Bahá’í News/Issue 237/Text
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NEWS |
| No. 237 | NOVEMBER, 1950 | YEAR 107 | BAHA’I NEWS |
“Untapped Sources of Celestial Strength”[edit]
Beloved friends:
The message written by Shoghi Effendi in his own hand under date of July 5, 1950, has been published in Bahá’í News, thereby bringing all American Bahá’ís into spiritual intimacy with the Guardian of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Through him the Manifestation focuses the saving Spirit of God upon the Bahá’í community, and from him the Bahá’í receives that guidance which alone can attune the soul and mind to the needs of the Faith in the somberest hours of human destiny.
That message contains one passage which it will pay us to ponder over and over until every word has been heeded by the heart and not merely read by the eye. For emphasis and clarity the two sentences are divided into their distinct meanings.
“Opportunities, though multiplying with every passing hour,
will not recur, some for another century, others never again.”
“However severe the challenge, however multiple the tasks
however short the time, however somber the world outlook,
however limited the material resources of a hard-pressed, adolescent community,
the untapped sources of celestial strength from which it can draw are measureless in their potencies and will unhesitatingly pour forth their energizing influences,
if the necessary daily effort be made and the required sacrifice be willingly accepted.”
Statesmen and philosophers, ecclesiastics, economists and journalists produce millions of words a day to explain, appeal, warn and influence the masses of the people. In eighty-three words the Guardian has expressed for us the essence of our spiritual relationship to life today.
The National Temple Campaign[edit]
Last month the National Assembly announced that plans for the Temple Campaign were being prepared and that three steps had already been taken. The believers were informed that a handbook would be issued later for all Bahá’ís, presenting the campaign plans and describing the materials to be made available.
The first stage of the campaign for the body of the believers will be the holding of Temple Institute Conferences, both locally for communities and regionally for groups and isolated believers able to attend.
For these Institutes a Temple book is being prepared. It will contain the essential Tablets of the Master and the important passages from the Guardian’s writings concerning the House of Worship. It will contain selections from reports and articles written by engineers and architects explaining the methods and materials employed in construction. Architecture, ornamentation, use of the auditorium, nature of the meetings of worship to be conducted—all will be presented.
The purpose of the Temple institutes is twofold—to inspire the whole Bahá’í community with the spiritual significance of the completed Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, and to prepare every believer with the facts he needs for public teaching, personal and intimate teaching, or participating in the Temple campaign plans of his local community.
Please await word of the Temple Institute and prepare to take part in the Conference. Never since the coming of the Master to this continent have American Bahá’ís been given such a notable public event as the completion of the Temple and its use for the universal worship revealed for this age.
Your Address in the National Bahá’í List[edit]
Your individual name and address is needed by the National Office, not merely for purposes of general correspondence but especially for the monthly mailings of Bahá’í News. Bahá’í News is not forwarded by the Post Office to your new address unless you provide stamps for that purpose in advance. It comes back to the National Office, whereupon an inquiry is mailed to the believers last address on a postcard form, which is forwarded when the new address is known at the P.O. When that inquiry is answered by the believer, the Bahá’í News is mailed out again.
Believers temporarily absent from home who do not make proper arrangements with their Post Office set in motion the same process. Their current Bahá’í News is returned to the National Office, the inquiry sent out, and when the believers reply that their address has really not changed, the Bahá’í News is mailed a second time. Whenever a real change of address is reported, a new address stencil is made, and the permanent card record of the believer is corrected.
The procedure at the National Office is based upon a sense of responsibility for maintaining a correct national Bahá’í list and making a monthly contact with individual believers through Bahá’í News. Individual believers can assist by advance notice to the National Office of a change of address, and proper arrangement with the local
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Post Office when temporarily away
from home.
Identification Cards[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has adopted identification cards for credentials to be carried by individual believers instead of the letters which have been given in recent years.
The Bahá’í identification or credentials card is in small size, for billfold or handbag.
The card is printed in two different ways: one for members of a local community for use in travel within the United States or for any other use within the United States requiring Bahá’í credentials. This card is to be signed by the secretary of the local Assembly. Requests for this identification card are to be made to your own local Assembly. No other form of Bahá’í credentials is to be employed by local Assemblies hereafter.
The other type of card is issued by the National Assembly to individual Bahá’ís not members of an organized community for use within the United States, and to individual believers, community members or isolated, for use outside the United States.
Sample cards of the first type have been supplied to all local Assemblies, which may request a supply from the National Office.
Healing[edit]
Excerpt from letter from the Guardian to an individual Bahá’í, June 8, 1948.
“The Guardian knows nothing about your kind of healing, nor would he care to go into the question in detail, as he has no time for such matters. But he can lay down for your guidance certain broad principles: there is no such thing as Bahá’í healers or a Bahá’í type of healing. In His Most Holy Book (the Aqdas) Bahá’u’lláh says to consult the best physicians, in other words, doctors who have studied a scientific system of medicine; he never gave us to believe He Himself would heal us through “healers,” but rather through prayer and the assistance of medicine and approved treatments.
Now, as long as your healing is in no opposition to these principles, as long as you do not try and take the place of a regular doctor in trying to heal others, but only give them your kind of help through constructive suggestion—or whatever it may be—and do not associate this help with being a channel of the direct grace of Bahá’u’lláh, the Guardian sees no harm in your continuing your assistance to others. But you must conscientiously decide whether, in view of the above, you are really justified in continuing. He will pray for your guidance and happiness.
Peace[edit]
P.S. I might add that he does not believe any radiations of thought or healing, from any group, is going to bring peace. Prayer, no doubt, will help the world, but what it needs is to accept Bahá’u’lláh’s system so as to build up the World Order on a new foundation, a divine foundation! ...”
Memorial Gift to Library for the Blind[edit]
The Bahá’í Community of Colorado Springs recently purchased from the National Committee of Bahá’í Service for the Blind two books in Braille and one Talking Book and presented them to the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, replacing books which had been destroyed by fire. This presentation, which was given prominent publicity in local papers, was made in memory of the late Gwendolyn McReynolds, former student at the School and daughter of Mrs. Gertrude Olmstead, both of whom were among the first believers in Colorado Springs.
This Committee is grateful for the splendid cooperation of the friends in Colorado Springs, who have not only brought before the public their gift to the blind, but have publicized the broad scope of the work.
