Bahá’í News/Issue 229/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 229 | MARCH, 1950 | YEAR 106 | BAHA’I ERA |
First Annual World Religion Day[edit]
Proof that every little effort made by a Bahá’í is of such great significance that we can have no real adequate idea of its power, lies in a recent experience in Syracuse, N. Y. The Assembly had prepared its plans for a public meeting in the routine way, and had invited a teacher from New York to speak. She gave a presentation of the Faith in a most inspiring manner, which was followed by a fine demonstration of Bahá’í fellowship.
But, the hand of Providence was working and directing details with far greater wisdom than the believers might have conceived. Here’s what happened:
Throughout the week the believers had watched the papers, anxious to see if articles on their meeting would appear. Not until Saturday morning did it come, in either the college or city paper, but then it appeared in all its fullness—greater than usual on that day. And, most important, the Industrial Bank of Syracuse chose that Saturday’s papers to be enclosed in a “time capsule” to be buried beneath the bank in a concrete casket to be opened Jan. 21 in the year 2050.
So, one hundred years from now, it will be read that Miss Dorothy Champ of New York City gave the first World Religion Day talk in Syracuse—historical proof at that time that Syracuse was even then laying the foundation for the new civilization, which by 2050 will be well on its way in its creative expression.
With this high point of interest in one part of the country, another was reached by the PASADENA community where their observance of World Religion Day saw Mrs. Shirley Warde speak before some 400 guests, all made possible with the cooperation of 11 surrounding communities. In the 40 or more communities reporting activity for World Religion Day, a summary may be drawn of methods used.
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“Faithless Brother”
Cablegram from the Guardian received Dec. 19, 1949. “Faithless brother Hussein, already abased through dishonorable conduct over period (of) years followed by association with Covenant-breakers (in) Holy Land and efforts (to) undermine Guardian’s position, recently further demeaned himself through marriage under obscure circumstances with lowborn Christian girl (in) Europe. This disgraceful alliance following four successive marriages by sisters (and) cousins with three sons (of) Covenant-breaker denounced repeatedly by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as His enemy, and daughter (of) notorious political agitator brands them with infamy greater than any associated with marriages contracted by old Covenant-breakers whether belonging (to) family (of) Muḥammed ‘Alí or Badi’u‘lláh.” (Signed) SHOGHI
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Of the programs using outside help on a multiple speaker platform, in addition to a Bahá’í speaker, SPOKANE had a Rabbi, a Buddhist Priest, and a minister of the Truth Church; ALEXANDRIA, VA. was favored by a Dr. of the Philosophy and Religion Dept. of Washington College; SAN FRANCISCO had the support of a Rabbi and a speaker from the American Friends group; GEYSERVILLE’S assisting speaker was not mentioned; BURBANK, CAL. received the cooperation of a Presbyterian minister and a Rabbi; SOUTHGATE, CAL. had a minister of the Christian Chapel; LANSING, MICH. shared its platform with Dr. Shao Chang Lee, head of Mich. State College’s Institute of Foreign Studies; and PALO ALTO, BURLINGAME, REDWOOD CITY, and other peninsula communities grouped together, had a Christian minister, a Rabbi, and a Persian student.
Publicity methods reported used were: ELMHURST, ILL., library and store posters; CLEVELAND, newspapers, good coverage; SPOKANE, newspapers, best in two years with reporter interviewing Bahá’í speaker just before meeting; FLINT, MICH., three newspapers and two radio stations for announcements; ARLINGTON, VA., 1000 cards mailed; BURBANK, CAL., three newspapers; LONG BEACH, CAL. store display and newspapers; PASADENA, CAL., all newspapers and library display; SAN DIEGO, CAL., two newspapers; SANTA BARBARA, CAL., several newspapers and radio; LANSING, MICH. posters on college campus; and ALHAMBRA, CAL., library display and newspapers.
Other than straight speaking-panels, CHARLESTON, W. VA. used the readings and music method suggested in Bahá’í News; BOISE, IDAHO put on a radio broadcast; ANCHORAGE, an art display of religious nature; JEFFERSON COUNTY, KY. used selected readings; and FLINT, MICH. besides a speaker had a readers’ panel. Of followup mentioned, GEYSERVILLE held a tea, and CLEVELAND gave a reception for 100 people.
Groups and communities using a Bahá’í speaker as the only one, and in some areas representing a joint effort, were: ALHAMBRA, CAL.; ELMHURST, ILL.; SYRACUSE, N. Y.; NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y. with Ross Woodman of Canada; BUFFALO, N. Y.; KIRKLAND, WASH.; MARYSVILLE, WASH.; RICHMOND HIGHLANDS, WASH.; GREENWICH, CONN.; YONKERS, N.Y.; HARTFORD, CONN.; GREAT FALLS, MONT.; ARLINGTON, VA.; NEWPORT NEWS, VA.; OAKLAND, CAL.; SACRAMENTO, CAL.; FRESNO, CAL.; RENO, NEV.; CARMEL, CAL.; WILMETTE, ILL. had three speakers; LOS ANGELES, CAL.; BEVERLY HILLS, CAL.;
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INGLEWOOD, CAL.; LONG
BEACH, CAL.; OCEANSIDE, CAL.;
PASADENA, CAL.; SAN DIEGO,
CAL.; and SANTA BARBARA, CAL.
Although this available data does not cover all communities in the country, other points of note may be learned from later reports.
Communities Needing Pioneer Settlers[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly calls attention to the communities whose Assembly status at the time of the election on April 21 seems at this time to depend on help from volunteer settlers. Since there are no funds available at this time for travel and living expenses, this appeal is directed to believers who can establish residence in one of the endangered communities on a self-sustaining basis. Any Bahá’í of voting age able to volunteer should get in touch with the Area National Teaching Committee, or the Regional Teaching Committee at once. Write the committee of the locality where you are able to establish residence before April 20.
Northeastern States: Red Bank, N.J., Waterloo, N.Y. Other communities near the danger point in this area are: Dumont, Jersey City. Montclair and Newark, N.J., and Geneva, N.Y.
Southern States, Eastern Division: Greenville, S. C. Near the danger point: Greensboro, N.C., Alexandria, Va., and Charleston, W. Va.
Southern States, Western Division: Settlers needed in Eureka Springs, Ark. Help will be welcome in Dallas and San Antonio, Tex.
Central States: Elmhurst, Winnetka, Ill., Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., Independence Mo., Mansfield, Ohio. Near the danger point: Phoenix-Harvey, Waukegan, Ill., Somers Township, Wisc.
Western States: Oceanside, Calif., Great Falls, Mont. Near the danger point, El Monte Township and Escondido, Calif., Salt Lake City, Utah, Tacoma, Wash.
Correspondence with the ANTC and RTC is important, because there is need to coordinate volunteers and moreover the facts may change in some cases between now and April 21. The ANTC will direct volunteer help into the most urgent post.
The recirculating heating system in the Temple proper has been completed and is
in operation. All direct radiation from the Temple floor up is also in operation, and
fans, filters, coils, etc. for the main ventilating system are being installed. Form
work is completed for spiral stairs to first gallery and will be poured in February.
A sub-contract has been made for entrance doors and frames which will be bronze
finish. Conduit, outlet box, etc. installation is practically completed and wiring is
proceeding.
Material for the Interior Ornamentation of the Temple[edit]
The design for the interior ornamentation of the Temple, embodying the same general type of tracery as the exterior, with its flowing lines and spaces, indicated the use of a plastic material. In the study of a suitable material for the execution of the exterior ornamentation, the final choice was a plastic material, the exposed aggregate type of architectural concrete. The Temple structure today is a beautiful demonstration of the wisdom of this selection of material.
The architect and the Technical Advisory Board, while realizing the practicability and economy of a plastic material, however, realized that in the interior of the Temple a material less hard and durable than stone might be used. Ease of molding and casting, lighter weight, and cheapness of material were factors to be considered, as an over-all cost of the project had been set by Shoghi Effendi. Other important factors were the acoustical properties of the material to be used and its adaptability to the use of color.
As the architect, Mr. Alfred P. Shaw, developed the design, it became increasingly evident that there would be two primary divisions: the structural including the columns, piers, ribs and arches, and the panels of tracery. As the structural elements would logically require a permanent material, it was assumed that the Earley concrete (used for the exterior) would be the most suitable material. Ornamental plaster, which has been used for centuries in monumental buildings of this country and abroad, was considered as the most feasible material for the tracery.
