Bahá’í News/Issue 228/Text
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NEWS |
| No. 228 | FEBRUARY, 1950 | YEAR 106 | BAHA’I ERA |
Shrine Progress
“Announce (to the) friends (that) six hundred tons (of) stones destined (for the) Arcade (of the) Báb’s Shrine, received (in) successive shipments (to the) Holy Land, (have been) safely transported (to) its precincts despite repeated accidents — (the) sinking (of a) lighter (in the) harbor (and) outbreak (of) fire (in the) hold (of the) ship. (An) additional two hundred tons (of) material including carved marble mosaic (have been) ordered through recent contract for erection (of) parapet designed (to) crown (the) columns (and) arches (of the) Arcade. North and east sides (of) structure with three corners virtually completed. Construction (of) cornice (and) roof, last stage (in) erection (of the) Arcade, (will) soon be undertaken. Majesty (and) beauty (of the) colonnade enveloping (the) central Holy Edifice built (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s hands steadily unfolding, presaging revelation (of the) full glory (of the) completed Sepulchre manifesting (the) plenitude (of the) Splendor (of) the constructed dome.”
Received Nov. 13, 1949
“... A Vision in Their Hearts ...”[edit]
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This is another report from Mr. Weeden of Haifa, about the progress of the Shrine of the Báb.
“Our beloved Guardian has asked that a third report be made to the friends on the progress of the work at the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. A goodly amount of progress has taken place since the last report, in fact, the arcade has been over half completed, but not without difficulties.
The continued drought in Italy still delayed stone shipments, as mentioned in the last report. This made the planning of construction progress difficult. Plans would be made for the arrival of a shipment and then it would be delayed. This was annoying but when a lighter load of sixty-one cases of stone sank in the harbor one stormy night we felt we had a real burden on our shoulders. However, like all burdens and tests we found it not as severe as we thought and that it did add to our experience. It was not long before a diver had salvaged the cases from the bottom of the harbor and not a stone had been damaged. We had a further experience of a like nature when a case was dropped into the water when it slipped from the sling while unloading. We also had the experience of a ship catching afire while she was unloading, and it was necessary to flood her to put out the fire. We were very worried about this as can be imagined, but we found that not a single one of our precious cases had been harmed in the slightest. With the vicissitudes many of our shipments have passed though it is miraculous that no damage was done to a single stone which would have called for a long delay in the work while it was being recut.
While these difficulties were heartrending, still the work on the arcade
went steadily on. The three magnificent curved corners took on more
height and grandeur. Twelve of the
huge Rose Baveno granite columns
were set upon their bases, each with
its beautifully carved Chiampo granite capital. A momentous occasion
truly! Then followed the placing of
the finely cut graceful arches, seven
on the east side and seven on the
north. This led to the building up of
the walls to the height of the architrave, including the star panels and
half star panels, those gems which
relieve the austerity of the walls and
balance the fine, ornate, curved corners. With the completion to the
architrave of the beautiful corners
at the southeast, northeast and
northwest and the walls to the east
and north, the summer came to a
close and plans for the winter work
were made.
One of the first steps in this work is already nearing completion, the excavation of the mountain on the west and south sides of the Shrine. This has meant the removal of many, many hundreds of cubic yards of rock and earth and the building of a retaining wall which on the south side will reach a height of nearly ten meters. The earth and rock excavated will be used to extend the terrace upon which the Shrine stands, to the east or the right as you stand facing the sea and the city of Acre.
As soon as the wall is completed, work will start on the southwest curved corner, the setting of its two great pilasters and the placing of the twelve remaining columns with their capitals. Then the arches and the wall stones of the west and south sides. As this work progresses the concrete ceilings will be poured, and the stones of the architrave and cornices set in place. Then will come the momentous setting up of the parapet, which is to be such a fitting crown for this splendid and glorious arcade the labors of our beloved Guardian is bringing into being about our holy Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel.
In mid-summer, in anticipation of this last momentous part of the work, our Guardian instructed Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, as his representative in Italy, to negotiate a fourth contract with Guido M. Fabbricotti, Successori, of Carrara, Italy, for the fabrication of this intricate stone work. On September 7, 1949, the contract was signed and calls for close to two hundred tons of fine carving and delicate mosaic work. Mr. W. S. Maxwell has created a masterpiece of beauty and design. There will be thirty-two Chiampo stone posts with
carved caps. There will be twenty-seven large panels carved in low relief with a background of variegated blue-green opaque glass mosaic. These panels will be in single slabs and weigh nearly a ton each. There will be a special central panel for the front facade of the arcade, with a large star with radiating gold rays, and there will be the Greatest Name done in metal and gilded superimposed upon the green marble start This panel will be complete with the intricately designed ‘B’s’ to the right and the left of the circle of green marble enclosing the star and the golden rays. The ‘B’s’ will be in low relief and the background mosaic. The four curved corners will have beautifully designed ornamentation in which there will be a large oval of green marble and again the Greatest Name will be superimposed upon each oval. This is a very inadequate description, and while the lack of space might be pled, the real need is the abilities of a poet or a great artist to picture what is now being created in Italy.
