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[Page 1]

BAHÁ’Í

NEWS

No. 233

JULY, 1950

YEAR 107

BAHA’I ERA

---

The Guardian’s Cable to the British Bahá’í Convention, 1950

Shrine Progress Announce to friends (that) central panel (of) north facade, adorned with green mosaic (with) gilded Greatest Name, (the) fairest gem set (in) crown (of) arcade (of) Shrine, clearly visible from city by day, floodlit by night, (is) now in position. Three corner panels bearing symbol (of) ringstone erected, presaging completion (of) both parapet (and) arcade (on the) occasion (of) approaching Centenary (of) martyrdom (of) Blessed Báb. (signed) SHOGHI (Received June 17, 1950.)

“Heart flooded (with) joy (at the) striking evidence (of the) bountiful grace (of) Bahá’u’lláh, enabling (the) valorous, dearly loved Bahá’í Community (of the) British Isles (to) triumphantly conclude (their) first historic Plan (at the) half-century (of) British Bahá’í history. Herald, Author (of) Faith, Centre (of) Covenant, (the) Concourse on High acclaim (the) superb collective achievement, immortalising (the) opening decade (of the) second Bahá’í Century (in the) unprecedented history (of the) Faith (in the) British Isles. Unrivalled (by the) annals (of) any Bahá’í Community (on the) European Continent, unparallelled (in the) percentage (of) members (of) community responding (to the) pioneer call throughout (the) Bahá’í world since (the) termination (of the) Apostolic Age (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation. Historic pledge (of the) British Bahá’í Community (is) nobly redeemed. Tribute (to the) memory (of the) Martyr Prophet (of the) Faith (is) worthily paid. Spiritual potentialities (to) prosecute (the) subsequent stage (of the) unfolding mission (are) fully acquired. Triumphant Community (is) now standing (at the) threshold, catching (the) first glimpse (of the) still dimly outlined future enterprises overseas.

“(The) hour (is) propitious (for) galvanized, firmly knit body (of) believers (to) brace itself (to) embark, after one year respite, (on) yet another historic undertaking marking (the) formal inauguration (of the) Two Year Plan constituting (the) prelude (to the) initiation (of the) systematic campaign designed (to) carry (the) torch (of the) Faith (to) territories (of the) Dark Continent whose northern (and) southern fringes were successively illuminated (in the) course (of the) ministries (of) Bahá’u’lláh (and) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (The) hour (has) struck (to) undertake (the) preliminary steps (to) implant (the) banner (of the) Faith amidst African tribes mentioned in the Tablet (of the) Centre (of the) Covenant signalising (the) association (of the) victorious British Bahá’í Community with (her) sister Communities (in the) United States (and) Egypt, designed (to) lay (the) structural basis (of) Bahá’í Administrative Order (on a) scale comparable (to the) foundation already established (in) North (and) South American, European (and) Australian continents. (The) projected Plan itself (is a) prelude (to the) double task to be undertaken (in the) course (of) future Plans destined (to) simultaneously broaden (the) base (of) operations (on the) home front and prosecute (the) systematic campaign (in the) dependencies (of the) British Isles.

“(The) first objective (of the) Two Year Plan (is the) consolidation (of the) nineteen assemblies painstakingly established (in) England, Scotland, Wales, North Ireland (and) Eire. Second objective (is the) formation (of a) nuclei (in) three (of the) dependencies (of the) British Crown, either (in) East (or) West Africa. (The) third objective (is the) translation, publication, (and) dissemination (of) Bahá’í literature through (the) Publishing Trust (in) three African languages (in) addition (to the) three already undertaken (in the) course (of the) first Plan.

“Successful prosecution (of the) contemplated Plan will pave (the) way (for) large-scale operations calculated (to) lay (the) foundation (of the) promised Kingdom (on) Earth through (the) establishment (of the) Administrative Order, infinitely more glorious (than the) Empire built (by the) rulers (of the) British Isles throughout that continent, and will enable (the) British Bahá’í Community (to) share honour (with) sister Community across (the) Atlantic

EMERGENCY “PROMPT DESPATCH SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER COMPETENT PIONEERS, EMERGENCY EXISTING CENTRAL, SOUTH AMERICA.” This is our Guardian’s latest appeal! Can you answer this Call for Emergency Service to the Faith? Do you speak Spanish, French, or Portuguese? Write to the Inter-America Committee at once and hear about their plans, prospects, and new training course for pioneers. PRAY—SACRIFICE—ARISE to play your part in the “glorious consummation ... formation projected twin National Assemblies Latin America.” Inter-America Committee Mary Binda, Sec., 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill.

[Page 2] (in) prosecuting successfully two successive Plans, (thus) registering (a) double victory (and) laying (a) twice repeated sacrifice (on the) altar (of the) Faith (in) anticipation (of the) approaching celebrations commemorating (the) Centenary (of the) birth (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Prophetic Mission. (I am) contributing one thousand pounds (as the) first contribution (toward the) furtherance (of this) noble purpose.”

—SHOGHI

On Criticism

(The following is an excerpt from a letter to an individual believer received from the Guardian, through his secretary, dated December 18th 1949, from Australian Bahá’í News.)

“... Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity. But its root is lack of faith in the system of Bahá’u’lláh, i.e., the Administrative Order—and lack of obedience to Him—for He has forbidden it! If the Bahá’ís would follow the Bahá’í laws in voting, in electing, in serving and in abiding by Assembly decisions, all this waste of strength through criticising others could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan ...”

Building The Temple

A novel and result-producing means of raising money for the Temple interior work was started by a special committee of the Miami, Fla. community. A bell-shaped bank was brought to Feasts and placed in front of an outline drawing of the Temple beneath the words, “Temple Dimes.” The friends dropped their dimes in the bank and afterward the committee stuck them on the outline so that at later meetings, graphic evidence of a swelling fund was shown. With each filling of the drawing the money is sent to the Temple Fund and the Temple is now being built for the third time.

Unexcelled Victory Won By British Bahá’ís

One of the most dramatic events in Bahá’í history was unfolded in the year 1949-1950 by the believers in the British Isles.

In the final year of their Six-year Plan, they faced the grim task of completing sixty percent of their goal. Nothing less than a miracle was required to bring about a total victory.

Schedule of NSA Meetings 1950-1951 April 30, May 1, 2 May 19, 20, 21 June 9, 10, 11 July 7, 8, 9, 10 September 1, 2, 3, 4 October 20, 21, 22 December 1, 2, 3 January 12, 13, 14 February 22, 23, 24, 25 March 30, 31, April 1

By turning to the Guardian for guidance, by the zeal with which every believer faced this problem, by their singleness of purpose and complete dedication, their goal was won.

The Teaching Conference held December 31, 1949 and January 1, 1950, was the crucial turning point towards ultimate success. An excerpt from the Guardian’s cable to that Conference read: “Entreat once again all believers, young and old, men and women, native born and visitors from overseas, newly enrolled and veterans brace themselves.” Ninety-eight believers attended this meeting, representing all organized communities and groups. With but seven and a half weeks to go, every participant in the Conference pledged himself to carry with him at all times the marvelous spirit of the Conference and endeavor to share this with all those who had not been privileged to attend.

By the middle of March the National Teaching Committee was meeting at the rate of fourteen times in twenty days, which included three days of ten consecutive hours each. Even then it was impossible to deal with everything on the agenda. From this time onward to the end of the Plan, there was no respite. Campaigns were soon under way in all the goal cities.

During the final seven and a half weeks, progress towards completion of the objectives became so accelerated that the N.T.C. sent out weekly bulletins to every individual Bahá’í to keep them posted as to the progress of their goals. Forty-six believers offered themselves and were accepted as pioneer settlers.

There is not space here to give the details of these thrilling happenings. They can be summed up in the final paragraph of the N.T.C. report: “All the pioneers moved to their posts as soon as could be arranged and all were present for the Riḍván meetings in the twenty-four Assemblies.”

With their goals safely won they were rewarded by this message from the Guardian: “Overjoyed, deeply grateful, immensely proud of the signal victory achieved by the Bahá’í’ Community of the British Isles shedding luster on the opening years of the second Bahá’í century.”

The believers in the U.S. can find much to emulate in the pattern of self-sacrifice and devotion which our British brothers have set. They have clearly demonstrated that miracles, in the sight of Bahá’u’lláh are the result of our complete faith, courage and dedication to our appointed tasks.

“The Final Phase of the Struggle”

Beloved Bahá’í Friends:

The ever-vigilant, ever-firm and ever-loving Guardian has in his message cabled to the 1950 National Convention, balanced the noble achievements of the Bahá’í World Community with the urgent summons addressed to the American believers calling them to fulfill their mission under the second Seven Year Plan.

He said: “First stage (of) austerity period resolutely embarked upon, successfully traversed.”

He then, as the climax of this ardently-awaited annual message, added these words: “Resolution no less grim, self-abnegation no less heroic, solidarity in sacrifice no less striking, must needs distinguish the final phase (of the) stern struggle still facing (the) dauntless, high-minded, Spartan-souled American Bahá’í Community ...”

On what front is this stern struggle now to be waged?

“To liquidate (the) deficit in the General Fund, marring (the) otherwise spotless record (of) collective achievement, as well as (to) provide financial support imperatively required (to) meet, through prompt dispatch (of) substantial number (of) competent pioneers, (the) emergency existing (in) Central (and) South America, thereby insuring (the) glorious consummation (of the) thirteen-year-old enterprise through (the) formation (of the) projected twin National Assemblies (in) Latin America.”