The general contractor, the George A. Fuller Company of Chicago, upon the advice of the architect and the Technical Advisory Board, secured bids on both the Earley concrete and the architectural plaster, and to the surprise and delight of all concerned, the lowest bid for the entire ornamental
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material was received from
the Earley Studio, Rosslyn, Virginia.
The methods and techniques which were developed by the Studio in the preparation and placing of the exterior ornamentation are being utilized for the interior work. As the Earley Studio was not equipped with suitable personnel, the preparation of the original models for the sections of the tracery was done at the studio of Rochette and Parzini, New York City. Beginning this modelling early enabled the architect, with the collaboration of the Technical Advisory Board, to develop the design.
The procedure at the Studio involves the following steps: the making of a plaster of Paris model from a plaster of Paris impression; the carving of the outer surface of the model to give the final surface texture and modelling; the preparation of the plaster of Paris mold in which the required number—usually nine—of concrete cast sections are made.
The cast tracery sections, as well as all of the column and pier sections are made of a mixture of clear white quartz and of crystalline quartz so that the surface of the casts where cleaned have a radiant appearance. The interior tracery is being cast with a background composed of rose quartz which will give a rose color to the spaces between the ribs of the tracery.
The column and pier sections have been made at the Studio and shipped to the Temple where they are being erected in place on the concrete-steel columns of the original superstructure. The tracery sections are shipped after cleaning and curing in the yard of the Studio, and will be placed in the panels between the columns. The narrow panels are being built first, beginning about twenty feet above the main floor level and extending to the base of the dome. The tracery sections of the wider panels between the groups of columns will be cast, shipped and erected in the near future.
Studies are being made of suitable sound absorbent materials to be used on the rear walls of the alcoves and galleries. It is likely that draperies will be hung between and in front of the window spaces. This cloth background will have high acoustic value and afford a color background for these nine outer areas of the auditorium.
Workmen surfacing a small bay tracery cast, to be followed by acid washing.
Since the clothing of the Temple
superstructure began in April 1933
with the placing of the exterior ornamentation on the dome, at various
stages in the work, efforts have been
made to utilize the best available
materials and workmanship. Over a
period of nine years a ceaseless
search was carried on to locate the
person or concern which could and
would execute Louis Bourgeois’ vision—the Temple of Light. The only
person or organization that would
even attempt the work was John A.
Earley and his craftsmen of the
Earley Studio. After the completion
of the Gallery story, again a search
was made and the Earley Studio
was chosen and did complete the
exterior ornamentation after a nine-year working period. And now the
quarter century old dream of Mr.
Earley and the craftsmen of the
Studio is being realized; that they
will have the blessed privilege of the
fulfillment of the execution of this
glorious symbol of the Bahá’í World
Faith.
Publishing Announcement[edit]
The Promise of All Ages, by George Townshend M.A.— A new revised edition of this title just received from England.
172 pages Bound in red cloth $2.00
- Bound in blue paper.....1.00
Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb[edit]
July 9, 1950, as the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, will be observed with extreme reverence and devotion throughout the Bahá’í world. Most important of all observances is the construction by the Guardian of the Facade to the Shrine on Mt. Carmel built by the Master Himself for the sacred remains transported from Irán.
For the Bahá’ís of the United States, the National Assembly has approved plans for both national and local meetings—one national meeting for Bahá’ís only in the House of Worship, and one national public meeting also in the Temple; one local meeting in each community for Bahá’ís only, and one public meeting in every Bahá’í center where the believers can make suitable arrangements.
1. The Guardian’s Statement[edit]
Last summer the National Spiritual Assembly wrote the Guardian about the Centenary and asked his advice. The following letter, written through his secretary, is dated August 25, 1949.
“In regard to the Centennial of the Báb’s Martyrdom: he feels that this should by all means be used as an occasion not only for meetings of commemoration amongst the believers, but also for wide publicity regarding this occasion, the Shrine being built on Mt. Carmel, and the Temple work.
“He also feels that every center should make a successful effort to hold a large public meeting at this time, preferably with outside speakers invited, in addition to their Bahá’í commemoration for the believers.
“There should be a big meeting in Foundation Hall in the Temple for the general public, and prominent sympathizers with the Faith should be assured for the platform on that occasion. Likewise, in the Auditorium the believers should gather for a Bahá’í ceremony.
“He, likewise, approves of the publication of a Centenary Memorial on the Báb.”
2. The Bahá’í Commemoration[edit]
July 9, 1950 falls on a Sunday. The National Commemoration, which all Bahá’ís who can do so are invited to attend, will be held in the House of Worship at 1:00 p.m. on that date. A program of readings has been approved for this meeting, and the local committees can use these same readings if they wish or modify them as they deem advisable.
- OPENING PRAYERS
- Prayer of Aḥmad.
- Prayer revealed by the Báb: “Verily, God sufficeth ...;” Prayers and Meditations: bottom of page 272 to end of second paragraph, page 276.
- READINGS
- God Passes By: pages 3, 4 and first half of 5; last half of page 5 to end of first full paragraph, page 6; the full paragraph on page 7; first full paragraph page 8 to end of second line, page 10.
- God Passes By: page 49 to end of paragraph top of page 52; Nabil’s Narrative: page 512 (first full paragraph) to end of third line, page 514; beginning of second paragraph page 514 to top of illustration, page 517.
- God Passes By: beginning first full paragraph page 54 to end of paragraph running into page 55; beginning first full paragraph page 56 to middle of page 57.
- Gleanings: XXXI (pages 74-75); LXXVI, page 144 to end of first full paragraph, page 146.
- God Passes By: pages 275-277.
- CLOSING PRAYERS
- Prayer revealed by the Báb: “Is there any remover of difficulties”; Prayers and Meditations, pages 84-86 (Magnify Thou, O Lord”) to end of page 86.
The portrait of the Báb will be
shown to the believers present on this
occasion.
3. The National Public Meeting[edit]
This gathering will take place in Temple Foundation Hall at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 1950, replacing the regular weekly lecture scheduled at that time.
While the chairman and speakers are not yet chosen, the pattern of the public meeting has been approved and is reported here in case local committees would like to adopt the same type of program. (The local public meeting can be held at any convenient time between July 9 and July 15).
- A Bahá’í chairman to preside.
- First topic: “A Century of World Crisis,” by a prominent non-Bahá’í sympathetic to the aims of the Faith. This talk to trace the development of world crisis through science, education and civilization.
- The second topic: “The Martyr-Prophet of a New World Faith.” This talk, by a Bahá’í, to present the essential points in the Life, Mission and Martyrdom of the Báb.
- The third topic: “A Century of Spiritual Revival.” A Bahá’í speaker to emphasize the hope and guidance brought by Bahá’u’lláh and His creation of a new world order. It offsets the outer rise of crisis by the inner renewal.
4. A Centenary Memorial[edit]
In addition to the meetings, the Centenary calls for wide publicity both local and national, and the Public Relations Committee has been requested to carry out this part of the program. A pamphlet on the Báb suitable for free distribution at the public meetings is to be issued. Arrangements under which local Assemblies and groups can obtain a supply will be announced as soon as possible.
A Centenary Committee has been appointed consisting of Horace Holley, chairman, Dr. Katherine K. True and Carl Scheffler, to carry out the plans and conduct the two national meetings in the House of Worship.
Identify Archives Material[edit]
The National Archives Committee respectfully requests that the friends try to be more careful about the explanatory data accompanying material sent by them for permanent keeping.
Each item should have with it a detailed explanation or complete information, so that it is understandable and can be properly filed or placed in the Archives.
Analysis of Our Funds[edit]
The very heavy sacrifices of the friends during the past year have carried our financial operations forward in a steady manner — invoking the praise of our Beloved Guardian, and even causing him to indicate he could see us gaining the goals ahead.
We have not, however, achieved those goals. Increased contributions, resolves, and heavier sacrifices are needed — in the critical months ahead if we are fully to complete our tasks.
Following is an analysis of the Temple Interior Construction Fund, from which Temple construction is paid for; and of our General Fund, which must carry all other activities of the Faith, such as teaching in Europe, Latin-America and the United States, administration, as well as the numerous other responsibilities of Bahá’í community life.