The expressions of admiration made by the many many visitors to our beautiful Bahá’í Gardens on the work already done on the arcade, when they get a partial view of it from the unrestricted part of the Gardens, are heartwarming, and one wonders to what length they will go when the arcade is finished and open to the public. What will they feel and think when they see the delicate rose of the tall columns, the light cream of the impressive and strong corners and walls and last, but not least, the crown of glory, the parapet, with its green panels (the green emblematic of the Báb’s lineage) and the gold of the Greatest Names and the rays to add the final touch of color and balance to it all? To this beautiful harmony of color will be added the superb carving, so exquisite in design, and the proportions which convey such a feeling of strength and ageless endurance. Do you doubt but what it will leave a vision in their hearts that will last throughout a lifetime?
Please do not ask what it will mean to a Bahá’í making a pilgrimage to this holy spot. My prayer is that you all may have this privilege and bounty, God willing.”
(signed) BEN D. WEEDEN
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
(From a letter from Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, to Nina Matthisen, dated October 28, 1949)
“Regarding your various questions: We must avoid giving the impression of being all tied up with peculiar religious theories; on the other hand, the 9 sides of the Temple, and the 9-pointed star require an explanation, and he feels the best one is this:
“Nine is the highest digit, hence symbolizes comprehensiveness, culmination; also, the reason it is used in the Temple’s form is because 9 has the exact numerical value of “Bahá” (in the numerology connected with the Arabic alphabet) and “Bahá” is the name of the Revealer of our Faith, Bahá’u’lláh. The 9-pointed star is not a part of the teachings of our Faith, but only used as an emblem representing “9”. In telling people of the 9 religions of the world, that is, existing religions, we should not give this as the reason the Temple has 9 sides. This may have been an idea of the architect, and a very pleasing idea, which can be mentioned in passing, but the Temple has 9 sides because of the association of 9 with perfection, unity and “Bahá.”
“The Guardian feels that with intellectuals and students of religion the question of exactly which are the 9 existing religions is controversial, and it would be better to avoid it. He does not want the friends to be rigid in these matters, but use their judgment and tact, sometimes one statement is exactly the right thing for one type of mind and the wrong thing for another.
“Strictly speaking the 5-pointed star is the symbol of our Faith, as used by the Báb and explained by Him. But the Guardian does not feel it is wise or necessary to complicate our explanations of the Temple by adding this.
“Shoghi Effendi himself uses the King James version of the Bible, both because it is an authoritative one and in beautiful English.
“The statement in ‘Seven Days of Creation’ certainly cannot be considered authoritative or correct. The Ark and the Flood we believe are symbolical.
“He feels that it is not necessary to present, prematurely, to every new Bahá’í the teachings regarding the use of the Greatest Name. Some souls need and are ready for this: others are not. Judgment must be used in such matters. It is more essential to stress the importance of prayer and to urge the use of one of the obligatory prayers.”
“Return of the Qualities”[edit]
Recently Miss Honor Kempton wrote to the Guardian as follows: “During the Conference, while watching this gathering, I was suddenly reminded of the words ‘the return of the qualities.’ Does this mean that the return of the qualities, such as those possessed by the early disciples of Jesus Christ, or of any of the Manifestations of God, are still returning and become evident in certain people, or does this happen only when the Manifestation is on the earth? ... Also, another question ... ‘What happens to the atoms of the Manifestation of God?’ ”
The Guardian’s reply through his secretary (dated October 28, 1949) to Miss Kempton’s questions, follows:
“The reflection of the qualities of holy souls can take place at any time; it is not confined to the period when the Manifestation is on earth.
“The atoms of the Prophets are just atoms, like all others, but the association of this great spiritual power with them leaves in the place they are laid to rest a spiritual atmosphere, if one can use this expression. They are, no doubt, endowed with a tremendous spiritual influence and far reaching power. But the physical character of their atoms are not different from other people’s, any more than their bodies and physical functions are different.”
Grave of Thornton Chase[edit]
The following statement was made by the Guardian through his secretary in a letter to Mr. Willard P. Hatch dated October 23, 1949:
“It is not important whether Thornton Chase’s resting-place is referred to as his grave or his shrine. We should not be rigid in such matters. Likewise it is not important whether the friends gather on the 30th or the 1st of the month.* The keeping of the anniversary is the important thing.”
_____
*Mr. Hatch explains that the “Star of the West” reports Thornton Chase as having died after sunset on September 30th, so the reference to the 30th and the 1st means the 30th of September or the 1st of October.
Experiences with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá[edit]
The following passage was written by the Guardian through his secretary in a letter to Mr. Willard P. Hatch dated October 23, 1949:
“It is very important that the old Bahá’ís should accurately record their experiences with the Master, and events in the Cause’s progress, for these things form data for future histories of the Cause. They have not, however, the authority of the revealed Word of the Tablets, etc...”
Bahá’u’lláh’s Prayer in “Dispensation”[edit]
The following was written by the Guardian, through his secretary, on February 8, 1949, to Mrs. Kathryn Frankland:
?
Where is “the Village of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá?” See Bahá’í World |
“The names of those cited in Bahá’u’lláh’s prayer in the Dispensation are quite correct as you gave them. (Abraham, Moses, Joseph, John the Baptist, Christ, Muḥammad, Imám Ḥusayn, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh)
“The Prophets ‘regarded as one and the same person’ include the lesser Prophets as well, and not merely those who bring a ‘Book.’ The station is different, but They are Prophets and Their nature thus different from that of ours.
