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[Page 1]

BAHÁ’Í

NEWS

No. 241

MARCH, 1951

YEAR 107

BAHA’I NEWS

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The African Teaching Project

The Guardian in a stirring appeal issued by cable on August 5, 1950 called upon the American believers to assist in the “far reaching historic” campaign launched by the British NSA to spread the teachings in East and West Africa. This Campaign — the first of its kind — will pool the efforts and resources from four National Assemblies, the British, Egyptian, Persian and United States Assemblies. It will constitute the prelude to an era of cooperation between national bodies on international projects, heralding the era of truly world-embracing tasks. It will constitute the first organized effort to extend the principles and administration of the Faith to great masses on swiftly-awakening continents.

The Guardian’s eloquent appeal while addressed to the entire “gallant and great hearted American Community” held a particular appeal to the “dearly beloved members of the Negro Race” calling upon them to arise and participate in this campaign which is to constitute so significant a milestone in the world-unfoldment of the Faith.

Immediately following this appeal the NSA established contact with the British NSA who forwarded their plans for teaching work in three areas of East and West Africa: Uganda, Tanganyika and the Gold Coast. The British NSA indicated that from its understanding of the Guardian’s cables, the British, Egyptian, Persian and United States Assemblies would have independent and simultaneous projects to be pursued with common assistance and cooperation.

In order to clarify matters the NSA thereafter cabled the Guardian for clarifying instructions on the project. The Guardian replied on January 17, 1951 in the cable quoted on this page.

The cable makes it clear that there is to be no independent American campaign at this stage, but rather that American efforts are to be directed toward assistance of and cooperation with the British Campaign.

The Guardian further indicated and stressed the special and far-reaching results which are to come from services in this campaign and designated it a unique enterprise paving the way to the organic union of National Assemblies through formation of the International House of Justice. Thus we are called upon to initiate the groundwork for a significant and world-embracing crusade.

The NSA immediately sent a gift of $750 as its first contribution to the British campaign.

“Epoch-Making Enterprise In African Continent” Cable from the Guardian “Assistance (to) Africa project through financial contribution, participation (of) pioneers white (and) colored, and close consultation (and) cooperation (with) British Assembly necessary. Independent campaign not intended. Fervently praying participation (of) British, American, Persian, (and) Egyptian National Assemblies (in) unique, epoch-making enterprise (in) African continent may prove prelude (to) convocation (of) first African Teaching Conference leading eventually (to) initiation (of) undertakings involving collaboration (among) all National Assemblies (of) Bahá’í world, thereby paving way (to) ultimate organic union (of) these Assemblies through formation (of) International House of Justice destined (to) launch enterprises embracing whole Bahá’í world. Acclaim simultaneous inauguration (of) crusade linking administrative machinery (of) four National Assemblies (of) East (and) West within four continents and birth (of) first International Council (at) World Center (of) Faith, twin evidences (of) resistless unfoldment (of) embryonic, divinely-appointed World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh.” —SHOGHI Cablegram received January 17, 1951

To work out the plans and procedures involved in cooperation with the British Africa Campaign and Committee, the NSA has appointed a U.S. Africa Committee which will work out plans for cooperation and contact with American believers desiring to serve. Addresses for officers of this committee will appear in the next Bahá’í News.

Two types of service are open for Americans. Bahá’ís may go as straight pioneers for the Faith taking territory assigned by the British Africa Committee, or they may go as individuals who have arranged to take employment in Africa or to conduct their own businesses there. Bahá’ís interested should write the NSA. The U.S. Africa Committee is investigating agencies interested in the economic, social and cultural development of East and West Africa.

The British Committee has set up certain qualifications as essential for pioneers. They are:

1. Physical fitness to serve
2. Good knowledge and understanding of the Cause
3. Ability and willingness to learn the necessary languages
4. Study of the country, its customs and living conditions
5. Review of the “Advent of Divine Justice”
6. Rudiments of Islam
7. Rudiments of First-Aid.

Already in this historic campaign believers have arisen with sacrifice and devotion to work out plans for obtaining employment which will take them to the chosen areas in Africa. In the United States Mr. and Mrs. William Foster and their family were the first volunteers. In England we are informed that Miss

[Page 2] Claire Gang has taken a post with a school in Africa becoming the first English Bahá’í to leave for Africa service. Also in England Miss Isabel Locke, Mr. Hassan Sabri and Mr. Philip Hainsworth are making plans to work in Africa. Thus Colored and White, Americans, English and a Persian have answered the Guardian’s appeal for service in this new field.

Let us all reflect upon the immortal counsel of Bahá’u’lláh:

“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it.”

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

“Two Kinds of Bahá’ís”

The following statement was written by the Guardian, through his secretary, in a letter dated April 16, 1950, addressed to Mr. Raymond Anderson:

“There are two kinds of Bahá’ís, one might say: those whose religion is Bahá’í and those who live for the Faith. Needless to say if we can belong to the latter category, if we can be in the vanguard of heroes, martyrs and saints, it is more praiseworthy in the sight of God.”

“The Greatest Need”

Letter from the Guardian

The following passage is quoted from a letter written by the Guardian through his secretary to Mrs. Frances Benedict Stewart dated October 5, 1950: “The greatest need it seems everywhere inside the Cause is to impress upon the friends the need for love among them. There is a tendency to mix up the functions of the Administration and try to apply it in individual relationships, which is abortive, because the Assembly is a nascent House of Justice and is supposed to administer, according to the Teachings, the affairs of the community. But individuals toward each other are governed by love, unity, forgiveness and a sin-covering eye. Once the friends grasp this they will get along much better, but they keep playing Spiritual Assembly to each other and expect the Assembly to behave like an individual....”

Publishing Announcement

Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, in paper binding is available once more. Due to increased cost, the list price must be increased to 75c.

Convention Housing Believers planning to attend the 1951 Convention are requested to note that arrangements for accommodation in hotels are to be made directly with the hotel by the delegates and visitors. Friends desiring a room in a private home can apply to the Convention Housing Committee. Please act promptly. The Committee will place applicants in private homes up to the number of accommodations placed at its disposal by residents of Evanston and Wilmette. Write to Mrs. Carl Hannen, 1938 Harrison Street, Glenview, Illinois.

The “Two Extremes” In Bringing in New Bahá’ís

From a letter written by the Guardian through his secretary to Mrs. Hazel Tomlinson on November 22, 1941, the following passage is cited: “The believers must discriminate between the two extremes of bringing people into the Cause before they have fully grasped its fundamentals and making it too hard for them, expecting too much of them, before they accept them. This requires truly keen judgment, as it is unfair to people to allow them to embrace a movement the true meaning of which they have not fully grasped. It is equally unfair to expect them to be perfect Bahá’ís before they can enter the Faith. Many teaching problems arise out of these two extremes....”

American Contribution to Shrine Contribution Fund

In connection with the cable received January 4 from the Guardian, announcing the initiation of measures for the steel framework designed to support the Dome of the Báb’s Shrine, the friends will be delighted to know that from their contributions to the Shrine of the Báb account the National Spiritual Assembly has been able to transmit at the Guardian’s request a total of $30,000 for his use in carrying on the Construction of the Shrine.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Revell Sisters Called to Haifa

Miss Jessie and Miss Ethel Revell have gone to Haifa at the request of the Guardian to assist in the work at the Bahá’í World Center.