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World Religion Day Plans Announced Global Bahá’í Public Relations
The second annual World Religion Day will be held January 21 (third Sunday), 1951. As in 1950, the NSA-sponsored event offers Bahá’í communities and groups a public relations opportunity to tell the Bahá’í story of world religion. The Bahá’í story stands in sharp contrast to the effort of older faiths to form inter-faith committees and Call the result religious unity. In 1950, more than 175 U. S. Bahá’í communities reported public activities on World Religion Day. This scene was repeated by Bahá’í communities in Canada, Great Britain, Germany, India, Australia, Central and South America. Central theme for 1951’s World Religion Day is “World Religion Is the Path to World Unity.” Basis of all program materials is the repetition of this theme, simply, that religion has always been the source of unity and that world religion is the source of world unity. Focal point of program, as in 1950, will be the local Bahá’í activity emphasizing the national theme. A portfolio of program plans will be released to Bahá’í communities and groups November 15. This will enable communities to discuss local plans and to set up program schedules at the Feast of Speech, November 23. First national publicity will go to the press about December 1. Portfolio will contain a guide manual blueprinting practical plans of action for Bahá’í communities, a series of releases for press and radio, and background program material. Other materials developed for World Religion Day include a four-page mailing folder which features a map of “Bahá’í World Community” and a graph showing the growth of the world community. Address all communications concerning World Religion Day to the committee at 112 Linden avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. —BAHÁ’Í PUBLIC RELATIONS
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To the thousands of persona who annually visit the Bahá’í Temple, the exhibits shown here tell the story of the interior construction of the Temple and of the 2500 centers comprising the Bahá’í World Community. On the 60 x 90 inch map, Bahá’í countries are outlined in fluorescent paint. Red and green dots mark assemblies and centers.
Speaker’s Aids[edit]
WHICH PRESIDENT FIRST SAID THE WORLD WOULD BECOME ONE NATION?
Answer:
U.S. Grant (1822-1885). In his second inaugural address, in 1873, Grant said: “I believe that our Great Maker is preparing the world, in His own good time, to become one nation, speaking one language, and when armies and navies will no longer be required.”
President Grant was one of the “Rulers of America and the Presidents of the Republics therein” mentioned by Bahá’u’lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas when he called upon them to “bind with the hands of justice the broken.”
Seasoning[edit]
- Hell is an extinct volcano.
- Modern reasoning: “I warn you, this atom bomb is dynamite!”
- The only way on earth to multiply happiness is to divide it.
Essay on Action[edit]
“Moving dwarfs are to be preferred to sleeping giants.”—Shakespeare.
“Justice, love and kindness must be the instruments of strength, not of weakness.
That an enfeebled man cannot fight is not accounted a virtue. Were physical weakness a virtue, the dead would be perfect for they can do nothing.”
Divine Philosophy pp. 68-69
On Muḥammad[edit]
DID MUḤAMMAD RECOMMEND FORCE IN SPREADING ISLAM?
Answer:
No. Proof: “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” (Qur’án 2:257)
“And fight for the cause of God against those who fight against you: but commit not the injustice of attacking them first: God loveth not injustice.” (Qur’án 2:186)
“To fight for the spread of the faith is not once mentioned in the Qur’án. Muḥammad did not draw the sword for his own defense nor for the safety of his followers. He approved the use of force in defense of the community, a law to which incidentally every Christian community has had to adhere or perish.” (This Earth One Country pp. 84-85)
BAHÁ’Í CONSULTATION is like a good handshake: No upper hand.
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Four of the five Bahá’í delegates to the conference of the International Non-governmental Organizations called by the United Nations Department of Public Relations in Geneva, Switzerland, June 26-28, 1950.
Report of the Delegates of the Bahá’í International Community to the Fourth Conference of International Non-governmental Organizations[edit]
The purpose of the conference was to consider teaching the public about the UN and gaining public support for fostering cooperation between UN, Specialized Agencies of UN and 7 Non-Governmental Organizations.
The conference was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, with about 200 delegates representing 103 countries. The conference divided into 5 committees. As the Bahá’ís had a delegation of 5 they were able to take part in all 5 committees. Members of the Bahá’í delegation were Prof. Bishop Brown, Dr. Ugo R. Giachery, Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, Mildred R. Mottahedeh, and ‘Abbás Bagdadi.
The Bahá’í representative on the committee on Teaching of the UN was Prof. Bishop Brown, who was able to present a resolution which was warmly received and adopted. This resolution was to the effect that the NGO’s employ all their resources to create and intensify all over the world a general atmosphere favorable to the acceptance of the principles of the UN.
On Committee 2, which dealt with UN Teaching in Europe, the Bahá’ís’ representative was Mr. Ugo Giachery. Media used were film, radio, and the press. The problem of languages is serious. UN produces propaganda material in only 5 languages—English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese, but in the USSR alone there are 50 official languages.
Mr. Giachery had an opportunity to state that the Rome Bahá’í Community takes great interest in UN activities and especially in the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights.
The Bahá’í delegation proposed the name of Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh to serve on the committee to coordinate the efforts of the NGO’s educational board.
Mr. Rafi Mottahedeh was the Bahá’í representative on Committee 3, which dealt with UN teaching in the Americas. Mr. Mottahedeh found that because of his Bahá’í experience in handling discussion, he was able to draw some constructive conclusions and resolutions from the rather scattered comments. The resolutions of the committee were largely formulated by Mr. Mottahedeh. He was also able to win some new friends for the Faith.
Committee 4 had for its Bahá’í representative Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh. It dealt with UN information problems in Asia and the Pacific. She was able to suggest solutions agreeable to both parties when sharp differences of opinion were expressed. She offered 4 resolutions which were passed. She also suggested a method of distribution of UN information to non-member countries. Mrs. Mottahedeh made some warm friends among members of the committee.
Committee 5 consulted about the Iranian Association for UN and about problems in South Africa. Mrs. Taimurtash, daughter of the former Prime Minister of Írán and Vice Chairman of the committee, gave a report of the work of the Iranian Association for the UN. The Association held a seminar on the UN in Tiḥrán this year and invited people from 5 countries (among them India, Afghanistan and ‘Iráq) to attend.
Mrs. Mottahedeh stated that the Bahá’ís of Írán should have been invited as they are members of the Non-Governmental Organizations. Mrs. Taimurtash contended that there are no Bahá’ís in Írán, the Bahá’ís being merely a sect of Islam.
