Brussels, received with hearts overflowing (with) love (and) gratitude by all believers gathered in unity from 16 countries, with 130 representatives. Deeply, humbly thankful being permitted by aid (of) divine bounties and your guidance (to) attain primary goals (in) Europe. All now pray (for) greater inspiration, renewed energies (to) enable us to

[Page 5] carry on toward early realization (the) further goals your message has established for us. Inmost thought (of) each one is (to) gladden heart, lighten burden (of) our beloved Guardian. Deepest devotion.

Signed — EUROPEAN TEACHING CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

August 5, 1949.

Second Message from the Guardian to the Brussels Conference

Delighted large attendance, representative character, second historic conference. Welcome determination (of) representatives (to) enrich further record (of) initial successes respective communities. Overburdened heart cheered, comforted (by) loving message. Praying still mightier confirmations.

(signed) SHOGHI

August 7, 1949

Book by Ruhiyyíh Khanum to Be Published

A book written by Rúḥíyyih Khanum and entitled Prescription for Living is now on the press. It is being published in England by George Ronald, Publisher. The Bahá’í Publishing Committee has already ordered copies and will start filling advance orders from believers in this country as soon as shipment has been received. The prices are: $1.25 for the stiff paper edition, and $2.50 for the full cloth with dust cover.

The book is a straightforward discussion of the “laws of inner hygiene.” Some of the chapter headings are: Work; Love and Marriage; Habit; Death; The Road to Happiness. The last three chapters are beautiful pen portraits of the Founders of the Faith.

Temple Construction Progress

Workmen have been busy in the Temple preparing the concrete columns in the auditorium for the application of the cast stone. By the middle of September they had started to put in place the cast stone mosaics around some of the columns.

Four car loads of cast mosaics for the circular columns in the alcoves and the pilasters at the entrances and exits have been received on the Temple grounds.

Correct symbol of the Greatest Name as sent by the Guardian in the NSA

The Greatest Name

From letters written by the Guardian on this subject, the NSA has compiled brief and clear statements on the meaning and use of the Greatest Name.

“The Greatest Name is the name of Bahá’u’lláh. ‘Ya-Bahá’u’l-Abhá’ is an invocation meaning ‘O Thou Glory of Glories.’ ‘Alláh-u-Abhá’ is a greeting which means ‘God the All-Glorious.’ Both refer to Bahá’u’lláh. By Greatest Name is meant that Bahá’u’lláh has appeared in God’s greatest name, in other words, that He is the supreme Manifestation of God.” (from letter dated December 26, 1941, written through his secretary, printed on page 2 of Bahá’í News Bulletin (Australia and New Zealand) April, 1949.)

“The Greatest Name is a distinctive mark of the Cause and a symbol of our Faith.” (1)

“When using the Greatest Name the words ‘Alláh-u-Abhá should be used and not ‘Ya-Bahá’u’l-Abhá.” (2)

“The term ‘Alláh-u-Abhá’ ... means ‘God the All-Glorious’.” (3)

“(It) is a form of Bahá’í greeting.” (4)

“The use of the Greatest Name ninety-five times a day is not absolutely binding. This and other similar matters will be clearly and fully explained when the Aqdas is published. At present, however, the friends should be careful not to lay undue emphasis upon them.” (5)

“ ‘Ya-Bahá’u’l-Abhá is an invocation, meaning, ‘O Thou Glory of Glories!’ and is used, whenever the believer wants to use it, as an address to Bahá’u’lláh Himself. It can be used at any time.” (6)

(1) (3) (4), excerpts from letter to Ella C. Quant, December 8, 1941. (2) (5), excerpts from letter to Harlan Ober, October 10, 1936. (6) from letter to NSA, April 11, 1949. (All these letters written through his secretary).

National Consultation on Achieving Our Goals

The National Assembly has been very deeply moved by the numerous and remarkable responses received from the Friends, Committees, and Assemblies, to the request for suggestions as to how we can accomplish our tasks under the second Seven Year Plan, and at the same time release the tremendous spiritual power latent in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The distracted world is crying in despair for the healing breezes of Divine Compassion and Love; and ours is the great opportunity to be the vehicles for its diffusion,

That we will gain our goals—there is no doubt whatsoever—as the spirit contained in the letters to the NSA is felt. Such a record of dedication to duty, determination to win ever new victories for the Faith, regardless of whatever sacrifice is required, has never before been written by the American Bahá’ís. Perhaps the most outstanding aspect of the responses is that almost everyone offers suggestions that call for application by the individual, not discussions of what “they” should do but what “I” must do.

