Bahá’í News/Issue 238/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 238 | DECEMBER, 1950 | YEAR 107 | BAHA’I NEWS |
Mission of German Bahá’ís[edit]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The progress achieved by the German Bahá’í community in recent months, under the able direction, and through the constant vigilance and loving care of its elected national representatives, is highly gratifying and fills me with hope, gratitude and admiration for the sterling qualities that distinguish its members in their steadfast service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. The restoration of harmony and cooperation among the dearly loved, high-minded, great-hearted German believers, the vigorous prosecution of their newly-adopted Plan, the gradual restoration of their newly purchased Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, the steady extension in the range of their publications, and the notable multiplication and consolidation of their rehabilitated institutions, are the latest evidences of the unconquerable spirit and indomitable faith which have consistently animated them in the past and which have enabled them to weather, in the course of the last world conflict, the severest storm that has afflicted them since the inception of the Faith in their land.
The process of harmonious cooperation and the spirit of mutual understanding, remarkably evident in the life of a newly resuscitated, highly promising, spiritually enriched community must, particularly in its relation with the local communities in Hamburg and Vienna, be steadily fostered, however great the obstacles that may be encountered. The education of the members of the community in the principles and essential verities underlying the Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as well as the Administrative Order of the Faith — the twin pillars sustaining the spiritual life and the institutions of every organized Bahá’í community—must, at all costs be vigorously pursued and systematically intensified; the multiplication and consolidation of Bahá’í administrative institutions in both Zones, under the jurisdiction of the elected representatives of the community and the neighboring territory of Austria, must be given a fresh impetus through repeated exertions and carefully devised measures. The initial steps, aiming at the incorporation of the National Assembly and of every soundly grounded properly functioning local Assembly, should be promptly taken, as a prelude to the establishment of national and local Bahá’í endowments for the benefit of the entire community. The utmost effort should be exerted to hasten, on the one hand, the completion of the restoration of the national administrative Headquarters, and centralize on the other, the national activities and manifold agencies of the Faith in that newly-appointed center established in the heart of that country. Particular attention should, moreover, be given to the vital city of Berlin, its needs, its interests and future prospects. The teaching work, the cornerstone of the Bahá’í edifice and the primary purpose of every Bahá’í institution, so emphatically stressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Will, should, above all, be re-invigorated and relentlessly expanded. A closer association through correspondence, attendance at summer schools, participation at Teaching Conferences and collaboration in publications, should be carefully fostered with the sister communities now rapidly emerging on the European continent, in the British Isles, in the North and South American continents, in Asia, Africa and Australia.
To these immediate tasks, so vital, so sacred, a community purged in the fires of suffering, revitalized and functioning with unity, zeal, fidelity and enthusiasm, must address itself without delay with complete dedication and renewed and undeflected resolve, as a prelude to the future unfoldment of its mission, beyond the confines of its homeland. For a national community so vibrant with life, so painstaking in its labors, so efficient in its methods, so impervious to slings and arrows of affliction, occupying so central a position in a continent, so politically confused, so spiritually starved, so socially agitated and the recipient of such favors and promises from the lips and pen of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá cannot, if faithful to its destiny, remain confined in its future activities, to the narrow compass of its homeland, and fall behind its sister communities in East and West, which are forging ahead and are in addition to their tasks at home carrying forward the banner of the Faith in both distant lands and neighboring territories, such as Latin America, the goal countries of Europe, the dependencies in the Far North, the territories of the Arabian Peninsula, Central, East and West Africa, the islands of the Pacific and South East Asia.
Already this community, has, in the years preceding the great ordeal to which it has been subjected, initiated, in however tentative a manner, its teaching enterprises beyond the confines of its homeland in one of the neighboring Balkan territories, and laid to rest, as an everlasting memorial to its pioneering spirit, the remains of its first martyr* in the soil of that territory.
No more adequate and better field can be imagined as an outlet for the long hemmed in energies of the spiritually virile, highly developed, outstandingly loyal branch of the family of Bahá’í national communities, than the neighboring territories situated in the Balkan Peninsula, the Baltic States, and further afield the vast stretches now enveloped in darkness, and whose teeming millions hunger for the Light of God’s saving grace and redemptive power.
For so glorious and mighty a mission,
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this community, however limited its present resources, however
circumscribed in its numbers, however formidable the various obstacles that now stand in its path, must,
by applying itself assiduously to the
tasks of the present hour, prepare
itself and acquire the necessary
spiritual capacity to launch, in the
years that lie ahead and possibly
on the morrow of the celebrations of
the centenary of the birth of
Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic Mission, the
first stage in its historic Mission destined to embrace so vital a section
of the European and so colossal an
area in the Asiatic continents. May
this community prove itself worthy
of its high destiny.
Haifa, June 28, 1950.
- *Adam Benke, Sofia, Bulgaria, November 23, 1932.
“Badí’u’lláh Miserably Perished”[edit]
“BADI’U’LLÁH, BROTHER (AND) CHIEF LIEUTENANT OF ARCHBREAKER (OF) DIVINE COVENANT (HAS) MISERABLY PERISHED AFTER SIXTY YEARS’ CEASELESS, FRUITLESS EFFORTS (TO) UNDERMINE (THE) DIVINELY-APPOINTED ORDER, HAVING WITNESSED WITHIN (THE) LAST FIVE MONTHS (THE) DEATHS (OF) HIS NEPHEWS SHOA (AND) MUSA, NOTORIOUS STANDARD-BEARERS (OF THE) REBELLION ASSOCIATED (WITH THE) NAME (OF) THEIR PERFIDIOUS FATHER.”
- Cablegram received November 3, 1950.
The history of these Covenant-breakers within the family of Bahá’u’lláh is recounted by the Guardian in Chapter XV of “God Passes
By,” pages 244 to 251. The “archbreaker (of) divine Covenant” was
Muḥammad-‘Alí. “Gradually and
with unyielding persistence, through
lies, half-truths, calumnies and
gross exaggerations, this ‘Prime
Mover of sedition’ succeeded in
ranging on his side almost the entire family of Bahá’u’lláh, as well
as a considerable number of those
who had formed His immediate entourage. Bahá’u’lláh’s two surviving
wives, His two sons, the vacillating
Mírzá Diyá’u’lláh, and the treacherous Mírzá Badí’u’lláh, with their sister and half-sister and their husbands ... all united in a determined
effort to subvert the foundations of
the Covenant which the newly proclaimed Will had laid,” Shoghi Effendi has written.