“In the prayer mentioned above Bahá’u’lláh identifies Himself with Imám Ḥusayn. This does not make him a Prophet, but his position was very unique, and we know Bahá’u’lláh claims to be the ‘return’ of the Imám Ḥusayn. He, in other words, identifies His Spirit with these Holy Souls gone before, that does not, of course, make Him in any way their re-incarnation. Nor does it mean all of them were Prophets.”
Correction of Guardian’s Cable To European Conference[edit]
On November 5 the Guardian, through his secretary, sent the following letter:
“The Guardian wants me to call your attention to an error in the published version (October Bahá’í News) of his cable to the European Conference. It should read as follows: right hand column, beginning of the second paragraph: “Firmly knit (by the) sacred bonds (of a) spiritual fellowship more enduring, possessed of greater cohesive strength than any ties (of) kinship or race, (and) more potent (than) any social ideology or political alliance; deriving constant sustenance from (the) Mandate issued (from the) Pen (of the) Author (of the) Divine Plan; (and) assured (of 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)
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dual task (of) steadily consolidating their infant strength (and) tirelessly diffusing (the) holy influences inherent (in) their mission, until (a) 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 (a) divinely appointed World Order.”
Architecture of the Temple Interior[edit]
(This is the first of a series of articles by members of the Bahá’í Technical Advisory Board on various phases of the Temple interior work. The first, by Mr. McLaughlin, covers the general architectural features of the interior. Subsequent articles by Mr. McDaniel and by Mr. Eardley will describe the materials being used, the structural work, and other subjects of interest).
About thirty-five years have passed since Louis Bourgeois conceived and developed the design for the Temple in Wilmette. These thirty-five years have seen perhaps as rapid and violent a change in prevailing concepts of architecture as the world has ever known. In 1920 and the years immediately preceding, American architecture was in the grip of rigid stylism, of painstaking archaeology. In 1950 American
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architecture has abandoned eclecticism and is committed to a whole-hearted expression of function and
structure as the supreme objective.
The Bahá’í Temple typifies neither point of view. Had Bourgeois been content to swim along in the main stream of 1920 American architecture he would have clad his design in a medley of architectural styles. Instead he put away his books of archaeology and brought forth a flowing, dynamic type of ornamentation that defies placing as to specific source. Were we to follow the prevailing fashion of 1950 as we complete the interior we would simply leave exposed the concrete framework of the interior and probably do a lot of talking about the honesty, integrity and beauty of naked, unabashed structures — perhaps a little whitewash and a few accents of color and form and we would consider it complete.
But all of us who are Bahá’ís during this thrilling period of completing the most holy House of Worship, know that our Temple is something quite apart from any architectural fashion of the moment. When our Temple is completed it will be a unified, integrated entity, although designed and built in a period of swiftly moving change. The Guardian has directed that it be so, and of course that is the only way that a Bahá’í Temple can be.
When we enter one of the nine entrances to the Temple, sometime in the spring of 1951, we will find the old temporary wooden doors removed, and simple but fine aluminum and glass substituted. The wooden crossbars above are to be removed and two large pieces of clear glass installed in each opening — there would be only one piece, except for the pressures of high winds off Lake Michigan. These large areas of glass will show, from the inside of the Temple the ornament on the back of some of the exterior columns and arches.
The concrete piers in the bays have already been finished as round columns. A picture of these appeared in the Bahá’í News for December, 1949. The design of these columns makes no attempt to copy heavy, masonry forms. They taper towards the bottom rather than towards the top as has been the case with masonry columns for milleniums past. In so doing they register as surface treatment and not as massive masonry, for the load is carried by the concrete pier within. Vertical joints, instead of being staggered in usual masonry fashion, are lined one above the other, further recognizing the surface qualities of the material. The marble base of the column will be recessed rather than projecting in the usual manner. We can see already, at the Temple, the lightness and grace, as well as the great dignity of these columns.
The ceiling of each bay consists of a pair of ogee curves meeting in a straight line at the top. A lighting trough carries around each bay between columns, and silhouetted in front will be the nine inscriptions selected by the Guardian. Color can be applied to the ceilings, and there is space for draperies against the outside wall, between windows.
In the main portion of the Temple there are, of course, the nine pairs of columns which rise to the springing of the dome. These columns are even now being finished with square sections of the surface material, and between each pair of columns rises a brilliant panel of ornament, clear to the springing of the dome. Our architect, Alfred Shaw, has felt from the very start of his work that he wanted to recapture the scale and quality of the exterior ornament of the dome. That he has at last fully done so is clear to those who have watched his designs progress from sketches to detailed drawings, to clay models, plaster casts, and finally to the executed panels. These nine great vertical panels of vibrant, flowing ornament eventually find their way into the detail of the dome.
Between the nine panels and pairs of piers are first the main storey arches, then the gallery arches, and finally the smaller interlacing arches of the triforium gallery. At each of the main storey arches is a nine pointed star on which will be inscribed the Greatest Name. The Guardian has sent a detail of this inscription, which is to be followed exactly lest any Occidental liberties with epigraphy offend a practiced eye.
The dome has been brilliantly designed with an interlacing of flowing ornament, culminating in the Greatest Name at the zenith. The interior dome, like the exterior treatment, will be pierced, to transmit light.