The secret of success, of diffusing the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh is the living of a radiant enthusiastic Bahá’í life; individually and collectively. The Key is prayer and meditation; the vehicle, action. As one of the Friends Wrote, “How can we diffuse the spirit, unless it is continuously radiating in and through us.”

It has been impossible up to the present to send acknowledgments of the numerous communications that have come to hand, but this will be done. In the meantime, so we may all catch the spirit of devotion contained in the suggestions, one typical letter is quoted:

“1. HOW TO SPREAD THE TEACHINGS

1. Each day I will discuss some principal of the Faith, applying it to my daily duties: by my actions prove to my co-workers that I not only teach this Divine plan, but live it. First, live my Faith in my home, and office.
2. I will always be prepared to answer any question pertaining to our Faith.
3. I will know the history of our Faith, and have been studying other religions so when a question is asked, I will understand why the questioner is seeking something beyond what is [Page 6] being received, and will have a solution to that problem, by having an understanding of our Faith. Meet with other religious groups.
4. I have resolved to live as nearly as I possibly can the principles of our Faith and let my deeds exceed my words.
5. I will never be satisfied with what I know—but will use every opportunity to learn more, for I want to grow, and in this way spread the teachings.
6. Organize a study group, and meet with them.

2. HOW TO DEVELOP THE SOLIDARITY OF THE AMERICAN BAHA’I COMMUNITY.

1. I will put our meetings above everything else.
2. Consider it is my duty to observe every Feast, and other anniversaries.
3. I will be cooperative in our consultation periods, and will put the Faith and the Teachings above everything else.
4. I will share the responsibility with our Community and National in helping to build the Kingdom of God.
5. I will be a good “listener”—and serve those who are in distress, help to keep unity and peace in our group.

3. HOW TO RELEASE MORE SPIRITUAL POWER.

1. Be silent when the faults of others are dismissed, seek only the good in my friends, and develop my inner spiritual life; whenever the opportunity comes I will be ready to comfort those in distress.
2. Study the Faith regularly, ever keep the prayers in my heart, and pray for strength—for it is only through practice can we release spiritual power and comfort.

4. HOW TO ASSURE COMPLETION OF THE GOALS OF THE SECOND SEVEN YEAR PLAN.

1. Give financial assistance to the Temple Fund regularly.
2. Attend all Feasts, strive to teach a different person every day.
3. Sacrifice and give.”

It has been impossible as yet to digest all the responses. A special NSA committee is Working on that assignment.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Consultation — An Adventure in Mature Discussion

(Remarks of Miss Elsie Austin, taken from the Convention Record)

Friends, as we approach a more mature world, we are going to understand what a really mature art the art of talking together is and how much spiritual and intellectual growth the principle of Bahá’í consultation calls for.

You remember as far back as Isaiah, that great prophet addressed the people and said, “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord.”

So important has the art of talking together become that in current times we find a great deal of attention being devoted to it. Did you know that there was an agency called the National Institute of Social Planning which spent hundreds of dollars going all over the country training church groups, women’s groups and civic groups in the art of conducting workshops, so that the people of a community could come together and could talk over the issues and problems of their community and go forward?

What does a workshop really accomplish?—because we are using the workshop this year and we used it last year as a sort of primary step in understanding what consultation is and what it demands from us as mature individuals.

First of all, we ought to look upon the workshop as an adventure in human understanding and honest thinking. Why? Because in the workshop we aim not to cover up the differences between people, but to bring them out. People get so excited and alarmed when in a group of harmonious thinking, suddenly someone jumps up with a different point of view and upsets the apple-cart, so to speak, but that is very healthy. We have to learn that there are different understandings, different opinions and different concepts. When we really talk together, if we just politely agree upon surface things and never bring out the real differences which exist between us, then we haven’t got at the truth and we haven’t got to the first principle of going forward together, which is some sort of agreement. So don’t try to cover up differences in the workshop. Bring them out, appraise them, analyze them and harmonize them, and then the discussion can go forward.

The second thing we want to remember about the workshop is that it, more than any other technique, enables a group of people to get cooperative decisions, because it brings out differences of fact and differences of opinion. Each of us, to a great extent, moves in a little world, and we see only what is in that little world. We see only the interpretation of the facts that we have in that little world. When we get together and really talk things over with a larger community of people, other people have other facts and other interpretations, and we need to, with honesty and with a spiritual desire, to get at the truth, measure those facts, appraise them, measure those interpretations, and then get something on which we can all agree.