TEMPLE INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION FUND
Total estimated cost to complete interior | $860,000.00 |
Paid as of December 31, 1949 | 195,133.00 |
Amount still to be paid | 664,867.00 |
Cash on hand | 421,003.00 |
Balance to be paid for out of future income | 243,864.00 |
Unpaid Resolves | 196,854.00 |
Amount which must be raised by December 31, 1950, by contributions outside of present resolves, or by new resolves | 46,990.00 |
| GENERAL FUND | |
Budget — May 1, 1949 to November 30, 1949 | 87,500.00 |
Contributions received | 64,351.00 |
Deficit | 23,149.00 |
| (This is a cash deficit, as our expenses paid
out of the General Fund have amounted to a little more than the budget of $87,500.00 for the period May 1 to Nov. 30, 1949) | |
To balance the budget for $150,000.00 by April 30, 1950, we require contributions in the five month period, Dec. 1, 1949 to April 30, 1950 of | 85,649.00 |
This means monthly contributions must be received in the General Fund of | 17,130.00 |
For the first seven months of the
Bahá’í fiscal year, the friends contributed an average of $9,193.00 to
the General Fund. It is thus, clear,
if we are to complete our budget in
the General Fund by April 30, 1949,
we must increase our contributions
to the General Fund during this five
months period by 85%.
We thus have a standard each one can use to measure whether we are fulfilling our own responsibility to the General Fund. Whatever amount we have contributed to the General Fund in the past, should be increased by 85%; and any who have not contributed to the General Fund, through their local Assembly, should establish a practice of doing so regularly. Local Assemblies can likewise measure their efforts with regard to the General Fund by the standard of an increase of 85% over the previous seven months.
Perhaps a word of explanation is necessary with regard to the two funds — the General Fund and the Temple Interior Construction Fund. The General Fund is supported almost exclusively from contributions received from local Assemblies and Groups, while the Temple Interior Construction Fund is supported by payment of resolves and special contributions.
Many friends are associating their loved ones who have passed on with the Temple Interior Construction Fund, by making special gifts in their names. The Master has told us that gifts made in the name of a departed one bring special blessings to that one in the Abhá Kingdom.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “The progress of man’s spirit in the divine world, after the severance of its connection with the body of dust, is through the bounty and grace of the Lord alone, or through the intercession and the sincere prayers of other human souls, or through the charities and important good works which are performed in its name.” (Some Answered Questions, p. 278.)
The analysis given above, dear friends, makes it clear that while the American Bahá’ís have achieved tremendous gains in the fulfillment of their tasks, we have by no means reached the goal, and that renewed and ever greater sacrifice is required. We need $46,990.00 in new resolves to complete the Temple Interior Construction Fund, and we must increase our contributions to the General Fund 85% during the balance of the Bahá’í fiscal year.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
| Score to Date — February 15, 1950 on Response to the Temple Fund | |||
| Group | Number | Estimated for 2 years | |
| $400 | 139 | ................... | $111,200.00 |
| $100 | 528 | ................... | $ 105,600.00 |
| $ 25 | 546 | ................... | $ 29,800.00 |
| *Special | 1076 | ................... | $241,526.69 |
| Totals | 2289 | ................... | $488,126.69 |
| Received against above resolves | $309,711.52 | ||
| *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
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Feasts:
- Mar. 2—‘Alá’—Loftiness
- Begin 19-day Fast
- Mar. 21—Bahá—Splendor
- Naw-Rúz, Suspend Work
- End 19-day Fast,
- Begin new year 107
NSA Meeting:
- Mar. 24, 25, 26
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Reservations for
Annual Convention
Believers planning to attend the National Convention are urged to act immediately on their hotel or room reservations. Those who wish to stay in private homes are requested to write the Housing Committee at 221 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill. Hotel reservations are to be made by believers direct. It you wish a hotel reservation for the Convention period you can make your own arrangement with any of the following hotels: The Evanston Hotel, The Evanshire Hotel, The North Shore Hotel, The Orrington Hotel, The Georgian Hotel, The Ridgeview Hotel, Deposit must accompany Hotel reservations. 1950 Convention
Housing Committee |
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Appeal for Convention Reporters
The National Assembly wishes to receive word from volunteers able to help record stenographically the transactions of the 1950 Convention, April 27, 28, 29, 30. The cost of engaging a professional reporter was referred to the Guardian last year. He replied: “He does not feel too large a sum should be expended for the verbatim report of the Convention during these two years of rigid economy; could not some of the believers who are capable of doing such work volunteer their services? This would make it possible to have the report, and the cost would only be for paper. Otherwise it should be given up.” The NSA hopes that several Bahá’í workers able to record convention proceedings will volunteer to act, so that the four days of session can be shared. In Writing the National Office please state your training and experience. |
The committee on Bahá’í Service for the Blind announces the completion of The Reality of Man in Braille Grade One and a Half. Copies may be purchased for $3.00 a copy.
Please send orders to Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 616 North Oxford Avenue, Los Angeles 4, California.
The Master’s Testament for Teaching Applicants[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has received a cablegram from the Guardian which states: “Advise immediate publication (of) full text (of) Testament for use admission all applicants (for) membership.”
Copies of the full text have been available for ten years, and a copy has been given every enrolled believer. Copies have also been sent to other believers who for some reason did not possess a copy of the earlier edition.
This informs the friends that the full text of the Will and Testament is to be used in the preparation of applicants for enrollment.
Believers Can Order Complete Text of Will and Testament[edit]
The Publishing Committee has been authorized to sell copies of the printed pamphlet containing the full text of the Master’s Will and Testament. The Committee will not list this publication in its catalog because it is not for sale to non-Bahá’ís. Price per copy, 25c.
Warning to Believers[edit]
The New Orleans Assembly has advised the NSA that a man known as W. Jean Bolles introduced himself as a Bahá’í who had lost his credentials. He claimed San Francisco as his community. After borrowing funds he left without notice.
In San Francisco recently a Jack Downes of New York, also temporarily without credentials from his Assembly, borrowed money from believers and likewise left unexpectedly.
The New York Assembly reports that a new believer, Jack Downes, is wanted by the police for theft in Albany. They advise that the friends be warned not to lend him any money.
There is a possibility that Downes and Bolles are one and the same person. In any event, the friends are reminded that the Bahá’í status of travelers personally unknown to the community visited is contingent upon possession of credentials from a local Assembly or from the NSA.
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A Correction in The Bahá’í World, Vol. X
On page 131 of Vol X of The Bahá’í World recently published is an article, “The Significance of the first Bahá’í Century”, the authorship of which is attributed to Archdeacon George Townshend. This is an error, as the statement is by Shoghi Effendi, and was written as his Foreword to God Passes By. (The Introduction written for that book was by Dr. Townshend). —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
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Further information bearing upon this person or persons should be sent to the National Office.
World Religion Day was observed by the Bahá’ís of President Truman’s home town, Independence, Mo. with a dinner and forum in the American Legion Building, well publicized by a page length single column of free and paid material in the local paper.
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This attractive display of the Bábí and Bahá’í dispensations was the culminating point of an art exhibition depicting the “Evolution of Religion”, the theme used by the Anchorage community for World Religion Day. An estimated 200 visitors viewed the art objects and sacred books of the individual displays for Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Mohammedanism, Christianity, Bábism, and The Bahá’í Faith. The Golden Rules of each religion gave a thread of continuity to the exhibits and recorded salon music furnished a pleasing background. An 8 by 11 foot Confucian Temple hanging worked with gold thread drew many people because of its mention in the newspaper publicity. Personal invitations to the clergy and Fort Richardson army Chaplains were extended and friends of Bahá’ís contributed greatly to the exhibits with one Buddhist priest, Hans Autore, of the Zend sect, presiding at that table to answer queries. Those attending described the displays as inspiring, educational, and a great tribute to the Bahá’í Faith.
Public Relations Report On World Religion Day[edit]
The committee wishes that every believer could see the letters and press clippings received from Assemblies and groups reporting results of their efforts for World Religion Day. The committee has filled orders for material wanted by 110 Assemblies, groups and Regional Teaching Committees. World Religion Day press notices have been sent in up to February 4 by 71 Assemblies and groups.
Analyzing these results, the committee notes that more copies of a national Bahá’í release have appeared in local papers through the initiative of the local believers than ever before, and in most cases the entire text was used. There is no truer criterion of “press acceptance” than this test of how many papers are interested in using a release devoted to a national theme unaided by connection with something important locally. Large and small papers, east, west, north and south, have helped the American Bahá’ís launch World Religion Day as a significant annual event. This means that the good notices received this year will carry over and assure favorable response next year and thereafter. It means that a paper which paid no attention to World Religion Day this year can next year be shown so much evidence of national press interest that the approach in 1951 will be much easier than in 1950.