The friends are requested to note the Guardian’s description of our deficit as a condition “marring (the) otherwise spotless record” of our collective achievement. Ours, therefore, is not merely to perform a

[Page 3] certain task but the far deeper obligation to clear our record as a national Bahá’í Community of a blemish which causes our Guardian real concern.

(The National Treasurer is reporting the condition of the Fund elsewhere in this issue).

Moreover, the amount of the deficit represents funds direly needed to intensify the work required to prepare the Bahá’ís of Central and South America for the establishment of their respective National Spiritual Assemblies in 1951. There are more pioneers to send; more books and pamphlets to translate and publish in Spanish and Portuguese; more local and regional teaching projects by Latin American believers to sustain. At present the Bahá’í World Community includes nine National Spiritual Assemblies. By this time next year there are to be eleven—a most impressive extension of the foundations of the new World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Bahá’ís of East and West, sobered and steeled as they celebrate the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, move swiftly toward the majestic Jubilee marking the Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s mystical experience in Síyáh-Chál during 1853. For this we construct the House of Worship; for this we extend and consolidate the American Bahá’í Community; for this we establish the Faith in all the countries of Central and South America; for this we raise up strong new Assemblies throughout Western Europe.

An austerity period? Yes! How otherwise save by “resolution no less grim, self-abnegation no less heroic, solidarity in sacrifice no less striking,” can we be worthy to participate in the Divine Plan for the redemption of a stricken world.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Our Victory Fund

Dearly Beloved Friends:

This is the year of Crisis! This is the year of Devotion! This is the year of Victory!

In his message to the Convention, the beloved Guardian directed our specific attention to two very critical conditions in the onrushing tide of the second seven year plan: first, “the emergency existing in Central and South America,” and of our responsibility to “provide financial support imperatively required” to permit formulation of two National Spiritual Assemblies in the Latin American field; and, second, our obligation to “liquidate the deficit in the General Fund, marring the otherwise spotless record of collective achievement” of the American Bahá’í Community.

The major considerations before the National Assembly therefore, since the Convention, has been the formulation of plans to gain the goals set by the Guardian for this year.

Notice The National Spiritual Assembly regrets very much indeed to inform the believers that it has been necessary to remove the name of Mr. James Overbeck from the list of voting Bahá’ís in the United States. This action cancels his Bahá’í credentials. —NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

After lengthy consultations with the Inter-America Committee, the budget for our Latin American work was set at $50,000.00. It was felt this amount would permit the work to go forward and crown this unique spiritual campaign with the glory of two new pillars of the Universal House of Justice, (two new National Spiritual Assemblies).

The General Budget for the Bahá’í year 1950-51 has thus been set at $187,500.00. This contemplates the same austerity in all our operations as existed in the first year of our austerity period; but with no lessening, as the Guardian requested, in the momentum of the work in the other specific tasks of the plan, including teaching in Europe and America.

The deficit to which the Guardian referred, as marring our otherwise spotless record, amounts to $51,345.00 — less, we are happy to be able to tell you than was estimated, at Convention time. This amount includes $10,000.00 needed to publish Bahá’í World Vol. X.

Combining the General Budget of $187,500. with the Deficit of $51,345. we have a total requirement of $238,845. which we must contribute this year of crisis to achieve VICTORY — in addition, of course, to the payment of all Resolves for the Temple Interior Construction Fund.

The National Assembly has designated this fund of $238,845, as the VICTORY FUND.

If we meet it, and meet it we must; we will have achieved our goals from a financial standpoint; and will have removed the mar from our spotless record.

The banner of the Faith is being raised to ever new heights by the American Bahá’ís. Surely, we cannot, and will not, permit anything to long stain the brilliance of its glory.

In order that each of us may understand the part we must individually play in this great undertaking, the National Assembly wishes to point out that the contributions to the General Fund last year were $119,544. Thus our VICTORY FUND, is almost double that amount. This means that each individual contributing to the VICTORY FUND, must double the amount he contributed to the General Fund last year; — and each Assembly and Group, in sending their contributions to the VICTORY FUND, must double the amount sent to the National Treasurer for the General Fund last year.

This is the year of crisis, during which we have the supreme blessing, to vindicate the suffering, the martyrdom, of our beloved Báb, in this year of the centenary of those dark days 100 years ago. By our united resolution, our unified self-abnegation, our solidarity in sacrifice for another year, will we meet the spiritual grace of these days. When we gather under the completed Dome of the House of Worship next year, it must be in complete VICTORY.

—NATIONAL TREASURER

IMPORTANT!!

The Friends are urgently requested to make all checks, drafts, or money orders, payable to the

“National Bahá’í Fund”

when making remittances to the National Treasury. Checks, etc. should not be made payable to the Treasurer.

Contributions intended for other than the Victory Fund, should be accompanied by a note, stating for what purpose the contribution is made; i.e. “Resolve Payment”, etc.

—NATIONAL TREASURER

[Page 4]

Status of Temple Interior Construction Fund as of May 31, 1950
Important !!

Temple Interior Construction Fund. as of May 31, 1950

Estimated Cost of Construction	$860,000.
Paid as of May 31, 1950	365,168.
Amount still to be paid	494,832.
Cash on hand May 31, 1950	397,538.
Amount still to be raised from Resolves	97,294.
Unpaid Resolves	95,234.

The Bahá’í Holy Days

Since August, 1947, two statements by Shoghi Effendi have been published in Bahá’í News on the importance of observing the Bahá’í Holy Days. Prior to these statements the matter was brought to our attention in the Guardian’s explanation of the Bahá’í Calendar which has been published on the calendar card annually for a number of years.

In August, 1947 the NSA published the Guardian’s directive as written through his secretary in a letter dated July 7 of that year:—

“He wishes also to stress the fact that, according to our Bahá’í laws, work is forbidden on our nine Holy Days. Believers who have independent businesses or shops should refrain from working on these days. Those who are in government employ should, on religious grounds, make an effort to be excused from work; all believers, whosoever their employers, should do likewise. If the government or other employers refuse to grant them these days off, they are not required to forfeit their employment, but they should make every effort to have the independent status of their Faith recognized and their right to hold their own religious Holy Days acknowledged.”

In Bahá’í News for May, 1948, the Guardian gave further emphasis to these laws:—

“He wishes the Bahá’ís to press for recognition of their right to observe their own Holy Days, and to observe them whenever possible in strict accordance with our teachings.”

Finally, in September, 1948 Bahá’í News the NSA republished the 1947 statement with comment. The Assembly stressed the importance of

Progress of Temple Interior ornamentation as of June 7, 1950.

applying the law to attendance of Bahá’í youth in schools. “In this connection the NSA wishes to advise the friends that no national action can be taken to bring about a recognition of the Holy Days by public schools, thus enabling Bahá’í youth to remain absent from school on these days. Public schools have more or less local jurisdiction in these matters, and therefore the parents, with such help and advice as the local Assembly can give, should approach the officials of the school where their children are enrolled.”

Since it has seemed advisable to review this record, already clearly set forth in the Guardian’s own words, the Assembly wishes to take the occasion to point out that Bahá’í News is employed as the medium of communication between the Guardian and the body of the believers as well as between the NSA and the Bahá’í community. When matters of fundamental Bahá’í law and teaching are involved it would be well if the believers, and especially the local Assemblies, could make such matters part of their permanent records as otherwise they tend to be displaced by the contents of later issues of the news letter.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Holy Days of Other Religions

The Bahá’í attitude toward the traditional non-Bahá’í Holy Days was defined by the Guardian in a statement published in Bahá’í News of March, 1940:—

“As regards the celebration of the Christian Holidays by the believers; it is surely preferable and even highly advisable that the friends should in their relation to each other discontinue observing such holidays as Christmas and New Years, and to have their festival gatherings of this nature instead during the intercalary days and Naw-Rúz ...”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.”

—Bahá’u’lláh

[Page 5]

TABRIZ - JULY 9, 1850

(Excerpts from the account of the Martyrdom of the Báb as given in Dawn Breakers by Nabil.)

Deprived of His turban and sash, the twin emblems of His noble lineage, the Báb, together with Siyyid Ḥusayn, His amanuensis, was driven to yet another confinement which He well knew was but a step further on the way leading Him to the goal He had set Himself to attain. That day witnessed a tremendous commotion in the city of Tabríz. The great convulsion associated in the ideas of its inhabitants with the Day of Judgment seemed at last to have come upon them. Never had that city experienced a turmoil so fierce and so mysterious as the one which seized its inhabitants on the day the Báb was led to that place which was to be the scene of His martyrdom. As He approached the courtyard of the barracks, a youth suddenly leaped forward who, in his eagerness to overtake Him, had forced his way through the crowd, utterly ignoring the risks and perils which such an attempt might involve. His face was haggard, his feet were bare, and his hair dishevelled. Breathless with excitement and exhausted with fatigue, he flung himself at the feet of the Báb and, seizing the hem of His garment, passionately implored Him: “Send me not from Thee, O Master. Wherever Thou goest, suffer me to follow Thee.” “Muḥammad ‘Alí,” answered the Báb, “arise, and rest assured that you will be with Me. To-morrow you shall witness what God has decreed.” Two other companions, unable to contain themselves, rushed forward and assured Him of their unalterable loyalty. These, together with Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alíy-i-Zunuzí, were seized and placed in the same cell in which the Báb and Syyid Ḥusayn were confined.