The third thing we want to remember about the workshop is that it trains people to more mature thinking. When you sit in a workshop and you hear different opinions and different facts, then you are not going to always lean upon your own little sources of truth and understanding. You are going to learn to think without props, to enlarge your perspectives and to get a real appreciation for the opinions of other people, to analyse and criticize your own thought habits.

Did you ever stop to think how many people are influenced by the opinions of people that they like, people who are close to them? They never question its authority or truth, but they accept it because John said so or Mary said so. But if we really want to arrive at truth, we want to get at unbiased facts.

The last thing we want to remember is that a discussion such as we have in a workshop is an excellent means of attracting new people to the Faith and of integrating them into the work of the Bahá’í Community. Why? Because it allows them to share, it allows them to put their understanding beside yours and to find how the Bahá’í principle applies to the facts and brings out something better for all mankind. And people like to belong to those things in which they share, so a discussion group is a fine way of attracting people and interesting them.

[Page 7] There are a few things perhaps, we ought to remember in workshop technique. Remember that the success of a workshop depends a great deal upon the kind of leadership it has. The leader of a workshop is not to give a lecture or to make a speech. His function is to draw out the opinions, the differences of fact and the differences of understanding, which exist on the subject the workshop has before it.

Now, there are many ways in which we can draw out people. We can sometimes call on various people in a workshop group in order to get them to act as starters. “Well, Mr. So and So, what do you think about this?” And of someone else, “What do you think about this?” Then you have two different opinions, and then other people begin to get up and express their views.

Sometimes we can use the question starter: “How many people in this group believe that such and such a thing is the truth?” And then people begin expressing themselves.

Sometimes we can use charts or graphs or cartoons and build questions around them in order to stimulate the audience. But remember, all of this must be short, and it must be just enough to get the group started on the business of expressing itself—no speeches, no lectures.

The second thing we want to remember in a successful workshop is the importance of keeping discussion on the track and timing it. Have you ever been in a group where Mr. X got up and when he sat down, 30 minutes had been used up and there was no time for anybody else to say anything? Have you ever been in a group where you could always depend upon Miss Y or Mr. 2 at some point to get up and hog the show completely? Have you ever been in a group where you watched the deviltry of minute details function? Here is the person who is going to talk about every tree in the forest but never the forest. She is going to discuss the elm tree, the oak tree, etc., but never gets to a large point of view, which is necessary in a workshop.

And then we have the great generalizer and the great giver of misinformation, a man who will get up and tell you, “Oh, yes, everybody in Z City is bankrupt. I know it because I have been there.”

Now, these are the things that we have to watch for in workshops. We must insist upon people timing their talks; we must insist upon them keeping to the point; and when we catch people getting up and giving great generalizations which are not true and which misinform, we must challenge them, ask them the source of their authority, ask them where they can point to the facts which support such a statement.

Appeal to the sense of fairness of the person who gets up and talks too long.

“Yes, Mrs. So and So, we understand your point of view, but, now, you know, our workshop has so much time and you have used so much time. Don’t you think it is fair to let some of these other people around here get up and say what they want to say?” Or you may have the group agree beforehand that there is going to be a time limit. Where you have a large group of people, you sometimes have to agree that no one is to speak more than three minutes. Also, where you get the person who is so devoted to details that he never gets the large idea, you may ask him if he thinks that it is fair and conducive to truth, if we have 30 minutes of time, to spend 20 ‎minues minutes‎ of time on one aspect of the truth, so that no one else gets a chance to bring out anything which might also be considered.

The last important thing to remember in the workshop is that its atmosphere must be friendly and conversational. If we get hostility, if we get heated discussion of opinion, then it is time for the Chairman to come in, interrupt and remind the friends that the object of the workshop is to bring out all phases of opinion. And what we want to do is to think with our minds rather than to feel with them. Sometimes you can turn edginess with humor, which lightens the atmosphere.

The last thing, no workshop is complete if it does not allow you time to summarize and evaluate what has been brought out by the people who participated. There must always be time to sum up the thinking of the workshop, to point up the problems which the friends brought out and the action which they agreed was necessary. I think if we can keep this atmosphere and if we can keep, as Bahá’ís, above all things the desire to bring out the truth, whether it is something we agree with or we understand, but to bring out the truth in the service of Bahá’u’lláh and the Cause, then we will have used this interesting modern technique of talking together to bring us that much nearer a fuller understanding of the great principle of consultation.

Directory Additions and Changes

LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES:

Inglewood, Calif.

Mrs. Harriette E. Petersen

225-B Olive St.

South Gate, Calif.

Miss Mary Ellen Reese

8978 Victoria Ave.

Topeka, Kansas

Mrs. Edna R. King

1030 Grand Ave.

Muskegon, Mich.