At this point Mr. Lawrence of the World Assembly of Youth asked about the Bahá’í Organization and said he had never heard of it. Mrs. Mottahedeh then gave a brief exposition of the Faith and added that the principles of the Bahá’í Faith were more nearly identical with the principles of the UN than those of any other organization. Mrs. Mottahedeh presented a resolution that the Iranian Bahá’ís as members of NGO should have been invited to the Tiḥrán seminar. Mrs. Taimurtash grew angry and said that the Íránian government does not recognize the
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Bahá’ís. Mrs. Mottahedeh replied
that the UN recognized them as was
witnessed by the Bahá’í participation
in this conference. Mrs. Mottahedeh’s resolution with a strengthening amendment from the chairman was accepted by a strong majority vote.
At the plenary session held on the last day of the conference the Bahá’í delegation handed in the following memorandum: “The Delegation of the Bahá’í International Community wishes to propose the reappointment of Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, one of its delegates, to the Committee of Five for the coming year. Mrs. Mottahedeh is a world wide traveller with deep knowledge of international social affairs and able to reach, through her Organization, people of 100 countries.”
At the tea following the plenary session many delegates congratulated the Bahá’í delegates on their work in the conference and asked to know more about the Faith.
The Bahá’í delegates hope that a competent core of Bahá’ís in each country will be trained to participate in national conferences of NGOs. At these meetings Bahá’í training shines out and Bahá’í delegates are able to win many friends who will at least have respect for our principles.
At the Geneva conference many people spoke of the outstanding work done by our delegates. The fact that they tried to be just, harmonious, constructive, and non-political and to appreciate others’ efforts was recognized. The Bahá’í delegates were better prepared in discussion technique than most of the delegates—this, of course, because of Bahá’í training in committee and convention work.
There is opportunity at the conferences to speak of what Bahá’ís have done in certain fields. Tact and discretion on the part of the delegates is in such cases of the utmost importance.
Calendar[edit]
19 Day Feasts:
- Qudrat (Power)—Nov. 4
- Qawl (Speech)—Nov. 23
Anniversaries:
- Birth of Bahá’u’lláh—Nov. 12—work suspended
- Day of Covenant—Nov. 26
- Ascension of ‘Abdu’l Bahá—Nov. 28
NSA Meetings:
- Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2, 3.
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
BRITISH ISLES
The victory which the British Bahá’ís attained in going beyond the goal of their Six Year Plan was largely due to the efforts of 85 pioneers, who carried out 126 projects. Among the other factors which brought about such great success were: 200 posters, a series of large advertisements followed by smaller weekly ones, 6,000 postcards with the principles on them sent through the post to private telephone subscribers, follow-up work by correspondence with inquirers who attended meetings, adoption of groups by LSA’s, and teaching conferences. The Conference held at Manchester Dec. 31, 1949, and Jan. 1, 1950, was outstanding in the number who attended, in a new sense of maturity, awareness of the Guardian, unified action, and personal faith and devotion. The presence of Mrs. Amelia Collins greatly aided in attaining these qualities. John Robarts of Canada sacrificed a well-earned holiday to work for the Plan. He was privileged to witness 18 declarations during his 13 days visit. His tour was financed by the Canadian NSA.
The British Bahá’í Publishing Trust has published a Bahá’í pamphlet in Welsh.
The Six Year Plan having been so successfully finished, the Guardian has intrusted the British Bahá’ís with a Two Year Plan to be carried out after one year’s respite. Its three parts are: 1. To consolidate the 19 Assemblies now established in England, Scotland, Wales, North Ireland, Eire. 2. To form nuclei in 3 dependencies of the British Crown in either East or West Africa. To translate, publish, and disseminate Bahá’í literature in three African languages in addition to those already undertaken.
ÍRÁN
The Persian 45 Month Plan, which ended on first Riḍván, 1950, called for the establishment of 62 Assemblies, 20 groups and 13 new centers in Persia and 3 Assemblies and 4 groups in adjoining countries. The Persian Bahá’ís went beyond the goal by the additional formation of 31 Assemblies, 17 groups, and 11 centers in Persia and 1 Assembly and 2 groups in adjoining countries. In a letter to our National Secretary, their Secretary wrote, May 24, 1950, that considering all the reverses and restrictions they experienced they cannot attribute their victory to anything but an act of Providence.
Near the end of the pioneering project Dr. Berjis, a well known Bahá’í physician in Kashan received a call to a house where a person was said to be gravely ill. No sooner had he entered the house than the door was locked behind him and he was assailed by blows which caused his death. Thus he sealed the historic enterprise with his life blood.
Bahá’í women of Persia have a 4 year Plan designed to wipe out illiteracy from among them.
INDIA, PAKISTAN, BURMA
Pioneers in the Plan for these countries created 7 new centers in India, 5 in Pakistan, 1 in Burma, and 1 in Ceylon. In order to complete the Plan by July 9, 1950, the NSA requested the Community to convert 2 groups each in India, Pakistan, and Burma to Assemblies and to settle 1 or 2 pioneers by Riḍván, 1951, in Indo-China and Malaya, and to consolidate groups and Assemblies established so far.
The New Era has been published in 21 languages of these three countries.
The separation of Burma and Pakistan has entailed great difficulties. Travel from one country to another required visas, which are not easy to get. Civil disturbances in Burma put back the work there. An attack by insurgents on Daidanaw, the village of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, scattered the friends, deprived one of his Life, inflicted physical disability on another. When the friends were enabled to return they found themselves destitute. Later, news came from the Rangoon Assembly of the formation of an Assembly at Moulmein through the emigration of Bahá’í families from Daidanaw.
In April, another appeal was made to the Prime Minister for the derequisitioning of the National Ḥaẓíra in New Delhi, and the result was awaited.
CANADA
Canada’s Five Year Plan calls for the formation of 14 additional Assemblies by 1953 to swell their total in 30.
Canada held two summer schools in
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1950, the Laurentian Bahá’í School at
Beaulac, and the Ontario Summer
Conference at Franklin Camp.
The Canadian Bahá’í News mentions the importance of not overlooking the social columns of local newspapers. The society editor should be advised of visiting Bahá’ís, the purpose of their visit, and any entertainment for them.