To have watched the development of the interior design has been a thrilling experience. The complete willingness and desire of our distinguished architect, Alfred Shaw, to merge his great creative powers into the background of the over-all concept of the Temple has been stirring and deeply and gratefully admired. The problem has been difficult technically if only because of the absolute necessity of integrating what is being done in 1950 to form a harmonious entity with what was conceived before 1920.
But in only a little more than a year from now, given the necessary flow of funds, the Temple interior will have been completed. And it is going to be very beautiful.
Holy Year for All Mankind
Beloved friends:
On July 9, 1950 Bahá’ís throughout the world will observe the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb. The Guardian has expressly called for national and local meetings in the United States, and the NSA will announce its plans when all arrangements are approved.
It is the meaning, not the observance, of this Centenary which may well seize our hearts in these days when the Event is drawing nigh. The Day of July 9 has surpassing importance in the history of revealed religion, for on that date the world, save so few, repudiated and condemned Him who arose in the Name of all ancient Prophets to unveil the Word by which will come the Kingdom on earth.
So may we recognize for ourselves that 1950 is a Holy Year, a year for pilgrimage in the realm of sacrifice, and worship before the Throne on which the will of God had its seat and His love its scepter. For what is holy except that which pertains to the Manifestation of God.
“A Traveller’s Narrative” relates the story. “The Dawn-Breakers”, relates the story. “God Passes By”, relates the story. In the Bahá’í sacred writings the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh illumines the Station and Mission of the Báb; and the perfected vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá recreates the scene as it occurred.
The year becomes holy as we make effort to attain worthiness to take part in this Anniversary, demonstrating to the world that the Sun has risen because we are living by its light.
German NSA Plans New Headquarters[edit]
The NSA of Germany has purchased a building in Frankfurt, half of which they are restoring for use as their national headquarters. The newly purchased building is in a good residential neighborhood a few blocks from the center of the city. Bahá’í youth were organized into work teams by Martin Aiff to clear away the rubble piled to a depth of twelve feet in the garden area behind the house. CARE packages provided by the Bahá’í International Fund at the Guardian’s direction furnished food for these workers who, starting with a dawn prayer labored into the night with a spirit of joy and unity knowing no fatigue.
United Nations Informed of the Bahá’í Concept of Worship[edit]
At the request of the United Nations Committee, a letter was addressed by Bahá’í International Community to the Secretary-General of United Nations on November 9, 1949 explaining the Bahá’í concept and method of community worship. The occasion was presented by the effort of United Nations to formulate an acceptable mode of worship for its future prayer building. The letter was acknowledged on November 28. Excerpts from both letters follow.
“The members of the Bahá’í International Community have a particular interest in the development by United Nations of a prayer building or center designed to promote the spiritual unity of its representatives and delegates.
“Since our community has brought together in one religious fellowship a worldwide body of believers, the question of a common worship reconciling the traditional views and practices of men and women in ninety-four countries, representing more than thirty races, and possessing backgrounds reflecting the influences of all revealed faiths, has been for Bahá’ís a matter of supreme and vital importance.
“The fact that for such a varied and diverse body the problem of common worship has been completely solved, and the universality of Bahá’í prayer and worship demonstrated for many years, should make the Bahá’í practice interesting and significant to United Nations.
“Fundamentally, the Bahá’ís feel equal reverence for the founders of all revealed religions. The Bahá’í teachings recognize that all the Prophets are one in spirit, that all reveal God to mankind as successive manifestations of His will. Their revelation is continuous and progressive. On this foundation the Bahá’ís of East and West realize and accept the unity of all religions.
“Congregational worship among the Bahá’ís consists of the reading of passages from all extant Holy Books, with no ritualistic device, no racial, denominational or nationalistic discrimination. This worship fosters reverence for all the Prophets of the past, cultivates spiritual unity among participants, and emphasizes the true aim of the religion of God as the unity of the human race.
“To demonstrate this new concept the American Bahá’ís are completing their House of Worship on Lake Michigan, near Chicago, in the village of Wilmette. Over each of its nine entrances is inscribed a text defining a particular approach to the spiritual reality common to mankind. These texts are: (The nine texts were then quoted in full)
“The following brief passage describes the type of public worship which will be conducted in the House of Worship when completed.
“ ‘The Bahá’í House of Worship is not one more religious edifice of denominational character. It has been built according to a new and higher pattern of worship, wherein persons of all races, nations and creeds may enter the unifying Spirit which emanates from the Word of God. Bahá’í worship includes no sermon, no physical drama, no man-conceived prayer, invocations or conventionalized
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response. The Manifestation of God, He alone, has utterance in this holy place.’ ”
From the reply, signed by Andrew W. Cordier, Executive Assistant to the Secretary-General:
“You will be interested to note that notification of the receipt of your communication has been transmitted to the delegations of all the Member States participating in the present session of the General Assembly. I am also transmitting the material you have forwarded to the officers of the Secretariat responsible for planning the permanent headquarters of the United Nations in New York City.
“The Secretary-General desires me to say that he deeply appreciates the interest in the United Nations which prompted you to submit this material to him.”
The letter, it should be explained, was submitted through the Bahá’í United Nations Committee, together with a copy of the Temple pamphlet issued to commemorate the completion of the exterior ornamentation, 1942.