Mrs. Bernice B. Neal

332 Jackson Ave.

Toledo, Ohio

Miss Beulah I. Magruder

2701 Oatis

Portsmouth, N.H.

Mrs. Ruth Price Silva

24 Salter St.

REGIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEES:

West. New York

Mrs. P. R. Meinhard

Zone 18 instead of 10

Central New York

Address mail to:

Mr. Wm. Hart

R.D. 3

Waterloo, N.Y.

New Jersey

Mrs. Amy B. Dwelly

300 Park St.

Hackensack, N.J.

La., Miss.

Mrs. Evelyn Bivins, Chairman

Miss H’Eloise Hullinghorst, Secretary

1638 Gentilly Rd.,

New Orleans 19, La.

Ore.

Mr. John Clifford, Chairman

Mrs. Zara B. Dunne, Secretary

Naval Housing, Unit 37, Rt. 1,

Box 915, Astoria, Ore.

What well-known English Bahá’í gave a reception for delegates to the Conference of Some Living Religions within the British Empire? See Bahá’í World, Vol. II. p. 226

Alaska

Mrs. Frances Wells, Chairman

Mrs. Helen Robinson, Secretary

Box 1835, Anchorage, Alaska

North & South Carolina

Mrs. Louise Sawyer, Chairman

Mrs. I. N. Simmons, Secretary

501 Banks St.

Greensboro, No. Carolina

[Page 8]

“Meeting the Crisis”

“Tell the Story”

Firesides

Besides your many daily contacts, the big medium of teaching for you is holding a fireside in your home. The term “fireside” suggests two things:

(1) a single evening for a few invited guests, or

(2) a continuing class on an informal, invitational basis.

If you plan a single evening as a starter, we suggest that you start a discussion of current events bringing in some of the Bahá’í principles and explaining how they would apply, or use a book review as a means of approach to the Faith, or have an evening of pictures, using some of the slide films which the Programming Committee has for rent.

The thing to work for is a continuing class on an informal, invitational basis. Several study outlines are adaptable to this type of fireside. As soon as you get a continuing fireside class under way, you are on the road to deepening interest and confirmation of those who attend.

New Study Course

Shoghi Effendi has stated that Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era remain the basic text to acquaint the seeker with the facts and truths essential to an understanding of the Faith.

We are happy to announce a study course entitled “A New Approach to Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.” It is adapted for use in the informal, continuing fireside. It has one page of clear directives which any beginner can use.

There are lists of suggested gift pamphlets to accompany study of each chapter. The course offers various devices and helps, such as: thought questions, true-false tests, visual aids, discussion suggestions, and a story supplement.

It provides brief one-page presentations for general class distribution on such subjects as: Words of Christ, specific promises of what prayer can do for you, listed Bible prophecy references.

Anyone can use this course. It is designed for beginners to use. It provides sufficient material so that it can be adapted to various conditions.

The members of the Assisting Panel of the National Programming Committee have mimeographed this course. It can be purchased from the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, and the price is $.75 per copy.

—NATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

Hot Springs, Ark., holds Regional Teaching Conference in its center, with 14 believers and 7 visiting friends, from Ark. and Okla., July 2-3.

The Home Front

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Three new believers, all soldiers of Ft. Richardson, have been welcomed into the Alaskan Bahá’í family.

The first Bahá’í marriage ceremony in Alaska since it was legalized was performed by the Anchorage Assembly for two friends who, through this, have been attracted to the teachings.

ARLINGTON, VA.

Dentist spreads Faith. The Bahá’í Center here is indicated by a sign and arrow beneath a dentist’s window. Since he and his nurse were unacquainted with the Faith they could not answer their patients’ frequent questions about it. The nurse, feeling her inadequacy, sought information, receiving the New Era and pamphlets which now answer hers and patients’ questions. Though doctor and nurse are active in their own church they thus open-mindedly spread the Word of Bahá’u’lláh.

BERKELEY, CALIF.

RTC holds Bahá’í Children’s Day. To fill the gap of a closed summer school, N. Calif. and Nev. RTC arranged a special day for children, Aug. 14 at John Hinkle Park, Berkeley. Aged 6 to 14, they attended four preliminary classes in their local areas, co-ordinated by the RTC toward the focal point of “the day”. When the forty youth gathered for the big occasion, each small group had a part: telling of the major figures of the Faith and their teachings; animating puppets while giving glimpses of the Bahá’í Faith; dramatizing some of our universal principles; explaining the meaning and history of the House of Worship with placards of the symbols and design; discussion by six member panel of “The Distinguishing Characteristics of a Bahá’í”. The children gave convincing evidence of their serious interest in the Faith and parents and friends were gratified.