GERMANY AND AUSTRIA
The NSA purchased some time ago a ruined building in Frankfurt-Main which is being converted, through the offerings from the believers of work rendered and of money, into an Administrative Center. The NSA is calling the believers to sacrifice, reminding them that they might deprive themselves every month of 1 or 2 pounds of oranges, 30 grams of coffee, 3 cigarettes, or a visit to the movie.
Bahá’í Nachrichten for June, 1950, gives evidence of a new unity among the believers. It expresses deep gratitude for Shoghi Effendi’s wisdom and ever present guidance during difficult times of stress and strain due to personal differences, and gives thanks for the various visitors he sent to Germany. Through them the German Bahá’ís were enabled to understand better the Administration and were assisted in overcoming personal differences and thus mark progress.
As the work on the new Administrative Center is absorbing all the funds the Bahá’ís can contribute, the National Teaching Committee has called upon all the Bahá’ís to arise as teachers wherever they may be. Since it seemed difficult to collect dues for Bahá’í Nachrichten one of the Bahá’ís, Dr. H. Grossmann, has offered to publish and mail it at his own expense.
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NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY of the BAHA’IS OF THE BRITISH ISLES
Information about London Bahá’í Meetings or other Bahá’í addresses may be had by writing or telephoning the Secretary of the National Assembly. |
A German student has written a thesis on the Bahá’í Faith entitled “The Cause of God.” It can be obtained in mimeographed copy from the author, Mr. R. Jockel, Wendlingen (Neckar), Germany. Price DM2. This is the second student thesis on the Faith to come from Germany, the first being Dr. Zabih’s doctor’s thesis “The Solution of the Social Questions Based on the Bahá’í Teachings,” which was produced under the direction of the University of Tubingen.
Much evidence of growth and consolidation in the various German Bahá’í communities appears as one studies the reports of local assemblies. The Faith is on the forward march in Germany.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
The annual convention was held April 28-May 1, 1950 at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, Sydney. The Australian-New Zealand Plan calls for an increase of 12 in the number of Assemblies by 1953. Ten of these have already been established.
The Bahá’í News Bulletin for July prints this thought-provoking question, “Have you ever considered why prayer in this Dispensation has been made obligatory? and why Bahá’u’lláh has revealed three daily obligatory prayers?”
Inter-America News[edit]
Pioneer Arrivals[edit]
October 15 found Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart en route to the Islands where she began her public campaign of service to all Latin American centers in the West Indies, northern South America, and Central America. The length of her stay is as yet not fully determined. Her coming is everywhere anticipated with the greatest joy and expectation, for Mrs. Stewart is a veteran traveler and speaker for the Faith in these countries and offers a background of unusual influence among peace-loving people.
The fresh crusade of resident pioneers continues unabated. Flora Hottes, pioneer to Puebla and Coatepec, Mexico, has arrived at her post, after taking flight on the maiden voyage of the new Constellation from Chicago, where she was honored as first passenger, and while posing for pictures, had the opportunity of speaking of the nature of her mission. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Amoz Gibson of Washington have been received in Mexico City and established themselves as students in the university.
Jean Silver arrived in Havana and was greeted by a tropical typhoon which continued for two days and was followed by clearing skies and a fine Institute with the friends of that city who have been studying with pioneer Ruth Moffett this summer and fall. During the Institute two joined the community. Mrs. Moffett accompanied Jean to her permanent post in Cienfuegos, the “city of a hundred fires,” where she had some years ago begun the long trek to assembly building. They report that a residence and center have been found in a penthouse overlooking the Del Prada, where it is hoped that there will “soon be regular meetings under the stars.”
At the end of September Dr. Malcolm King passed through Miami en route to his post in Jamaica, and like a friendly wave of the hand came his card, “Flying over tomorrow, God wining.”
Ruth Blackwell Writes from Port-au-Prince the good news of three new enrollments, and speaks of the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Bates in New York, where they will enjoy a visit this fall.
Artemus Lamb has just concluded a visit to Costa Rica, after a fleeting call on the friends in El Salvador where they rallied to meet him at the Ateneo of the Capital. Pioneer Louise Caswell, speaking of the visits of Mr. Lamb, Larry Kramer, and Dr. Robert Gulick this fall, happily remarks that little Costa Rica feels richly blessed.
Pioneer arrivals also include Esteban Canales to assist Sheila Rice-Wray in Asuncion, Paraguay, Blanca de Campos in Quito, Ecuador, and Maria Rivera who has gone to Colon, Panama, and will immediately become a member of CEBMA,
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Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart, pioneer traveling in West Indies
Central America’s National Teaching Committee.
In South America, Dorothy Campbell is now on Venezuelan soil, and farther south, Eve Nicklin, with Mr. and Mrs. David Beckett of Lima, Peru, have arisen to establish residence in Callao, the goal city of that country. This is heralded as a notable act of pioneering, as Callao, with its own five believers, will thus be virtually assured of attaining its assembly status in April. Lively classes are already under way toward this end. Gallao is Peru’s second city to establish a center, not far distant from Lima, the country’s capital, and present seat of CEBSA, the Teaching Committee of South America.
Community Glimpses[edit]
Sao Paulo, Brazil, provides constant news of a heartening nature. The September report includes two regular firesides, a thriving youth group and childrens’ group, weekly public meetings, book displays and sales, deepening classes, and four more friends preparing for membership. A real bee-hive of activity, Sao Paulo has rapidly become an incubator of outgoing pioneers for South America, and radiates its influence in wide directions.
Community life has been affected by the deepening studies of the Institutes. Mrs. Margot Worley writes from Rio, “Many felt a deep spiritual uplifting during the meetings, and deep silences were experienced.... The whole conference was bathed in light.” These so-called Institutes, it should be pointed out, were not of the type held in North America, but served more the purpose of bringing the Bahá’í school into the range of attendance at home, and covered a larger range of subject material. Curiously enough, they have played a part in attraction as well as deepening. Mrs. Worley further writes: “Aureo Cooper brought fifteen fine young students, (his English pupils) and after listening to the Message, one asked what he should do to become a Bahá’í, and another begged to be allowed to join the conference. This young man came to every meeting and drank in the Teachings.” This seems to have been a general experience, shared in both territories.
A touching glimpse of rural community life comes from Dorothy Campbell after her recent visit to Chichicastenango, Guatemala, where she found twelve believers, among them Fulgencio Giron, the first Bahá’í and a teacher in the schools. Speaking of a pure life as the great teacher, she said that during her stay Sr. Giron was honored by visiting educators from Guatemala City, who, in collaboration with local educators, held an “Act of Homage” and presented him with gifts and a sheepskin signed by men who wept shamelessly in presenting it in remembrance of his long years of selfless, humble influence and service. The life of such a believer, she felt, was in itself an act of pioneering.