Going over the letters received by the committee, it is evident that many communities felt a stimulus and an encouragement to conduct a public meeting on a theme offering them a basis for favorable contact with the local public. Some write that it was the best meeting ever held in their city. The full story would include reports on World Religion Day programs and displays which are outside the province of this committee. To sum up: whenever Bahá’ís, locally or nationally, make use of themes which harmonize a teaching with some element of public awareness, they have a situation which can be exploited through public channels—press, radio, displays, etc.; and this, who ever accomplishes it, is Bahá’í public relations. It is reasonable to hope that World Religion Day can evolve into an annual Bahá’í event productive of serious and widespread public interest.
Bahá’í in the News[edit]
This title carries along the practice begun by the Public Relations Committee years ago to list all references to the Faith made by non-Bahá’ís in books, magazines, press and other public channels.
The Grand Rapids Press, Dec. 26, published an illustrated story about a local craftsman, Mr. Gerrit T. DeYoung, who had completed work on his hand-carved model of the Bahá’í Temple. Not a believer, Mr. DeYoung had been attracted by the beauty of the Temple picture run by the Chicago Tribune, and used that illustration as his model. Arkansas Democrat, Little Rock, November 13, contained a Bahá’í feature article, illustrated, by George Leiper in its Sunday Magazine. In Boston Sunday Post, October 30 appears a long interview with Matthew Bullock of the Massachusetts State Parole Board. Mr. Bullock’s reputation has been further enhanced by a recent reference to him in Atlantic Monthly. The Bulletin of the University of Minnesota, General Extension Division, 1949-1950, list a course on “Comparative Religious Thought Today,” I and II. Course I includes Bahá’í among the “living religions at
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the world presented by leading advocates of each religion.” The Voice of American Women, published at
Portland, Oregon, reprints the Master’s Prayer for All Nations and His
Prayer for America, in its issue of
February-March, 1949. A sentence
from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh was
also used. The editor explains that
the prayers were published at the
request of several delegates to the
recent meeting of the Portland Federation of Women’s Clubs at which
the president, Mrs. Dorothy Sanford
Wilson, presented the prayers.
Youth Needed for Temple Guiding[edit]
Shoghi Effendi said, “No greater demonstration can be given to the people of both continents of the youthful vitality and the vibrant power animating the life and the institutions of the nascent Faith of Bahá’u’lláh than an intelligent, persistent and effective participation of the Bahá’í Youth of every race, nationality and class, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity.”
For an opportunity to train yourself in teaching the Faith, guiding in the Temple offers a real chance to “learn by doing.” Guide courses are available on request and some actual experience guiding in the Temple afterward might make the great difference between timidity and confidence. An immeasurably valuable way to spend a weekend, or a few days of summer vacation.
There are many colleges in the Temple area—Northwestern University, University of Chicago and others; there are the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and Ft. Sheridan. Many of these young people visit the Temple and they like to be greeted and guided through by other young people.
Write for further information to:
Mrs. H. Hilpert
924 Judson Ave.,
Evanston, Ill.
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mr. John Griewank, El Monte Twp., Calif., 11-23-49
- Mrs. Laura Moravec, Chicago, Ill., 12-12-49
- Mr. Edward A. Myers, Hamburg Twp., N.Y., 11-30-49
- Mr. Ezra Jasper Smith, Dallas, Texas, 12-2-49
- Mr. John Henry Crawford, Dallas, Texas, 1-14-50
Bahá’í Community of Rome, Italy. Taken December 23, 1949, on the occasion of the visit of Mrs. Marion Little and Mr. Robert R. Metz.
European Friends Plan Summer Schools[edit]
In his cable message to the Brussels Conference last August, the Guardian mentioned, as one of the immediate objectives of the newly established European Assemblies, the initiation of regional summer schools. Therefore, The European Teaching Committee plans to have the third European Teaching Conference to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from July 24 through July 26, followed immediately by a Summer School session from July 27 through July 29. The Guardian has said that these European Teaching Conferences are the precursors of the great global gatherings which will be held in the future, and therefore he wishes these Conferences to be completely international in character. For this reason the Conference and the Summer School will be entirely separate. They fall within the same week only as a matter of convenience for the friends coming from the different countries. The main objective of the Summer School is to assist the new believers to understand the functions and the conduct of summer schools. Eventually each country will establish its own Summer School. This is indeed a mighty step forward in the consolidation of the Faith in Europe!
John and Eunice Shurcliffe and their small daughter Frances have recently returned from Belgium where they have spent almost three years as pioneers in Brussels. Because of their selfless and devoted service there, they have left a strong, active and unified Community to carry on.
Mildred and George Clark have recently gone from Oslo, Norway to Amsterdam, Holland, and Mrs. Amelia Bowman has been transferred from Stockholm, Sweden to the Oslo Community. Mary and Edward Bode have been transferred from Amsterdam to Lisbon, Portugal, to work with that Community. Mrs. Hazel Pennington has recently returned home from Spain where she did outstanding work in Madrid.
Mrs. Arna True Perron sails on February 15 for Europe. She will go directly to Switzerland to assist Miss Honor Kempton in the Geneva E.T.C. office. Later she will travel as an itinerant teacher to other of the goal countries.
Letter to a Bishop[edit]
George Townshend, author of “The Old Churches and the New World Faith” and many other pamphlets and books, wrote the following letter to the Bishop of Utah, the head of the diocese in which he was ordained in 1906: The letter was written on the occasion of Mr. Townshend’s formal withdrawal from the Church. We reprint it from the Bahá’í News Bulletin of Australia and New Zealand.
“In the year 1906 I was ordained to the priesthood of the Protestant Episcopal Church in America by the late Right Reverend F. S. Spalding,
Meeting the Crisis
“Study the Word”For many years one of the most loved compilations of the Bahá’í teachings has been The Divine Art of Living. We urge this as your point of study and reflection for the months of March and April. This book brings together many of the finest quotations in the Bahá’í writings about the spiritual problems of everyday living. A careful study will bring greater insight into how to live as a Bahá’í. New Study Outline Mrs. Marian Lippitt has made an outline for study of The Divine Art of Living. It covers seven periods which may be used for individual study or for group discussion. She has approached the contents of the book from the point of view of what the Faith offers an individual. The National Programming Committee is able to offer free copies of this outline to any believer who sends in a self-addressed stamped envelope to MRS. MYRTLE WENDLER, Secretary
NATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE 3302 Warner Avenue Chicago 18, Illinois Be sure to put six cents in stamps on the self-addressed envelope. Copies will be sent free as long as the supply lasts. To show the approach worked out by Mrs. Lippitt as well as the value of this study outline, here is a sample lesson: Sample Lesson Understanding Yourself Better
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at that time Bishop of Salt Lake. I took charge of Provo Mission near Salt Lake City, but after some years returned to Ireland where I entered the service of the Church of Ireland and became incumbent of Ahascragh, Archdeacon of Clonfert and Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.
“I have now identified myself with the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and that I might do so have resigned my place in the Church of Ireland. In order that my position may be unequivocal I send this letter to you to relinquish the American Orders which I received in 1906.
“It is with very real regret that I loosen in any way my old and precious associations with the American Ministry. My motive is to be loyal to Christ as I know Him and to give to His Church the best service which in the special circumstances I have to offer. It is my settled conviction that the Glad Tidings brought by the Prophet of Persia, Bahá’u’lláh, represent the promised return of Christ; that Christ is and has ever been through all our difficulties in our midst though we have recognized Him not; that the Christian Churches in recent years have missed their way, and have lost their hold on human hearts because they are out of touch with their Lord; and that the path back to Him and to His Father lies wide open before them though they have chosen not to walk in it. I feel I must make any sacrifice in order to be free to help in transmitting to my fellow-Christians a Message which presents the one and only hope of respiritualizing mankind and rebuilding the social order.
“I published some years ago two books on the relationship of the Bahá’í Teachings to Christianity: “The Promise of All Ages” and “The Heart of the Gospel”. With this letter I enclose a shorter statement on the subject, directed especially to yourself as head of the diocese in which I was ordained. It is really addressed to all Christian people since its message vitally concerns every one of them, and I propose to send copies of it to a number of representative members of the two great Communions for which I have had the high privilege of working.
[Page 10]
Carload of small bay tracery casts for Temple interior
Consultation Report[edit]
Last summer the National Assembly invited the believers to write in their ideas and suggestions concerning four general questions. Responses from individuals, groups, and assemblies totaled 264 letters. The National Assembly was delighted at the amount and quality of the letters received. In every case an effort had been made to advance one or more positive ideas.