BRIEFS

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA holds Youth Summer School with Temple talk, history and three “Central Figures of our Faith”, need for Administration ... ARIZONA RTC, now separately constituted, met with 30 believers, discussed theme “The Most Important of All Things”, material taken from Rúḥíyyih Khanum’s teaching message ... NEW YORK RTC reports from Area Teaching

[Page 9] meeting, to make contacts, be more friendly: to neighbors, welcome newcomer to community, give loving service to others, join organizations whose aims parallel outs ... HAMBURG, N. Y. was the scene of western state regional picnic attended by 74 from 17 towns to hear Dr. James Shanney and Ala’i Kalantar ... WAUKEGAN, ILL. witnessed a Regional Teaching Conference Aug. 20-21, well attended by the friends, who engaged in a six-section talk and discussion under general theme, “A World Crusade” ... HAVERFORD, PA. Following a 15 minute talk by Mrs. Marguerite Sears to 100 people at a recent NAACP meeting, some good contact work developed ... ADA COUNTY, IDAHO held inter-community meeting with BOISE, attended by 20 contacts, to hear Raphael Pumpelly speak. Also, during summer, children from 3 to 11 years met weekly for nature studies, handicraft, supervised play ... SYRACUSE, N.Y. was host for Regional Picnic enjoyed by 102, of whom 48 were non-Bahá’ís. There was a hike, talk, negro quartet, Temple Fund consultation, child play supervision, one folding chair left over ... MIAMI FLA. sponsored a weinie roast under its Extension Teaching Comm., self-serve around open fire which afterwards was center of a circle seated on the lawn for informal, lively chats about the Faith.... PROVIDENCE, R. I. says its Bahá’í library is now indexed, well supported by pamphlets, and set up in the Murray home for friends’ constant use ... PASADENA, CAL. offers the believers for consideration, its LSA decision to send to Temple Fund money ordinarily spent on flowers for deceased Bahá’ís ...

Youth Conference at Jamestown, N.Y. on July 9-10.

Around the Bahá’í World

BRITISH ISLES (Bahá’í Journal)

In its supplementary report, the NSA announced that the prizes newly won during the period of the Six Year Plan have been maintained and one new assembly established in Norwich.

The report added, however, that in Belfast, Oxford and Liverpool the assemblies originally planned had not yet been established; and the Bournemouth believers have been reduced again to a Group, after having won and lost Assembly status three times.

Edinburgh and Cardiff Assemblies also needed reinforcing, which was accomplished by transferring pioneers from their goal towns to these communities.

Calling for great effort and sacrifice on the part of the British believers, the NSA report declared that 50 believers would be needed in the goal towns and that replacements would be required for some of the settlers who had so valiantly transferred their membership to save tottering assemblies.

CANADA

Progress of the Canadian believers is indicated in their report of a 20 per cent membership increase during the past year. Goal during the next four years includes establishment of 15 new assemblies.

Five summer conferences have been planned, in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and the Maritimes.

In the last hours of the dissolved House of Commons, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada was granted an Act incorporating them as a religious organization with their head office at Toronto. News of incorporation was hailed by the Guardian as a “magnificent victory unique in the annals of the East and West”.

INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA
(From “Bahá’í News Letter”)

Bahá’ís gathered at the New Delhi Convention displayed a unity which appeared to have attracted the Holy Spirit and guided their elections and decisions. A Convention resolution was prepared and sent to the Honorable Pandit Jawaharal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, requesting the return of the National Bahá’í Headquarters at 6, Canning Road, New Delhi. These quarters were built at the express direction of Shoghi Effendi, and represent the sacrifice of Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan and Burma as well as contributions of their co-religionists in the different continents of the world. The government of India had requisitioned the Bahá’í property with a pledge to de-requisition it at the end of a year.

Pioneering was a topic high on the Convention agenda. It was made known that the conflict between the desire for comfort and the rigors of homelessness, between the material and spiritual, had to be fought and won by every pioneer.

Bahá’ís from India, Pakistan and Burma elected to the NSA at their 20th annual convention are as follows: A. C. Joshi, G. Amreliwalla, K. K. Bhargava, K. H. Payman, Prof. Pritam Singh, M. H. Ilmi, M. M. H. Afnan, S. H. Koreshi, and D. C. Khanna.

News came from Calcutta that two believers had volunteered to pioneer in Siam and Indonesia, and that a pioneer for Ceylon had also been found.