I have heard Siyyid Ḥusayn bear witness to the following:

“That night the face of the Báb was aglow with joy, a joy such as had never shone from His countenance. Indifferent to the storm that raged about Him, He conversed with us with gaiety and cheerfulness. The sorrows that had weighed so heavily upon Him seemed to have completely vanished. Their weight appeared to have dissolved in the consciousness of approaching victory. ‘Tomorrow,’ He said to us, ‘will be the day of My martyrdom. Would that one of you might now arise and, with his own hands, end My life. I prefer to be slain by the hand of a friend rather than by that of the enemy.” Tears rained from our eyes as we heard Him express that wish. We shrank, however, at the thought of taking away with our own hands so precious a life. We refused, and remained silent. Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alí suddenly sprang to his feet and announced himself ready to obey whatever the Báb might desire. ‘This same youth who has risen to comply with My wish,’ the Báb declared, as soon as we had intervened and forced him to abandon the thought, ‘will, together with Me, suffer martyrdom. Him will I choose to share with Me its crown.’ ”

Early in the morning, Mirzá Ḥasan Khán ordered his farrásh-báshí (head attendant) to conduct the Báb into the presence of the leading mujtahids of the city and to obtain from them the authorization required for His execution. As the Báb was leaving the barracks, Siyyid Ḥusayn asked Him what he should do. “Confess not your faith,” He advised him. “Thereby you will be enabled, when the hour comes, to convey to those who are destined to hear you, the things of which you alone are aware.” He was engaged in a confidential conversation with him when the farrásh-báshí suddenly interrupted and, holding Siyyid Ḥusayn by the hands drew him aside and ‎severly severely‎ rebuked him. “Not until I have said to him all those things that I wish to say,” the Báb warned the farrásh-báshí, “can any earthly power silence Me. Though all the world be armed against Me, yet shall they be powerless to deter Me from fulfilling, to the last word, My intention.” The farrásh-báshí, was amazed at such a bold assertion. He made, however, no reply, and bade Siyyid Ḥusayn arise and follow him.

* * *

The Báb was, in His turn brought before Mullá Muḥammad-i-Mámáqání. No sooner had he recognized Him than he seized the death-warrant he himself had previously written and, handing it to his attendant, bade him deliver it to the farrásh-báshí. “No need,” he cried, “to bring the Siyyid-i-Báb into my presence. This death-warrant I penned the very day I met him at the gathering presided over by the Valí-‘Ahd. He surely is the same man whom I saw on that occasion, and has not, in the meantime, surrendered any of his claims.”

From thence the Báb was conducted to the house of Mírzá Báqir, the son of Mírzá Aḥmad, to whom he had recently succeeded. When they arrived, they found his attendant standing at the gate holding in his hand the Báb’s death-warrant. “No need to enter,” he told them. “My master is already satisfied that his father was right in pronouncing the sentence of death. He can do no better than follow his example.”

Mullá Murtaḍá-Qulí, following in the footsteps of the other two mujtahids, had previously issued his own written testimony and refused to meet face to face his dreaded opponent. No sooner had the farrásh-báshí secured the necessary documents than he delivered his Captive into the hands of Sám Khán, assuring him that he could proceed with his task now that he had obtained the sanction of the civil and ecclesiastical authorities of the realm.

Sám Khán was, in the meantime, finding himself increasingly affected by the behaviour of his Captive and the treatment that had been meted out to Him. He was seized with great fear lest his action should bring upon him the wrath of God. “I profess the Christian Faith,” he explained to the Báb, “and entertain no ill will against you. If your Cause be the Cause of Truth, enable me to free myself from the obligation to shed your blood.” “Follow your instructions,” the Báb replied, “and if your intention be sincere, the Almighty is surely able to relieve you from your perplexity.”

Sám Khán ordered his men to drive a nail into the pillar that lay between the door of the room that Siyyid Ḥusayn occupied and the entrance to the adjoining one, and to make fast two ropes to that nail, from which the Báb and His companion were to be separately suspended. Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alí begged Sám Khán to be placed in such a manner that his own body would

[Page 6] shield that of the Báb. He was eventually suspended in such a position that his head reposed on the breast of his Master. As soon as they were fastened, a regiment of soldiers ranged itself in three files, each of two hundred and fifty men, each of which was ordered to open fire in its turn until the whole detachment had discharged the volleys of its bullets. The smoke of the firing of the seven hundred and fifty rifles was such as to turn the light of the noonday sun into darkness. There had crowded onto the roof of the barracks, as well as the tops of the adjoining houses about ten thousand people, all of whom were witnesses to that sad and moving scene.

As soon as the cloud of smoke had cleared away, an astounded multitude were looking upon a scene which their eyes could scarcely believe. There, standing before them alive and unhurt, was the companion of the Báb, whilst He Himself had vanished uninjured from their sight. Though the cords with which they were suspended had been rent in pieces by the bullets, yet their bodies had miraculously escaped the volleys. Even the tunic which Mírzá Muḥammad-‘Alí was wearing had, despite the thickness of the smoke, remained unsullied. “The Siyyid-í-Báb has gone from our sight.” rang out the voices of the bewildered multitude. They set out in a frenzied search for Him, and found Him, eventually, seated in the same room which He had occupied the night before, engaged in completing His interrupted conversation, with Siyyid Ḥusayn. An expression of unruffled calm was upon His face. His body had emerged unscathed from the shower of bullets which the regiment had directed against Him. “I have finished My conversation with Siyyid Ḥusayn,” the Báb told the farrásh-báshí. “Now you may proceed to fulfil your intention.” The man was too much shaken to resume what he had already attempted. Refusing to accomplish his duty, he, that same moment, left that scene and resigned his post. He related all that he had seen to his neighbor, Mírzá Siyyid Muḥsin, one of the notables of Tabríz, who, as soon as he heard the story, was converted to the Faith.

Sám Khán was likewise stunned by the force of this tremendous revelation. He ordered his men to leave the barracks immediately and refused ever again to associate himself and his regiment with any act that involved the least injury to the Báb. He swore, as he left that courtyard, never again to resume that task even though his refusal should entail the loss of his own life.

No sooner had Sám Khán departed than Áká Ján Khán-i-Khamsih, colonel of the body-guard, known also by the names of Khamsih and Násirí, volunteered to carry out the order for execution. On the same wall and in the same manner, the Báb and His companion were again suspended, while the regiment formed in line to open fire upon them. Contrariwise to the previous occasion, when only the cord with which they were suspended had been shot to pieces, this time their bodies were shattered and were blended into one mass of mingled flesh and bone. “Had you believed in Me, O wayward generation,” were the last words of the Báb to the gazing multitude as the regiment was preparing to fire a final volley, “every one of you would have followed the example of this youth, who stood in rank above most of you, and willingly would have sacrificed himself in My path. The day will come when you will have recognized Me; that day I shall have ceased to be with you.”

The very moment the shots were fired, a gale of exceptional severity arose and swept over the whole city. A whirlwind of dust of incredible density ‎obsured obscured‎ the light of the sun and blinded the eyes of the people. The entire city remained enveloped in that darkness from noon till night. Even so strange a phenomenon, following immediately in the wake of that still more astounding failure of Sám Khán’s regiment to injure the Báb, was unable to move the hearts of the people of Tabríz, and to induce them to pause and reflect upon the significance of such momentous events. They witnessed the effect which so marvellous an occurrence had produced upon Sám Khán; they beheld the consternation of the farrásh-báshí and saw him make his irrevocable decision; they could even examine that tunic which, despite the discharge of so many bullets, had remained whole and stainless; they could read in the face of the Báb, who had emerged unhurt from that storm, the expression of undisturbed serenity as He resumed His conversation with Syyid Ḥusayn; and yet none of them troubled himself to inquire as to the significance of these unwanted signs and wonders.

The martyrdom of the Báb took place at noon on Sunday, the twenty-eighth of Shá‘bán, in the year 1266 A.H. (July 9, 1850), thirty-one lunar years, seven months, and twenty-seven days from the day of His birth in Shiráz.

The Call of the Martyrs

By GEORGE TOWNSHEND

Now in this crisis of our fortunes time brings round to us the centennial of the great martyrdoms in Persia.

The siege of Tabarsi closed in the spring of 1849 with the death of almost all its defenders including one half of the “Letters of the Living”—Mullá Ḥusayn and Quddús among them. In March, 1850 the Seven Martyrs were beheaded in the great square of Ṭihrán. In May of that year the investment of the Bábis in Zanján opened. In June Vahíd the “unique and peerless figure of his Age” was martyred, and most of his companions at Nayríz after him. On July 9th the Báb was shot to death in Tabríz. Early in 1851 Hujjat was killed, and some 1800 fellow believers perished with him. Then in 1852 came the universal holocaust of torture and massacre which involved Ṭáhirih and thousands of others and did not cease till every discoverable Bábí was slain or cowed or driven into exile. The authorities then were assured the movement was at an end and its fires quenched forever.

Little did those blind and wicked men know the power hidden in this cause or the profound effects of self-sacrificing faith.

With unflinching firmness the martyrs went to the doom for which they had longed and prayed, counting such a death a boon and a reward. They endured their sufferings with superhuman patience, breaking their stubborn silence, if at all, only to

[Page 7] utter words of forgiveness to their executioners or to chant a hymn of thanksgiving to the Beloved into whose presence they were passing.

So unexampled was their resolution and their fortitude that it astonished and bewildered beholders, attracted hearts, made converts (secret or open) to the Báb, spread His fame and that of His followers beyond the borders of Persia and inspired many a revering tribute from western scholars or diplomats and others who told in glowing phrases of the “rare and beautiful spirit of self-sacrifice” which distinguished the Bábís and of “the sublime and unmurmuring devotion” with which they defied their torture-mongers.