The Bahá’ís of Philadelphia gave a farewell party for the Revell sisters on January first, and a reception was given them by the New York Assembly on January 14. They sailed from New York on the following day. On board ship they sought and received permission to hold a World Religion Day meeting on January 21, and a notice was posted on the bulletin board and published in the ship’s daily news letter. Nearly fifty persons attended the meeting and heard brief addresses by Miss Jessie and Miss Ethel Revell, followed by a discussion. At the meeting were displayed photographs of the Shrine of the Báb, the Bahá’í House of Worship, and the illustrated article in Life Magazine. Among the audience were citizens of America, Italy, Greece and Israel.

First Annual Convention of Central and South America

The formation of two new National Spiritual Assemblies is an event of world-wide importance for Bahá’ís in 1951. This is the culmination of the directives for teaching in Latin America in the two successive Seven Year Plans formulated by the Guardian, and the result also of the vision and heroic efforts of individual pioneers who served prior to 1937, beginning with Miss Martha L. Root.

The Convention dates are April 23 and 24 for both Conventions. The Convention of the Bahá’ís of South America will be held in Lima, Peru; the Convention for Central America will be held in Panama City, Panama.

Both these historic gatherings are open to Bahá’í visitors from the United States (or Canada) who are free to attend.

The Convention Agendas and arrangements, including election of twenty-seven delegates from each area of jurisdiction, have been approved.

In a later report the details will be presented. This preliminary notice is primarily intended to announce the time and place of the two Conventions.

Bahá’í visitors are directed to carry proper credentials with them.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 3]

Bahá’í Greeting to Dr. Ralph Bunche

On December 10, Dr. Ralph Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway. On recommendation of the United Nations Committee, the National Spiritual Assembly cabled a greeting and congratulations on behalf of the American Bahá’ís. Dr. Bunche in connection with the UN Palestine Commission has shown deep understanding of the position of the Faith in the Holy Land, and won the gratitude of the Bahá’ís of all lands.

The cabled message was presented to him in person by Mrs. Amelia Bowman and Mr. Alfred Skyberg, Chairman of the local Spiritual Assembly, the arrangement made for the NSA by the European Teaching Committee.

“Kindly accept warm congratulations and cordial good wishes of American Bahá’ís. Your services to Israel, Holy Land of followers of Bahá’u’lláh, are ardently admired and gratefully cherished. May you be granted many more ‎opportunties opportunities‎ to further enrich your notable services to oneness of mankind.”

Writing from Oslo, Mrs. Bowman says: “When Dr. Bunche read the cablegram he said, ‘I appreciate very much receiving this message at this time and the fact that you have brought this to me in person. Thank you both very much.’ ”

Dr. Bunche also wrote the National Spiritual Assembly from Oslo: “I wish to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of December 4, and to thank you for the kind sentiments which you expressed.”

Miss Alexander in Japan

A letter from Miss Agnes Alexander, serving the Faith in Japan, where she was a pioneer teacher many years ago, vividly depicts the opportunities presented to a Bahá’í teacher in that country. Among those with whom she has had the privilege of speaking about the Faith have been people of capacity and maturity. She has never encountered any prejudice.

Miss Alexander spent a week in Kyoto where she met the blind believer, Mr. Torii, for the first time in thirteen years. Through him she made a number of new and interesting contacts.

One young man showed her a clipping of an article about the Temple recently published in Japan. In Tokyo during the summer of 1950 Miss Alexander was invited three times to speak at the Unitarian service. She has discussed the teachings with an unorthodox minister, a former governor of a province and a scholar imbued with the ideal of an international university at Mt. Fuji.

National Membership List—How To Assist in Keeping It Accurate and Complete

Once each year, in preparing the voting lists for the State Conventions, the national administrative headquarters realizes how much it depends upon the conscientious cooperation of the friends. After these lists are issued, invariably letters come in from local Assembly and Regional Teaching Committee secretaries pointing out the omission of certain names.

Why is the national Bahá’í membership list inaccurate and incomplete? Because all necessary information is not received. The membership cards and the address stencils do not maintain themselves. Every day, as notices of enrollments, transfers, changes of address, death and marriages arrive, each new fact is duly noted and the necessary corrections made.

When changes take place in our far-flung Bahá’í community but notice is not sent, the membership list becomes inaccurate and incomplete without anyone realizing it.

For the information of inexperienced secretaries and new believers, the needs of the national administrative headquarters for information on membership data are: transfers and changes of address; enrollments; change of status from Bahá’í Youth to adult; marriages; deaths.

Many letters come which have incomplete information—lack of date, address, etc. Much correspondence is required in efforts to obtain needed facts.

Your conscientious understanding of the problem, and kind cooperation in solving it, will be greatly appreciated.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Lt. J. C. Davenport is shown here with Fugita, Japanese Bahá’í at Johnson Air Base in Japan.

Here are two Koreans who have “adopted” Lt. Davenport.

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Victory Fund

Its Present Status

Latest figures from the National Treasurer indicate that full victory can be won. The position of the Victory Fund as of January 31 is as follows:

Victory Fund Budget for Bahá’í Year 107	$240,000
Requirements May 1-January 31	180,000
Contributions Received May 1-January 31	143,585
Victory Budget Deficit to January 31	36,415
Amount Needed (including deficit) by April 30	96,416

Achievement of complete victory will require average monthly contributions of approximately $32,000 in February, March and April. The total received in December and January averaged nearly $22,000 in each of these months.

When you read this, less than two months will remain in which to reach our goal.

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

[Page 4]

Summer School Plans

Louhelen

The tentative schedule is from July 1 to Sept. 3 inclusive. All sessions are one week in length and there are nine sessions in all. Plans also include a Louhelen Homecoming over Labor Day, Sept. 2-3. All classes have been based on a study of the available Bahá’í books by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh, and Shoghi Effendi. Each individual session will include study of one book by each of the three authors.

Although an effort will be made to stock the Louhelen library with copies of the texts required it is asked that people attending please bring along their own copies to insure that an adequate supply is available.

The tentative schedule, subject to approval by the NSA is attached.

Louhelen Program

JUNIOR YOUTH — JULY 1-6	TEACHERS
Living the Bahá’í Life	Mrs. Edna Ketels
Bahá’í Heroes	Mrs. Laura Markovich
Comparative Religions
Crafts and Recreation	Bob Markovich
JUNIOR YOUTH — July 8-13
Living the Bahá’í Life	Mrs. Eunice Shurcliff
Bahá’í Heroes
Comparative Religions
Crafts and Recreation	John Shurcliff
GENERAL 1 — July 15-20
“Kitáb-i-Iqán”	Harry Jay
“Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh”	Mrs. Florence Reeb
“Will and Testament” of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
GENERAL 2 — July 22-27
“Seven Valleys” and “Hidden Words”
“World Order of Bahá’u’lláh”
“Foundations of World Unity”
GENERAL 3 — July 29-Aug. 3
“Gleanings”
“God Passes By”	Horace Holley
“Paris Talks” by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá	Mrs. Alice Bacon
GENERAL 4 — Aug. 5-10
“Prayers and Meditations”	Mrs. Terah Smith
“Advent of Divine Justice”	Ellsworth Blackwell
“Reality of Man”
GENERAL 5 — Aug. 12-17
“Epistle to the Son of the Wolf”	Mrs. Marzieh Gail
“Mandate, Citadel, Challenging Requirement of the Present Hour”	John Robarts
“Some Answered Questions”	Curtis Kelsey
SENIOR YOUTH — Aug. 19-24
Covenant	Richard Nolen
“Prescription for Living”	Mrs. Peggy True
“Dawn Breakers”	Mrs. Marzieh Gail
Institute
YOUNG ADULTS — Aug. 26-31
“Promised Day Is Come”	Borah Kavelin
“Divine Art of Living”	Elsie Austin
“Bahá’í World Faith”
HOMECOMING — Sept. 2-3
Paul Pettit, Michael Jamir and Lansing Community

  Everyone to bring text books for classes.