Charles Mason Remey, who so many years ago visited the East and India, plans, with the Guardian’s full approval and encouragement, to go there again. Although advanced in years, his love for the Cause and his strong desire to meet with the believers in distant lands and help them in their teaching work, impels him to undertake this long journey.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
(From “Annual Report of N.S.A.”)

A survey sent to believers by the History Committee produced 61 replies which revealed personal contact as the most effective means of attracting people to the Cause. Of the 61 Bahá’ís responding to the circular, two were attracted to the faith through personal contact, 19 came through fireside meetings, 10 came through public lectures, six came through reading books and literature, one came through seeing an advertisement in the newspaper, and one came through a Summer School.

The Educational Department of the State of Victoria has recognized the Bahá’í Holy Days in response to

[Page 10] an application for leave of absence on those days, requested by Mr. R. Cover, a Bahá’í in the employment of that department. The NSA noted a similar case, that of Mr. C. J. Easey who is employed with a private firm—and urged that whenever possible, Bahá’ís should observe the Holy Days set aside in the Bahá’í calendar.

During the Bahá’í year 105 (1948-1949), the summer and winter sessions at Yerrinbool Bahá’í School witnessed nine declarations of acceptance of the Faith. Although equipment at the school has been expanded to accommodate 30 people with catering for 50, the need for extra facilities has led to NSA approval for the erection of a new dormitory.

The Committee on the quarterly “Herald of the South”, have given the pocket-size magazine a “new look” in line with other modern magazines, and invite Bahá’ís of America, Canada, England, India, Iráq, Egypt, and other parts of the world to subscribe. Additional subscriptions are needed to make the magazine self-supporting.

CANADA
(From “Canadian Bahá’í News”)

Total attendance was 95 at a series of five public meetings held in Ottawa during May. Speakers included Mrs. Terah Smith of Binghamton, N. Y., Rowland Estall of Montreal, and Lloyd Gardner of Toronto.

The Faith is also invading the north country with regular firesides at the home of Elsie Beecroft Martel of Sudbury.

From Greater Toronto comes news of a visit by Miss Agnes Alexander who flew from Honolulu to visit the American convention. Miss Alexander taught for many years in Japan, and was the first Bahá’í teacher in Korea. The Greater Toronto area Bahá’ís entertained her at luncheons, teas and firesides, where she shared with them and their friends her reminiscences of Haifa, Japan and Hawaii. Her picture album contained scenes of Mount Carmel, the Bahá’í shrines and gardens.

Scarboro and Toronto communities combine their social activities for youth. Some of the occasions include swimming, beach parties, dancing classes, and hikes.

Further news from Canada includes the tenth Annual International Picnic held at Queenston on June 12th with 250 present. The first picnic was started by Howard and Mabel Ives with 40 present. Visitors from the United States, India, Trinidad, Barbadoes, and England were present to hear talks by Mrs. Edith MacLaren and John Howe.

Latin American News

The Bahá’ís of both Central and South America are increasingly fixing their attention and efforts on their emergence as independent national communities in 1951, when their own National Spiritual Assemblies will come into being. The National (territorial) Committees throughout Latin-America seem fully aware of their own great responsibilities in laying the necessary foundation by 1951, and many individual Latin-American believers as well as the Local Spiritual Assemblies are laboring valiantly for the successful realization of this goal in our second Seven-Year Plan.

This heartening, inspiring picture of the Cause in Latin-America at this moment, was presented to the Committee by our Chairman, Mr. Edwin Mattoon, who returned on August 28 after spending nearly two months travelling throughout Latin-America, meeting many of the Bahá’ís and consulting with all of the National Committees, in Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. His impression is reinforced by the new plans and projects now being initiated.

The National Teaching Committee of South America, as well as that of Central America, are completing plans for a series of Regional Teaching Conferences. These Conferences will replace the school which has been held each year in connection with the national congress for each territory. Some of these Conferences will be for one country only, as in Chile and Brazil; others will take in two or three countries, such as the one to be held in Montevideo, which will be attended by Bahá’ís from Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, another conference to be held in Bogotá and attended by representatives from Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela, and a fifth conference in La Paz, for Bolivia and Peru. There will be four such conferences in the Central American territory, although we do not yet know the exact locations. These conferences will concentrate upon training of Latin-American Bahá’ís as effective teachers of the Cause, and their effect, we are sure, will be to strengthen the bonds of love and unity among the Latin-American believers.