To an American correspondent who in after years wrote of these dreadful scenes, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied in a Tablet which has since found its way into print that these martyrdoms fanned the fire of the love of God, spread the Word of God, uplifted the standard of God and drew from the Tree of Life fragrances of holiness that were diffused through the world. We of the West have seen the proof of the enduring effects of this heroic devotion to God in the deep, strong, steadfast faith that distinguishes today the Bahá’ís of the Land of the Martyrs. Bahá’u’lláh in a great prayer for forgiveness of sins has permitted us to plead “the blood of Thy lovers who were so attracted by Thy sweet utterance that they betook themselves to the lofty summit of the Mount of Great Martyrdom.” His Pen has written, “O Son of Being! Seek a martyr’s death in My Path ... O Son of Man! By My beauty! To tinge thy hair with thy blood is greater in My sight than the creation of the universe and the light of both worlds. Strive then to attain this O servant.”

They gave their lives simply for love of God, that they might be true to Him, be close to Him, be united with Him. Love and longing for God uplifted, transformed them, gave them a strange new strength and held them firm through every trial.

Nothing less than this divinely given rapture could have animated such utter self-abandonment as was theirs. It was not firmness of character, not love for the principles of the Faith, not love for its ideals, nor for its reforms, nor even love for virtue and for the attributes of God, which inspired their heroism: but rather an unreserved, all-absorbing, all-forgetting devotion for one in Whom they saw God Manifest.

Before they knew Him, they had, one and all (even the valiant Ḥusayn, even Ṭáhirih) been ordinary men and women, with their selfishnesses and their doubts; till love came upon them and transmuted their whole being, changed the gnat into an eagle, the hare into a lion, gave them the mastery of life and ushered them into new ranges of ecstasy and power.

That Heroic Age is past. The martyrs stand to us as an example and a challenge. They show us what an appeal, a charm lies in this Faith for hearts that are sensitive to its influence.

But the battle which they fought is still unwon, the Faith for which they died has not as yet prevailed. In a world, perverse, preoccupied, obfuscated with doubt and pride, a new opposition has taken form, a new foe has reared his gloomy ramparts against the advancing Truth. From their bloodstained graves the voice of the martyrs calls on us believers of a later day, for a love, a courage as deeply based as theirs that shall now achieve that ultimate victory which their Lord promised them and which their hearts foresaw.

Their courage was infinite. None can measure it. Tried to the uttermost it showed no tremor but only triumphant strength. Earth’s bitterest cruelty tried to break it but only made it burn higher and with an intenser flame.

Bahá’u’lláh in a Word of Wisdom reveals the secret of their power.

“The essence of courage,” He tells us, “is the promotion of the Word of God and steadfastness in His love.”

The Qu’rán writes, “The truly brave are those who stand firm and behave patiently under ills and hardships; their patience is only for God and not to display bravery.”

It is the Cause that matters. It is the Cause that distinguishes from all lesser kinds of courage the courage that rises in the soul, that lasts on into the hereafter, that is a permanent possession. It is the Cause that opens these hidden reserves of strength and rapture; and this all-hallowing Cause is none other than the selfless service of God and of His Beloved.

The story of the martyrs as handed down to us shows on every page, in every word that the ground of their heroism was the ardour of their faith. In Nabíl’s record and in the testimony of Bábis quoted in it, doctrine fills but little place; faith is all in all. The Báb’s imprisonment separated Him from His disciples and they had few opportunities of receiving His instructions; but through their deep, strong, ardent faith they reached the end of all learning and exhausted knowledge—they became one with God. To us in this Formative Age doctrine is much, teaching problems are urgent, constructive work is vital; yet no service can take the place of Faith. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave us a command and imposed on us a Covenant: “As your faith is, so shall your blessings and your powers be. That is the standard. That is the standard. That is the standard.”

Unquestioning belief in the Manifestation; an unshadowed vision of God in Him; impassioned love for Him; this is the handle of every weapon in the armour of the Soldiers of Light.

It is not enough that we should believe; we are required to deepen our faith continually. It is not enough to acknowledge Bahá’u’lláh and love Him; we must love Him more and more. Faith and love are living, growing, expanding things, as seed, as leaven. A believer once started on his way, cannot stand still without incurring grievous loss. If he does not grow forward, he slips back.

“Let your morning be better than your evening, and your day an improvement on the morning,” was the command of Bahá’u’lláh.

“It is not permissable for two days to resemble each other,” said Muḥammad.

The Bábis were forever eager and active in the Cause of God, forever facing danger. They associated with one another. They called on the Sacred Name, they chanted their prayers together. The joy of their love so radiated from them that it was commonly said one could not have tea with them without wishing to join their society. Their enemies charged them with magic, with casting spells of love on those who came to them. And when the summons came to dare and to die for their Beloved, they were ready.

[Page 8] The Source on which they drew for their strength is within the reach of all of us ... ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has expressed it in these words:—

“Our Strength is the Strength of the Blessed Perfection!

Though all mankind unite against us,

Yet shall His Strength be ours;

Nor can all the world despoil us of it.

His Strength is our weapon to wield for evermore,

With it we shall conquer all things.

His Strength is a sword that rusteth not,

A treasure that knows no bounds.”

---

“O My beloved friends! You are the bearers of the name of God in this Day. You have been chosen as the repositories of His mystery. It behoves each one of you to manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by your deeds and words the signs of His righteousness, His power and glory. The very members of your body must bear witness to the loftiness of your purpose, the integrity of your life, the reality of your faith, and the exalted character of your devotion. For verily I say, this is the Day spoken of by God in His Book.”

—The Báb

---

Enrollments

Enrollments Reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:

ARIZ., Tucson 1; CALIF., Burbank 2; Escondido 1; Inglewood 1; Los Angeles 1; Santa Barbara 1; CONN., Greenwich 1; MASS., Beverly 2; Boston 2; N.J., Englewood 1; N.Y., Syracuse 1; New York City 2; ORE., Astoria 1; Portland 3; WIS., Milwaukee 3; Wauwatosa 2; YOUTH 7

Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees:

NORTHEASTERN STATES

East N.Y. 1

New Jersey 1

CENTRAL STATES

Wis. 1 Youth

Mich. 1

Ill., Iowa 2

WESTERN STATES

So. Calif. 2

Wash. 2

SOUTHERN STATES

W. Division

Texas 1

TOTALS: Adults, 35,

Youth, 8

Calendar

Feasts: Aug. 1, Kamál, Perfection

Aug. 20, Asmá, Names

N.S.A. Meeting: Sept. 1, 2, 3, 4

The Báb was imprisoned while in Tabríz in this now crumbling prison room of the old brick Ark. Fuád Ahmadpur, former chairman of National Bahá’í Youth Committee of Iran, and Robert Gulick, reached it through a beautiful garden of the Lion and the Sun, the Iranian Red Cross.

Fourth Bahá’í Congress in South America

Well organized committees of preparation facilitated the Bahá’í Congress at Lima, Peru to begin the session with dignity and order; and with the aid of a very efficient Chairman this dignity and order were maintained throughout every session.

The keynote of the Congress was a desire to deepen in the fundamental knowledge of our God-given institutions and in the Spirit of our Faith. The opening chord was struck when the delegates demonstrated their fervent desire to have a deeper understanding of the Covenant around which revolves all Bahá’í life. A plea for more material was made in order that study classes may be formed for deepening purposes.

Again the keynote was manifest in the wish to amplify their knowledge of the history of our Cause and to know how to familiarize the friends with historical materials. It was at this session that C.E.B.S.A. presented the booklet, Bocestos Historicos de la Fe Bahá’í, a collection of stories translated into Spanish from the English. It represented the cooperative effort of the friends in each of the South American countries.

And yet again the keynote was heard in the hour dedicated to methods of maturing in the spiritual life, through obedience to the laws of Bahá’u’lláh.

A high note of the Congress was the presence of Mrs. Dorothy Baker, a representative of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. The eagerness on the part of the delegates to give as much time as possible in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the working of a National Bahá’í Assembly which has been functioning for many years, demonstrated anew the earnest desire of the friends of Latin America to make ready for the time when they will have their National Spiritual

[Page 9] Assemblies. The precise as well as inspirational way in which this material was presented by the representative caused the delegates to remark over and over, “We see it all so much clearer now.” It was perhaps this thirst for more profound knowledge of our spiritual institutions that helped the congress members to eliminate the lesser things that often waste precious time at congresses, and to go straight to the heart of the more important issues.

The emphasis that the delegates placed on action, and not simply words, showed a spiritual maturity that was indeed heartening. They seemed eager to go back to their countries to reestablish lost assemblies, make groups into assemblies, and consolidate present assemblies. Latin American pioneers arose to go into fields where help is sorely needed.

This observer at the Fourth Bahá’í Congress of S.A. prays that our high enthusiasm may be sustained throughout the year and that victory in the Power of God shall be won. (From notes by Eve Nicklin.)

Dedication of the Spirit of First Latin Teachers’ Institute

The students at the first Latin American Institute for teachers, pioneers and members of C.E.B.M.A., just concluded in the City of Panama have sent their profound love to the dear Guardian and assured him of their new dedication, their devotion and their firm intent to carry through the projects of this crucial year to a successful conclusion with the election of the new National Spiritual Assembly for this territory in April, 1951.