“Heart Greatly Relieved”[edit]
(My) heart (is) greatly relieved (by the) splendid, welcome evidences (of the) intensified activity (on the) home front, Europe (and) Latin America. Supplicating bountiful blessings (on the) manifold enterprises energetically (and) devotedly conducted (by the) exemplary American Bahá’í Community.
Haifa, Israel, September 19, 1950.
On September 11, 1950 the National Spiritual Assembly had cabled
the following message to Shoghi Effendi:
“Assembly deeply moved (by) universal response, devotion, prayer for beloved Guardian. Gratified, proud, results European Conference (and) School. Inter-Committee Conference (for) public campaign (on) Temple completion resulted plans adopted (for) continuing coordinated national campaign. Inter-America work intensified, including plans, documents, formation two Assemblies, and current dispatch pioneers Louise Groger, Jean Silver, Mr. and Mrs. Amoz Gibson, Eve Nicklin, Dr. Malcolm King, Flora Hottes, Charles Ioas, Frances Stewart. Ardent love.”
“Movements Akin to Bahá’í Principles”[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly shares with the friends the following statement written by the Guardian, through his secretary, to the Bahá’í Youth of Lima, Peru, on November 17, 1945.
“There are so many movements in the world at present akin to various Bahá’í principles, indeed we can almost say that the principles of Bahá’u’lláh have been adopted by thinking people all over the planet. But what they do not realize, and what the Bahá’ís must therefore teach them, is that these principles, however perfect, will never be able to create a new society, unless and until they are animated by the spirit which alone changes the hearts and characters of men, and that spirit is recognition of their Divine origin in the teacher sent from God; in other words, Bahá’u’lláh. When they recognize this, their hearts will change and a change of heart is what people need, not merely a change of intellectual outlook.”
Assurance of Love[edit]
Many Assemblies have reported on the special community meetings held to pray for the Guardian and to convey to him their assurance of devoted love and loyalty.
Among these reports the National Assembly notes with gratitude the messages received from the Bahá’ís of Rochester, Chicago, Champaign, Sioux Falls, Indianapolis, Topeka, Ada County, Glendale Township, Berkeley, Milwaukee, Charleston, Madison, Dallas and Boston—many more, if not all Assemblies held similar gatherings of dedication.
The Guardian’s beautiful acknowledgment has already been published in Bahá’í News.
How to Report Marriages to Bahá’í News[edit]
The Assemblies and Regional Committees are requested to report marriages to the National Bahá’í Office and not directly to Bahá’í News. The Office will then send a list of marriages to Bahá’í News on a monthly schedule.
This will assure publication of all Bahá’í marriages and not merely those which individuals report to Bahá’í News themselves. Moreover, the National Office needs this information to correct its membership records for change of name and change of address.
Photograph of Shrine of the Báb[edit]
The Guardian has sent a photographic film of a beautiful view of the Shrine with direction that prints are to be made for sale to the friends throughout the world.
The Sales Committee has made prints and these can be purchased at 50 cents each, with 10% discount on orders of ten or more. Send cash with order to H. E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago 40, Illinois, U.S.A.
Temple Completion to Coincide With Termination of Second Seven Year Plan[edit]
A cablegram has been received from the Guardian which defers any public observance of Temple completion and use of the auditorium for formal worship until 1953.
“TEMPLE NOT REGARDED (AS) COMPLETED UNTIL ALL ACCESSORIES (ARE) PROVIDED INCLUDING LANDSCAPE GARDENING. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT AND WORSHIP MUST COINCIDE (WITH) TERMINATION (OF) PLAN.”
This message was received November 8, 1950. The National Temple Campaign already planned and announced for 1951, to signalize the end of the present construction contracts, is therefore laid aside. It is now clear that the year 1953, Centenary of Bahá’u’lláh’s mystical experience in the dungeon of Ṭihrán, will be a worldwide celebration, with public announcement of the consummation of all the great projects assigned to or adopted by the various national Bahá’í Communities since 1944, in accordance with whatever directions Shoghi Effendi sends to all National Assemblies before the Centenary date.
In the light of world events now shaping outside the Bahá’í community, the year 1953 can be reverently understood as marking a great and decisive turning point in the history of mankind.
By “accessories” in the Guardian’s cable, reference is made to elements needed for the full use of the Temple, not to the five accessory buildings to be constructed around it.
These two pictures are our first opportunity to possess a view of the exquisite superstructure being built on Mount Carmel, carried as far as completion of the arcade.
Conference Institutes[edit]
These Institutes have become a very important means of teaching within the Bahá’í Community. They concentrate, within a few continuous sessions, upon texts which are vital to the individual Bahá’ís understanding of the Revelation, and which many do not really take to heart after years of occasional reading or desultory study.
Moreover, the collective approach strengthens the unity of the community. What we have before us in the Institutes are the creative Words which alone can bind the minds and hearts and lay foundations for the oneness of mankind.
The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to point out that the Conference Institutes are for Bahá’ís only. They are not designed for attracting or confirming non-Bahá’ís. The teachings as compiled in the Institute book are naturally suitable for study classes open to seekers. The friends are free to use the material for such purposes, but the Institute itself is a type of teaching conference intended to prepare Bahá’ís for more effective activity.
World Religion Day[edit]
SUGGESTED PLAN:
- Bahá’í speaker on the theme
“World Religion is the Path to World
Unity.”
- Establish first the need at the present hour for world unity.
- Develop theme by showing that
in the past only revealed religion has had the power to erase
prejudices and create nucleus for
a new civilization.
- Show historically the work of
the revealed religions of
the past. Illustrate this
graphically by using a large
world map. Show their
spheres of influence and the
location of the civilizations
that were established upon
their teachings.
(Source Material: *Study of History, by Arnold J. Toynbee; Foundations of World Unity, pages 22-27; Promulgation of Universal Peace, pages 327-342, also, 356-359; use short quotations from the revealed religions, such as the Hebrew prophecies of universal peace, etc.)
- Show historically the work of
the revealed religions of
the past. Illustrate this
graphically by using a large
world map. Show their
spheres of influence and the
location of the civilizations
that were established upon
their teachings.
- Establish the point that these religions, though potent in their own age and sphere of influence, are powerless today to unite the world in one common cause.
- Present the Bahá’í World Faith
as the only world religion capable of establishing world unity
for it is the “one Universal Religion raised above historic differences of race, class or creed.”
(Source Material: Gleanings, page 215 (CX), page 213 (CVI), page 254 (CXX) and page 200 (XCIX) - Climax talk with graphic illustrations on the map of Bahá’í World Community, its institutions, etc.
- Script with Musical Background
(time 15-minutes). (This is adaptable for fireside type meeting, or
as supplementary program material). Requires two voices and recorded music for background.