The National Reviewing and Publishing Committee in Mexico City is now in the process of reviewing the Spanish version of “The Bahá’í Community” and this valuable aid to the Latin-American believers in their study and understanding of the Bahá’í Administrative Order should be printed and ready for distribution within the near future.

The National Radio Committee in Santiago, Chile, is enthusiastically preparing radio programs for distribution throughout South America. Some of these programs will be for 30 minutes, some for 15 and others for only five, and will include many different types, such as dramatizations of episodes in Bahá’í history, skits, dialogues and brief discourses on the Faith.

The National Publishing Committee in Santiago is hard at work on many promising ideas for improving the distribution and stimulating the sale of Bahá’í literature. The Bahá’ís of Santiago have recently rented a very fine new Center, part of which is being used by the Publishing Committee for storage and office space; and this is proving to be a great help to the Publishing Committee in carrying out its work effectively.

Alexander Reid, who is a native of Punta Arenas, will be completing his medical training within a few months and is then going to Punta Arenas to establish his practice. He will at the same time be able to render a great service to the Cause by pioneering in a city whose importance has been often stressed by our beloved Guardian, because of Punta Arenas’ geographical position at the extreme southern tip of South America.

We learn through our pioneer in Colombia, Gayle Woolson, that Gloria Sánchez, a Bahá’í Youth from Bogotá took the initiative of making a trip to Medellin, Colombia, for experience as a Bahá’í teacher. She took part in two meetings, at one of which she gave a very fine talk. According to Gayle, she left a wonderful

[Page 11]

Score to Date — September 28, 1949 on Response to the Temple Fund
Group	Number		Estimated for 2 years
$400	140	...................	$112,000.00
$100	516	...................	$  103,200.00
$ 25	515	...................	$  25,750.00
*Special	886	...................	$209,319.87
Totals	2042	...................	$450,269.87
Received against above resolves			$214,455.56
*All resolves not falling in other three categories. Many friends have asked if they could send in their next year’s resolve now. This would be very helpful. —TREASURER

impression on all present, and everyone admired her capacity and devotion to the Cause, especially in view of her being only 17 years old.

Meanwhile, the Inter-America Committee has had the pleasure of consulting with Artemus Lamb who, with his wife, has returned temporarily to the United States, after their having served the Cause so well in Chile. Artemus is planning to return to South America, however, just as soon as possible.

It has also been the Committee’s pleasure to consult with Sheila Rice-Wray, who is returning as a pioneer to the Central American field. She will leave Chicago about September 10 and will visit several of the Central American republics. She plans to settle in one of the Central American countries for an indefinite period of time.

We are happy to know of Sheila’s return to Latin-America not only because of the fine work which she has already done, but particularly because of the pressing need, stressed by the Guardian in his cable of June 29, for more North American pioneers now, to the Latin-American field. 1951 is not so very far away, and although the Latin-American believers are responding magnificently to the challenge facing them, nevertheless dedicated, self-supporting North-American pioneers are urgently needed to insure the successful completion of our mission in Latin-America. If you feel willing and able to participate in this glorious task, please contact the Inter-American Committee, c/o Miss Julie Regal, 12124 S. Normal Avenue, Chicago 28, Illinois.

Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of July, 1949

Alaska—Anchorage. Arizona—North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Burlingame, Carmel, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Glendale Twp., Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Palo Alto, Pasadena, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, South Gate. Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—New Haven, Greenwich, Hartford. Delaware—Wilmington. Dist. of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville, Miami, St. Augustine. Georgia—Atlanta, Augusta. Hawaii—Honolulu, Maui. Idaho—Ada County, Boise. Illinois—Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Winnetka.

New Deadline An effort is being made to have Bahá’í News in the mail not later than the fifth of each month. Therefore all material for any one issue must be in the editorial office on or before the tenth of the preceding month. Material received after this date cannot be considered for use. —BAHÁ’Í NEWS EDITORIAL COMMITTEE 1001 W. Genesee St. Lansing, Mich.

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—Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe Farms, Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Mississippi—Jackson.

Missouri—Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana—Butte, Great Falls. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. New Hampshire—Portsmouth. New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont, East Orange, Jersey City, Montclair, Newark, Red Bank, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Jamestown, New York, Rochester, Penn Yan, Syracuse, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo.

Ohio—Cleveland, E. Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Puerto Rico—San Juan. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Columbia, Greenville. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis, Nashville. Texas—Dallas, Houston, San Antonio. Vermont—Brattleboro.

Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington. Washington—Kirkland, Marysville, Monroe, Seattle, Tacoma. West Virginia—Charleston. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Madison, Racine, Milwaukee, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay. Wyoming—Laramie.