The purpose of this institute was specifically to prepare as many as possible of the teachers, who will present the material on the majesty and greatness of this Cause, on the Covenant and the Divine Institutions of Bahá’u’lláh in month-long institutes to be held in each Assembly city of this territory, and to be linked up with a campaign to attract and teach new believers, during July, August, September and October.

The program for the Bahá’ís and those near to the Cause among the students, is divided into two general sections, the first being “The Kingdom of God on Earth” and including four main topics: “The Major Covenant of God”, “The Laws and Institutions of the Most Holy Book,” “The Twin Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” and “The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.” The second main section is on “Building the New World Order” and includes as its main topics: “Your National Spiritual Assembly” and “The Divine Plan.”

Instructors participating in the institute, who will later give these programs in the various cities, included Larry Kramer of Puebla, Mexico; Sheila Rice-Wray of Managua, Nicaragua; Louise Caswell of San José, Costa Rica; Natalia Chávez, Racquel Francois and Cora Oliver of Panama City, and James Facey of Colon. C.E.B.M.A. members attending included Alfred Osborne, chairman; James Facey, recording secretary; Natalia Chávez, out-going general secretary; Elisabeth H. Cheney, incoming general secretary; Sra. Blanca de Campos, Racquel Francois and Manuel Corgas. Mrs. Mabel Sneider and Mrs. Ruth Fendell were guests. Other teachers and pioneers of the Central American territory, who will participate in giving the institutes in the various countries, include Dr. Sarah Pereira and Miss Lydia Martin of Cleveland, Ohio; Matthew Bullock of Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Antonio Bonilla of San Pedro Sula, Honduras; Srta. Maria Francisca Rivera of Guatemala City, Mrs. Dorothy Campbell of Jackson, Miss.; Zenayda Jurado C. of Mexico City, Mrs. Ruth Moffett of Chicago, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray of Puerto Rico, Elena Marsella of Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic, and Sra. Viva de Lismore of Havana, Cuba. Dr. Pereira and Miss Martin of Cleveland and Mrs. Campbell of Jackson are expected to reach their pioneer posts this month, while Dr. Rice-Wray is expected to return to Puerto Rico in June.

Several students were asked what they wished to say about the institute. Natalia Chávez replied: “We have been immensely happy for three days with our dear Dorothy Baker, who has directed the study in the first institute for Bahá’í teachers in Latin America. We had an opportunity to hear from her ample and interesting explanations about the formation of the future institutions of Bahá’u’lláh. After this institute we believe that the teachers who took part in it, will be divinely oriented and prepared to go forth to their various countries and there to give this knowledge to our brothers and sisters. Dorothy made us feel very close to the Guardian and to Rúḥíyyih Khánum. We believe that we have now attained a better capacity to collaborate with the Guardian in preparing and forming our future National Spiritual Assembly in 1951.”

“I had not fully realized this Light before,” said Manuel Corgas, first of the indigenees of Panama to become a Bahá’í. “For me, this has been a great step forward; an incentive to work harder for the Cause, as the Guardian wishes. I beg that he will pray for us, that the Cause may progress, with complete harmony and in spite of all difficulties. It is the first time that we have had this type of instruction and I feel that it has been a great success, and will mean new progress for the Faith through each of us.” (From notes by Elizabeth Cheney.)

“Bend your energies to whatever may foster the education of men.”

—Bahá’u’lláh

Banquet held May 1, 1950, by the Assembly of Lima, Peru, in honor of the delegates and guests of the Fourth Annual Congress of South America.

[Page 10]

European News

Mrs. Florence Holsinger of the Los Angeles community sailed for Europe on May 2 to pioneer in Sweden. Mrs. Holsinger stopped off in Norway en route and the Oslo believers have written very enthusiastically of her visit with them.

Across the world, Australia has recently made its contribution to the spread of the Faith in Europe in the person of Miss Lilian Wyss. Miss Wyss is the daughter of an Australian Bahá’í family who has been living in Switzerland. On the attainment of her 21st birthday, Miss Wyss offered to pioneer for the ETC and has been sent to Norway.

Plans are being consummated for the coming Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. This year it will be followed by the First European Teaching Summer School. The Conference and Summer School will be held during the week of July 24 to 30th. This year many of the native new believers will take an active part in the program both of the Conference and of the Summer School. From reservations already made it appears that these occasions will be very well attended.

Mary and Edward Bode have recently returned from Lisbon, Portugal after serving over a year in the pioneer field. They performed a great service in the spread of the Faith both in Holland and in Portugal.

Corrections:

In the April issue we stated that Else Horneman had become a Bahá’í in Peru. This was incorrect. Miss Horneman was a member of the first Spiritual Assembly in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

In the May issue, it was reported that “the first Bahá’í wedding took place in Basle.” (Switzerland) This was incorrect. The first wedding of native Swiss believers was that of Mrs. Olga Apreng and Mr. Friedrich Schár, which took place in Bern, July, 1948, and was reported in the August, 1948 issue.

“This is a Revelation which infuseth strength into the feeble, and crowneth with wealth the destitute.”

—Bahá’u’lláh

“Meeting the Crisis”
“Tell the Story”

Why Tell the Story?

The Cause of God can be established only through human instruments. The sooner the Faith becomes known, the more quickly will the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh come into being.

The urgency of the present hour, and the enormous tasks still to be accomplished in fulfilling America’s spiritual mission, require more members of the Faith.

The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá places on each and every individual the obligation to promote the Faith, to teach the Cause.

The peace of soul and the understanding of the purpose of life which we derive from our Faith must be shared with others who are seeking the same solace and understanding. What Story Shall We Tell?

The Promised Day is come! God has spoken to our age through Bahá’u’lláh. That, in essence, is the story.

Bahá’u’lláh has revealed a plan for world order and has provided the means through which universal peace and brotherhood may be established.

When and Where Shall We Tell the Story?

Do not sit at home and wait for people to ask for the Faith. Be alert to every opportunity to speak of the Faith and of Bahá’u’lláh. Openings come in many different ways. For example: comment on today’s news; propose to orthodox people that prophecy has been fulfilled; stimulate interest by referring to the pure teachings of the Prophet in whom the individual believes, and then explain our belief in progressive revelation; reach parents through their children by discussing spiritual principles of education, the need for religion, etc.

Never fail to mention the Faith when the opportunity presents itself. Remember that the one with whom you are talking may not cross your path again and you may never have another opportunity to enkindle the spark that may be burning in his soul.

Bahá’ís must be extroverts. We must get out and associate with people, make as many contacts as possible. Whenever you find a receptive soul, ‎utilitze utilize‎ the fireside method of teaching (whether it be on the street corner, at the soda fountain, or at home); think ahead, control the conversation and lead up to an opening for mentioning the Faith.

Endeavor to attract individuals and appeal to organizations whose principles are in line with ours, and we will win “free carriers” and have others “rooting for us.”

How Shall We Tell the Sorry?

Teach with wisdom and utterance.

Keep in mind that the Faith is like a life-giving water to the thirsty. Many are thirsty but are not aware of their thirst. Be discreet, but not too discreet. We are hindering the promotion of the Faith more by our tendency to be too discreet than by our indiscretions.

Be direct in your mention of the Faith and of Bahá’u’lláh. We have the greatest story of all time to tell the world, and we have been promised divine assistance when we make the effort to teach.

Show interest in the spiritual needs of your fellowmen. Interpret their fears and give the Bahá’í remedy.

Give the individual something to which he will readily respond and then go on from there.

Be enthusiastic. If you are not enthusiastic, you cannot teach. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Live the Bahá’í life. Show that we mean what we say and teach. Radiate the Bahá’í spirit. A radiant spirit comes from a deep inner conviction, and that in turn comes from study and knowledge of the Faith.

Stress the positive values. Avoid the “thou shalt nots.”

Give the right impression of the Faith. Create confidence by letting people see that we know what we are teaching. Avoid a “sloppy” presentation of facts.

Find your own best teaching method and develop it to gain confidence. Do not adopt the methods of another individual unless they seem natural to you.

Make a practice of holding fireside meetings regularly, with or without the help of others. The fireside method is still the best method of attracting and interesting individuals because it makes possible an approach on a personal level.

[Page 11] Make the most of visual aids.—Bahá’í pictures, the ringstone, the Bahá’í books, etc. — to stimulate inquiry. Discuss or give reviews of books such as The Mature Mind, The Story of History, etc., as bridges to the Bahá’í teachings.

Make consistent and ‎sutained sustained‎ use of all teaching opportunities. Keep in touch with your community and your Regional Teaching Committee in order to integrate your efforts with the larger teaching program.

(The suggestions given above are a summary of reports of discussion groups during the consultation period of the State Bahá’í Convention of Northern California, held January 29, 1950. We wish to thank Miss Charlotte Linfoot for making this report available.)

—NATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

Bahá’í Youth Scout the West

A bold plan is underway by the Western Regional Bahá’í Youth Committee for a month-long round of traveling teaching to stimulate youth, consolidate administrative institutions of the Faith, and celebrate and proclaim the spirit and ‎signifcance significance‎ of the Báb. Members of the committee leave the San Francisco Bay area June 20 to swing through four weekend conferences in Portland, Ore., and Los Angeles, Calif.

Pattern of the conferences will be a public meeting the first day on the subject, “At Mid-Century—Halfway to Where?”, followed by a social evening. Second day will be a teaching conference and lunch. The talk will emphasize the spirit of the Báb and the spirit and destiny of youth in today’s world. Conference theme is the spirit of sacrifice and service exemplified in the life and death of the Báb. Tentative plans include between-conference talks in local communities en route. The entire trip is planned to strengthen youth effort and give them much-needed recognition and assistance.