- Readings selected from the scriptures of the various revealed religions of the world, Buddhist, Hebrew, Islamic, Christian, Bahá’í, etc.
- Suggested background music:
- Brahms symphony, No. 1 in C Minor, 2nd & 3rd movements
- Debussy — Engulfed Cathedral
- Beethoven—Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, 3rd movement
- Film Strips (to be used as
supplementary program material).
Sources: Libraries, film rental companies, etc.
Type of Film: Should establish the need of the present hour for world unity. This should lead into a development of the theme: “World Religion is the Path to World Unity,” as outlined above and developed either with one Bahá’í speaker, a panel, or a book review. - Book Review: This Earth One Country by Emeric Sala.
Security For a Failing World by Stanwood Cobb. This could be used in place of a Bahá’í speaker, or panel discussion to develop the theme outlined above. - Panel (3 or 4 speakers participating).
- Develop the same theme as outlined in Part I. Have members
participating represent various
races, etc., as much as is possible.
- First member of panel should
show the need for world unity,
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the inability of present institutions to establish it.
- Second (and third, if 4 members participate) should show the work of past religions, using map to illustrate, as suggested in Part I.
- Final panel member should present the contribution of the Bahá’í World Faith—as the only world religion “raised above historic differences of race, creed or class,” etc.
- First member of panel should
show the need for world unity,
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- Develop the same theme as outlined in Part I. Have members
participating represent various
races, etc., as much as is possible.
Suggested Literature and Source Material Available Through Public Relations Committee[edit]
Pamphlet: “The Religion of World Unity.” (hand-out literature)
4-page Folding piece: Frontispiece showing pictures of various Bahá’í institutions around the world; inside showing 11x17 map of the Bahá’í World; back page has chart on the growth of the Faith.
For exhibits and window displays, etc.: Use a world map, the above-mentioned folding piece if desired, emphasizing the world scope of Faith.
Guide booklet, presenting in detail all plans complete with cost of materials and a series of publicity releases is being sent to all assemblies and groups of 5 to 8.
For information and materials for World Religion Day, please write to Bahá’í Public Relations Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
IMPORTANT: Rather than showing only the progressive relationship between the religions of the world, it is desired this year to emphasize the need of one universal religion as the only path to world unity. In order to illustrate the world scope of the Bahá’í Faith, use graphic material, maps, charts, etc., to present this to the public.
Marriages[edit]
San Mateo, California. Marilyn Frances Zahl to Alfred H. Raubitschek, August 19, 1950.
Chicago, Illinois. Nancy Ray to Gordon Dobbins, Jr., October 21, 1950.
Chicago, Illinois. Carrie Williams to Morris U. Williams, August 27, 1950.
Muskegon, Michigan. Anna Belle Wilder to Walter D. Crummel, June 30, 1950.
Muskegon, Michigan. Mrs. Mary Burmeister to Paul Kitchen, August 25, 1950.
This photograph shows the extent of the work completed on the Temple interior by November 1st.
Temple Construction Report[edit]
Scaffolding has been erected under the Temple dome and the work of placing stone units in the dome is underway.
In October the placing of the terrazo bases at piers and columns was started. And by early November eight of the bronze doors had been put in place.
A strike of the lathers in the Chicago area caused delay in the plastering work. By early November (as this report is written) five bays in the second gallery had been plastered, as well as the arches of the bays below the galleries.
The Trustees recently decided on the major elements of the auditorium lighting scheme.
Temple Visitors[edit]
The week-day guide season at the Bahá’í House of Worship has closed—not that the visitors ceased coming, because they never do, but because the building is not heated sufficiently during the week for guides to stay there all day without jeopardizing their health.
In the January issue of Bahá’í News you may look for a detailed report of the number of visitors to the Temple this past year, the number of states and countries represented, and the increasing number of tours made by clubs, church groups, etc.
There were two recent tours which gave more people an opportunity to see the Temple than perhaps any others. One group consisted of bankers and their wives who were in Chicago at an International Bankers’ Convention. There were about 400 in all. A short talk was given to them in Foundation Hall, followed by the showing of the Temple slides with accompanying script. Questions were asked and the exhibits viewed.
Another group, all women, were the wives of printers from all over the United States and several foreign countries, meeting in Chicago for an International Printers’ Craftsmen Convention. They came in nine buses and you can imagine what a thrill it was to see these nine buses lined up on Linden Avenue while the women toured the building and saw the Temple slides with their accompanying narration.
By the increasing number of visitors to the Temple, it is becoming more and more apparent how true the words of the late Mr. Bourgeois, architect for the building, are. He said: “When the Temple is completed, its unique design and resplendent beauty will attract souls from all over the world.”
[Page 5]
These buses brought tourists to see the Temple recently.
Memorial Gifts for the Month of October, 1950[edit]
B. A. G. Bechtold, Mother Beecher, John D. Bosch, Isabelle Brittingham, Ann Burch.
C. John Carlson, Mothers of Mr. & Mrs. Harold A. Chamberlin, Thornton Chase, Mrs. Elizabeth Lucas Clark.
D. Mrs. Luda Dabroski, Carol Anne Davis, Adeline Duff, Dr. William Duffield.
E. Mrs. H. R. Eaton, Isaac Newton Endicott.
F. Dayna Farrand, Charlotte Fechtner, Georgina Fitzgerald, Dr. Charles Frink.
G. Dr. C. Oscar Garrett, John R. Gilligan, James A. Gordon.
H. Otto L. Hilke, Dr. Willis S. Hilpert.
J. Martha Bell Johnson.
K. Mrs. Sustava Kruka.
L. Cecilia T. Levy.
M. Frieda Anita Mead.
Mc. Dr. James P. McCormick, Helen B. McCurdy.
N. Edward Neall, Elma Neall.
P. Mary Prescott.
R. Mrs. Pet L. Reed, John B. Richardson, Chas. A. Richter.
S. Fannie I. Small, Morris Small, Sophia Small, Orestes W. Stark, Vinnie T. Stark, Anna Baum Stern, Mrs. Rosa Stevens, Hugo W. Storch, Johanna M. Storch.
T. Gail Edmund Thomson, John N. Thomson, Lawrence Tomlinson, D. Benton Thurston, Elizabeth Thurston, Joann Elizabeth Thurston.