Number Assemblies	174
Assemblies contributing	154
Not Contributing	20
Groups contributing	50
Individuals contributing	68
Special contributions from Bahá’ís of Australia & New Zealand.

Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of August, 1949

Alaska— Anchorage. Arizona—North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas— Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Carmel, Geyserville, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Glendale Twp., Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Oceanside, Palo Alto, Pasadena, San Bernardino, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, South Gate. Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven. Delaware—Wilmington. Dist. of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville, Miami, St. Augustine. Georgia—Augusta. Hawaii—Honolulu, Maui. 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. Massachusetts—Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Mississippi—Jackson.

Missouri—Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana—Butte, Helena, Great Falls. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont,

[Page 12] Englewood, Jersey City, Montclair, Newark, Red Bank, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Jamestown, New York, Rochester, Waterloo, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo.

Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. 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 (July & Aug.), Seattle, Tacoma. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay. Wyoming—Laramie.

Number Assemblies	174
Assemblies contributing	154
Not Contributing	20
Groups contributing	48
Individuals contributing	81
Special contribution from City of Adelaide, South Australia.

Enrollments

Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:

ARK., Eureka Springs 1; CALIF., Burbank 1; Long Beach 1; Los Angeles 3; Palo Alto 1; South Gate 2; COLO., Colorado Springs 1; DEL., Wilmington 1; WASHINGTON, D. C. 2; IDAHO, Boise-Ada Co. 1; MICH., Grosse Pointe 1; Muskegon 1; OHIO, Cleveland 1; WIS., Madison 1—1 Youth

Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees:

Bahá’í Addresses National Office: 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. Treasurer’s Office: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Make Checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Make checks for books and pamphlets payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Committee Bahá’í News Editorial Office: 1001 W. Genesee St. Lansing, Mich.

NORTHEASTERN STATES

So. N.Y., Conn. 1

CENTRAL STATES

Ind. 1

Ill., Iowa 1

Mich. 2

Wis. 1

WESTERN STATES

Ariz. 1

So. Calif. 1

Alaska 1

No. Calif., Nev. 2

TOTALS — Adults 29

Youth 1

In Memoriam

Mr. Walter Bowman, Washington, D.C. 8-7-49

Miss Mabel Anita Craig, Newark, N. J. 8-7-49

Dr. J. E. Foster, Scranton, Pa. (reported 8-30-49)

Dr. A. Lawrence Morris, Albuquerque, N.M. 9-6-49

Correction

Mr. Ben Jackson, Downey, Calif. passed away on May 31, 1949 and not Mrs. Jackson as published in the Aug. issue. This was a typographical error.

Publishing Announcements

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.

Messages to America, 1932-1946 by Shoghi Effendi. As an outstanding feature of our glorious Faith, the 118 letters and cablegrams as presented in this fabrikoid bound volume, is unquestionably appealing to every Bahá’í. Inspiring and stimulating, every message contributes a feeling of personal contact with our beloved Guardian and covers step by step the progressive growth of our Faith in this period. It should be owned by every member of the Bahá’í Faith. 118 pages, bound in blue fabrikoid, with Notes and Glossary, and an Index. $2.00

Religious Education for a Peaceful Society, by Horace Holley. This pamphlet is more timely than ever, as questions involving public and sectarian education press for solution by the Federal Government and divide the people into different camps. For High School teacher, librarian or college educator this is a challenging Bahá’í statement. Per copy $.25

Calendar

Feasts:

November 4—Qudrat—Power

November 23—Qawl—Speech

Anniversaries:

November 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh—(suspend work)

November 26—Day of the Covenant

November 21—Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—1 a.m.

N S A Meeting:

October 28, 29, 30.

CONTENTS

Guardian
Arcade of the Báb’s Shrine	1
Greatest Name	5
Hails European Conference	4
Messages from	3
“This Hour, Crowded with Destiny”	2
Addresses	12
Around the Bahá’í World	9
Assemblies Contributing to the Fund	11
Bahá’í World	7
Calendar	12
Consultation—Elsie Austin	6
Directory	7
Enrollments	12
Fund
Assemblies Contributing to	11
Score to Date	11
Greatest Name	5
Home Front	8
Latin America	10
Marriages	11
Memoriam	12
National Spiritual Assembly
Consultation	5
Pictures
Arcade, the Báb’s Shrine	1,	2
European Conference	4
Greatest Name Symbol	5
Hot Springs, Ark	8
Jamestown Youth Conference	9
Programming Comm.	8
Publishing Announcements	12
Rúḥíyyih Khanum’s book	5
Score to Date	11
Temple Progress	5