Braille Around the World

The Committee’s first shipment of Bahá’í literature for the blind to Central America high-lighted our first month’s work for 1950-51. It seems significant that this request from San Salvador, teaching us through the Inter-America Committee, came so soon after the Annual (territorial) Congress for Central America.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Sudan, 1950-51.

Around the Bahá’í World

‘IRAQ

(From Arabic Bahá’í News Letters)

Official recognition of Bahá’í marriages was recently achieved in ‘Iráq when the government passed a decree to the First Instance Courts that they would register the marriage certificates of the non-Moslem minorities other than Christians and Jews. Specifically included were Sabeans, Yezidis and Bahá’ís.

There has been progress in the material fortunes of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq. Construction was finished on National Hall, which joins the administrative part of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds with the Guest-House.

The NSA recently purchased a large tract of land in one of the most modern districts of Baghdád. This land will be a Bahá’í cemetery, described as “The Eternal Garden of Baghdád.”

And, national endowments recently added include: three houses in the direct vicinity of the Blessed House of Bahá’u’lláh, given by the late Ḥají Maḥmúd Qassabchi ... a large orchard in Basra (Southern ‘Iráq), dedicated to the Cause by Ḥájí Aḥmad Hamdi of that city in order that a local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds might be built there in the future ... and a new house in Sulaymániyyih, presented by a Bahá’í couple.

EGYPT AND SUDAN

Members of the new NSA of the Bahá’ís of Egypt and Sudan were announced in a letter received from the secretary of that body as being Mohammed Mustafa Sulaiman, president; Iskandar Hanna, vice-president; Ali Hussein Ruhi, secretary; Sobhi Elias, treasurer; Dr. Rochan Yazdi, Badi’i Bishruiy, Abdul Fatah Sabri, Abdul Rahim Yazdi, and Hussein Amin.

Bright spot in their 27th annual convention April 28-30, 1950, was announcement that satisfactory progress had been made toward fulfilment of their Five-Year Plan. The second year’s efforts had been crowned by the establishment of four new Bahá’í centers in four different districts of Egypt.

A wall is to be erected around the Bahá’í burial ‎gounds grounds‎, located a very short distance from the seashore and about four miles from Port-Said. The grounds were officially delivered to the local Assembly in Port-Said.

More Bahá’í literature will be printed in the near future due to the recent abolition of Martial Law in Egypt with its censorship of book printing. Communication with the Guardian is still impossible.

[Page 12]

Correction:

“Around the Bahá’í World,” Australia and New Zealand, issue of April, 1950, page 7, first paragraph. The statement that the property was a gift from Mr. Albert Styles is incorrect. This property was purchased by the New Zealand believers. The gift from Mr. Styles was a block of land at Yerrinbool N.S.W. Australia, which he gave to the LSA of Yerrinbool, and is being held by the NSA until such time as the Local Spiritual Assembly is entitled to hold property.

GERMANY AND AUSTRIA

Teaching work connected with their Five-Year Plan has been greatly retarded by lack of funds, according to the Bahá’í News of Germany and Austria. Available funds are being directed toward completion of their Center, and the publication of needed literature.

The Social Service committee announced that friends of the East Zone are being given increased assistance due to their great need. Letters received from that zone indicated that much help is needed but that in the face of great difficulties the friends there are remaining loyal.

STUTTGART AND FRANKFURT

World Youth Day was held February 12. The theme chosen was, “The United Nations of the Future.”

A summer school was held May 26 to June 2 in Frankfurt. Future sessions this year include one from July 30 to August 6 during Youth Week at Branberg Castle, Hochst; and one to be held at Esslingen August 6 to 13, with Mrs. Beatrice Ashton participating. An additional week will be held in North Germany.

The German N.S.A. has appointed Dr. Eugene Schmidt as the German delegate to the Third European Teaching Conference to be held in Copenhagen July 22 to 29.

In Memoriam

Mr. Don Shepard, LaCrescenta, Calif., 3-28-50

Mr. Edward Riedel, Medina, Ohio, 1-18-49 (reported April, 1950)

Mrs. Anna L. Moeller, Chicago, Ill., 12-46 (reported April, 1950)

Mrs. Mary Manring, La Jolla, Calif., 4-22-50

Mrs. Helen Harper, Greenwich, Conn. 5-25-50

The Home Front

NEW YORK, N.Y.

Evidence that the use of the Bahá’í principle of free and frank consultation has reached a more mature stage was seen at the April conference of the Northeastern ANTC. Reviewing a teaching survey by the NSA, Leroy Ioas noted that when Bahá’ís are not sufficiently centered in the Faith, they are deprived of the spirit. Where teaching work is successful, the believers are unified. It was clearly pointed out by several people that until we are clear in our minds about our Covenant and have firmness therein, we have no solid foundation. Borrah Kavelin, quoting from Ruhíyyih Khanum’s “Teaching Problems,” made it clear that we have an unfolding Covenant, with Shoghi Effendi as the Center of the Covenant of Divine Guidance on earth today. A pioneer teacher cut through to the heart of our problems with a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “As ye have faith, so shall your powers and blessings be. This is the balance—this is the balance—this is the balance.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIF.

The newly instituted class for children of the region, the last Saturday of the month, was a big success. Meeting in the spacious Bahá’í Center, 60 children, aged 3 to 14, wearing name cards bearing the Temple picture and their community, joined in singing several songs by Bahá’ís. This was followed by the showing of Temple slides with a special narration containing many questions, and those Bahá’í children really knew the answers. Another round of singing and they retired to their various rooms for short presentations of the Faith and to get better acquainted.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

In the nation’s capital, the World Youth Day audience of 108 overflowed the Bahá’í Center to hear Mrs. Hilda Yen Male, Bahá’í and member of UN Speakers’ Research Committee, speaks on “The UN Today and the UN Tomorrow.” The hall was attractively draped in flags through the courtesy of Mr. Brooks Harding, designer of the UN Honor Flag representing the four freedoms, who further provided a photographer to take a picture of the meeting which will appear in the “World Flag Encyclopedia,” now in ‎preparaation preparation‎ for publication and world-wide distribution in 1953. Not only this, but Mr. Harding evinced sincere interest in the Faith and later accepted from the youth a copy of the “New Era.”

Unique in observances of Naw-Rúz this year, the Washington community held an all-day festival beginning at six in the morning with prayers and continuing at various times throughout the day with readings from the Bible, Koran, and Bahá’í books; picnic, music and meditation, and talk on “The Springtime of Bahá’u’lláh” by Allen McDaniel.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.

A Spring Festival, celebrating the joyous New Year season was held by the Bahá’í Youth of Calif., Mar. 25-26, with some 40 attending from twelve communities and five colleges. The public meeting drew some of the townspeople including members of the NAACP and the Council for Civic Unity, and was followed by a dance. On the sunny shores of Morro Bay next day, a picnic and teaching conference were held. Amin Bananí, recently returned from Europe and the Near East, said, “If we could only realize that we are not really alone, that we are not only youth in Fresno or Burbank, trying to do something, but are members of a Bahá’í world community which is working with a universal energy which is carrying the hope of the entire world—if we try to realize this—we will have a great deal more to inspire us.”

BRIEFS

WATERLOO, N. Y., one of the communities reporting to their ANTC on their most successful Feast program, asked everyone to bring a Bahá’í reading on subject “Unity”; the chairman afterward summing up and correlating them ... BUTTE, MONT. On a teaching tour through Missoula, Poulson, Ronan, and Kalispell, Harold Hunt and George Miller gave talks, showed Temple slides, placed books in libraries. Ronan, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, gives likelihood of reaching another group of Indians. Twenty-five people besides entire Bahá’í community turned out to hear Rex King speak in Butte, and Bahá’í attendance was 100 per cent for him also in GREAT FALLS and HELENA, bringing from him stirring commendation for their efforts .... SO. CAL. RTC at meeting, Apr. 1 weighing fact that we are not confirming as many new Bahá’ís as we should,

[Page 13] came to the answer that unity is the focal point of successful teaching. Suggested deeper study Covenant and Administration with its essential theme of unity .... IDAHO-UTAH RTC has set up a loan library of Bahá’í books to help isolated believers, also reports seven Bahá’í books in Idaho State Traveling Library .... PLAINVILLE, MASS. Reading Miss Roushan Wilkinson’s insert on the Faith in local paper, Ben McGrath of the Pawtucket Times interviewed her and ran half page story of the Cause, with pictures of three Bahá’í communities ... BOSTON, MASS. Mention of citizens of Israel paying visits to the Bahá’í Gardens on Mount Carmel was made in one of Boston’s larger newspapers, thus indirectly publicizing the Faith .... RANSOM, W. VA. As the only Bahá’í here, James Stone, Jr. has been running paid ads in a local paper, getting only one direct request for literature, but hearing indirectly about twenty people who follow the teaching excerpts regularly.