Julie Regal, recently returned from a vacation project in Puerto Rico, pictures for us the loyalty and friendliness of the San Juan community and sums it up with the statement, “The friends there are small in number but strong in harmony and in faith.”
Publicity Here and There[edit]
Speaking of the public aspect of Julie’s visit, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray writes of two public talks and reports that a picture and article appeared in San Juan’s leading newspaper, and that an article on the Faith was accepted by the Association of Pressmen of Puerto Rico for their own magazine. Radio programs, begun by Margaret Swengel last year, left a very friendly impression, and San Juan offers fifteen minutes of free radio time every Saturday for Bahá’í use.
Esteban Canales likewise reports radio activity. Two radio addresses each week are given in Asuncion in an effort to awaken fresh public interest. A stepped up demand for radio everywhere will very possibly lead to a booklet form of suggested radio presentations.
Larry Kramer, now assisting Mrs. Katherine Cole in Managua, Nicaragua, has had success both in Nicaragua and Costa Rica in the newspaper field. In a recent report he points out that a simple home meeting in the house of Mrs. Louise Caswell in San Juan occasioned two long news articles in that city, and that the exhibit of paintings left in these countries by Mrs. Shiela Rice-Wray likewise led to unusual publicity of a very favorable nature.
Dr. Robert Gulick calls attention to outstanding publicity work accomplished by John Eichenauer during his recent journey, and particularly mentions articles published by the editor of the best known chain of papers in Mexico.
Along somewhat different lines, but simultaneously, Artemus Lamb conducted, in collaboration with the Inter-America Committee, a letter campaign in the city of Washington for contacting outstanding visitors in the city. Good public contacts will also undoubtedly result from the meeting dedicated to Latin America in New York, to be held at the end of November, at which representative visitors will be featured, and the New York Latin public welcomed.
Widespread Incorporations Basis of Legal Strength[edit]
One of the goals stressed by the Guardian himself has been Latin American incorporations. This year the Inter-America Committee has adopted the goal of achieving this in all Capital cities where the law does not forbid it. Thus far in South America incorporations include Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, and Venezuela; in Central America Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, and El Salvador, with final applications filed also in Dominican
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Republic and Honduras. Two in
Central America, two in the Islands,
and three in South America remain
to be won.
The importance of such a firm legal basis can be seen in the rise of those Institutions destined to play so great a part in the World Order and in the life of Latin America itself. In addition to the schools of South America at Aseisa, Argentina, and Loncoche, Chile, we have the first indication of the future basis of the rise of like Institutions in Central America in the purchase by Mrs. Marcia Stewart Atwater, of property located near Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to be dedicated to the purposes of the National Assembly of that area.
New York State Fair[edit]
Banked with green drapes and pine boughs, a gleaming white model of the Bahá’í House of Worship struck a peaceful note in the commercial atmosphere at the 1950 New York State Fair in Syracuse.
Flanked with gladioli, chrysanthemum sprays and a vine covered fountain, the model loaned to the Central New York RTC by the Buffalo Bahá’í Center, revolved throughout eight days and evenings, attracting the attention of about 20,000 people who stopped and either appreciated the beauty of the booth, or carefully examined its display.
The main features of the exhibit were the Temple model, a display of Bibles of the world including three Bahá’í books, and a curved placard with the quotation “This Earth is but One Country and Mankind Its Citizens.” 942 pamphlets were distributed, and many personal contacts resulted.
A complete report including cost, diagrams, pictures, results, evaluation, plans for follow-up, and suggestions for the future has been compiled and placed in the hands of the Northeastern Area National Teaching Committee for reference by anyone planning a similar project.
Marriages[edit]
Detroit, Michigan. Eva Pearl King to Roger Leclair, September 9, 1950.
Englewood, Colorado. Joy Gillespie to Elmer John Kortemeyer Jr., September 9, 1950.
Progress in Temple Construction to September 29, 1950
Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of September, 1950[edit]
Alabama — Birmingham. Alaska — Anchorage. Arizona — North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas — Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California — Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, El Monte Twp., Escondido Twp., Fresno, Glendale, Glendale Twp., Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Monrovia Twp., Oakland, Palo Alto, Pasadena, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, South Gate.
Colorado — Colorado Springs, Denver. Connecticut — Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven. Delaware — Wilmington. Dist. of Columbia — Washington. Florida — Jacksonville, Miami, St. Augustine. Georgia — Atlanta, Augusta. Hawaii — Honolulu, Maui. Idaho — Ada County, Boise.
Illinois — Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, Springfield, Urbana, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Indiana — Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend. Iowa — Cedar Rapids, Waterloo. Kansas — Topeka. Louisiana — New Orleans. Maine — Portland. Massachusetts — Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan — Ann Arbor, Detroit, 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, Englewood, Jersey City, Montclair, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico — Albuquerque. New York — Binghamton, Buffalo, Hamburg, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers.
North Carolina — Greensboro. North Dakota — Fargo. Ohio — Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, East Cleveland, Lima, Toledo. Oklahoma — Oklahoma City. Oregon — Astoria, Portland. Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island — Providence. South Carolina — Greenville, Columbia.
South Dakota — Sioux Falls. Tennessee — Memphis, Nashville. Texas — Dallas, Houston, San Antonio. Utah — Salt Lake City. Vermont — Brattleboro. Virginia — Alexandria, Arlington. Washington — Kirkland, Monroe, Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Tacoma. West Virginia — Charleston. Wisconsin — Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay. Wyoming — Laramie.
Total Number of Assemblies | 167 |
Assemblies contributing | 154 |
Assemblies not contributing | 13 |
Groups contributing | 50 |
Individuals contributing | 230 |
Special contributions: |
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Bahá’í Assembly of Adelaide, S.A. |
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Bahá’í Children’s Class of Fresno |
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[Page 9]
Scaffolding and preparations for decorating columns of Temple interior.
Memorial Contributions[edit]
B. Dr. Zia Bagdadi.
C. Mothers of Mr. and Mrs. Harold A. Chamberlin, Amelie Conrow, Gail Curwin, Gerald Curwin.
D. Mrs. Ellen F. Davies, Ida Mary Deemer, James A. Deemer, Willard S. Deemer, Eliabeth Detwiler, Joseph Detwiler, Richard H. Duckett, Mary Denise Dupont.