Geyserville

Geyserville School, open again this summer for three two-week sessions, is planned to form a unit in the vital two-year “readying program” recently inaugurated by the National Spiritual Assembly. As announced in the January issue of “Bahá’í News,” the school season will be June 17 through July 28, with Unity Feast under the Big Tree, July 1.

Some highlights of the program which is to be offered each session are: a workshop course in preparation for teaching that will develop a variety of methods suited for use by isolated believers and by small and large communities, and that is flexibly designed to meet the particular needs of those enrolled; a course in “building World Order” which will be a workshop in Bahá’í administration, including Bahá’í procedures in the Group and Assembly, and Bahá’í consultation in the solution of problems and the achievement of unity; a course combining seminars and lectures that will show parallel historical developments within the Faith and in the world at large in the first 107 years of the Bahá’í Era; and a new Institute prepared by the Projects Development Committee. Other courses to be offered in one or more sessions, will be announced later.

The Children’s Program in the last two sessions will again offer a unique opportunity for children to experience Bahá’í community life. This program has clearly demonstrated its value in the past. Children who have regularly attended Summer School reach maturity prepared and eager to declare themselves and to take their full share of responsibility in the Bahá’í World Community.

In addition to the courses there will be stimulating and inspirational special events and time for recreation and fellowship.

For reservations write to Mr. Alfred Zahl, Secretary, Geyserville School Maintenance Committee, 826 Grant Place, San Mateo, California. (Please remember that the first session is for adults and youth, only. The Children’s Program is added in the last two sessions.)

GEYSERVILLE SCHOOL
PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Bahá’í International School Colorado Springs, Colo.

SESSIONS

July 15 to August 18.

Five one week sessions.

PROGRAM

Workshops and courses on current World Events, Comparative Religion, Cultures of the World, The Promised Day Is Come, Bahá’í Literature, Teaching Methods, and more!

There will be a special Conference

[Page 5] and workshop on teaching problems peculiar to the Rocky Mountain and Plains Area.

All Bahá’ís are welcome to this spot of rare beauty. It is an ideal situation for rest and recreation as well as study and fellowship. The school is located in Pine Valley, ten miles from Colorado Springs.

Reservations for the sessions should be made to Mr. Harry Ford, Box 1003, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

1944 Centenary Moving Picture Of Haifa Gardens and Shrines

The Sales Committee has on hand only nine sets of this moving picture film prepared under the Guardian’s direction and sent for use in connection with the Centenary of the Declaration of the Báb. The price of this film has been $60.00 but the National Assembly authorizes a reduction to $40.00 for the remaining nine films.

The motion picture is a 16 mm. Kodachrome.

Send orders to the Sales Committee through Mr. H. E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street, Chicago 40, Illinois.

For Club Programs

The Chicago Public Relations Committee has been sponsoring a club project the past two years. Brochures were sent to the program chairmen of various Chicago and suburban clubs offering a free program during which a Bahá’í speaker would conduct their group on “An Arm-chair Tour of the Most Photographed Building in the World.”

During the first year, speakers were supplied to 16 organizations with a total attendance of 1500. As a result several clubs made tours of the Temple. The clubs were pleased with the program and it was arranged that the brochure be listed in the annual Program Directory published by the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs.

This year the brochures were also sent to clubs listed in the Directory of Colored Women’s Clubs in Chicago and Northern District Association of Colored Women. By February first 22 more clubs and 1152 women had heard about the Temple and what it symbolizes. There remain 10 speaking dates to be filled.

Future plans include a similar brochure designed to interest men’s clubs.

Two Year Plan of Preparation

This is a two-year plan adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly for the entire American Bahá’í Community for the development of the individual believers, and for the strengthening of community life.

The remaining two years of the Second Seven Year Plan offer us a wonderful opportunity to prepare ourselves individually and collectively to meet the onrush of teaching opportunity which the Master has promised us would come after the completion of our Temple. He said, “When the Temple of God shall be built it will be to the spiritual body of the world what the inrush of the spirit is to the physical body of man, quickening it to its utmost parts and infusing a new light and power.” “A most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence ... the cries of supplication and invocation will be raised to the Highest Kingdom therefrom, and verily, the people will enter into the Religion of God by troops, with great enthusiasm and attraction.”

As the light of the present-day world flickers and goes out, the light of the New Day must shine ever more brightly to give men hope and direction. The Guardian has said, “Ours is the duty to hold aloft and undimmed the torch of Divine Guidance, as the shades of night descend upon, and ultimately envelop the entire human race. Ours is the function, amidst its tumults, perils and agonies, to witness to the vision, and proclaim the approach, of that recreated society, that Christ-promised Kingdom, the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.”

To be ready for the “troops” that will flock to the Faith when “that most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence,” and to present them with the new divine order of Bahá’u’lláh, the Bahá’ís must close their ranks and must become totally prepared in their individual knowledge and their community life to demonstrate the meaning and the power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

For the accomplishment of this task, the National Spiritual Assembly has adopted a plan of unified action, to meet a three-fold need:

1—To prepare the individual soul.

2—To strengthen Bahá’í Community life.

3—To inform the non-Bahá’í world of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

The elements of this Plan are as follows:

1. Institutes
2. Preparation for enrollment
3. Deepening classes for new believers
4. Public meetings
5. Follow-up meetings
6. Firesides
7. Prestige promotion

1) INSTITUTES are designed to prepare the individual soul, to give each individual the knowledge of the meaning of God’s Covenant; quicken each soul through God’s Creative Word; to orient each soul within the Bahá’í Community.

2) PREPARATION FOR ENROLLMENT will assure that each new believer will understand just what it means to become a Bahá’í, so that he will enter the Faith with enthusiasm and with a knowledge of the responsibilities that go with Bahá’í membership.

3) DEEPENING CLASSES are essential to expand the knowledge of the new believer, and to keep his initial enthusiasm aflame. We can no longer afford to bring in inadequately prepared souls, to be consigned to “inactive oblivion.”

4) PUBLIC MEETINGS meet a three-fold need — (a) they are a means of publicizing the Faith in each civic community; (b) they are a means of developing contacts; (c) they are a means of promoting our Bahá’í Community activity. An inactive community is a dead community.

5) FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS are absolutely essential to further the interest of those who attend public meetings.

6) FIRESIDE MEETINGS are vital for developing “contacts” into individuals who wish to make a deep study of the Faith. It is in this fireside type of meeting that souls are really confirmed.

7) PRESTIGE PROMOTION means using every avenue and vehicle possible to enhance the prestige of the Faith in our civic communities.

The Plan approved by the National Spiritual Assembly is designed to

[Page 6] cover the period of the next two years, 1951 to 1953. It has been conceived in a series of programs, each series of about four months duration. These programs will be developed so as to assist the believers to interpret changing world conditions and events in terms of the Bahá’í Faith.

The National Projects Committee, in collaboration with other National committees, has been charged by the National Spiritual Assembly to carry out this Plan.