Personal responses have been made to all these letters over a period of some weeks. This was done after a special committee had read and studied all the letters. Some of the suggestions received have been passed on to various national committees. Some ideas have been turned over to the Convention agenda committee.
Now the National Assembly wants to share with all the believers the results of this consultation by mail. The following summary report has been prepared. Under each of the four headings below are brief summary answers of suggestions received; also included are direct quotations taken from many of the letters. A final section consists of direct quotations from letters which are grouped under the heading “Suggestions to Local Assemblies.”
All these letters reflect a spirit of eagerness and devotion which shows that the American believers are determined to achieve their goals in service to Bahá’u’lláh.
1. How to spread the Teachings:[edit]
- Live the Life—Be an example to others.
- Emphasize our high moral standards—by living them.
- Manifest Bahá’í Love in all our associations.
- Seek the Holy Spirit to confirm new contacts.
- Deepen your Faith so as be a better vehicle for teaching.
- Broaden contacts daily.
- Attend liberal meetings, etc., for new contacts.
- Bring up the word “Bahá’í” in every conversation.
- Determine to “Give the Message” at least once a week.
- Show enthusiasm in “Giving the Message.”
- Prayer is a powerful instrument in teaching.
- Pray for guidance.
- Pray for confirmation of contact or student. In all public efforts, all members of the area should pray for its confirmation and success—that new souls will be “quickened.”
- Study teachings regularly—particularly as they apply to current events—so we may explain Bahá’í answers—and Goals.
- Organize Discussion Groups.
- All Public Meetings to be well arranged in attractive Halls, etc. Have good speakers. If questions permitted, have qualified person answer.
- Use a series of Public Meetings. For example, comparative religions.
- Distribute literature freely.
- Use radio more freely and regularly.
- Plan effective and continuing newspaper campaigns.
- Use Audio-Visual materials more frequently.
- Observe Holy Days—advising our associates what they are—and why we observe them. Parents advise teachers why children remain at home on Holy Days.
- Unity among the friends is a basic necessity to spreading the Faith.
Direct Quotations:
“One thing every Bahá’í and every Bahá’í group should remember is that, even though we may not at times seem to be making any progress, we must not become disillusioned, and that a graceful follow-through is as important as the original swing, even should it somewhat miss the mark. By a continuous and constantly unremitting effort we cannot but succeed.”
“Our community discovered that during our growing years, concentrated effort on week-long Teaching Projects was effective. This plan was built around the visit of an outstanding Bahá’í teacher, who could give public talks, be an inspiration to fireside groups, and help confirm ‘on the fence’ believers.”
“One of the best ways, already proved, is through meetings. The meetings should be large for the public, fair-sized by invitation, and small for complicated inquirers. The important thing is not the size but that the meetings should be alive. People will go where there is life and beauty and spirituality; they will stay away where there is death and decay and no true spirituality.”
“Too often believers give cold facts about world order and carry no spiritual power.”
“Funerals: Regard every funeral as an opportunity for giving the
[Page 11]
message. Abandon doleful music.
Don’t leave arrangements up to an
undertaker; he will follow Christian
ceremonies and traditions of gloom.
Use young Bahá’í ushers with bright
faces. Keep the coffin lid closed.
Don’t parade to the cemetery; just
meet there. Keep the talks joyful.
Remember the quotation on page 227
of the Iqán: ‘Wish for death, if ye
are men of truth.’ ”
“Bahá’í Holy Days: Don’t just keep a child out of school on these days. Write a letter, in advance, to the attendance officer requesting that the child be excused. He’ll have to go to the vice-principal, and the principal, and call in the child, and probably go to the board of education. Maybe the child will have an opportunity to give the message. In one instance this method has resulted in a number of people hearing of the Faith.”
2. How to develop the solidarity of the American Bahá’í Community:[edit]
- Firmness in the Covenant.
- Unity in all communities—bedrock of solidarity.
- Realize our administrative order is Divine.
- Greater consultation between individuals and administrative bodies.
- Be impersonal in consultation — seek reality rather than acceptance of our own view.
- Be active — lethargy creates indifference and dissatisfaction.
- Have complete confidence in each other.
- See only good in all services.
- Be enthusiastic over spiritual victories of others.
- See help in our own efforts to serve the Faith.
- Be humble.
- Show a sincere interest in our fellow believers and serve them.
- Contact Regional believers as often as possible and draw them into the flow of activity and spiritual confirmation.
- Have more Inter-Assembly or Regional Gatherings.
- Attend all 19 Day Feasts.
- Attend the State and Annual Conventions.
- More meetings for Bahá’ís only—to deeper fellowship—discuss services to the Faith, and experiences in our activities.
- More social contacts among the believers.
- Evaluate Bahá’ís for special tasks.
- Live the Life.
Direct Quotations:
“I suggest as a remedy a stronger emphasis on the organized teaching work, so that it may become imperative that all students must contact a number of teachers before enrollment. Individual effort should attract and interest but no one should be enrolled without attending study classes conducted by a series of teachers.... Every student should learn as a basic minimum his responsibility toward the Cause as it effects his personal life, his relationship to the Administrative Order and his relationship toward his government and the non-Bahá’í world around him.”
“1. Have a meeting at which each of the friends brings his treasure. Let him tell about it — show it off. The treasure may be a tablet, a letter from the Guardian, a sacred relic, a rare book, or a quotation from the Star of the West. Bring the believers into the stream of life of the community.
“2. Prepare a list of simple questions on the history and principles of the Faith. Choose up sides and have a spelling bee. ‘Vie with one another.’
“3. Have a ‘get-together’ where each one present recites something he’s learned if it be only the noonday prayer. Encourage effort by applauding those who ‘stumble’ because of effort beyond capacity.
“4. Have a meeting at which each person present tells of some outstanding job of teaching, or of giving the message, by some other Bahá’í. Compare experiences in giving the message.”
“We will practice self-discipline in our consultation periods; we will endeavor to develop our independent thinking. Through our study of the administrative procedure, we will strive to gain spiritual poise, thus learn to think and act with our members. We will practice patience, working in unity.”
“We will share responsibilities with each other, resolving to be cooperative, and share in the building of the Kingdom of God upon earth.”
“The first step up Jacob’s ladder has been an organized program of deepening, revolving about the nineteen-day feasts.... We have announced the themes of the feast readings with an explanation of their purposes. Several feasts ago the subject was perfection in general. Now, following that, we are teaching the specific perfections through the creative Words.”
“Consultation is the backbone of the administration. With the end in view of drawing all the believers into the orbit of Bahá’í activity, we have asked two believers each feast to give two-minute talks on any phase of the Faith (without notes).”
“I believe that at the present time, judging by my own community, the Bahá’ís do not meet each other sufficiently in social gatherings other than those connected with the Nineteen-Day Feast. We must develop social programs which will enable us to know each other better and to love each other more.”
3. How to Release more Spiritual Power:[edit]
- Live the Life.
- Prayer is the touchstone of the Hearts.
- Pray to become a channel through which the Holy Spirit may flow.
- Meditation — opens doors to spiritual development — and releases spiritual power.
- Deepen ourselves in the Faith.
- Be selfless — so the spirit can use us.
- Examine our motives so as to purify our lives and intentions.
- Demonstrate such love that the Holy Spirit must be attracted.
- Show consistent courtesy and tolerance towards our fellow workers.
- Teach continuously — teaching releases creative forces of God.
- Unity of Assemblies and Communities necessary to show Bahá’í spirit.
- Observe all Holy Days.
- Consult more freely on all our responsibilities.
- Be impersonal in our consultations — so we may find God’s Will rather than our own.
Direct Quotation:
“We believe in the equal worth of all believers — each as a unique product of God’s love and law — giving them equal opportunity to express themselves and to participate
[Page 12]
according to their ability to do, and
capacity to learn what and how to do.”
“Close and constant communion with the Source of spiritual power, and application of divine teachings on the spiritual life — at home, at work, and in all of our associations both in and outside the Bahá’í community.”
“We cannot release spiritual power until we first empty our lives from all prejudices and refill our hearts with the love of God, practice the teachings, so that this love will so master our lives that those who are seeking the truth will come to us for companionship, thus we will be able to teach the Cause.”
“Pray to become a worthy channel, to be purged of self, to become a magnet to attract divine confirmations.”
“Love each other for His sake.”