E. Mrs. Louisa Eardley.
F. Dayna Farrand, Miss Barbara Fitting, Georgina Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Forster, John Freitas.
G. Robert P. Gitlin, Mother of Marie Grant.
H. Charles Hammerstrom, Hall Hassan, Mrs. Ruby C. Heise, Dr. Willis S. Hilpert, Emogene Hoagg.
I. Charles Ioas.
J. Harold L. Johnson, Marjorie E. Johnson.
K. Lillian F. Kappes, Sophia Kappes.
L. Family of Mrs. Mina Lundquist, Mrs. William Lawrence, William M. Lynch.
M. Frank Magee, Ella J. Meissner, William B. Meyer, Mrs. Mary J. Morris, Dr. and Mrs. Morris J. Moth, Dr. Robert S. Moth, Mary Rumsey Movius.
O. Alice R. Owen.
P. Jeanette Pam.
R. Mrs. Lucile Reddick, Mrs. Mary J. Revell, Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Helene Jackson Richardson, Miss Ella Robarts.
N. Gambetta Roldan.
S. Gordon Schlilaty, William E. Scott, Sylvia E. Sendenburg, Robie Sessoms, Husband of Mrs. Clara Sharp (Tíhrán), Alexander Stern, Leon Stern, Mrs. Rosa M. Stevens, Merle A. Sweney, Robert R. Sweney, Axel Swanson, John W. Sykes.
T. Edward Turner.
V. Severine Solvesen Velde.
W. Charity Cobb Warrick, Evelyn Watson, Hallie Watson, Amelia B. Willard, D. Seymour Willard, Henry Bowers Willard, Mary Livingston Willard, Ida Velde Williams, Catherine Winegar, Evaline Winegar, John Winegar, Chas. H. Withers, Sr., George W. Woods.
Fair at Morris County, N.J.[edit]
The Morris County Fair officials invited members of the Budd Lake Group in New Jersey to participate in the Youth Plaza of the 1950 Fair on August 22-26. With the Regional Teaching Committee’s consent, they accepted the offer eagerly.
Bea and Jesse Alexander and William Towart met with the Area Youth Committee to formulate plans by which the booth could be staffed by youth members from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Ted Weiss was assigned the task of making the five large colored posters, (3x5), which were to illustrate One World, Religion and Science, The Faith in 100 Countries, Progress through Cooperation, and Independent Investigation.
Instead of the small section of a tent originally assigned for their exhibit, the Bahá’ís were given an entire tent at the very entrance of the Youth Plaza. The large Bahá’í World Faith sign drew the eyes to the booth where an illuminated model of the Temple and the colored posters were displayed. Comfortable chairs and a table for free literature completed the tent furnishings.
On the opening night, Allan Kelsey spoke over the fairground loud speaker system on “The Young Prophet of a World Faith”. Twenty-five Bahá’ís, some from as far as 50 miles away, stood in front of the booth as he spoke. Friday afternoon Carol Kelsey was interviewed about the Faith over Station WMTR, Morristown.
During the fair 500 visitors passed through the booth taking 600 pieces of literature. 71 signed the guest book. Many asked for information about meetings.
The Budd Lake friends suggest a permanent national fair committee to organize the work and increase the scope of local committees for county and state fairs. Good use of fair facilities, they feel, will bring the Faith to thousands of people each year and provide local groups and assemblies with new contacts.
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
Area National Teaching Committees:
- WESTERN AREA
- Mrs. Jesma Herbert
- 725 South Alvarado St.
- Los Angeles 5, California
Regional Teaching Committees:
- OREGON
- Mrs. Virginia Martig, Sec’y.
- 2960 Sunnyview Ave.
- Salem, Ore.
- COLORADO, WYOMING
- Mr. Clarence Schneider, Sec’y.
- 3800 S. Galapago
- Englewood, Colo.
- ALASKA
- Mr. County Harvey, Chairman
- Mrs. Dorothy Frey, Sec’y.
- Box 1837
- Anchorage, Alaska
- PENNSYLVANIA
- Mrs. Annamarie Honnold, Sec’y
- 524 Rutgers Ave.
- Swarthmore, Pa.
- FLORIDA (SOUTH)
- Mrs. Frances Baumgartner, Sec’y.
- Box 371-R, R.R. 1
- North Miami, Fla.
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries:
- MAUI, T.H.
- Mrs. Mabel J. Van Valkenburg
- Kihei, Maui, T.H.
- CLEVELAND, OHIO
- Mrs. Bernice Montgomery
- 3847 E. 146 St., Z. 20
- ALBUQUERQUE, N. M.
- Mrs. Rosemarie Smith
- Inc. Box 1206
- BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
- Dr. Robert L. Gulick, Jr.
- 2424 Ashby Ave.
- Berkeley 5, California
- ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
- Mrs. Bernice Anderson
- 718 N. 4th Ave.
National Committees
- UNITED NATIONS
- Mr. William de Forge, Chairman
- Mrs. Etta Mae Mikhael, Sec’y.
99-41 64th Ave. Forest Hills, L.I., New York
- CHILD EDUCATION
- Mrs. Arlene Borowick, Chairman
- Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, Sec’y.
- 4700 47th St. N.W.
- Washington, D.C.
Home Front[edit]
Rochester, New York
Plans were made to continue a 4 year old advertising project in the pages of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. Several communities are cooperating, and the primary objective is to make the name “Bahá’í” better known in the 100-mile circle around Rochester that represents the bulk of the paper’s circulation. Offers of free literature have resulted in new contacts, some as far away as Detroit and Winnipeg.
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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. It is edited by Bahá’í News Editorial Committee: Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Mrs. Mabel Paine, Mrs. Doris Fincham. Editorial Office: Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, 307 S. Prairie, Champaign, Illinois. Please report changes of address and other matters pertaining to distribution to the Bahá’í National Office, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. |
Miami, Florida
“Rocks of God,” a magazine feature of the Miami Daily News, gives an account each Sunday of a church in the area. On May 28, a full page was devoted to the Bahá’í Faith including a picture of the Temple and the Local Spiritual Assembly. Many comments, none unfavorable, were received.
An “Each One Bring One” Social with slides, songs by a non-Bahá’í and refreshments entertained 16 guests, 6 non-Bahá’ís.