1951 Series Of Two Year Plan Of Preparation

1. Winter Series of 1951
   1. Institute on Covenant and Administration
      1. Push until National Convention in April
      2. Plans to determine assimilation of present Institute
   2. Public Meetings geared to Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í events:

      1. January	World Religion Day
      2. February	Brotherhood Week
      3. March	Naw-Rúz

   3. Follow-up meetings and Firesides on all three public meetings
   4. Techniques for preparation for enrollment and deepening classes
2. Summer Series of 1951
   1. Institute to orient believers to the time in which we live in relation to the Cause
      1. “The Promised Day Is Come” to be the main text
      2. Determine assimilation of Institutes
   2. Continue offering techniques for enrollment and deepening
   3. Summer Schools
3. Fall Series of 1951
   1. Institute to bring the believers to the realization of what it means to “live the life.”
      1. “The Advent of Divine Justice” to be the central text
      2. Determine assimilation of Institute
   2. Public Meetings geared to Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í events:

      1. September 24-October 1	Religious Education Week
      2. October 22-28	United Nations Week
      3. November 11	Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh
      4. December 10-17	International Golden Rule Week

   3. Follow-up meetings and Firesides on all these meetings
   4. Continue offering techniques for enrollment and deepening

The 1952 series will be published this fall. The Two year period will culminate in the Temple Completion Proclamation Campaign.

For the convenience of the believers, the National Projects Committee is preparing a handbook which will contain an outline of the two year Plan of Preparation. It will include suggestions, techniques, available materials, the National Committees producing these materials, and costs. The Bahá’í communities will be supplied with bulletins about the various projects until the handbook is available. Our first duty is to study the Plan and prepare ourselves to execute each program as it is set up.

The importance and effect of unified action in Bahá’í undertakings has been proved over and over again. If the entire Bahá’í community of the United States will accept this Plan with enthusiasm and if each individual will do his utmost to carry out its program, we may be prepared to receive the inestimable bounties promised us by the Master, when “The Temple of God shall be built”.

The Guardian has said, “In a world polluted with incurable corruptions ... the followers of Bahá’u’lláh can, by the sublimity and serenity of their Faith, by the steadiness and clarity of their vision, the incorruptibility of their character, the rigor of their discipline, the sanctity of their morals, and the unique example of their community life ... demonstrate the validity of their claim to be regarded as the sole repository of that grace upon whose operation must depend the complete deliverance, the fundamental reorganization and the supreme felicity of all mankind.”

“It behooves all members of the American Bahá’í Community to gird themselves as never before to the task of befittingly playing their part in the enactment of this superb Drama whose theme is no less than the spiritual conquest of the world.”

—NATIONAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

Calendar

MARCH 2, 19 DAY FEAST, ‘Alá’ (Loftiness)

MARCH 2 THROUGH MARCH 20, FAST.

“The fasting period ... involves complete abstention from food and drink from sunrise till sunset. It is essentially a period of meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuperation, during which the believer must strive to make the necessary adjustments in his inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its significance and purpose are, therefore, fundamentally spiritual in character. Fasting is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence from selfish and carnal desires.” (Procedure, p. 6)

MARCH 21, NAW-RUZ (New Year)

Holy Day on which work should be suspended. Also 19 Day Feast of Bahá (Splendor).

NSA MEETINGS

March 30-31, April 1, April 28

In Memoriam

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.

—Bahá’u’lláh

Mrs. Minnie Fox, Minneapolis, Minn. Dec. 1, 1950

Mr. John W. Bates, Minneapolis, Minn. Dec. 16, 1950

Miss Mary Fenn, San Diego, Calif. Sept. 14, 1950

Mrs. Judson M. Adams, New Haven, Conn. Jan. 11, 1951

Mr. G. Elco Dickey, Oceanside, Calif. Jan. 13, 1951

Mr. Jack Kinsinger, Peoria, Ill. Jan. 20, 1951

Mr. J. H. Hughes, Birmingham, Ala. Dec. 17, 1950

Mr. Robert H. Thiess, Los Angeles, Calif. Feb. 4, 1951

Mrs. Eveline Gustafson, Albuquerque, N. M. Nov. 10, 1950

[Page 7]

Latin American News

Reports are being received of many outstanding celebrations of World Religion Day throughout the 20 Republics of Latin America and the colonies of the Caribbean.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Mrs. Frances B. Stewart, Dr. Edris Rice-Wray and Antonio Bonilla have been working, had a most outstanding program attended by approximately 250 people. A voice from behind a curtain read a short account of the Prophet, His books, His essential teachings and his effect on His times. Between each era there was a 3 or 4 minute musical interlude, which was very effective. Many stated afterward that it was the first time that progressive revelation had become really clear to them. Twenty-one new people signed cards expressing their desire to learn more of the Bahá’í Faith. The program required exactly one hour to present. It was cut than to half hour length and presented over the radio the same week.

A happy letter has come from the Assembly of La Paz, Bolivia, where 60 guests attended their World Religion Day and five of the friends took part in offering an excellent program. Splendid publicity was received as one of the outstanding editors attended the program and wrote a report of it afterward for his paper.

The Assembly of San Salvador reports that 50 attended a fine program at their center on World Religion Day. Guests were attracted through each Bahá’í undertaking to bring his friends with him. The Teaching Committee had prepared a thought provoking program with progressive revelation as its basis, culminating in universal religion. A well organized Youth Group of young University students, and an excellent editorial in a leading newspaper are among the laurels recently gained here.

Particularly successful World Religion Day programs have been reported in Guatemala City, Guatemala; Havana, Cuba; Puebla and Mexico City, Mexico; Montevideo, Uruguay; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Guayaquil and Quito, Ecuador, (where four new members have just been accepted); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, (where three new members have just been accepted); and in Managua, Nicaragua.

A novel means of attracting new contacts is being tried out in Callao, goal city of Peru. A roof garden connected with the apartments of Miss Eve Nicklin and Mr. and Mrs. David Beckett, has been arranged as a shuffleboard court and a game of darts also set up. Here friends are welcomed for a social hour each Sunday afternoon. Bahá’í meetings are also held in this roof garden.

Sao Paulo, Brazil, reports the sudden passing of their “most loving Bahá’í” and tells us that as a direct result of the beauty of her life and death, her husband has declared his faith and wishes to enter the Cause. Her daughter and son-in-law also had recently entered this community.

Valparaiso, Chile, where Gwenne Sholtis recently arrived to help the assembly, has just welcomed three new members and received a beautiful center to use for their meetings. Eduardo Gonzalez of Guayaquil, Ecuador, is en route to Chile to help the assemblies of Vina del Mar and Punta Arenas. The urgent problem of finding a suitable center in Asuncion, Paraguay, and Montevideo, Uruguay, has also been happily solved, and classes of new students are under way. Public work, up to the Fast season, has been the keynote everywhere.

In Jamaica, Ruhaniyyih Ruth Moffett gave 45 lectures during the four weeks she was in Kingston. Some members of Queen Victoria’s military band played at the opening reception and first lecture. There were from 75 to 140 present each night for 18 nights. The pioneer, Dr. Malcolm King, and the local spiritual assembly cooperated in making possible this series.

Marriages

Topeka, Kansas, Miss Fern Latimer to Dr. Scott H. Howard, October 21, 1950

San Mateo, California, Miss Ellen Dahlberg (non-Bahá’í) to Jack D. Zahl, December 27, 1950

Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mrs. Elinore Gregory to Mr. Robert J. Wolff, December 23, 1950

Miami, Fla., Mrs. Carolyn Cooper to Mr. Allen Dew (non-Bahá’í) (date not reported)

Royal Oak, Mich., Miss Louise Rice to Mr. John Eddy (date not reported)

Dearborn, Mich., Miss Joanne McFadden to Mr. Rozier Smith (non-Bahá’í) (date not reported)

Chicago, Illinois, Miss Agnes Mosley to Mr. Harry McNamer November 5, 1950

Chicago, Illinois, Miss Narrine Kluge to Mr. Ronald Rohloff (non-Bahá’í) November 11, 1950

Albuquerque, New Mexico, Miss Mabelle Matthews to Mr. W. H. Midgley (non-Bahá’í) (date not reported)

Miami, Florida, Mrs. Selma Bosley to Mr. Fred Bird (non-Bahá’í) (date not reported)

Bahá’ís from La Paz at a South American Institute, November 24-December 6.