W. Evelyn Watson, Hallie Watson.
Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of October, 1950[edit]
Alabama — Birmingham. Arizona — North Phoenix, Phoenix, Tucson. Arkansas — Eureka Springs, Little Rock. California — Alhambra, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Burlingame, 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, St. Augustine. Georgia — Atlanta, Augusta. Hawaii — Honolulu, Maui. Idaho — Ada County, Boise. Illinois — Batavia, Champaign, Chicago, Danville, Evanston, Maywood, Oak Park, Peoria, 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 — Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon. Minnesota — Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Mississippi — Jackson. Missouri — Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana — Great Falls. Nebraska — Macy. Nevada — Reno. New Hampshire — Portsmouth. New Jersey — Dumont, East Orange, Englewood, Jersey City, Montclair, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico — Albuquerque. New York — Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Hamburg, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, Waterloo, Yonkers.
North Dakota — Fargo. Ohio — Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, East Cleveland, Lima, Toledo. Oklahoma — Oklahoma City. Oregon — Portland. Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island — Providence. South Carolina — Greenville, Columbia. South Dakota — Sioux Falls. Tennessee — Memphis, Nashville. Texas —Dallas, San Antonio. Vermont — Brattleboro. Virginia — Alexandria, Arlington.
Washington — Kirkland, Monroe, Richmond Highlands, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. West Virginia — Charleston. Wisconsin — Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Shorewood, Somers Twp., Wauwatosa. Wyoming — Laramie.
Number of Assemblies | 167 |
Assemblies contributing | 151 |
Assemblies not contributing | 16 |
Groups contributing | 63 |
Individuals contributing | 179 |
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
- Bahá’í Assembly of Adelaide, S.A.; Bahá’í Children’s Class of Lakewood, N.Y.; Bahá’í Junior Youth of Maywood.
NOT PREVIOUSLY LISTED:
- Tacoma Assembly and Roseville Assembly for June, July and August.
Enrollments[edit]
Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:
CALIF., Glendale 1, Los Angeles 1, Santa Monica 4; LA., New Orleans 1; MASS., Boston 1; UTAH, Salt Lake City 1; WIS., Shorewood 1; YOUTH 1.
Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees:
- NORTHEASTERN STATES
- Western New York 1
- CENTRAL STATES
- Wisconsin 5
- Michigan 3
- WESTERN STATES
- Colo., Wyo. 1
- TOTALS
- Adult 20
- Youth 1
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.
- Mrs. Elizabeth Lucus, Los Angeles, Calif. Sept. 3, 1950
- Mr. Louis Sanders, San Francisco, Calif. Sept. 22, 1950
- Mr. Sherman A. Calahan, Brewer, Maine Aug. 10, 1950
- Mr. William Young, Lima, Ohio Oct. 8, 1950
- Miss Alice Owen, Sausalito, Calif. Oct. 26, 1950
- Mrs. Marion Cullen, Eliot, Maine Oct., 1950
- Mrs. Ida Davis, Atlanta, Ga. Oct., 1950
- Mrs. Katie Danson, Marysville, Wash. Oct., 1950
International Relief[edit]
One of the largest Bahá’í communities in Western Germany has sent the following interesting report of what they were able to do in the past year (Bahá’í Year 106) with the contents of packages received from the friends in the United States through the International Relief plan of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Excerpts from the report of the chairman of their Social Committee follow:
“Tuesday was established as distribution day in our community ...”
By the end of January 19 packages of clothing, shoes, etc., had arrived and a large package of vitamins. “In February just before the distribution day a package arrived from a young Bahá’í who had contributed four dollars to send the Little Bahá’ís in Germany a CARE package of fats. The fat was divided among 16 children under 10 years old. In addition a clothing package and two food packages arrived and were distributed on the ‘gift day’—of these more later. Two packages were given over to me in February by another friend to whom they had been sent. In March five packages arrived; in April two packages.
“A total of 21 packages came in my care and nine through other friends. Altogether there were given out:
- 179 pieces of clothing for children
- 167 pieces of clothing for adults
- 10 pairs of shoes for children
- 26 pairs of shoes for adults
- 196 miscellaneous items, such as neckties, shawls, handkerchiefs, gloves, hats, mittens, also soap, toothbrushes, etc. And for children: candies, baby food, crayons, books for coloring, etc.
“Many friends for joy at what they received gave gifts of money and so the treasury of our Local Spiritual Assembly was reimbursed to the extent of 175 DM for the expenses of postage, visits to the sick, etc. The Social Committee had three meetings—in August, September and February. In the September meeting it was decided to ask the Assembly permission to give emergency help for needy friends to buy coal from fluids on hand in the LSA treasury. Seven friends were helped in this way.
“On the ‘distribution days’ the Social Committee with the permission of the Assembly was able to bring joy to the aged and sick and several very needy friends with a food package. For our aged friends there was really nothing that fitted in the packages from America. Therefore we gave presents to all who were over 60 years old. There were 144 DM in the Assembly treasury to our credit and in addition we had for distribution the beautifully selected items in the food parcels from America.”
One of the friends put her home at the disposal of the Social Committee “so that the little packages that had been made up could be passed out at an afternoon tea. The youth entertained our old people with a gay performance. The members of the Assembly visited the sick ones and made them happy with gifts of fruit.
“Thus we could give some happiness to many friends and we hope in the Year 107 to be able to do even more.”
Here we have a very good example of results that are effective when we follow the unified way of Bahá’í administration. In International Relief the little that we individually can do thus becomes a substantial help and encouragement when it flows through the channel of the instrument promised the blessing of the Center of the Covenant.
of the National Spiritual Assembly
Mrs. Beatrice Ashton,
Box 548, Evanston, Ill.
Publishing Announcement[edit]
“The Books of God Are Open,”
A compilation and study aid, prepared by E. S. Campbell is now available. It is a mimeographed pamphlet of 13 pages, with paper cover, size 8½x11 inches.
This material fills a very special and urgent need: to present the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to those who have the background of the Old and New Testaments and an orthodox church connection.
The compiler has selected excerpts related to three themes: The Great Day Of God, The Best Beloved is Come, The Most Great Peace, and has woven the text together with comment.
Per copy 50c.
“Prophecy Fulfilled” now available. Increased cost of manufacturing has necessitated increase in list
price, new per 100.....$6.00
Bahá’í Calendar for 1951 will be
ready soon. Price each.....15c
International Observance Centenary, Martyrdom of the Báb[edit]
The worldwide character of our beloved Faith has been demonstrated once more by the action of various National Spiritual Assemblies in preparing memorial and public programs for their respective communities.
This survey briefly outlines the information received to date, and includes items for the national reports and does not attempt to cover all the local activities, interesting and important as they might be.
CANADA[edit]
From the National Spiritual Assembly we learn that on June 1 a general letter was issued giving plans for a special Memorial Meeting and also a Public Meeting on the Centenary date, with list of readings and suggestions for the conduct of both meetings.