Lakewood, New York
It is suggested that believers who are suitably situated consider entertaining one or more foreign students during holidays and in the summer. This provides splendid opportunities for public or fireside meetings especially if the guests have Muslim, Hindu or Confucianist backgrounds. For further information write Experiment in International Living, Putney, Vermont, or your nearest college or university.
Hamburg, New York
A week-end youth conference in August was attended by 23 children, 10 of them from out of town. In the Saturday programs, Mrs. James McCloskey talked to the teenagers on “Self-Command to Produce Constructive Living,” while Mrs. Edith McLaren taught the younger children. An inspiring feast program in the evening included a memorized prayer by each. Later, the younger children danced the Virginia Reel and the teenagers square-danced. For Sunday, Peter McLaren and Virginia Vullo, respectively, discussed “Living The Life” and “The Manifestations of God” with the teenagers, and, again, Mrs. McLaren took charge of the younger ones. On request, the older group submitted criticisms and suggestions for subsequent evaluation by the adult believers.
Another August youth event was the lawn picnic for the children’s class with Mrs. Calvin Pritchard as hostess. Nineteen youngsters, ranging in age from one to eleven, were served by some of the older students.
Oakland and Alameda, California
These communities gave a series of 6 lectures at the Community Club House through June to October. Hinduism and Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Bahá’í World Faith were presented by Mrs. John Stroessler, Miss Virginia Breaks, Dr. Gustav Loew, Mrs. Louis Groger, Mr. Amin Banani, and Dr. Mildred Nichols, respectively. Three newspapers and a poster in a florist’s window gave excellent publicity. 19 Bahá’ís and 13 non-Bahá’ís attended the first meeting and some planned to make a special effort to attend the rest of the series.
Maui, Hawaii
In a recently launched humanitarian program, the Bahá’ís of Maui have given assistance in four ways. Money was donated to the TB Association Chapter and also to the Public Health Nurse of Kihei district to use in providing medical relief for a needy non-Bahá’í. Clothing and other necessities were sent to the Island of Hawaii for persons who were left homeless in the volcanic flow. Bahá’í literature was enclosed in the boxes. Notes of thanks have been received. Encouragement and sheets for an ill child have been given to another needy family.
Radio station KMVI has requested a prayer record with a number of recorded prayers for use (with other denominations) in opening the station at 5:30 a.m. The prayers were recorded by Morris Freedman of the Honolulu Assembly and have been used many times. It is over this same station that the Maui Assembly sponsors a weekly 15 minute program.
Anchorage, Alaska
Aware of the possibility of an invasion through Alaska, an Inter-Community Conference was held to consult on instructions and guidance to be found in the Teachings. Everyone participated in bringing quotations from Bahá’í literature pertinent to three phases of the world
[Page 11]
crisis: Description of Present Crisis,
Our Duties and Responsibilities as
Bahá’ís, The Future Foretold. The
importance of proclaiming “the One
Message that can alone extricate humanity from the morass into which
it is steadily sinking” was emphasized. Our responsibilities as Bahá’ís
are “in direct opposition to the
policy of retreat from chaos into an
artificial refuge prepared in advance.... Your investment in security derives from dedication of
soul, not purchase of land.”
Rhode Island
The Department of Civil Service of the State of Rhode Island has given recognition to the Bahá’í Holy Days by granting the request of the RTC secretary, who is employed as a social worker, that she be permitted to remain absent from work with pay on those days. The request was made in memo form and sent through to many people who might not have heard of the Faith before.
Southern and Central New York State
Something unique in Bahá’í teaching was a series of concerts by Nancy Gates, violinist, and Harriet Kelsey for Southern and Central New York. A short talk centered around her three years of pioneering in Denmark was given by Nancy. The committee, Lowell Johnson, Betty Rhodes, and Mehdi Firoozi, were aided enthusiastically by Jamestown, Hamburg, Rochester, Geneva and Syracuse. Every performance attracted either the largest audience to date, or, as large an audience as any of the most successful circuits previously held. It also received the greatest publicity. Ten papers announced, and/or reported the event for a total of over 30 insertions containing more than 200 column inches. As a news item, it was announced for three days on WHAM and WGVA. The latter station interviewed Nancy Gates about the Faith and some of its aims and principles. The same program may be repeated in other regions.
Juneau, Alaska Boxholders received 2,000 circulars telling them the Bahá’í principles and emphasizing the “message for today.”
Fort Wayne, Indiana Two hours of tape-recorded music and conversation from pioneers, members of the local assembly, and South Americans studying the Faith, acquainted the friends with Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Boston, Massachusetts A weekly study and discussion, with refreshments, for youth under 30 has been especially geared to the needs of that age group.
Victor, Penfield, East Bloomfield and Canandaigua, New York cooperate in true Bahá’í spirit by joint teaching programs, Feasts and weekly meetings.
Providence, Rhode Island combined a picnic with an evening public meeting. Attending were 3 non-Bahá’ís, 9 Bahá’ís and 5 children who spent the day swimming, hiking or in any other way they desired and later listened to a talk by George Spendlove.
Westchester, Pennsylvania assisted by Wilmington and Philadelphia sponsored a Second July Jamboree. Ninety Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís attended for a week end of fellowship, sports, devotions, drama, and discussion.
Los Angeles, California conducts a discussion for parents along with the classes for children from 3 to 15.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
Communion With God, a new compilation just issued under the same title as the first edition. 24 pages and a bound stiff cover make a convenient pocket size. 15 cents each.
Bound volumes of World Order Magazine from Vol. I April, 1935, to Vol. XIV ending March, 1949, are available. The price is $3.00 per volume, postage additional. Unbound copies for the same years are still in stock at 20 cents per copy.
Star of the West, later called Bahá’í Magazine, for 1913 to 1935 (with some exceptions) is 10 cents per copy.
These magazines contain many articles valuable for teaching work and the bound volumes should be in every Bahá’í library.
In Memoriam[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.
- Miss Georgina Fitzgerald, Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 3, 1950
- Mr. Charles Drayton, New York, N. Y. Sept. 27, 1950
- Mrs. A. G. Robinson, St. Augustine, Fla. Sept. 16. 1950
- Mrs. Babetha Mary Beecher, Madison, Wis. August 16, 1950.