[Page 8] Panama friends in their Center where the first meeting of the Central American National Assembly is scheduled for April. Panama City will be host to the 1951 Convention and School.

Directory Additions and Changes

Area National Teaching Committees:

SOUTHERN STATES, EASTERN DIV.

Mrs. Ethel Crane, Sec’y.

Lake Shore Trailer Park

Rt. 3, Box 513

Orlando, Fla.

Regional Teaching Committees:

LA., MISS.

Miss Emmy Lou Patton, Chm.

Mrs. Stevie Flinn, Sec’y.

724 Wingfield Jackson, Miss.

Local Spiritual Assemblies:

INDEPENDENCE, MO.

Mrs. Olivia Kelsey, Sec’y.

c/o Mrs. P. McDonald

11000½ Winner Rd.

MAUI, T. H.

Mrs. Lillian Chow, Sec’y.

Box 78

Wailuku, Maui, T. H.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.

Mrs. Lillian Beevers, Sec’y.

1628 Islington St.

Summer School Committees:

Geyserville School Program Com.:

Miss Virginia Breaks, Sec’y.

2053 Princeton St.

Palo Alto, Calif.

Bahá’ís of Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic, welcome Mrs. Frances Stewart.

Speaker’s Aids

Tip for Fireside Discussion:

“He has occasional flashes of silence that make his conversation perfectly delightful.”

(Sidney Smith)

On Speaking

Do not convert a minnow of thought into a whale of sound.

(Frederick Sullens)

At the International Peace Society Conference at Lake Mohonk, N. Y., in 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá observed with interest a speaker who became very excited and hammered the table with his fists while shouting at the top of his voice. Later ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “There are times when a speaker should raise his voice in order to emphasize his point. There are times when he should speak low, and at times he should smile. Gestures must harmonize with the character of words.” (Star of West, Sept. 1928, p. 181)

* * *

Seasoning:

1. Conscience is the still, small voice inside that makes you feel still smaller.
2. Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.

(Abraham Lincoln)

3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, on observing the huge whale at the Museum of Natural History in New York, said with a chuckle: “He could hold seventy Jonahs.” (Star of West, Sept. 8, 1921, p. 172)

What Is a Good Man?

“The bad man is the man who, no matter how good he has been, is beginning to deteriorate, to grow less good. The good man is the man who, no matter how morally unworthy he has been, is moving to become better. Such a conception makes one severe in judging himself and humane in judging others.”

(John Dewey; Reconstruction of Philosophy, p. 177)

* * *

Why Speakers Should Woo Cheerfulness:

“Joy gives us wings. In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener.... But when sadness visits us our strength leaves us.”

(Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 100)

Prescription for Living:

(5 year old boy repeats his version of the 23rd Psalm) “The Lord is my shepherd, that’s all I want.”

(William Sears)

[Page 9]

Living the Bahá’í Life: Bringing Peace

Consider the heedlessness of the world, for notwithstanding the efforts and sufferings of the prophets of God, the nations and peoples are still engaged in hostility and fighting. Notwithstanding the heavenly commandments to love one another, they are still shedding each other’s blood. How heedless and ignorant are the people of the world! How gross the darkness which envelops them! Although they are the children of a compassionate God, they continue to live and act in opposition to his will and good pleasure. God is loving and kind to all men, and yet they show the utmost enmity and hatred toward each other. God is the giver of life to them, and yet they constantly seek to destroy life. God blesses and protects their homes; they rage, sack, and destroy each other’s homes. Consider their ignorance and heedlessness!

Your duty is of another kind, for you are informed of the mysteries of God. Your eyes are illumined, your ears are quickened with hearing. You must therefore look toward each other and then toward mankind with the utmost love and kindness. You have no excuse to bring before God if you fail to live according to His commandments and precepts. You must therefore be kind to all men; you must treat even your enemies as your friends. You must consider your evil-wishers as your well-wishers. Those who are not agreeable toward you must be regarded as those who are congenial and pleasant; so that perchance this darkness of disagreement and conflict may disappear from amongst men and the light of the Divine may shine forth; so that the Orient may be illumined and the Occident filled with fragrance; nay, so that the east and west may embrace each other in love and deal with one another in sympathy and affection. Until man reaches this high station, the world of humanity shall not find rest, and eternal felicity shall not be attained. But if man lives up to these divine commandments, this world of earth shall be transformed into the world of heaven and this material sphere shall be converted into a paradise of glory. It is my hope that you may become successful

The Phoenix, Arizona, display which made use of the Lite Magazine article.

Bahá’í Addresses National Office: 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. Treasurer’s Office: 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Make Checks Payable to: National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Make checks for books and pamphlets payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Committee Bahá’í News Editorial Office: 307 South Prairie Champaign, Illinois.

in this high calling, so that like brilliant lamps you may cast light upon the world of humanity and quicken and stir the body of existence like unto a spirit of life. This is eternal glory. This is everlasting felicity. This is immortal life. This is heavenly attainment. This is being created in the image and likeness of God. And unto this I call you, praying to God to strengthen and bless you.

—‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ PUP p. 466

Nothing whatever can, in this Day, inflict a greater harm upon this Cause than dissension and strife, contention, estrangement and apathy among the loved ones of God.

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

A portion of the World Religion Day audience at Phoenix, Arizona

[Page 10]

European Teaching News

The second Inter-Scandinavian Regional Conference was held in Oslo the latter part of January. These Conferences are proving very valuable in developing closer cooperation in the teaching, translating and publishing work of the three Scandinavian countries.

For the first time this year, World Religion Day was celebrated in several of the European Goal countries with heartening attendance.

The 1951 European Teaching Conference and Summer School will be held in home from August 31 to September 10 — a longer period at the special request of the Guardian.

Isobel Locke is in Amsterdam to assist in the teaching work in Holland for the next two or three months.

Nancy Gates is returning to the European teaching field in June, and Donald Corbin in August.

The Local Bahá’í Bulletin published by the Brussels Spiritual Assembly reflects the intensive activity of that community. Its regular monthly appearance (since June 1950), its high standard and excellent translations from the Holy Writings stand as proof of the spiritual capacity and maturity of this young community.

—EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMUNITY

Have You Participated in Nation-wide Survey?

In order to complete their nationwide survey before the end of this Bahá’í year, the National Committee of Bahá’í Service for the Blind needs to hear from all LSA’s and RTC’s who have blind Bahá’ís in their communities or regions. The Committee wishes to thank the many who have already answered and who have publicized the work for the blind in their bulletins or at their public meetings, but until all have responded, the survey is incomplete.