EGYPT[edit]
This Assembly has sent a five-page report, together with sample copies of their Memorial pamphlet which was printed in the Arabic language. On account of the conditions of dispute among the three religions recognized in the Muslim world, the pamphlet supplied “historical, logical and traditional proofs from the Qur’án, the Old and New Testaments”, to support the Bahá’í Revelation. Its epilogue presented the Bahá’í teachings and principles as set forth by our beloved Guardian in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, World Religion, followed by a selection from Hidden Words and ended by “How to Live a Bahá’í Life from Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”. The English translation of this pamphlet is “Page of Light”.
Cards of invitation to the Public Meeting in Cairo were sent to more than 80 eminent non-Bahá’ís, of whom (including the press) about 40 attended. The motion picture film
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of the Bahá’í Temple was shown.
Press comments were very favorable.
The Centenary was also observed by the Bahá’ís of Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.
PERSIA[edit]
The National Assembly prepared a special number of the Bahá’í News of Persia, giving the Centenary program for use throughout the local communities. The world survey pamphlet prepared by the Guardian and published in the United States was to be translated into Persian and copies distributed throughout the provinces.
INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA[edit]
On May 10 the National Assembly addressed a general letter to all local Assemblies appointing three Regional Committees, each serving for the Bahá’ís in one of the three countries. Nine items of advice and direction were given for the Commemoration and Public Meetings. “The poor shall be fed as far as possible. This may be done through the Municipality”, was one suggestion. A very attractive Centenary pamphlet was also published, of 64 pages and illustrations. Its contents were listed as follows: “Foreword, A Prayer By the Báb, The World Religion, The Execution of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh’s Tribute to the Báb, The Báb and the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb’s Address to the Letters of the Living, A Pattern for Future Society, Appreciations of the Bahá’í Faith”.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
Two items have been received: a newspaper clipping reporting a talk by Suhayl Ala’i at a gathering of Auckland and Devonport Bahá’í communities held to commemorate the Centenary; and a pamphlet entitled “Martyrdom of the Báb, 1850-1950” published by the National Spiritual Assembly. Its contents include: Foreword, A Summary of the Bahá’í Faith, The Martyrdom of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh’s Tribute to the Báb, The Báb’s Farewell Address to the Letters of the Living, and Utterances of the Báb. It contains 24 pages with two full-page illustrations.
European Teaching Committee News[edit]
Since the third Bahá’í European Conference in Copenhagen, and in accordance with the Guardian’s inspiring Message to the Conference, the Bahá’í teaching work in Europe is being concentrated on the CONSOLIDATION of the administrative structure of the Faith as the most important phase at this time.
The reports and letters coming in from the different Centers show the believers’ eagerness to “pursue relentlessly their allotted tasks” and they evince the fruitbearing of thorough consultation and intensive Bahá’í teaching work experienced at the Conference and Summer-School in Elsinore from July 24 to 30.
In our goal-countries several changes have been effected among our pioneers. To bring the friends up-to-date, we are giving here a survey of our present set-up in the European Teaching field.
NORWAY: Pioneers: Amelia Bowman; Elinor Gregory, who will return to the U.S. in December after three and a half years of faithful service in the European Teaching field.
SWEDEN: Pioneers: Doris Corbin; Don Corbin returned to the U.S. in September to finish his studies which he has been taking at Wayne University. He hopes to return around New Year to Stockholm, where he and Doris intend to settle permanently. Rita Van Sombeek has been assigned as new pioneer in Stockholm. Florence Holsinger sailed for the U.S. on October 10th.
DENMARK: Pioneer: Dagmar Dole.
HOLLAND: Pioneers: Elinor Hollibaugh, who has served so faithfully in Denmark, has been transferred to Amsterdam; Jetty Straub is our pioneer in Rotterdam; Garreta Busey spent about a year abroad as itinerant teacher. She served about nine months in Amsterdam and the remaining time in Oslo and has now returned to the U.S.
BELGIUM: Pioneers: Anita Ioas; she will soon be rejoined by Ned Blackmer.
LUXEMBOURG: Pioneers: Sally Sanor and since recently Mildred and George Clark.
SWITZERLAND: Pioneers: Elsa Steinmetz and Fritzi Shaver in Bern; Doris Lohse in Zurich. Honor Kempton is our Representative in Geneva. Elsa Steinmetz will be used mainly as itinerant teacher. Arne Perron has returned home after serving in the E.T.C. Geneva Office for six months and in Brussels two months.
ITALY: Pioneers: Ugo and Angeline Giachery serve in Rome; Marion Little in Florence.
We also wish to inform the friends that Elsa Horneman is assisting Virginia Orbison and that the European Teaching Committee has recently also sent her a radiant young Dutch believer, Frieda van Houten.
Charlotte Stirrat and Val Nichols are working in collaboration with Louise Baker-Matthias.
The total number of our newly declared believers now in the European teaching field is 307.
Next year’s (fourth) European Teaching Conference is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy, at the beginning of September.
Bahá’ís of the new community of San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
[Page 8]
Pioneer Flora Hottes honored as first passenger on the Chicago and Southern’s new constellation.
Latin American News[edit]
Last Outgoing Pioneers[edit]
December marks the departure of the last of the resident pioneers planning to settle in Latin territories this year. Early in the month Dorothy Gwenne Sholtis, Betty Collom, Mathew Bullock, and Mary Binda will set out for indefinite periods in the field, Miss Sholtis to Chile, Miss Collom to join Flora Hottes in Mexico, Mr. Bullock to resume his post in Haiti, and Miss Binda, I.A.C.’s able secretary, to become the official pioneer for sunny Guatemala. Miss Binda will be replaced on I.A.C. by ex-secretary Elisabeth Cheney, who has spent her recent months in giving Central America’s National Teaching Committee a very excellent start on the road to success. This releases an additional pioneer, since the charming Panamanian Raquel Francois is now fully prepared to assume the duties of Central American secretary.
For January we have good itinerant news. Mrs. Loulie Mathews writes that transportation by boat has been secured from New York to Jamaica, via Haiti. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews and Miss Ophelia Crum will set out on January sixth and will spend six weeks in Jamaica, afterward visiting Haiti for a shorter period, and possibly other islands.
Plans and Preparations[edit]
On July 5, 1950, the following message was received by the National Assembly from the Guardian: “Regarding holding the Latin American Conventions; all Bahá’í Conventions must meet within the Riḍván period. He suggests the Central and South American Conventions be convened for April 21st, or a day or two later, in order to permit North Americans to get back in time for their own Convention, if they desire to attend it.”