“Meeting the Crisis”
“Tell the Story”[edit]
More About Contacting
With the great emphasis placed on individual teaching today, the question comes from many friends: “But how do we start giving the Message? I never know where to begin.”
Individual teaching, unlike a planned, well-organized, fifteen-minute or half-hour message for a group, can begin anywhere, wherever we find an opening to bring in some phase of our teachings. But first, it is necessary that we know what we are talking about. Individual teaching sometimes must be done in a hurry—five minutes on a street corner, perhaps—and we cannot do in a few words what we do not know and thoroughly understand.
Our objective should be to know the teachings well enough to connect them with the interest of the moment of the inquirer to whom we are speaking. In this way, when we can start out agreeing with or advancing a reason for a particular subject, our friends do not feel they are hearing something entirely strange, but instead thoughts which very simply tie in with their own and at the same time give them something new to think about. Our principles are excellent bridges—the best we have—for injecting the Bahá’í Faith into a conversation.
We have been told that one of the best ways to give the Message is to listen more. This is not difficult to do if we are patient and wait for our cue. For few conversations today get very far without some remark about the Jew; the Negro; the Protestant; the Catholic; war; peace movements; the government; the economic situation; the school systems; and the many current issues, all of which are covered by our principles.
Some Examples
Here are some examples:
1. When our newspapers were full of publicity about the Hale Telescope on Palomar Mountain, one article stated: “Man now knows for the first time by unquestioned evidence that the universe of which he is a part is at least a billion years old.” This is an excellent subject to bring into a conversation. For if the world is at least a billion years old, what about religion? Christianity is only two thousand years old. Here is a place for our principle, “Religion and Science must agree,” which in this instance leads right into progressive revelation and “The foundation of all religions is one.”
2. One afternoon two ladies boarded a crowded street car in Chicago—the street car which passes Riverview, the huge amusement park on the north side. The car was filled with children coming from the park a good percentage colored. One lady very impatiently tried to elbow her way toward the center of the car, mumbling the while about people “staying where they belong” and finally saying to the other lady (who happened to be a Bahá’í): “We have to put up with this all summer, until Riverview closes. The cars are always full of these colored kids.”
“Well,” the Bahá’í replied, “perhaps colored children like a little fun, too, and since the south side amusement park has been closed, it leaves only this one for the entire city.”
This lead to many points of discussion about the races, of places which have recently lessened their ban against the Negro. The Bahá’í casually mentioned the wonderfully mixed groups that congregate at the Bahá’í Temple and in Bahá’í meetings. From then on, the Bahá’í was answering questions, giving the message little by little.
3. Several people were invited to the home of a friend for a social evening. The fact that the host and hostess were Bahá’ís meant nothing as far as the plans for the evening were concerned, for they had never felt capable of doing any teaching. This was to be just a social get-together. However, quite innocently the eldest son in the family was glancing through the evening paper, came to the church page and remarked, “My, there seem to be more little churches springing up all the time. Just look at this religious page. I wonder where they get their authority. It seems to me true religion should be the cause of unity, not a constant splitting up into smaller and weaker links.”
The guests picked this up with much enthusiasm, and by the time they left knew a lot more about the Bahá’í Faith than if an evening’s program had been planned. The host and hostess then realized how easy it was to entertain and tell about the Faith at the same time. So they opened their home for weekly firesides, with wonderful results.
Sometimes just a mention of the Bahá’í Temple, or a Bahá’í Center, or a Bahá’í picnic, is enough to bring out a question or two from our contact.
Individual teaching has unlimited possibilities. There is the Bahá’í who intentionally forgets a book when leaving a friend’s home. She telephones upon returning home, asking if the book is there because she wouldn’t want to lose it. She says she will pick it up in a few days and casually invites the friend to read it in the meantime.
Each individual finds himself confronted with situations nearly every day where some part of the teachings might be presented. All we must learn to do is be on the alert — know our teachings well enough to talk about them — and last, but not least, know when, where, and how much to give.
(The National Programming Committee wishes to thank Mrs. Gertrude Jacoby from whose excellent material this discussion was taken.)
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First Bahá’í children’s class in Denmark.
First Bahá’í Children’s Class in Denmark[edit]
The following is taken from a recent report sent in by our pioneer in Denmark, Miss Dagmar Dole. We thought it was delightful and so significant of things to come that the Committee wishes to share it with the American believers.
“The enclosed pictures are of our children’s class. Tove Deleuran is conducting it on Saturday afternoons—She has her problems. They are supposed to come at three o’clock, but do they come then? Heaven forbid! They arrive at one thirty and stay until she throws them out. They have asked for two classes a week instead of one! They are making their own ABC books as it was impossible to translate into Danish the English one. So many of the words did not start with the proper letters. On each page they draw an outline of the Temple, inside the Temple drawing they put writing and on the outside they decorate—many flowers, birds etc.! They review the previous lesson at the beginning of each class; they are really clever young ones and all are very anxious to answer the questions. There was a question on good deeds—then some one said: What about deeds? With colossal scorn another one replied — ‘Everything that is not good.’ If anyone gets a little quarrelsome they are reminded in no uncertain terms by the others that a Bahá’í does not quarrel! Quote from a party for Bente Deleuran, where there were three of the Bahá’í youngsters—While they were all playing (about twelve of them), one of the others began to sound angry and one of the girls (whose parents know nothing of the Bahá’í Faith) said—‘are you mad? I cannot quarrel with you. I am a Bahá’í.’ They are all tremendously proud of the fact that they are the first Bahá’í children’s class in Denmark and also of the fact that they have learned to sing the Bahá’í Children songs in English as well as Danish. They are a little ostentatious about this. They are very cute as well as being very funny. Tove keeps them interested in an amazing fashion. It is very good. They all have ‘Bahá’í Tea’ and set the table without being told and clear it before they leave.”