—BAHÁ’Í SERVICE FOR THE BLIND
616 North Oxford Avenue
Los Angeles 4, California

Martyrdom of the Báb

The Cleveland Community observed the Anniversary commemorating the Martyrdom of the Báb with a talk, “Brotherhood and World Unity” by Mrs. Jean Goldfarb of Sandusky, Ohio. The talk dealt with the actual martyrdom of the Báb in Tabríz, His message to the people and His position in Bahá’í religious history. The talk then took up the principles of brotherhood and unity as expounded by the Báb, touched on the observance of Brotherhood Week and then described the various racial theories prevalent today. Each one was disproved. The need for world federation was stressed and the necessity of abolishing prejudices before such federation could be accomplished. Religion was noted to be the only practical means of abolishing such prejudices with the Bahá’í Faith’s “oneness of mankind” principle the factor which makes it the only means today of doing away with prejudice. The speech summed up with a brief explanation of the principles of the Bahá’í Faith, which has no brotherhood problem.

This talk was received most eagerly by approximately 40 persons. Music was provided by Mrs. Pauline Thorson. Coleman Lewis presided.

Pennsylvania Regional Holds Winter School Session

For nine days, isolated believers, groups and assemblies in Pennsylvania had a chance to attend the winter school session sponsored by the Regional Teaching Committee. From December 24th through January 1st, 14 classes, three firesides, and one book review were held at the Sears residence, 4643 Walnut St., Philadelphia.

Classes held each day throughout the session included:

PERSONALITY AND CHARACTER
Genevieve Coy

PRAYER AND MEDITATION
Hazel Langrell

THE BÁB, BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
William Sears

167 different people attended the sessions, 28 of whom were not Bahá’ís. The Regional Teaching Committee served 200 meals.

Typical comments were, “I have derived a fresh impetus to rededicate myself to more active service in the Faith and to try to put into practice what I learned.” and “On your program you had promised: Fellowship — Study — Bahá’í Living. We had all three. The fellowship among the believers and with the non Bahá’ís truly expressed what true brotherhood can be and why we must ‘be even as one soul.’ ”

As a direct result of a non-Bahá’í contact at the winter school session, William Sears, Sr. was invited to speak at the Vaux Junior High School in Philadelphia to a class of 80 pupils and 5 teachers and also to the Auditorium Session of 1300 students and 40 teachers. His talk was directly on the Bahá’í World Faith.

The response of the Pennsylvania friends has led the Regional Teaching Committee to plan a two weeks summer institute for July. Classes, recreation, and public meetings will accompany the institute.

Contributions from Assemblies for the Month of January, 1951

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

Connecticut — Greenwich, Hartford, New Haven. Delaware — Wilmington, Dist. of Columbia — Washington. Florida — Jacksonville, Miami, St. Augustine. Georgia — Atlanta. Hawaii — Honolulu, Maui. Idaho — Ada Country, 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. Louisiana — New Orleans. Maine — Eliot, Portland. Maryland — Baltimore. Massachusetts — Beverly, Boston, Brookline, Springfield, Worcester. Michigan — Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon. Minnesota — Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul. Missouri — Independence, Kansas City, St. Louis. Montana — Great Falls.

Nebraska — Macy, Omaha. Nevada — Reno. New Hampshire — Portsmouth. New Jersey — Dumont, East Orange, Jersey City, Montclair, Newark, Ridgewood, Teaneck. New Mexico — Albuquerque. New York — Binghamton, Buffalo, Geneva, Hamburg, Jamestown, Mount Vernon, New York, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers. North Carolina — Greensboro. North Dakota — Fargo. Ohio — Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, East Cleveland, Lima, Toledo. Oklahoma — Oklahoma City.

Oregon — Portland. Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Scranton, West Chester. Rhode Island — Providence. South Carolina —

[Page 11] Greenville, Columbia. South Dakota — Sioux Falls. Tennessee — Memphis, Nashville. Texas — Houston, San Antonio. Utah — Salt Lake City. 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	146
Assemblies not contributing	21
Groups contributing	68
Individuals contributing	273

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

Bahá’í Assembly of Adelaide, S. A.; Bahá’í Children’s Class of Lakewood, N.Y.; Bahá’í Children’s Class of Fresno, Calif.; Bahá’í Children of Prince Georges Co., Md.

NOT PREVIOUSLY LISTED:

Mt. Vernon, N.Y. (Dec.); Columbia, S. C. (Dec.).

Memorial Gifts for the Month of January, 1951

A. Mrs. Joseph Adams, Margaret Aker.

B. Margaret Beinecke, Mrs. Ida L. Bowman.

C. Mr. and Mrs. John Cira, L. W. Clark, Benjamin Crawford.

D. German Elco Dickey, George Dunifon.

G. Mrs. Leora Gail, Carl Gibis, Marguerite Gibis, Gustav Giulio, Dr. Thomas H. Greenway, John Griewank.

H. Charles Freeborn Haney, Lena C. Hilke, Emilie W. Hillmann, Karl G. Hillman, George S. Hopper, Mary Helen Sweet Hopper.

K. John Archie Kappes, Lillian F. Kappes, Sophia Kappes, Mrs. ‘Alí Kuli Khán, Saffa Kinney, Jack Kinsinger.

L. Donald W. Lear, Mrs. Lorol Luther.

M. Gale Marsolais, Ella J. Meissner, John Moehn, Wilhelmina Moehn, Mrs. Mary Rumsey Movius.

Mac. Kaukab MacCutcheon.

N. Edward Neall, Elma Neall.

P. Mrs. Bertha Peterson, Master Clarence S. Puza.

R. Thomas Ray, Mrs. Mary M. Rezy, Manuel E. Rionda, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. P. Ripley.

S. Augustus T. Sawyer, O. Benton Shafer, Mr. Stenson, Alcide J. St. Laurend, Joan Svendsen.

W. Evelyn Watson, Hallie Watson, Albert Harry Wheeler, Mrs. Anna M. White, Amelia B. Willard, D. Seymour Willard, Maury Willows, Sarah Sheffield Windust, Elizabeth Matilda Withers.

Enrollments

Enrollments reported by Local Spiritual Assemblies:

CALIF., Beverly Hills 1, Burlingame 1, Los Angeles 3; DEL., Wilmington 1; DIST. OF COLUMBIA 1; MICH., Detroit 3, Flint 2; OHIO, Cleveland 2, Dayton 1; WASH., Seattle 2; WIS., Milwaukee 2; YOUTH 7

Enrollments reported by Regional Teaching Committees:

NORTHEASTERN STATES

New Jersey 1

Mass., R.I., Vt. 5

CENTRAL STATES

Mich. 1

Ill., Iowa 2

WESTERN STATES

Alaska 5

No. Calif., Nev. 2

YOUTH 5

TOTALS: Adults 35; Youth 12

Temple progress picture taken February 6, 1951. This view shows the metal work erected for one of the dropped ceilings in the alcoves on the main floor.

Radio Committee

In the radio script, “The Martyr-Prophet of a World Faith,” there is an error in the first paragraph. It states that the eyes of the Báb were blue. This paragraph should be corrected to read as follows:

“He seemed so young to die, barely thirty.

“His eyes were confident. He was handsome, gentle. Could He possibly be guilty of the shocking crime of which He was accused?”

Any Bahá’ís having copies of this script should make the above changes.

---

Be patient under all conditions, and place your whole trust and confidence in God.

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

The Guardian On National Conventions Consultation and Bahá’í Elections

(Concluded from February News)

6. The Guardian wishes the NSA to remind, and make it quite clear to, the believers in that land that the supreme body in the United States and Canada, whose privilege and function is to lay down, amend and abrogate the administrative principles of the Faith with the approval of the Guardian, is not the Convention, however representative it may be, but the NSA. On the other hand, it is the sacred obligation and the primary function of the National Assembly not to restrict under any circumstances the freedom of the assembled delegates, whose twofold function is to elect their national representatives and to submit to them any recommendations they may feel inclined to make. The function of the Convention is purely advisory and though the advice it gives is not binding in its effect on those on whom rest the final decision in purely administrative matters, yet, the utmost caution and care should be exercised lest anything should hamper the delegates in the full and free exercise of their function. In

[Page 12] discharging this sacred function no influence whatever, no pressure from any quarter, even though it be from the National Assembly, should under any circumstances affect their views or restrict their freedom. The delegates must be wholly independent of any administrative agency, must approach their task with absolute detachment and must concentrate their attention on the most important and pressing issues.