Based on this statement, Latin American Conventions and National Assembly elections have been set for the following dates:
- South America: April 23-24, at Lima, Peru.
- Central America: April 23-24, at Panama City, Panama.
National Assembly members plan to remain for two days’ consultation with the newly elected National Assemblies, and during this period a school session will be held each morning for all Bahá’í delegates and guests, covering courses on God Passes By, Divine Art of Living, and World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi. A teaching conference will be held each afternoon, and will be conducted by the National Teaching Committees of each area.
In direct preparation for these events, an early spring Institute is to be held in every center, to carry on a study of National Assembly directives and a compilation of all of the messages of Shoghi Effendi relative to Latin America which have come since the inception of the Second Seven Year Plan. These key materials are now being prepared and will be in the hands of every Latin American believer before spring.
For Bahá’í News[edit]
Bahá’í News appreciates regular reports received from Chicago, Illinois; Providence, Rhode Island; Great Falls, Montana; Miami, Florida; Anchorage, Alaska; Boston, Massachusetts; and Boise, Idaho. We also receive a number of regional bulletins. Even though we can’t always use the material we receive, we like to have all of the news promptly so that we can share with the Bahá’ís worthwhile activities while they are still news.
There are 167 assemblies in the United States. We received local annual reports and reports of centenary activities and conference institutes on the Covenant from only a fraction of these. Soon there will be World Religion Day observances. We would appreciate having reports on all of these.
May we have, too, reports on the state conventions and possibly pictures from them? We could never print 52 pictures, but we would like to feature some of the most interesting of them.
Notices of marriages performed by the local spiritual assemblies and of deaths among Bahá’ís should be sent first to the National Office. Sending them to the News first causes delay, since they must be checked through the national files.
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
“The onward march of the Faith can be witnessed day by day. The great Plans given by the Guardian to the National Bahá’í Communities are gradually enveloping the entire planet. Here is one more link in the glorious chain”:—From the Geneva Bureau News Exchange for October, 1950.
The News Exchange then quotes part of a letter from the Guardian to the NSA of Australia and New Zealand urging them to devise measures for “the launching of the initial enterprises destined to carry the Message of the Faith to the Islands of the Pacific, lying in their immediate neighborhood ... linking them on the one hand, with their sister communities in the American continents and on the other hand with the communities in South Eastern Asia.”
In starting such an enterprise the NSA of Australia and New Zealand would be “acquiring potentialities” which will enable them to contribute “to the overseas teaching activities” already started by other communities such as the American, the Canadian, the Persian and ‘Iráqi, Indian, and British Bahá’í communities.
INDIA, PAKISTAN, AND BURMA
The News Exchange also tells of the tireless work of itinerant teachers in India. Mrs. Shirin Fozdar, in the first of two speaking tours spoke in 7 different cities, sometimes 4 or 5 times a day, to students, Theosophists, and others. Among her subjects we note “Youth and Religion,” “Qurratu’l-‘Ayn,” “World Government.” The report from India describes another teaching tour by Mrs. Fozdar and is followed by 12 more reports of tours by men teachers and youth.
The Times of India reported that Mr. Sri Prakasa, Minister for Commerce, Government of India, was the guest speaker at the exercises in New Delhi commemorating the Centenary of the Martyrdom of the Báb. He regretted that the partition of India was based on the false idea that religion divides people, and added, “We must under no circumstances repeat the mistake which has brought tragedy to so many lives and has left in its train problems still baffling solution.” Eight other important dailies gave favorable comments on the Celebration in Delhi. The Hindustani Times gave its article the title: “Martyr to World Government”
AFRICA
(The following is from No. I African News issued by the Africa Committee of the NSA of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, October, 1950‘)
“For the first time 3 Bahá’í National Communities, the British, Persian, and American will be working jointly on a Bahá’í teaching project: four when the Egyptian project in Africa is included.”
To facilitate intercourse about this project the British NSA through its Africa Committee will issue “at irregular intervals, when there is something to communicate,” “Africa News.” It will publish” before long, news of intending pioneers from America and Persia.”
“The first two pioneers, Philip Hainsworth and Hassan Sabri hope to leave for America in January.
“The following have been chosen as goal countries of the British Two Year Plan: Gold Coast—Akkra; Tanganyika—Dar es Salaam; Uganda-Kampala.
“Bahá’í pamphlets have been translated into Swahili—the most widely used East African language, Hausa—a widely used West African language, and Chinyanja—spoken in Nyassaland.”
POLAND
“There are believers in seven cities of this country, with whom communication is no longer possible. Let us think of them and pray for them in this period of tests, that they may be sustained and protected for future work.”
FRANCE
The Paris Spiritual Assembly has announced the sad news of the death, October 21, 1950, of their “dear, devoted chairman, Mr. Charles Kennedy.”
The Assembly received the following cable from the Guardian: “Grieve passing dear, devoted co-worker, Kennedy. Long record services unforgettable. Praying progress soul.—Shoghi”
BRITISH ISLES
The British Bahá’ís have established 6 Regional Committees to consolidate the Local Assemblies and communities established during their recent successful Six Year Plan.
The September issue of the British Bahá’í Journal quotes a passage from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in which He explained the reasons why burial and not cremation of the bodies of the dead is “according to the real and natural order and divine law.”
This issue also contains a fine 8 page supplement, “The Shrine of the Báb.” The cover displays a picture of one side of the structure, revealing clearly the great beauty of detail in columns, arches, panels and cornices. The contents include an account of the various transfers of the remains of the Báb during the long years when they were in hiding, their final transfer to Mt. Carmel and the original shrine, the various stages in the building of the beautiful enveloping structure, a selection from “God Passes By” on the “Significance of the Báb’s Mission,” and the “Tablet of Carmel.”
The British Bahá’í Summer School was held near Hull, the theme, “Building the World Anew.”
Bernard Leach gives an account of his visit to the United States and how he was able to convey on 7 or 8 evenings, when free from his regular business, “something of the spirit of love, self forgetfulness, and unity” which he saw grow during the latter half of the British 6 Year Plan.
GERMANY AND AUSTRIA
The first Spiritual Assembly of Berlin since the war was elected April 21, 1950. After elections the members pledged themselves “to contribute their utmost to the promotion of the Faith in Berlin, to win new friends, especially youth, and to work for the benefit of the entire human race.”
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
The Auckland (N.Z.) Bahá’í Community has purchased an area of 21 acres at Henderson Valley (near Auckland) as the site for a New Zealand National Bahá’í School. The property is to bear the name, “Hyde Dunn Bahá’í School.”