Living the Bahá’í Life: Gratitude[edit]
But real thankfulness is a cordial giving of thanks from the heart. When man in response to the favors of God manifests susceptibilities of conscience, the heart is happy, the spirit is exhilarated. These are ideal thanksgiving.
There is a cordial thanksgiving too which expresses itself in the deeds and actions of man when his heart is filled with gratitude. For example, God has conferred upon man the gift of guidance and in thankfulness for this great gift certain deeds must emanate from him. To express his gratitude for the favors of God man must show forth praiseworthy actions. In response to these bestowals he must render good deeds, be self-sacrificing, loving the servants of God, forfeiting even life for them, showing kindness to all creatures. He must be severed from the world, attracted to the kingdom of Abhá, the face radiant, the tongue eloquent, the ear attentive, striving day and night to attain the good-pleasure of God. Whatsoever he wishes to do must be in harmony with the good-pleasure of God. He must observe and see what is the will of God and act accordingly. There can be no doubt that such commendable deeds are thankfulness for the favors of God.
The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 231
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:
CALIF., Alhambra 1; Los Angeles 3; COLO., Colorado Springs 1; WASH. D. C., 2; ILL,. Chicago 2; Wilmette 1; NEW YORK, Yonkers 1; ORE., Portland 1; TENN., Memphis 1; WIS., Milwaukee 1; YOUTH 1.
Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees:
NORTHEASTERN STATES
- Penna. 1
- Me. & N. H. 1
CENTRAL STATES
- Ohio 1
- Wis. 2
- Mich. 1
WESTERN STATES
- Ore. 3
- Colo., Wyo. 1
SOUTHERN STATES
- E. Division
- Del., Md., Dist. of Columbia 2
- YOUTH 4
TOTALS
- Adult 26
- Youth 5
Local Annual Reports, Continued[edit]
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Study classes for the year were “Teaching Bahá’ís How to Teach” and Personality classes conducted by Harry Ford and study of Advent of Divine Justice, Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Prescription for Living with other members of the community as leaders. The Youth class was attended by 5 registered Youth and other non-Bahá’ís have expressed a desire to attend.
New plans of Feast presentation were tried. For about six months only two good readers participated with selections made by the chairman. Later, opportunity was given to anyone who had prayers or short readings to offer and music was added. This final plan seemed to be the most successful, but the assembly agreed to keep the Feast devotions flexible.
The Naw-Rúz Feast was held at the Y.M.C.A. and included a dinner furnished by the “Y.” One of many speakers was Auntie Victoria who not only had decorated the programs with inspirational drawings, but also gave the message that world order is impossible without unity and unity is impossible without fellowship.
In reviewing the year, the community decided that the best way to attract non-Bahá’ís to public meetings is through personal invitation and that every member should feel a special responsibility for making contacts when there is a good speaker and timely topic.
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
For one evening a month, the Springfield Community went to Palmer, Monson, or Belchertown for study with these groups in addition to regular study within their own community.
Previous to World Religion Day, a display of religious books of all faiths was arranged at the public library. Theodore Lucas gave a talk on the oneness of the prophets and religious unity. A film, “One God” was shown, also.
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI
World Religion Day was observed by a dinner with United World Federalists and Fellowship House participating. E. E. Amick of the Federalists spoke on “World Government.” “World Fellowship” was the subject discussed by Robert Wesley Brown of Fellowship House. Short talks were given by Charles C. Howard, Mrs. Ermina Erickson (a non-Bahá’í) and Mrs. Olivia Kelsey on the contributions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, respectively. Mrs. Opal H. Winans presented the Bahá’í Faith with the subject “World Religion.” Kodachrome Temple slides, accompanied by a wire recorded talk concluded the program. Mrs. Anna W. Howard, chairman, invited questions from audience.
Further attempts were made to contact non-Bahá’ís by other public meetings, a banquet, study classes and firesides held by individuals.
A non-Bahá’í member of the Independence Camera Club had entered a picture of the Temple in two photographic contests. He was awarded second place in one and third place in the other. Plans were made to exhibit it in other contests. Mr. Walrath in commenting on it stated, “The detail is the best I have seen in any photograph of the Temple.”
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Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Make Checks Payable to:
National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Make checks for books and pamphlets payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Committee
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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In April, a 10-minute interview was held by Claude Winans with Mrs. Dorothy Baker over station KIMO.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
Sociability was combined with information in Milwaukee’s teaching plans. At the first of the year, a welcoming tea was given for new members of the past two years. Readings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and music provided the spiritual refreshment.
Several Saturdays in succession were spent in a “Fellowship Meeting” with short talks and open discussion on varied topics. Again, music and refreshments were included.
A course of “the logic of Bahá’í Administration” was conducted, as well as firesides, and the usual Sunday evening meetings and Wednesday afternoon and evening classes.
WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN
One of the most successful events was the Inter-Faith broadcast from WTMJ in cooperation with Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay and Shorewood. Anna Hanel presided as chairman with Robert Williams as speaker. Earl Theil, accompanied by Audrey Daniel, sang. Copies of the talk and pamphlets were sent to numerous inquirers after the broadcast.
Wauwatosa conducted the Riḍván Feast at the Convention. Firesides were regular one night each week and often were held two times per week.
Social events included a picnic and a square dance party.
The Wauwatosa Corporate seal was adopted in April.
Abdu’l-Bahá on Gratitude | 11 |
Guardian on Healing, Peace | 2 |
National Spiritual Assembly: |
|
Identification Cards | 2 |
National Temple Campaign | 1 |
“Untapped Sources” | 1 |
Your Address | 1 |
Around the Bahá’í World | 5 |
British Address | 6 |
Calendar | 5 |
Contributions from Assemblies | 8 |
Directory Additions, Changes | 10 |
Fair, Morris County, N. J. | 9 |
Global Bahá’í Public Relations | 3 |
Home Front | 10 |
In Memoriam | 11 |
Inter-America News | 6 |
Living the Bahá’í Life | 11 |
Local Annual Reports, continued | 12 |
Marriages | 8 |
Memorial Contributions | 9 |
Memorial Gift to Library for the Blind | 2 |
New York State Fair | 8 |
Publishing Announcement | 11 |
Speaker’s Aids | 3 |
United Nations Report | 4 |
Pictures |
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Exhibits at Temple | 2, 3 |
Mrs. Stewart, Pioneer | 7 |
Temple Progress | 8, 9 |
UN Delegates | 4 |