United Nations Conference Montevideo, Uruguay[edit]
From Mr. E. J. Miessler, one of the Bahá’í delegates, we have received an interesting report of the UN Regional Conference held at Montevideo, Uruguay, October 27, 1949. The Bahá’ís present were Sra. Carola Escofet and Sr. Acosta, delegates from Uruguay, Sr. Estaban Canales of Chile who came as an observer but was invited to participate as delegate, Mrs. Muriel Miessler of Brazil also invited to serve as delegate, and Mr. Miessler, delegate from Brazil.
“Delegates from forty-one non-governmental organizations were represented at this, the third Latin American Conference. The object of this Conference was outlined as being to give to the non-governmental member organizations a clear understanding of the activities of the UN and affiliated organizations, and to establish means of transmitting information of its activities and objectives to the citizens of member countries through these organizations.
“The delegates were earnest and sincere and even enthusiastic. There was much talking and discussion, the need of real Bahá’í consultation was quite apparent. The Bahá’í delegates ... took active part in the discussions ...
“The (following) recommendations were made by the Bahá’í delegates following consultation. The first one was incorporated in item 34 of the recommendations which were adopted. In addition, speakers were offered to the United Nations representative at Rio de Janeiro, to assist in spreading the message of the aims and objects of UN....
“It was a privilege to attend this conference and we feel we gained much through its attendance and some valuable contacts were made with UN officials through offers of cooperation.”
The recommendations or proposals advanced on behalf of the Bahá’í International Community:
1. “That there be established in each country, and if possible in each city a permanent office of the UN in which all of the non-governmental organizations would participate and collaborate. The Bahá’í International Community, which is represented in all countries, offers to collaborate in this respect to assist in the great work of the UN.”
2. “That the goals and objects of UN be given to children giving them a universal consciousness through means of pictures (telling the stories and adventures of UN) in magazines, etc., to prepare the new generations for this so necessary universal consciousness for the establishment of permanent peace and unity.”
Latin-American News[edit]
At the moment, there are many plans still in the tentative stage, all directed toward the successful completion of our mission in Latin-America. It is the hope of the Inter-America Committee to be able to very soon report in detail on all of these plans. In the meantime, however there are several items of interest, such as:
Matthew Bullock of Boston, has recently completed his tenure as chairman of the Massachusetts Parole Board. Now that he is free to serve the Cause full time, he has responded to the Guardian’s urgent plea for North-American pioneers in Latin-America and is making plans to leave very soon for Haiti. He will take up residence in Port-au-Prince, assisting the Haitian believers in spreading the Teachings and in preparing themselves to play their part in the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly for Central America in 1951.
Josephine Kruka has been in the United States for a few months, after having spent considerable time in Cuba as a pioneer. However, she is planning to return to Cuba very soon, accompanied by Mrs. Ruth Moffett. They intend to work together
[Page 10]
to assist the Cuban believers not
only in teaching the Faith in
Havana, but also in the goal cities
which have been chosen in other
cities of Cuba.
Natalia Chavez and Elizabeth Cheney have been spending as much time as possible in each country of Central America, as they travel from the site of one Regional Conference to the next. They report that none of the Guatemalan believers could attend the conference which was supposed to include Guatemala. Therefore, a special conference was arranged in Guatemala City, using essentially the same courses prepared by CEBMA (The National Teaching Committee for Central America) for use at the other Regional Conferences. Though the meetings in Guatemala City were not as well attended as had been hoped, the Guatemalan Bahá’ís gained much good from this conference, of which they would otherwise have been deprived.
Natalia and Elisabeth are continuing through El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, completing their journey in Costa Rica with the final Regional Conference for the Central American area. More about their travels and these conferences soon. As a final note on Central America, we learn that plans are under way for publishing a study course on Bahá’í Administration in installment form in the Central American Bahá’í Bulletin. Thus, all of the believers in Central America will be receiving a “correspondence course” in Bahá’í Administration.
Taking a long journey to the south, we have received a brief, preliminary report on the Regional Conference for Bolivia and Peru, held in La Paz. This first report indicates that this conference, along with the public meeting held afterwards, was a great success, particularly in the fine cooperation of the Regional Teaching Committees of Bolivia and Peru. There should be more details very soon on this conference, as well as the one held in Valparaiso, for the believers of Chile.
Speaking of Chile, there will be a Summer School for that country held at Loncoche for several days during January.
Even though the plans referred to before are not yet complete, it is becoming increasingly evident that there are several countries of Latin-America which urgently need resident North-American pioneers. It is the heartfelt hope of the Inter-America Committee to be able to soon report that more North-American believers are arising to meet this urgent need.