LAKEWOOD, N.Y. Forty or more people gathered here recently to hear discussion of religion by a Rabbi, a Unitarian minister, a Moslem student from India, and a Bahá’í. The latter showing stepping stones to universal peace. Students from France, Damascus, and Syria were there.... BOSTON, MASS. Announcing the new location of its Bahá’í Center in a home where several Bahá’ís are residing, this community will resume weekly Sunday public meetings besides keeping open daily for inquirers.... CHICAGO, ILL. Dr. Hushang Javid and Rouhollah Zargapur are conducting a six-week deepening course on “The Dawn Breakers”, which began June 5 at the center.... ANCHORAGE, ALASKA. Excellent opportunity to spread the Faith comes through Betty Becker being named official “Housing Hostess” by Anchorage Chamber of Commerce to find rooms for newcomers this summer. Also the Bahá’í Children’s Workshop will enter the 4th of July parade with a float, “This Earth Is One Country” with children dressed in costumes of other lands.... MT. VIEW, ALASKA. The first public meeting here, in April, used film strip and commentary “Man One Family”, with four brief talks. Newspaper, radio, and poster supplemented 500 mail invitations to boxholders besides personal invitation to public school faculty.... LOS ANGELES, CALIF. About 500 guests came to the commemoration of the Báb’s Declaration, with the theme, “Bahá’í World Faith: The Great Announcement.” With background music fading and swelling, the dramatic story of the Báb was sketched in various readings by several voices.... This community is instituting a 12-week summer course in teacher training, lasting to mid July.

Bahá’í News Mailing

If there is more than one believer in your family, and one copy is sufficient, please notify the National Bahá’í Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Ill., listing the members of your family and indicating the one to whom it should be addressed. We prefer not to address it to “Mr. and Mrs.” as this upsets our filing system which is used for other purposes beside mailing Bahá’í News.

Bahá’í News cannot be forwarded, so if you are going to be away for a time, request the one taking care of your mail to either hold it until you return or to re-address and re-stamp it.

Lt. J. C. Davenport and Mrs. Barbara Davenport (Bahá’ís stationed in Japan) enjoy tea in oriental garb, during the Feast of Naw-Ruz in Tokyo, with Robert Imagire of Chicago and Shozo Kadato (right) Japanese Bahá’í.

A group of members and friends at the Naw-Ruz celebration in Honolulu, 1950.

[Page 14]

Bahá’í In the News

A number of very helpful references to the Faith have been appearing in newspapers and magazines.

“Common Cause,” January, 1950, the magazine edited by University of Chicago editors dealing with plans for a world constitution, reprinted the press release issued by the Public Relations Committee for World Religion Day. “Common Cause” circulates among leaders of public opinion in many countries. Dr. G. A. Borgese, editor, published this material as result of the contact made by Mr. Lawrence Hautz of White Fish Bay, Wisc., who entertained Dr. Borgese during a World Government conference sponsored by Milwaukee State Teachers College.

In a letter written to Mrs. Helen Inderlied of Binghamton, N.Y., Dr. Borgese stated on January 27: “The reference to Bahá’í was the first; I do not think it will be the last. To the purity and intensity of this religious movement I have given long since the attention which should be given to it by any one-worlder aware that a political union is empty if a unifying religion does not overarch the variances of the creeds.”

In an illustrated brochure entitled “Architectural Concrete Slabs” published by Universal Atlas Cement Co., New York, the Temple is reproduced with the following text: “Bahá’í Temple, Wilmette, Ill. The beauty of Architectural Concrete Slabs made with crushed glistening quartz aggregate and Atlas White cement is exemplified by this Temple. The intricate, lace-like design was obtained economically by use of a single mold for each repetitive pattern.”

Mrs. Behjat Joy Arnold of Norfolk, Va. has established friendly relations with representatives of the local paper, with the result that in a Sunday issue the paper published a detailed interview with Mrs. Challoner Chute of Washington, stressing the Bahá’í teachings on peace. A few weeks later space was given to a letter by Mrs. Arnold concerning Írán, and this was followed by a column reporting lectures delivered by Mrs. Margaret Randall Ford over the radio and at the First Presbyterian Church on “One World Or None.” Mrs. Ford has been accredited as a lecturer for United Nations.

The significant point here is that Norfolk has no strong Bahá’í community to influence the press. This publicity reflects the effort of a single Bahá’í.

The same success has been achieved in Trenton, N.J. by Mrs. Tafafumi Mikuriya. “The Trentionian” has published a two-column cut of the Temple accompanied by an excellent outline of the Faith and reference to a local conference held by the Regional Teaching Committee at the Mikuriya home.

The Federal Radio Education Committee’s “FREC Service Bulletin” for January, 1950, carried an article on “Empire State Network Carries Syracuse World Citizen Series.” It states: “Three world-minded radio students of Syracuse University Radio Center have taken upon their shoulders the research, writing and production of ‘We Are World Citizens,’ a series of educational children’s programs for the Empire State FM School of the Air. The series is in its second year of broadcast to the schools of New York State over a 21-station cooperative network.

“Conceived by Lowell Johnson, instructor in radio writing at SU and regional vice-chairman of Alpha Epsilon Rho, national honorary radio fraternity, the series ran 33 weeks during the 1948-49 school year. Purpose of the program is to bring the children of the world closer together through true-to-life visits to overseas countries ...

“Commendations have been received from Miss Olive McHugh, part-time coordinator of children’s programs at the United Nations; Max Bildersee, director of audio education in New York State; the English-Speaking Union, the Bahá’í World Community and local groups. As a direct result of in-school listening, over a thousand children in the State have requested names of pen-pals in overseas countries.” It would be difficult to find a better example of a Bahá’í serving the public by finding a way to apply the principles of his Faith to his professional work.

One more example of the result of personal initiative comes in a newspaper clipping nearly one-half page in size taken from “The Pawtucket Times,” Pawtucket, R.I. The article, written by a staff reporter, was based on an interview with Miss Roushan Wilkinson extended to include a group of local and area believers. Two group pictures of Bahá’ís are featured. The history and teachings are summarized with clarity and dignity. Such an article can exert an immense direct and indirect influence for a long time to come throughout the area covered by the paper. The Faith has been favorably introduced to the public.

—BAHÁ’Í PUBLIC RELATIONS

International Relief Annual Report Bahá’í Year 106

Number of Packages actually sent—to addresses obtained from International Relief Representative.

Germany (including Austria).

Bahá’í Committees:

		CARE
	Pkgs.*	Food	Lard	Knitting Wool
Bergstrasse	11	—	—	—
Darmstadt	18	—	—	—
Esslingen	22*	2	—	—
Fr’kfurt a/Mn.	16	2	—	2
Goeppingen	2*	—	—	—
Hamburg	6	—	—	—
Heidelberg	15	—	—	—
Karlsruhe	15	—	1	—
Leipzig (R)	8	—	—	—
Nuernberg	11	—	1	—
Plochingen	2*	—	—	—
Schwerin (R)	41	1(S)	—	—
Stuttgart	53	—	1	—
Wiesbaden	5	—	—	—
	____
	225
Bahá’í Groups:
Berlin (R)	16	1	—	—
Rostock (R)	9	—	—	—
Warnemuende (R)	4	—	—	—
12 groups	20	—	—	—
	____
	274
Bahá’í Sozialausschuss (Relief Com. for isolated Bahá’ís)	25	1	—	—
	—	—	—	—
Total packages to Germany	299	7	3	2
Other Countries in Europe:
England	8	1
Bulgaria (Sofia)	9	6 (S)
Hungary (Budapest)	2	—
French Morocco	3	—
Italy	3	1
Total packages sent during year	324	15	3	2
Total addresses given out on requests	265
Total number Bahá’ís or ‎Communitiees Communities‎ Participating	151

[Page 15] *Chiefly clothing, some food. “Plus sign” indicates some U.S. Communities and Bahá’ís sending to addresses “regularly” but not reporting number of packages sent, therefore not included in total given here. (S)—Steneck food parcel (shipped from Denmark), as CARE does not send to Russian Zone.

---

There is still great need among the German Bahá’ís. The following quotation from a letter from the chairman of the Stuttgart Distribution Committee for the Stuttgart L.S.A. explains the present need:

“You may have heard that at the present time it is possible again to buy everything in Germany, but unfortunately the money reform took place and that means perhaps a greater handicap for buying things than meant the system of tickets [rations]. We have a lot of very poor Bahá’í friends in Germany whom we can so well help with your packages, and many grateful thoughts will be sent over to you in the United States. I am explaining the situation to you so that you may understand that your help is as much welcome as it ever has been. We pray for the friends in the United States and for the success of our holy Cause, so that peace and unity may come to this world.”

Mrs. Beatrice Ashton

International Relief Representative

Box 548, Evanston, Illinois

Books Must Talk

With completion of the Temple in the focus of every believer’s consciousness and recalling the promise that that time will see “spiritual effects taking place on the intellects and thoughts”, we can readily presume that public figures will speak about the Faith in the press, over radio, and in pulpits. Where will they get their information and how accurate will it be? Though some may interview Bahá’ís, even these will supplement their knowledge with research and study in public and school libraries. Now is the time to be certain no one can misrepresent the Faith through dependence on inadequately translated older literature, missionary treaties, New History publications, etc.

The following suggestions are made by the National Library Committee:

Let us look at your local public library. Is it well-stocked with up-to-date books, including the Guardian’s matchless translations? What does your community do about keeping books circulating? When recommending a book to a friend, do not loan him your personal copy, but instead draw out the library copy as the time limit may cause him to read the book at once. Have Bahá’í speakers give titles of reference books used in preparing their talks; study classes short on books use those in library; book reviewers announce whenever the book is procurable in local library and if not a Bahá’í book, mention one of our books closely related to the subject; and give new Bahá’ís list of library books for further study.

Some organizations supply free book marks to libraries with hours open, reading room facilities, and some of their recommended books. Give civic organizations and clubs lists of our books with specific references to subjects they may be preparing talks upon. Try library displays wherever acceptable and for “crowded shelf” libraries, seek their permission to place in the files a title card—“Bahá’í Faith” listing Bahá’í books obtainable from Assembly library or individuals.