The Guardian believes that the right to elect the chairman and the secretary of the Convention should be vested in the assembled delegates lest any objection be raised that the members of the outgoing National Assembly are seeking to direct the course of the discussion in a manner that would be conducive to their own personal interests. The National Assembly, however, must at all times vigilantly uphold, defend, justify and enforce the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws which are binding on the Convention no less than on themselves. The NSA has the right to lay down, enforce and interpret the National Constitution of the Bahá’ís in that land. It cannot, if it wishes to remain faithful to that Constitution, lay down any regulations, however secondary in character, that would in the least hamper the unrestricted liberty of the delegates to advise and elect those whom they feel best combine the necessary qualifications for membership of so exalted a body.

Non-delegates, however, according to the Guardian’s considered opinion, should not be given the right to intervene directly during the sessions of the Convention. Only through an accredited delegate they should be given indirectly the chance to voice their sentiments and to participate in the deliberations of the Convention. Much confusion and complications must inevitably result in the days to come, if such a restriction be not imposed on a gathering which is primarily intended for the accredited delegates of the Bahá’í communities. Bearing this restriction in mind, it is the duty of the NSA to devise ways and means which would enable them to obtain valuable suggestions, not only from the total number of the elected delegates, but from as large a body of their fellow-workers as is humanly possible.

Shoghi Effendi has not departed from any established Administrative principle. He feels he has neither curtailed the legislative authority of the NSA nor invested the Convention with undue powers enabling it to rival or supersede those whom it has to elect. What the Guardian is aiming at is to remind the friends, more fully than before, of the two cardinal principles of Bahá’í Administration, namely, the supreme and unchallengeable authority of the NSA in national affairs working within the limits imposed by the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and the untrammelled freedom of the Convention delegates to advise, deliberate on the actions, and appoint successors of their National Assembly. The Guardian is confident that you will elucidate and give the widest publicity to these already established principles, upon which the progress, the unity and welfare of Bahá’í administrative institutions must ultimately depend. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 82)

7. Concerning the status, rights and prerogatives of the Annual Bahá’í Convention, the Guardian wishes to make it quite clear to all the believers that this annual meeting of the delegates is by no means a continuous consultative body all through the year; that its twofold function of electing the body of the National Spiritual Assembly, and of offering any constructive suggestions in regard to the general administration of the Cause is limited to a definite period; and that consequently the opinion current among some of the believers that the delegates are to serve as a consultative body throughout the year is at variance with the fundamental, though as yet unspecified, principles underlying the Administration. Shoghi Effendi firmly believes that consultation must be maintained between the NSA and the entire body of the believers, and that such consultation, while the Convention is not in session, can best be maintained through the agency of the local Assemblies, one of whose essential functions is to act as intermediaries between the local communities and their national representatives. The main purpose of the Nineteen Day Feasts is to enable individual believers to offer any suggestion to the local Assembly which in its turn will pass it to the NSA. The local Assembly is, therefore, the proper medium through which local Bahá’í communities can communicate with the body of the national representatives. The Convention should be regarded as a temporary gathering, having certain specific functions to perform, during a limited period of time. Its status is thus limited in time to the Convention sessions, the function of consultation at all other times being vested in the entire body of the believers through the local Spiritual Assemblies. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 84)

8. I wish to affirm without the least hesitation or ambiguity that the annual convention is not to be regarded as a body entitled to exercise functions similar to those which an ordinary parliament possesses under a democratic form of government. The administrative order which lies embedded in the Teaching of Bahá’u’lláh, and which the American believers have championed and are now establishing, should, under no circumstances, be identified with the principles underlying present-day democracies. Nor is it identical with any purely aristocratic or autocratic form of government. The objectionable features inherent in each of these political systems are entirely avoided. It blends, as no system of human polity has as yet achieved, those salutary truths and beneficial elements which constitute the valuable contributions which each of these forms of government have made to society in the past. Consultation, frank and unfettered, is the bedrock of this unique order. Authority is concentrated in the hands of the elected members of the National Assembly. Power and initiative are primarily vested in the entire body of the believers acting through their local representatives. To generate those forces which must give birth to the body of their national administrators, and to confer, freely and fully and at fixed intervals, with both the incoming and outgoing national Assemblies, are the twofold functions, the supreme responsibility and sole prerogative of the delegates assembled in Convention. Nothing short of close and constant interaction between these various organs of Bahá’í administration can enable it to fulfill its high destiny. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 85)

[Page 13] 9. Concerning the status of members of the NSA at Convention sessions, the Guardian feels that the members both of the incoming and outgoing Assemblies should be given the full right to participate in the Convention discussions. Those members of the NSA who have been elected delegates will, in addition to the right of participation, be entitled to vote. The Guardian wishes thereby to render more effective the deliberations and recommendations of the national representatives. He feels that the exercise of such a right by the members of the NSA will enable them to consult more fully with the assembled delegates, to exchange fully and frankly with them their views, and to consider collectively the interests, needs and requirements of the Cause. This he believes is one of the primary functions of the Convention. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 85)

10. I feel that reference to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstanding and differences. What the friends should do is to get thoroughly acquainted with one another, to exchange views, to mix freely and discuss among themselves the requirements and qualifications for such a membership without reference or application, however indirect, to particular individuals. We should refrain from influencing the opinion of others, of canvassing for any particular individual, but should stress the necessity of getting fully acquainted with the qualifications of membership referred to in our Beloved’s Tablets and of learning more about one another through direct, personal experience rather than through the reports and opinions of our friends. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 48)

11. There is no objection in principle to an Assembly being reelected whether in toto or in part, provided the members are considered to be well-qualified for that post. It is individual merit that counts. Novelty, or the mere act of renewal of elections, are purely secondary considerations. Changes in Assembly membership would be welcome so far as they do not prejudice the quality of such membership. Once Assembly elections are over, the results should be conscientiously and unquestionably accepted by the entire body of the believers, not necessarily because they represent the Voice of Truth, or the Will of Bahá’u’lláh, but for the supreme purpose of maintaining unity and harmony in the community. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 49)

12. Concerning the question of refusal by certain believers to accept election to an administrative post: the Guardian strongly feels that criticism, opposition, or confusion do not provide sufficient grounds for either refusal or resignation. Only cases of physical or mental incapacity, which, by their very nature, are extremely rare, constitute valid reasons for such an act. The difficulties and tests involved in the acceptance of administrative posts, for from inducing the believers to dissociate themselves from the work of the Cause, should spur them on to greater exertions and to a more active participation in the privileged task of resolving the problems that confront the Bahá’í community. Only in cases where individual believers, without any valid reason, deliberately refuse the repeated exhortations, pleas and warnings addressed to them by their Assemblies, should action be taken in removing them from the voting list. This is a measure designed to sustain the institutions of the Faith at the present time, and to insure that the abilities and talents of its, as yet, limited number of supporters are properly consecrated to its service. The believers, for the sake of the Cause, now in the period of its infancy, should accept their duties in a spirit of self-sacrifice, and should be animated by the desire to uphold the verdict of the electorate, and to lend their share of assistance, however difficult the circumstances, to the effective administration of the affairs of the Faith.