Three Current Magazines Mention the Faith[edit]
The Saturday Evening Post of January 7, 1950, on page 25, in an article about the American Ambassador to Luxembourg written by Martha Gelhorn, says, “In Luxembourg City, aside from the legation staff, there are six native Americans... There is a first rate young man named Ned Blackmer, who is proselytizing for the Bahá’í sect.”
Dane Rudhyar, noted author and student of spiritual truth, has articles about the Faith in American Horoscope for September, 1949 and January, 1950.
In Pageant for January, 1950, there is a feature entitled “The Golden Rule” which contains excerpts from the Scriptures of nine different religions. Ninth and last quotation: “Bahá’í Cause says: If you look toward mercy, regard that not which benefits yourselves, but hold to that which benefits mankind. If you look toward justice, choose for others that which you choose for yourself.” The selections were made by Zelma Caldwell Weismann.
“Chicagoland Directory of Religion” compiled by Rev. John Evans, D.D. of the religious department of The Chicago Daily Tribune, is a paper-bound book of 310 pages recording and listing religious groups within the forty-mile metropolitan area of Chicago. The table of contents refers to listings of 108 different religious bodies. The Bahá’í Faith is represented on pages 201 and 202, with an introduction by Horace Holley outlining the history of Bahá’í activities in Chicago, followed by a listing of the National Assembly, Chicago Bahá’í Center, and ten local Bahá’í secretaries of the area. The Directory is published at Civic Opera Building, Room 442, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago 6.
The National office of WCTU recently issued a general letter asking religious bodies for statements of policy on bills now before Congress to prohibit advertising of liquor through press or radio. The Bahá’í command forbidding use of alcoholic liquors by believers was brought to their attention.
A preliminary report on public relations activity in connection with World Religion Day. Up to January 9 the committee had received and filled orders from 92 local centers and Regional Committees. These orders called for 6,250 copies of “Principle of Religious Unity,” 3,500 copies of World Religion Map, and 225 copies of “The Reality of Brotherhood” which had to be shipped when the stock of “Religious Unity” had become completely exhausted: a total of 9,975 units.
Dr. Henry A. Atkinson, General Secretary of The Church Peace Union, founded by Andrew Carnegie in New York, on January 5 expressed his good wishes in a letter as follows: “I am greatly interested in the announcement of your World Religion Day to be observed on January 15th. May it be a real success. In a world filled with so much strife and uncertainty, and downright stark fear of the future, we need all the leadership possible to express the oneness of our faith in the possibilities of a united humanity in a united world.”
A few clippings have already arrived making use of the releases furnished by the committee for World Religion Day: Wilmette, Evanston, Winnetka, Ill., Rochester, N. Y., St. Augustine, Fla., Norwich, Conn., Grand Haven, Mich., Flint, Mich., Palmer, Mass, Arcadia, Calif., Urbana, Ill., Arlington, Va., Champaign, Ill.
Australia and New Zealand[edit]
- (From Bahá’í News Bulletin)
House-to-house canvassing for the Faith was introduced and used by Mrs. Bertha Dobbins in teaching trips to Perth and to Lismore, New South Wales. The Mayor of Lismore was one among many people visited by Mrs. Dobbins. Of this visit, she recalled, “We spoke, firstly, on the spread of the Movement throughout the world, the Bill of Human Rights, the recognition of the Faith by civil authorities, and the latest recognition of the Faith in the Dominion of Canada. He asked about our attitude toward Christianity and this
[Page 11]
gave me an opportunity to speak
about Progressive Revelation. I told
the Mayor that I called on him first
purposely to tell him about the
Movement because it would grow in
Lismore and he was bound to hear
more and more later on, and it was
good for the Mayors to know all
about movements being born in their
areas of jurisdiction and to have first
hand facts about the Teachings. He
appreciated this very much.”
Mrs. Dobbins’ method of canvassing consisted of dropping a leaflet in a number of letter boxes with a little note such as “We hope you will like this pamphlet. A friend (or two friends) will call on you in a few days’ time, and would be glad to hear what you think of it.”
In evaluating this method of teaching, the LSA of Perth made the following comments:
“(a) Where a Bahá’í shows courtesy and respect, and does not try to force his ideas on another person, no harm can possibly be done by this method. If we visit in the attitude of having something to learn from the other (as well as something to share with him) we will learn to meet them where they are in understanding of spiritual and social things, and walk with them in the direction which they find most important at the moment.
“(b) If a believer does not feel competent to start on this work, he should accompany a more seasoned veteran for a while.
(c) It is probable that a number of people, who would normally be interested in the Bahá’í Faith, would not hear of it for many years except by this method.”
Permanent site of the first New Zealand Bahá’í School is 15 miles from Auckland, N. Z.
The formation of a new group in Toowoomba was reported by the RTC for Queensland recently. The group, which consists of four members, is already directing its efforts toward the ultimate establishment of a local assembly in that city. Theosophists of Toowoomba are reported to have received the Bahá’í Message favorably and have allowed the Bahá’í group of the city the use of their room for holding meetings....
Further news from Australia included a three-weeks’ teaching trip to Hobart, Queenstown, and Launceton by Stanley Bolton, Jr. In addition to talking with several student groups and many interested friends. Mr. Bolton gave public lectures and personally talked with Senator O’Byrne of the Australian Federal Parliament; Bruce Kekwick, who is the endorsed liberal candidate for the House of Representatives; the public librarian of Launceton; secretary of the Y.M.C.A.; and other prominent citizens.