Third Canadian Bahá’í Convention

The third Canadian Bahá’í Convention was held in Toronto, April 29-30/50 at 22 College Street, with attendance of all 19 delegates from Vancouver to St. John’s, Newfoundland. The total number of those present was about 125. On the eve of the convention many came together at a reception, and the pioneers were given an especially warm welcome. On Saturday morning, after a devotional period, the Five Year Plan was reviewed and our effort compared to that of the British and European Bahá’ís—making it obvious that there is much to be done in the three remaining years. We shall need determination, early decisions in order to avoid frantic moving about at the last, training for pioneering, faith and enthusiasm.

The consultation of the delegates was alive—ideas flowed, and there was a real sense of communication. Many suggestions and recommendations were made concerning every problem on the agenda—in fact, these were further supplemented and discussed, and will finally be presented to the National Spiritual Assembly. Though the sessions were within their time limit for the most part, it was apparent that two days does not give time for full consultation. Among the suggestions and recommendations were: a fireside committee be set up to provide suggested programs—not study outlines, but a guide for the teacher; courses for pioneers and resident teachers; outline of functions and relationships of committees and groups so that each will know where its own responsibility lies; five area teaching committees directly connected with the NSA; a circuit teaching committee; a member of the NSA to be a member of the National Youth Committee; improvement in plans for conducting provincial election meetings; a local review of Bahá’í News at the feasts! limit goals to the number now needed and concentrate on them; someone to prepare material that would show the relationship between Bahá’í principles of education and those commonly held; take as our own responsibility some one person who is lonely and apart, and keep in touch; criticism of group action to be directed through proper channels and suggestions for improvement brought to the local assembly at the feast.

The inspiration of the Word was felt throughout the convention in a prevailing spirit of love and unity, vigour and enthusiasm. The need for more training, more techniques and skills was apparent, if the power of the Word is to bear real fruit in all our relationships, to ourselves, to each other and to Bahá’u’lláh. Without dwelling on the past or the future our task is to increase activity and complete the Plan. All were reminded of the devotion of the Guardian, of the stirring address of the Báb, recalling that we are the bearers of the message of God in this day, and were reassured that if we arise to aid this Cause we shall be assured of ultimate victory.

After the close of the sessions a banquet followed, attended by about 170 Bahá’ís and friends, then a large public meeting at which about 350 people heard a short program of music by Wray Downes, and talks by Dr. Elizabeth Kidder and Mr. Harlan Ober. The previous evening the Riḍván feast, planned by the Hamilton community, was attended by a large number who heard stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

[Page 16]

Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of May, 1950

Alaska—Anchorage; Arizona—North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas—Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California—Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Glendale Twp., Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Oceanside, Palo Alto, Pasadena, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica.

Colorado—Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut—Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven. Delaware—Wilmington. Dist. of Columbia—Washington. Florida—Jacksonville, Miami. Hawaii—Honolulu, Maui. Idaho—Ada County, Boise. Illinois—Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Phoenix (Harvey), Springfield, Urbana, Wilmette, Winnetka.

Indiana—Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. Iowa—Cedar Rapids, Waterloo. Kansas—Topeka. Maine—Eliot, Portland. Massachusetts—Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan—Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, Roseville. Minnesota—Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Mississippi—Jackson. Missouri—Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis.

Montana—Great Falls. Nebraska—Macy, Omaha. Nevada—Reno. New Hampshire—Portsmouth. New Jersey—Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Jersey City, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck.

New Mexico—Albuquerque. New York—Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Hamburg, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers. North Carolina—Greensboro. Ohio—Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, East Cleveland, Lima, Toledo. Oklahoma—Oklahoma City.

Oregon—Astoria, Portland. Pennsylvania—Philadelphia, Scranton, West Chester. Puerto Rico—San Juan. Rhode Island—Providence. South Carolina—Greenville, Columbia. South Dakota—Sioux Falls. Tennessee—Memphis. Texas—San Antonio. Vermont—Brattleboro. Virginia—Alexandria, Arlington. Washington—Kirkland, Monroe, Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. Wisconsin—Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa. Wyoming—Laramie.

Number of Assemblies	167
Assemblies contributing	141
Assemblies not contributing	26
Groups contributing	51
Individuals contributing	136
Special Contributions: Bahá’í Assembly of City of Adelaide, S.A. Junior Youth of Maywood

“Valiant acts will insure the triumph of this cause, and a saintly character will reinforce its power.”

—Bahá’u’lláh

Memorial Gifts

A. Adams, Charles Q.; Aden, Anna Krause; Afdem, Syver; Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Abram E.; Angell, Ann; Angell, William.

B. Báb, the; Barnett, Mary J.; Barnett, N. W.; Becktold, A. G.; Bennell, George Henry; Bennell, Elizabeth Avis; Best, Mrs. Anna Rieger; Blackwell, Philip E.; Bolles, Randolph, Sr.; Brockhoff, Elizabeth; Brockhoff, Gerhard; Broste, Hans O.; Broste, Mary; Brown, Hyman Eugene; Buettner, Herbert.

C. Chavous, Charles; Christian, Hazel; Cochrane, Edwin; Cochrane, Jeanette; Conrow, Amelie; Crossen, Elmer H.

D. Dobbins, Joy Rose; Duckett, Chester; Duckett, Percy.

E. Everely, Elwood; Everely, Wasa.

F. Farrand, Dayna; Fieldman, Solon; Freiburger, Dorothea; Freiburger, Hilmer; Frye, Charles; Frye, Della; Frye, Esralite; Frye, Martha.

G. George, Andrew L.; Greenhaw, Elizabeth A.; Grocock, Samuel.

H. Haley, Mrs. Clara B.—mother of; Hargis, Mrs. Emma; Harper, Mrs. Helen; Heinemann, Richard Karl; Heinemann, Mathilda Franciska; Herman, Mrs. Henry F.; Heywood, Mrs. Winifred—mother of; Hilgers, August L.; Hills, Mrs. Kate.

I. Irani, Behram Sarosh; Irani, Mrs. Xaisar Sarosh.

J. Jacobson, Mrs. Anna; Jersey, Henry; Jersey, Mary; Johnson, Arthur.

K. Keeling, Henry; Keeling, Lena; Kincaid, Elizabeth; Kincaid, Zalman; Knox, Mrs. Clara T.; Kurka, Mrs. Sustava.

L. Latimer, Lafayette; Locke, Aaron Giles; Lundquist, Axel.

M. Martin, Mary B.; Matthisen, Hanna; Mecha, Edward; Mereness, Mason L.; Morgan, Charles L.; Morgan, Henry P.; Muther, Elizabeth.

Mc. McFarland, Mrs. Ona Pearl.

O. Okell, Florence Clapp; Orff, Anna Margaret; Orff, Christian J.; Owens, Louise Benton.

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.

P. Phelps, Ray C.

R. Rainboth, LeRoy; Redmond, Albert Byron; Remey, William B.; Riefschneider, Frederick; Robarts, Ella; Robertson, Frances.

S. Sawyer, Joseph Jefferson; Scherrer, Anna; Scherrer, Frederick; Schlecht, Erwin Louis; Sehmer, Harry Lucius; Sims, Catherine; Sims, Ernest; Sobel, Hannah; Sobel, Irving; Sothman, Mrs. Mary; Stern, Alexander; Stern, Anna Baum.

T. Taubert, Conrad; Taubert, Mary.

U. Uebner, Charles Frederick.

V. Van Meer, Aaron; Van Meer, Fred; Van Meer, Mrs. Margaret; Van Meer, Milton; Vie, Mario (previously listed as Marie Nie).

W. Wagner, Berbara; Wagner, Ferdinand; Walters, Mrs. Katherine Riefschneider; Watson, Evelyn; Watson, Ida; Webb, 1st. Lt. Kenneth; Wells, Gertrude; Willard, Amelia; Willard, D. Seymour; Willard, Mary Livingston; Williams, Bertha M.; Windust, Lucy Roberts; Windust, Sarah R.; Wohlstein, Morris; Wohlstein, Mrs. Morris; Woodruff, Charles E.; Woodruff, Selma.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Báb’s Martyrdom
Tabríz—July 9, 1850	1
Guardian
Báb’s Shrine (cable)	1
Cable to British Convention	1
On Criticism	2
Around the Bahá’í World	11
Bahá’í Holy Days	4
Bahá’í in the News	14
Bahá’í News Mailing	13
Bahá’í Youth Scout the West	11
Books Must Talk	15
British Bahá’ís Victorious	2
Braille Around the World	11
Building the Temple	2
Calendar	8
Call of the Martyrs	6
Contributions from Assemblies	16
Enrollments	8
European News	10
Fourth Congress in South America	8
Home Front	12
In Memoriam	12
Inter-America, Emergency Appeal	1
International Relief Report	14
“Meeting the Crisis—Tell the Story”	10
Memorial Gifts	16
NSA, Schedule of Meetings	2
Bahá’í Holy Days	4
“Final Phase of Struggle”	2
Holy Days of Other Religions	4
Notice	3
Our Victory Fund	3
Pictures
Bahá’ís in Japan	13
Banquet in Lima, Peru	9
Honolulu Bahá’ís at Naw-Rúz	13
NSA of Egypt and Sudan	11
Room where Báb was imprisoned	8
Temple interior, June 7	4
Temple Construction Fund	4
Third Canadian Convention	15