The Bahá’í Faith has recently received nationwide publicity through
[Page 10]
an article entitled “The Bahá’ís” appearing September 9 in Smith’s
Weekly, Australia’s national weekly
newspaper. The article, being a feature article, appeared in all states
of the Commonwealth and in New
Zealand. It was a local press report
of the Centenary of the Martyrdom
of the Báb prepared by the Melbourne Assembly that drew the attention of the Victorian Editor of
Smith’s Weekly to the world-wide
importance of the Bahá’í Faith and
led him to write the article.
EGYPT AND SUDAN
The 27th Annual Convention was held April 28-30, 1950. For the first time a delegate from Sudan attended the meetings. Four new centers were established during the preceding year, the second in their Five Year Plan. The Bahá’ís of Egypt and Sudan ask the prayers of the friends throughout the Bahá’í World that they may fulfill their Plan successfully in time.
IRAQ
The civil authorities of ‘Iráq have implicitly recognized the independent status of the Faith by registering Bahá’í marriage certificates.
CANADA
19 Delegates and over 100 other Bahá’ís attended the third Canadian Convention, held in Toronto, April 29-30, 1950.
Bahá’í pioneers have settled in Newfoundland. The Guardian, in a letter to the Canadian NSA, spoke of this settlement as accomplishing one of the special desires of the Master.
An Indian believer returned from the United States in order to pioneer among Canadian Indians. The Guardian has commended this Indian specially and “hopes that ere long many original Canadians will ... arise to redeem their brethren from the obscurity and despondency into which they have fallen.”
From Other News Bulletins[edit]
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.
- —Bahá’í News Bulletin of Australia and New Zealand.
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 go forward he slips back.
- —Bahá’í News Bulletin of Australia and New Zealand.
He like the Master before him, is
so anxious to see the believers
united in serving the Faith. If between the friends, true love, based
on the love of God, could become
manifest, the Cause would spread
very rapidly. Love is the standard
which must govern the conduct of
one believer towards another. The
administrative order does not
change this, but unfortunately sometimes the friends confuse the two,
and try to be a whole spiritual assembly to each other, with the discipline and justice and impartiality
that body must show, instead of being forgiving, loving, and patient to
each other as individuals.
- —Canadian News, May, 1950 p. 4
- From a letter from the Guardian through his secretary to an American believer.
Wherever the Bahá’ís work together in this spirit of deep love for
Bahá’u’lláh and for each other, the
Cause spreads very rapidly ... and
wherever, God forbid, there is inharmony amongst the friends,
which is contrary to the desire of
Bahá’u’lláh, the progress is slow and
the friends are unhappy.
- From a letter from the Guardian through his secretary to one of the first believers in Ceylon.
Where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Spoke[edit]
The Palo Alto Bahá’ís chose the anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk at Stanford University, October 8, 1912, for a public meeting. The papers printed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s picture and a description of his visit in Palo Alto with an announcement of the meeting to be held in its commemoration. A 2 column 5 inch paid advertisement showed the temple, announced the occasion of the meeting and the full program:
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Visit in America by ‘Alí Yazdi, Berkeley
- Brief remarks by several who heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912.
- A slide film presentation of the Bahá’í Faith
- and
- Motion Pictures of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America
Over one hundred people attended the meeting. Instead of writing the story themselves, the Palo Alto friends furnished the editors with the photostatic copy of the long story that appeared in 1912 in their paper. An exhibit at the library also publicized the meeting. Four hundred programs were mailed out.
Living the Bahá’í Life[edit]
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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: Mn. 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. |
“Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer to the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of oppression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. Be a home for the stranger, a balm to the suffering, a tower of strength for the fugitive. Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring. Be an ornament to the countenance of truth, a crown to the brow of fidelity, a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility. We pray God to protect thee from the heat of jealousy and the cold of hatred. He verily is nigh, ready to answer.”
- Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 93
Speakers Aids[edit]
Essay on the Bahá’í Temple[edit]
In 1903 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sanctioned the building of the Temple. In 1912 on May 1st, He laid the cornerstone. The construction was begun in 1921; the superstructure was completed in 1930; the exterior was finished in 1944; and the date for the completion of the interior has been set as 1951.
“It is the first new idea in architecture since the 13th century.” H. Van Buren Magonigle. Pres. Architectural League. “The greatest creation since the Gothic period.” George Grey Barnard, famous American sculptor.
“It is a creation which will revolutionize architecture in the world. It is a revelation from another world.” Prof Luigi Quaglino, ex-professor of Architecture. Turin, Italy.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá (called “The Branch” by Bahá’u’lláh): “Its inception marks the Kingdom of God on earth.” (G.P.B. pp. 351-352)
Zechariah 6:12-13: “And speak unto him, saying Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord.”
On the Fund: Unfortunately every man is stirred with the thought of laying down his life for his Faith, but not with giving up his shirt.
An Intercommunity picnic held at the Bonsell, California Ranch of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Toomes. Mrs. R. W. Kenney, center, spoke to Bahá’ís and their friends from Canton, Illinois, Escondido, San Diego, Elsinore, Los Angeles, Rainbow Valley.
Home Front[edit]
Youth Activities
Teams in many regions are going out to conduct firesides and discussions. In some cases these projects are extended over a week-end. Social events are sometimes combined with informational activities.
Some suggestions offered by the Youth: Two speakers on a program add variety but sometimes it is better to have one good speaker. One Bahá’í and one non-Bahá’í are good, especially if the non-Bahá’í is an authority on some subject; he attracts a good audience.
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Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Illinois. Treasurer’s Office:
Illinois. Make Checks Payable to:
National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Illinois. Make checks for books and pamphlets payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Committee
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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Discussion periods are useful with small groups if there is a strong chairman to keep control. After a talk, guests can be given opportunity to write questions. It is possible to eliminate negative or unimportant questions this way. Don’t carry the discussion period too far; stop before it dwindles. Refreshments are pleasant, but they should serve to refresh and not attract.
An isolated Bahá’í, Mrs. Mary
Rodman of Northbrook described
some of her teaching techniques to
the ETC of Illinois. “The desire
to be informed and to encourage
good schools got me out to a community meeting which was full of
strife. I had strong feelings as to
the right and wrong and was burning to speak out on one side when
suddenly I thought ‘What would ‘Abdu’l-Bahá do if he were here?’ I
realized that he would have used his
voice for unity, to create an atmosphere where the two sides could
meet and come to grips with the
real problem at hand. I got up and
tried to do this. I can’t say it
changed the meeting, but it had immediate reverberations. I was called
upon by two organizations to participate in non-partisan research on
the problem. I was rather startled
to discover that I had ‘stood’ for
something and that it was recognized by many people; and further,
that I had put myself in a position
to serve, something I would not
have been able to do had I spoken
on one side ... it actually was my
beginning in civic affairs. One by
one, people I worked with have
found out about the Bahá’í Faith because of my opinion or interest or
method; thus I have had a direct
opportunity to explain their source
in the Bahá’í Teachings.... Members of organizations with similar
principles and methods feel they
found an ally, as did the local president of the League of Women Voters
who said: ‘Why, you have a league
slogan on your Temple. ‘The Earth
[Page 12]
Is One Country and Mankind Its Citizens’.”