4. How to assure completion of the 7-Year Plan:[edit]
- Live the Life.
- Pray for guidance and confirmation.
- Meditation.
- Completion of Plan — must be our first objective in Life.
- Planned sacrifice and service.
- Seek sacrifice as a constructive step in our spiritual development.
- Contribute regularly to the Funds.
- Strict economy in our daily living.
- Attend all Feasts.
- Become channels which the Holy Spirit may use.
- Teach all the time and under all circumstances.
- Can we serve as Pioneers in new lands?
- All must study goals — and have them constantly before us.
Direct Quotations:
“Have as many believers as possible participate in plans, methods for carrying them out (organization and activities). Try to have well-defined jobs ready for new believers as soon as they are confirmed so that they feel immediately related to the ‘bigness and importance’ of the Divine Plan.”
“Since most of the committees in the larger cities are working for one main goal, maximum efficiency in teaching, the meeting of all committees together with the Assembly at least once during its term to discuss methods of inter-committee cooperation and extent of function would be a valuable asset.”
Suggestions to Local Assemblies[edit]
“Don’t leave the same people too long in their appointed jobs, so that cliques harden.”
“When a person offers himself to a committee, don’t brush him off. Put him on your list and suggest some job for him in connection with the committee’s work.”
“Don’t block personal initiative. Don’t worry so much about believers doing the wrong thing. Even if a few boners are pulled, that’s better than preventing thousands of valuable services.”
“Nothing unifies like shared work; nothing attracts public attention like a group of people working together. Total Bahá’í employment — a suitable job for every believer — would work wonders.”
“Always develop an agenda (for the LSA meeting) after prayers and before reports are made.”
“Set a time of adjournment after considering the probable amount of necessary consultation. This set time need not be adhered to, but it should be aimed at.”
“Regard wasted time as wasted money and wasted opportunity. An Assembly can be ‘austere’ with time as well as with funds. Devote at least one meeting a year to discussion of procedure and techniques of operation.”
“Inculcate the idea that unless we make mistakes we are not progressive.”
“Schedule a ‘visiting hour’ immediately following adjournment so that a kindly chairman may say, ‘That is a most interesting story, but let’s save it for the visiting-hour, do you mind?’ ”
“Make an effort to inform near-by isolated believers of the feasts and special public meetings.”
Latin America[edit]
At the State Conventions in January, a National Spiritual Assembly report was presented which dealt with the current situation in Latin-America as regards the progress of the Cause, and which emphasized once again the urgent need for pioneers. The Inter-America Committee would now like to review some of the facts presented in National Spiritual Assembly’s message to the State Conventions:
In the 10 countries of South America, there are 20 Local Spiritual Assemblies; but they are distributed in such a way that there are 4 countries with 1 Assembly each, 2 countries with 2 Assemblies each, 1 country with 3 Assemblies, 1 country with 4 Assemblies, 1 country with 5 Assemblies — and 1 country with no actual Local Spiritual Assembly at all, as of the moment. There are 8 North-American pioneers in all of South America, and three countries do not have a single resident North-American teacher. According to the report of CEBSA (the National Teaching Committee for South America) there are 12 experienced Latin-American teachers in South America — and CEBSA considers that there are 3 countries without any really experienced native teachers.
In the Central-American area (which includes Mexico, Panama and the island republics of the Caribbean), although there are 12 countries, there are only 14 Local Spiritual Assemblies — 8 of these countries having 1 Assembly each, 3 countries having 2 Assemblies each, and, again, there is one country without an actual, functioning Local Spiritual Assembly at present. There are only 5 North-American pioneers in this territory at the moment, leaving 7 countries without a single resident North-American teacher. According to the report of CEBMA (the National Teaching Committee for Central America and the Antilles) there are 12 experienced Latin-American teachers in this territory, but CEBMA considers that there are two countries with no experienced native teachers.
The foregoing may seem to be just a collection of statistics — but to the Inter-America Committee, and to the National Spiritual Assembly, these “statistics” tell a very meaningful
[Page 13]
story. For we must ask ourselves “Could two National Spiritual
Assemblies — additional pillars of
the future International House of
Justice — be raised and maintained
on such a foundation?” The answer
is all too obvious.
Yet two National Spiritual Assemblies are to come into being in Latin-America in less than a year and a half. Does this mean, then, that we may be facing failure in our Latin-American mission? The answer to this question is not quite as obvious, but it is just as definitely “no” as the answer to the first question. The preliminary work is almost completed; the difficult task of bringing the Faith into these Latin-American countries for the first time and there establishing it, lies behind us. We have passed through a spiritual “pruning” which has left the tree of the Cause in Latin-America statistically weaker, but actually much better able to continue growing and flourishing. For, as the Guardian pointed out several months ago, the work of the Cause in Latin-America is rapidly “approaching its first stage of fruition.” The next few months may very well determine whether we shall gather the rich, bountiful harvest for which we have labored, or allow it to go by default just before the harvesting season arrives.
The answer lies in the hands of the North-American Bahá’ís. The Latin-American friends are eagerly looking forward to the establishment of their own National Spiritual Assemblies. Though young in the Cause, for the most part, they are nevertheless devoted, sincere and possess great capacity. Despite smallness of numbers, despite weak Assemblies, despite a limited supply of Bahá’í Literature in Spanish, Portuguese and French — and in the face of other conditions much more difficult than those we face in the United States — the Latin-American believers have come a long way in the relatively short time that they have been in the Cause. Nevertheless, just as they have required the assistance of the North-American believers to come this far, they cannot complete their journey to independent national status unless their North-American co-workers continue to walk and to work side by side with them:
The Latin-American believers must learn to fully understand and thus be able to effectively utilize, the Administrative Institutions of the Faith; through working with a resident North-American pioneer, they can draw upon and benefit from our much greater experience with the Administrative Order.
There are many sincere and devoted Latin-American believers who wish to be teachers of the Cause; with the knowledge we have gained from both our successes and failures in the teaching field, North-American pioneers can very effectively train those who are to be the future teachers of the Cause in Latin-America.
Many of the Sacred Writings, as well as the Guardian’s invaluable messages, which are published in English, are not yet available in Spanish, Portuguese or French, so that there are many aspects of the Faith with which a North-American believer is familiar, but which are not fully known or understood by the friends in Latin-America, simply because of their more limited supply of literature.
A number of Local Spiritual Assemblies in Latin America have been dissolved; these Assemblies must be re-established, especially those in the two countries which, at the moment, have not one actual, functioning Local Spiritual Assembly. This can best be accomplished through the devoted efforts of North-American believers who are experienced in teaching, who know the Teachings, and understand the Administrative Order.
Refer again to the information outlined at the beginning; read it now with the foregoing thoughts in mind; and the meaning of these “mere statistics” becomes quite clear:
We are at a point of crisis for the Faith in Latin-America. The believers there have amply demonstrated their worthiness to have their own National Spiritual Assemblies; they have repeatedly shown that they possess the necessary capacity, the love of and devotion to the Cause, and the sincere desire to learn, to grow, to achieve in the path of God’s Faith. The North-American believers, as a result of the development of the Cause in the United States, possess the experience, the knowledge and the understanding which alone can enable our fellow-believers in Latin America to realize their great potentialities. It is only through the realization of these potentialities that we can be assured of full victory in 1951.
This, then, is the challenge which faces us. Our Latin brothers ... our beloved Guardian ... Bahá’u’lláh Himself — all await our response. What will it be?
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
CANADA
- (From Canadian Bahá’í News)
Canadian Bahá’í progress was revealed in a recent report of Emeric Sala’s sixth westward teaching trip in ten years, during October and November, 1949. Mr. Sala, who lives at St. Lambert, Quebec, journeyed for 23 days, visiting nine assemblies. In 1939 there was only one, at Vancouver.
On the 1939 trip, Mr. Sala visited five cities, and gave eight talks to a total audience of 250. In 1949, the same traveler visited 10 cities, giving 24 addresses to a total audience of over 1,000 people.
BRITISH ISLES
- (From the Bahá’í Journal)
From the British Isles comes news that the first Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of Oxford was established November 22nd, 1949.
At a subsequent meeting, officers were elected and the Assembly was organized with David Hofman, chairman; Marion Hofman, vice-chairman; Philip Hainsworth, secretary; Constance Langdon-Davies, treasurer; and Cyril Jenkerson, librarian. Other members included Jane M. Campbell, Louisa Charlot, Lizzie Hainsworth, and Margaret Jenkerson.