Some 35,000 people attended the six-day Boston Antiques Exposition in mid-November where the RTC ran this exhibit, staffed by local Assemblies and RTC personnel.
The Exposition director and the RTC secretary discovered they were neighbors in
their home town and he accepted literature besides extending privilege of future
exhibition space semi-annually. About 350 people stopped at the booth longer than
merely to receive pamphlets.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Prescription for Living by Rúḥíyyih Khánum. There has been a delay in receiving copies of this much heralded book, and although we understand some copies are now en route from England, we do not have definite information as to date of arrival. We are recording all orders and have re-ordered as advance orders now exceed first order from publisher. We regret so much this delay, but hope everything will be straightened out soon.
The Old Churches and the New World Faith, by George Townshend. Regrets also for delay in filling orders for this pamphlet. Although we ordered a large quantity from England, stock was soon exhausted and a re-order is hoped for soon. We are recording these orders also and shall send pamphlets the moment they are received.
Bahá’í Calendars 1950 are in stock and we are glad to fill orders promptly. Price each .10c
Final Reminder[edit]
To Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Individual Believers:
All material for Volume XII of The Bahá’í World should be in the hands of the Editorial Committee by March 1, 1950 or as soon as possible thereafter. Here is one more opportunity to help tell the story of the Bahá’í world community during the period, April 1948 to April 1950. We need specifically:
- Reports of important activities and developments in the Bahá’í community
- Human interest stories related to teaching the Cause
- Articles on current trends or problems in society from the Bahá’í point of view
- Good clear photographs of Bahá’í events or institutions
Send all material to the Editorial
Committee for Volume XII of The Bahá’í World, P.O. Box 238, Palo
Alto, California.
Another Historic Event Is Celebrated[edit]
Please send reports of what your community or group did to celebrate World Religion Day, January 15, 1950, together with any photographs to The Bahá’í World, P.O. Box 238, Palo Alto, California.
| Score to Date — December 15, 1949 on Response to the Temple Fund | |||
| Group | Number | Estimated for 2 years | |
| $400 | 142 | ................... | $113,600.00 |
| $100 | 528 | ................... | $ 105,600.00 |
| $ 25 | 544 | ................... | $ 27,200.00 |
| *Special | 1081 | ................... | $225,943.67 |
| Totals | 2295 | ................... | $472,343.67 |
| Received against above resolves | $292,978.93 | ||
| *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
| |||
|
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. |
Contributions From Assemblies for the Month of Dec., 1949[edit]
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, San Bernardino, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, 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—Atlanta, Augusta. Hawaii—Honolulu, Maui. Idaho—Ada County, Boise. Illinois—Batavia, Chicago, Danville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Springfield, Urbana, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Indiana—Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids, Waterloo. Kansas—Topeka. Maine—Eliot, Portland. Maryland—Baltimore. Massachusetts—Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Grosse Pointe Farms, Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Mississippi—Jackson. Missouri—Independence, Kansas City.
Montana—Butte, Great Falls. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont, East Orange, Jersey City, Newark, Red Bank (Nov. & Dec.), Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Jamestown, New York, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo. Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo.
|
PLEASE NOTICE
Will the friends please take special note of the addresses given in each issue of Bahá’í News for the various types of communication: When sending money to the National Fund or the Temple Fund, please make checks payable to National Bahá’í Fund and mail them to: 112 Linden Ave.,
Wilmette, Ill. To order books or pamphlets, or pay invoices, make checks payable to Bahá’í Publishing Committee and mail to: 110 Linden Ave.,
Wilmette, Ill. Please report changes of address and other matters pertaining to distribution of Bahá’í News to the Bahá’í National Office, 536 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette, Ill. |
Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Greenville, Columbia, South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis, Nashville. Texas—Houston, San Antonio. Utah—Salt Lake City. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington.
Washington—Kirkland, Marysville, Monroe, Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. West Virginia—Charleston. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay. Wyoming—Laramie.
Number of Assemblies | 174 |
Assemblies contributing | 154 |
Assemblies not contributing | 20 |
Groups contributing | 42 |
Individuals contributing | 82 |
| Children’s Class of Washington, D.C. Bahá’ís of Lisbon | |
| Page | |
| Shrine of the Báb | |
Story, cable, and pictures | 1, 2, 3 |
| Guardian | |
Correction of cable to European Conference | 4 |
Messages to Individuals | 5 |
Addresses | 5 |
Australia and New Zealand | 10 |
Bahá’í World | 11 |
Calendar | 1 |
First Children’s class in Denmark | 9 |
| Fund | |
Assemblies contributing | 12 |
Score to date | 12 |
German Headquarters | 7 |
Latin America | 9 |
NSA—“A Holy Year” | 7 |
| Pictures | |
Báb’s Shrine | 1, 2, 3 |
Denmark | 1 |
Exhibit, Boston | 11 |
Germany | 7 |
Staunton, Va. | 6 |
Temple Progress | 5 |
Programming Committee | 8 |
Public Relations | 10 |
Publishing Announcements | 11 |
| Temple | |
“Architecture of Interior” | 5 |
| United Nations | |
Conference Montevideo | 9 |
Informed of Bahá’í Concept of Worship | 7 |