A wide variety of Bahá’í books is available for lending to interested persons of Alaska, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah from the Regional Teaching Committee libraries. The Idaho State Traveling Library, also, has some in circulation.
Here, There and Everywhere[edit]
Manchester, Iowa’s one lone Bahá’í, Mrs. Hester Roff, finds time from her dry goods store and housekeeping to conduct weekly firesides for three steady contacts.
Believers in Alaska find that an Inter-Community Feast including a potluck supper and study-discussion of some particular book can be very successful.
Prescription for Living gave the Quincy, Illinois group inspiration for a series on the chapter “Road to Happiness.” Sub-titles such as “Character,” “Tests and Sorrows” and “Dare to Live Differently” were chosen.
When a friend or relative of an acquaintance is mentioned in the death notices of a newspaper, they send The Open Door as solace.
Mattoon, Illinois reports an active “group” of two, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Harris. They have brought the attention of their community to the Faith through newspapers, radio and lectures in clubs, Service Men’s Centers and hospitals. Along with pictures taken by themselves on a recent visit to Europe, they weave information about the Faith through using slides of the Temple and of the European Teaching Conference. They emphasize the spread of the faith throughout the world and show its relation to United Nations work. In addition they hold a regular fireside in their home.
Local Annual Reports Concluded[edit]
FLINT, MICHIGAN
We have only the annual report of the Public Relations Committee for Flint, but that report indicates an alert committee serving an active community. There were 90 news items during the year in Flint newspapers and an impressive number of free announcements for firesides, assembly meetings, public meetings, anniversaries and feasts over radio stations WWOK, WFDF, WTAC, WKNX and WMRP — 99 broadcasts in all.
As early as December 10th there were announcements in Flint papers of the observance of World Religion Day planned for January, and newspaper publicity accelerated as the day approached. There were poster displays and free pamphlets in the YMCA and a drugstore in Flint and in two drugstores and a grocery store in nearby Clio.
MADISON, WISCONSIN
The LSA decided to eliminate an extensive public meeting program during the austerity period. However, a series of meetings were held with the help of Ruth Moffett. As a result of these, the Bahá’í Youth sponsored a series on the campus of the University of Wisconsin. Both series attracted interested non-Bahá’ís and served to deepen the spiritual understanding of the Bahá’ís who attended.
A new and popular method of Sunday afternoon study was inaugurated. Each member of the Community took part by preparing a short talk on some phase of the subject to be discussed. The first series, “What is my Religion” was followed with the study outline on “What Modern Man Must Know About Religion”. A pot-luck supper helped to achieve unity and fellowship, as the discussions enabled the participants to deepen themselves and become more efficient in their ability to present the Faith.
RICHMOND HIGHLANDS, WASHINGTON
The Community labored on “work days” in cleaning up the grounds, mowing the lawn, painting and repairing the Fellowship House. Potluck dinners were held during the summer months in the afternoon and near-by Communities were invited.
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
Area National Teaching Committees:
- SOUTHERN STATES, WEST. DIV.
- Mrs. Olivia Blackwell, Sec’y.
- 2120 Laharpe
- New Orleans, La.
Regional Teaching Committees:
- MONTANA
- Mrs. Betty J. Bennett, Sec’y.
- 722 So. Washington
- Butte, Mont.
- NO. & SO. CAROLINA
- Mrs. Helen Michaels, Sec’y.
- 1741 Marion Ave.
- No. Augusta, So. Carolina
Local Spiritual Assembly Secretaries:
- CINCINNATI, Ohio
- Mrs. Jennie McFarland, Sec’y.
- 2915 Gilbert Ave., Zone 6
- LIMA, OHIO
- Mrs. Mae Vaughn, Sec’y.
- 509 N. Collett St.
- EL MONTE TWP., CALIF.
- Mrs. Jessie B. Nash, Sec’y.
- 4146 N. Bresee St.
- Baldwin Park, Calif.
- PORTSMOUTH, N. H.
- Mrs. Lillian Beavers, Sec’y.
- 86 Market St.
- INGLEWOOD, CALIF.
- Mrs. Ruby I. Nelson, Sec’y.
- 534 E. Stepney St.
- MONROVIA TWP., CALIF.
- Dissolved on account of changes in area jurisdiction.
National Committees:
- UNITED NATIONS
- Mrs. Etta Mae Mikhael—unable to serve
- Mrs. Mildred Mottahedeh, Exec. Sec’y.
- 225 5th Ave.
- New York 10, N. Y.
Calendar[edit]
19 Day Feasts
- December 12, Masá’il, Questions
- December 31, Sharaf, Honor
NSA Meetings
- January 12, 13, 14
- February 22, 23, 24, 25
- March 30, 31, April 1
- April 28
Bahá’u’lláh: Be Generous | 10 |
Guardian: To German Bahá’ís | 1 |
Badí’u’lláh Perished | 2 |
Heart Greatly Relieved | 2 |
Movements Akin | 2 |
NSA: on Temple Celebrations | 3 |
Assurance of love | 2 |
How to Report Marriages | 2 |
Photograph of Báb’s Shrine | 2 |
Conference Institutes | 3 |
Annual Reports | 12 |
Around the Bahá’í World | 9 |
Calendar | 12 |
Contributions from Assemblies | 8 |
Directory Changes | 12 |
Enrollments | 5 |
European Teaching | 7 |
For Bahá’í News | 11 |
Home Front | 11 |
In Memoriam | 5 |
International Centenary Reports | 6 |
International Relief | 6 |
Latin America | 8 |
Living the Bahá’í Life | 10 |
Marriages | 4 |
Memorial Gifts | 5 |
Publishing Announcement | 6 |
Speakers’ Aids | 11 |
Temple Construction | 4 |
Temple Visitors | 4 |
Where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Spoke | 10 |
World Religion Day | 3 |
Pictures: Busses at Temple | 5 |
California Picnic | 11 |
Flora Hottes | 8 |
San Pedro Sula Bahá’ís | 7 |
Temple progress | 4 |