IRAN
- (Bahá’í News and Reviews)
Although success on the home front promises to crown their efforts, the Bahá’ís of Irán have had difficulties in achieving their current aims.
One report of difficulty included a newly-formed Assembly which had come into existence after much pain and labor only to be dissolved because some of the members who had recently arrived “were obliged to retreat because opposition by hostile elements made their position untenable.”
Many such valiant souls are said to have been rendered homeless or reduced to poverty because of being
[Page 14]
successively expelled from one place
after another.
Restrictions standing in the way of establishing assemblies and groups in lands adjoining Irán have also presented difficulties. Most of the friends who managed to travel to these territories were forced by the authorities to leave the country, while the position of those who settled in goal towns remained precarious.
An encouraging note was the very successful 4th Annual National Youth Conference held last July in Ṭihrán, at which youth representatives from 17 regions took part.
JAPAN
A very interesting report of Bahá’í meetings in Japan was recently sent to friends in America by Mrs. Barbara Davenport who joined her husband in Tokyo where he is stationed on an army mission.
An unusual “Feast of Welcome” was the first meeting, held at the home of a sister of Mr. Horioka, chairman of the Assembly in Tokyo. Fourteen of the 25 gathered there were declared Bahá’ís, while the rest were in different degrees of interest, or were becoming Bahá’ís.
Mrs. Davenport was introduced to the group by Dr. Fujisawa, representative to the League of Nations in 1921, who had heard of the Faith about 15 years ago from Agnes Alexander, and who had made his declaration only six weeks prior to the gathering. After speeches and refreshments, a happy discussion period lasted for two and one-half hours.
The next meeting was the Feast of Nashiyyat (Will), held at the home of Mr. Horioka. Mr. Inouye, Robert Imagire, Mrs. Mochizuki, and Mr. and Mrs. Davenport were among the 19 present. After five minutes of meditation, prayers were handed out which Shozo had translated on little scraps of paper due to the scarcity of printed translations, and the high price of paper. Mrs. Davenport declared that tremendous love and power of the Holy Spirit was poured out through these sincere prayers.
The Home Front[edit]
URBANA, ILL.
- (from American “Bahá’í Youth” bulletin)
“More discussion of religion, according to Jerry Lewis, flows over the coffee cups in the Union and the bull sessions in the dorms than is ever mentioned in all the Bahá’í centers, churches, and Sunday schools combined.” Making these remarks at a public meeting celebrating National Youth Day, he further stated: “Youth are thinking about religion all the time, and they don’t miss a single aspect of the problem. They discuss the existence of God, the place of churches in our society and the possibility of solving our universal problems through religion. The churches are giving youth a substitute for religion in their social activities but they have failed to meet youth’s demand for solution to their problems through religion.”
SOUTHERN CALIF. RTC
Meeting in Los Angeles, Nov. 9, 82 Bahá’ís, representing 27 communities, examined closely “the part each of us plays in the Administrative pattern and how we function in unity and harmony.” Their method was to move from the smallest unit, the individual, to the largest.
Mrs. Shirley Warde pointed out that an isolated Bahá’í is really a Bahá’í Pioneer, proving the practicality of this Faith by living it. Miss Beatrice Irwin showed the function of Bahá’í Groups to be that of “growing-points, the living cells from which the whole vast structure of the Administrative Order grows and expands.” Charles Wolcott emphasized in the Local Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly, the importance of a frank and free discussion, and a one-consciousness, a realization that we are all working for the same thing — the Bahá’í World Faith. Mrs. Jesma Herbert carried the friends from the RTC through Area NTC to the plane of the National Spiritual Assembly to stress the interlocking coordination in stimulating groups to become larger and form Assemblies, deepen themselves in the teachings, and remember function of RTC is not administrative but teaching assistance.
N. CALIF. and NEVADA RTC
In the closing months of the past year a great upsurge of collective teaching activity came, with four of the smaller Bahá’í communities giving series of lectures presenting from four to six of “The World’s Great Religions.” Carmel overcame difficulties to gain audiences of 61 and 65; Fresno totaled 75 non-Bahá’ís at three meetings, with 58 contacts completely new; Sacramento averaged 35 for each talk, with one young man traveling 50 miles an evening to attend; and Reno, the smallest and most isolated of communities, attracted 35 to 40 for its series average.
BRIEFS
WICHITA, KAN. Germany, England, France, Iran, China, Japan, India and Africa are some of the nationalities to which this community has given literature in contact work. Showing Temple slides in First Methodist Church brings one girl to study teachings after she visited Temple.... KAN. NEB. MO. RTC Teach when you travel; use a courteous, friendly approach — “Where are you from?” or “Where are you going?”—this was brought out at recent conference. “... there must be action to spread the Word and not just prayer alone....” GUILFORD VT. Mr. A. J. West showed movies of the local school, tied in with those of his trip to Europe, then led into a Bahá’í talk for the audience of 121. In MEDFORD, Mass. 100 saw the European films. ANTC advised others try renting films of local or timely interest.... BURLINGAME, CALIF. A four speaker panel presented, “Will Mankind Accept a Common Faith,” Nov. 18 to 85 people. Claude Petty and Richard Marsh of San Mateo Junior College shared platform with Bahá’ís, Dr. John Stroessler and Dr. Robert Gulick.... GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MICH. Three adjoining communities sponsored Dr. Edris Rice-Wray in a talk, “Prescription for Living,” before some 150 persons in Grosse Pointe Community Center. Announcement by radio, newspaper, poster, and personal invitation brought the people out, about half non-Bahá’ís.... BUTTE, MONT. Initiates novel mode of bringing Faith to non-Bahá’í children. Braille exercises made of Hidden Words and Bahá’í Prayers are taught to normal children with the hope they will later correspond in Braille with blind children of their own age-interest group.... COLORADO SPRINGS, COL. Vincent Brown, advocates, in his talk, “Can Science and Religion Agree?”, the broadening of “departmental
[Page 15]
minds,” that is, minds open to some
subjects and closed completely to
others. Mr. Brown also spoke to 22
guests at PUEBLO, COL. home of
Drs. Peterson, Sr. and Jr. Mrs. Peterson, Jr. came from Australia as
Miss Mariette Bolton.... LITTLE
FALLS, N.Y. Received 6-inch front
page story locally when they elected
officers at last Feast. The 3-line head
article also told of future public
meetings for Little Falls.... FLINT,
MICH. First of the speakers in a
series on comparative religions at
the First Baptist Church, Mrs. Donna
Diehl addressed 27 young people,
Jan. 8. Several had seen the Temple
and it appeared from their questions
that they grasped the idea of progressive revelation as presented in
Mrs. Diehl’s talk. The assistant pastor took an active part in the discussion. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Miss
Agnes Parent and Sgt. Wallace Harrison were married, Dec. 19 in the
first Bahá’í wedding for Bahá’ís,
without an additional civil ceremony.
It was also the first marriage of an
Alaskan native Bahá’í, and brought
a fine picture and newspaper write-up.
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Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:
CALIF., Berkeley 1; Los Angeles 5; San Diego 1; FLA., Miami 1; ILL., Maywood 2; IND., Ft. Wayne 2; Indianapolis 1; ME., Eliot 1; MICH., Battle Creek 1; Detroit 4; MO., Kansas City 1; N.J., Bergenfield 1; Ridgewood 1; N.Y., New York City 1; PA., Scranton 1; West Chester 3; WIS., Milwaukee 2. YOUTH 7.
Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees:
NORTHEASTERN STATES
- E. New York 2
- W. New York 1
- Me., N.H. 1 & 1 Youth
- E. Mass., R.I. 1
- New Jersey 1
CENTRAL STATES
- Wisc. 5
- Mich. 1
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WESTERN STATES
SOUTHERN STATES
TOTALS: Adults—51
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?
Who was the teacher sent by Bahá’u’lláh to India and Burma in 1875? See Bahá’í World
Vol. IV, p. 285 |
Memorial Gifts[edit]
- (October 1948 thru January 1950)
Memorial gifts have been made in the names of the following:
- Carol Smiley Rich
- James Wilcox
- Mary J. Revell
- Dayna Farrand
- Fred Wendler
- The Mandells
- George C. Worthington
- Bennie Bonowitz
- Mrs. Olive Thomasson
- Hassen Abas
- Amelie Conrow
- Mary Livingston Willard
- Margaret Marshal
- Mrs. Patterson (Frank)
- D. Seymour Willard
- Amelia B. Willard
- Louis Vautrat
- Fred Nelson Haley
- Herancourt Esonodi
- Mr. Lugier
- Jack Murdock
- Mrs. Ida Stockman
- Fred Wolferding
- Grace Peterson
- Dr. Wm. Young Allen
- Dr. Howard Carpenter
- Mrs. H. F. Herman
- Parents of Mrs. Idabel Kent
- Evelyn Watson
- Charles W. Campbell
- George L. Loeding
- E. Hazel Haugse
- Mary M. Munson
- Charles A. Munson
- Morris Small
- Sophia Small
- Mullá Ḥusayn (Martyrdom)
- Lillian Bonowitz
- Bessie G. Miller
- Conrad S. Baker
- Christine Loeding
- Rebecca Leach
- Elsie Miller
- James N. Makins
- Arvilla H. Makins
- Theodore Groger
- Martha Basare
- Mary Paulson
- Lena Grossman
- Carrie Gates
- George L. Latimer
- Walter Whittaker
- Father of Mrs. Eleanor Stewart
- A. G. Bechtold
- Frank C. Kelsey
- Valleria D. M. Kelsey
- Elizabeth Endicott Gallagher
- Mother of Lucile E. Whitney
- Dr. James P. McCormick
- Pearl Gallup
- George Gallup
- Thomas Emerson Proctor
- Carrie Norvell
- Bertha Kirkpatrick
- Mabel F. Geary
- Effie M. Snyder
- Joan Svendsen
- Florence A. Riedle
- Quddús (Martyrdom)
- Mary B. Martin
- Mary Yoder
- Charles Greenleaf
- Elizabeth Greenleaf
- Lillian Greenleaf
- Edith Dakin
- Edgar Dakin
- John Boyd Richardson
- Josie M. Suter
- Anna Schoeny
- Georgina Maitre
- Sarah C. Mason
- Dr. Theodore Engelder
- Ben Jackson
- Jacob Lothes
- Minerva Pyles Lothes
- Elmer K. Lothes
- John Lothes
- Dr. Homer Jury Davis
- Margaret Bowers
- Robert Hemminger
- Thomas W. Fleming
- Priscilla Marcoux
- Parents of Zahra Suzanne Heber
- Mrs. J. H. Chamberlin
- Jerry Didier
- Edwina Clifford
- E. T. Adolphson
- J. Allen Gorrell
- John Otis Benton
- Báb (Martyrdom)
- Walter Holsinger
- Ben Jackson
- Wendell Hatch
- Florence Mayer
- Alex Stern
- Anna B. Stern
- John Suhm
- Beulah Storrs Lewis
- Ella Beeson
- Julia K. Threlkeld
- Florence Sullender
- Susan J. Vickers
- Dr. Harry W. Vickers
- H. C. White
- Mrs. H. C. White
- C. C. White
- Peter Johnson
- Carrie Johnson
- Frances E. Allen
- Woodson J. Allen
- James Frey
- Mrs. James Frey
- Sarah T. Mason
- S. A. Bonowitz
- Wm. Frank Lucus
- Walter Olitski
- Marie Fingerlin
- Ann Burch
- Father of Mrs. Leonard J. Braun
- Pauline Hasin Beamer
- Husband of Mrs. Laura Kelsey Allen
- Helen S. Goodall
- Lorraine Johnson Dailey
- William DeWitt Alexander
- Abigail Charlotte Alexander
- William Douglas Alexander
- Henry Edward Mansfield Alexander
- Sidney Stern
- Roman Stern
- Leon Stern
- John L. Gibson
- W. G. Hedburg
- Annie Belle Killius
- Percy L. Platt
- Wm. H. Nicholas
- Prof. Wm. S. Hendrix
- Clarence W. Utzman
- Annie L. Libby
- Edgar H. Libby
- Kenneth Kadrie
- Frederick Lothes
- Dr. A. L. Morris
- Mother of Donald McKinstry
- Arthur J. Page
- William G. Meyers
- Minnie Ristow
- Mrs. William Klatt
- Jeanette Pam
- Mother of Pauline Z. Luehr
- Judge Joseph Franklin Ellis, Sr.
- Mrs. Joseph Franklin Ellis, Sr.
- Dr. Gillespie
- Martha Botts
- Robert Botts
- Robert Schililaty
- Alexander Stern
- Mrs. William C. Schend
- Thornton Chase
- Martha L. Shaw
- Stuart B. Martin, Jr.
- Wendell E. Bacon
- Augusta Olsen
- William B. Remey
- Louis Magley
- Clara Blesch
- Sara L. Young
- Florence Crawford
- Anne L. Lelande
- John P. Vollmer
- Donald Gibson
- Fanny Knobloch
- Blanch Bruin
- Esther L. Squires
- W. John Griewank
- Rice, Proctor, Mandell Memorial
- Corabelle Truxel
- Chas. D. Pennock
- Duane B. Pennock
- H. B. Hammond
- Elizabeth Hammond
- M. C. Jackson
- Rev. Percy B. Cornelius
- Ella M. Beeson
- Ferdinand Peterson
- Jennie Peterson
- Charles Kent
- Mother of Mrs. R. T. Ashlock
- Sophia Kappes
Directory Additions & Changes[edit]
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries:
- ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA.
- Mrs. May Verhoeven, 87 Evergreen Ave.
- JAMESTOWN, N.Y.
- Miss May E. Lawson, 640 E. 6th St.
- KANSAS CITY, MO.
- Mrs. Madelon Becktel, 4222 Olive St., Z. 4
- RIDGEWOOD, N.J.
- Mr. Joseph Galvin, 25 S. Monroe St.
Contributions From Assemblies for the Month of January, 1950[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, Oakland, Oceanside, Palo Alto, Pasadena, San Bernardino, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica.
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. Idaho—Ada County, Boise. Illinois—Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Elmhurst, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Indiana—Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids, Waterloo. Kansas—Topeka. Louisiana—New Orleans. Maine—Eliot, Portland. Massachusetts—Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield. Michigan—Ann Arbor, 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. Nevada—Reno. New Hampshire—Portsmouth. New Jersey—Bergenfield, Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Jersey City, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Jamestown, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. North Dakota—Fargo.
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Bahá’í News is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States as the official news-letter of the Bahá’í Community. Edited for the National Spiritual Assembly by Bahá’í News Editorial Committee: Mrs. Roberta Christian, chairman, Mr. Richard Nolen, Mr. Gordon A. Fraser, Editorial office: Mrs. Roberta Christian, 1001 West Genesee St., Lansing, Mich. Please report changes of address and other matters pertaining to distribution to the Bahá’í National Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. |
Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, E. Cleveland, Dayton, Columbus, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City. Oregon—Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Greenville, Columbia. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis. Texas—Houston.
Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington. Washington—Kirkland, Marysville, Monroe, Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Spokane. Tacoma. Wisconsin—Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa. Wyoming—Laramie.
Number of Assemblies | 174 |
Assemblies contributing | 151 |
Assemblies not contributing | 23 |
Groups contributing | 57 |
Individuals contributing | 119 |
| Page | |
| ‘Abdu’l-Bahá | |
Will in Teaching Applicants | 6 |
Will May Be Purchased | 6 |
| Báb | |
Centenary of Martyrdom Announced | 4 |
Guardian’s cable, “Faithless Brother” | 1 |
Addresses | 15 |
Archives Material | 4 |
Around the Bahá’í World | 13 |
Bahá’í in the News | 7 |
Bahá’í World correction | 6 |
Calendar | 5 |
Convention Reporters Needed | 6 |
Convention Reservations | 6 |
Directory Changes | 16 |
Enrollments | 15 |
European News | 8 |
| Fund | |
Analysis | 5 |
Contributions from Assemblies | 16 |
Memorial Gifts | 15 |
Score to Date | 5 |
Home Front | 14 |
Latin America | 12 |
Letter to a Bishop | 8 |
Literature for the Blind | 6 |
Memorial Gifts | 15 |
Memoriam | 8 |
NSA—Consultation Report | 10 |
| Pictures | |
Rome community | 8 |
Temple Progress | 2, 3, 10 |
World Religion Day in Independence | 6 |
World Religion in Anchorage | 7 |
Pioneer Settlers Needed | 2 |
Programming Committee | 9 |
Public Relations | 7 |
Publishing Announcement | 3 |
| Temple | |
“Material for Ornamentation” | 2 |
Warning to Believers | 6 |
World Religion Day | 1 |
Public Relations Report | 7 |
Youth for Temple Guiding | 8 |