The same sanction should apply to those who persistently refuse to dissociate themselves from political and ecclesiastical activities. This is a general principle which is being maintained throughout the Bahá’í world, and the believers throughout the East are already aware of the absolute necessity of refusing any political or Moslem ecclesiastical office. (Annual Reports 1941-1942, p. 14)

13. I desire to remind believers of the necessity for unconditional acceptance of whatever position and duties may be assigned them by delegates and National Assembly. I deprecate all refusals of candidature. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 8)

14. Institutions that are entirely managed by Bahá’ís are, for reasons that are only too obvious, under the obligation of enforcing all the laws and ordinances of the Faith, especially those whose observance constitutes a matter of conscience. (Bahá’í Procedure, p. 70)

15. But let us all remember, in this connection, that prior to every conceivable measure destined to raise the efficiency of our administrative activities, more vital than any scheme which the most resourceful amongst us can devise, far above the most elaborate structure which the concerted efforts of organized Assemblies can hope to raise, is the realization down in the innermost heart of every true believer of the regenerating power, the supreme necessity, the unfailing efficacy of the Message he bears. I assure you, dear friends, that nothing short of such an immovable conviction could have in days past enabled our beloved Cause to weather the blackest storms in its history. Naught else can today vitalize the manifold activities in which unnumbered disciples of the Faith are engaged; naught else can provide that driving force and sustaining power that are both so essential to the success of vast and enduring achievements. It is this spirit that above all else we should sedulously guard, and strive with all our might to fortify and exemplify in all our undertakings. (Bahá’í Administration, p. 102)

Many residents of Helsinki, Finland, are hearing of the Faith in this apartment of Miss Elsa Vento, pioneer settler from Canada.

[Page 14]

Around the Bahá’í World

BRITISH ISLES

The British NSA, on the advice of the Guardian, is endeavoring, through “utmost economy” and through consultation with local communities as to ways and means, to reduce their deficit. The following are a few of the suggestions given by individual members to the National Treasurer on his tour of the local communities, as published in the Bahá’í Journal:

“Reduce the number of public meetings and increase personal teaching work.”

“Finance Committee composed of non-NSA members should be appointed to look into and restrict expenditure.”

“National Fund expenditure ought to be itemized in regularly provided information.”

“If there has been economy in spending of funds the fact has not been made known sufficiently.”

“Form a habit of saving.”

“New members of the Faith should be made aware of their responsibility towards the Fund.”

“We should all pray that the actions requiring expenditure of money are the right ones.”

The Journal reports that a number of the suggestions have already been acted upon by the National Assembly.

Mother George

Mrs. Florence George passed away on November 4 at the age of 91. The Guardian cabled:

“Grieved passing distinguished indefatigable promoter Faith ardently supplicating progress soul Abhá Kingdom her notable meritorious services unforgettable.”

Extracts from a tribute to her published in the Journal follow:

“Mrs. George was proud of the distinction ‘Mother’ bestowed on her by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. She liked to speak of her pilgrimage to Haifa, of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s personal care that the individual needs of the pilgrims were provided for; of how He taught humility to the ostentatious and raised to dignity the self-abased.

“Mother George was proud, too, that she had been instrumental in making known the Faith to Dr. Esslemont.”

Lotfullah Hakim

The Guardian has cabled the British NSA to arrange departure for Haifa of Lotfullah Hakim “for necessary service.”

Excerpts from a letter from the Guardian to Harry Andersen

“The cardinal principle which we must follow (in connection with your questions) is obedience to the Government prevailing in any land in which we reside....

“We see, therefore, that we must do two things — shun politics like the plague, and be obedient to the Government in power in the place where we reside.... We must obey in all cases except where a spiritual principle is involved, such as denying our Faith. For these spiritual principles we must be willing to die. What we Bahá’ís must face is the fact that society is disintegrating so rapidly that moral issues which were clear a half century ago are now hopelessly confused and what is more, thoroughly mixed up with battling political interests. That is why the Bahá’ís must turn all their forces into the channel of building up the Bahá’í Cause and its Administration. They can neither change nor help the world in any other way at present. If they become involved in the issues the Governments of the world are struggling over, they will be lost. But if they build up the Bahá’í pattern they can offer it as a remedy when all else has failed.”

GERMANY

The January Bahá’í Nachrichten tells of Regional meetings held at ‎Würtemberg Württemberg‎, Baden, Hesse and Esslingen to bring to the Bahá’ís the living spirit of the Copenhagen Teaching Conference, the Esslingen Summer School, the Youth Summer School, and the spirit and aim of the Guardian’s letter of June, 1950.

Miss Bertha Matthiesen of the USA, who before the war had taught in Austria and Munich, has made a teaching trip including Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna, and in January was teaching in Munich. She is working in close cooperation with the NTC. The NSA welcomes this assistance most cordially.

Excerpt from a report given at the Fall Conference of Bahá’í Youth held in Maulbronn, Württemberg. “Only the pure teachings as given by Bahá’u’lláh can lead humanity to the rich life which God intended for it.” This must be often reiterated to the Youth.

FINLAND

In a letter to our NSA Miss Josephine Kruka gives an encouraging glimpse of the pioneer work being done in Helsinki, Finland. She has recently returned to Havana, Cuba, but hopes to go back to Finland in May. In the interim, Miss Elsa Vento, a Finland born Toronto Bahá’í is carrying on the work with the “active, responsive” group, and Miss Kruka is in constant correspondence with them. The Faith has received fine publicity in Helsinki, one paper offering to print whatever is sent them on that subject.

INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA

Extracts from a letter from our Guardian to the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan, and Burma

Dear and valued co-workers:

“The severe restrictions to which the dearly loved, highly devoted, long struggling Bahá’í communities of India, Pakistan, and Burma have been subjected, the repeated setbacks they have suffered, the grave disturbances in the wake of which their manifold and meritorious activities have been caught, evoke my heart-felt sympathy and arouse my deep concern.... Though the course of the Plan they spontaneously undertook has, of necessity, been affected by these constant vicissitudes and unexpected developments, their achievements, beyond the confines of their homeland, as well as in the publishing field ... constitute a memorable chapter in the history of the Faith in the sub-continent of India.

“The translation and publication of ‘The New Era’ in more than 20 languages in recent years, the planting of the banner of the Faith in the Island of Ceylon, the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Siam—though not originally an integral part of their Plan — has signalized the opening of a new epoch in the evolution of the Faith in South Eastern Asia, and has marked the formal association of the Indian, Pakistani and Burmese believers with their brethren in Europe, America, Egypt and Persia, in carrying the

[Page 15] torch of the Faith beyond the confines of their respective continents and countries, and in executing the last wishes of the Center of the Covenant so movingly expressed in His Will and Testament.

“The hour is indeed both precious and propitious. The opportunity is glorious and will not recur in the lifetime of this generation...”

(signed) SHOGHI

Teaching

Dr. Fozdar has commenced teaching at Singapore, where he has settled as a pioneer. He gave the Message to 12 people on the steamer from Bombay to Singapore, has given talks to several groups and talked individually with people of different shades of thought in Singapore, where the Cause was virtually unknown before his coming.

The December issue of the U.S. Bahá’í Youth News tells of the intended departure in response to a cable from the Guardian of Jimmy Fozdar, son of Dr. and Mrs. Fozdar, for Sarawak, North Borneo, where he will work to spread the Bahá’í Faith.

The NSA has issued a call to the women to come forward in greater numbers to serve the Cause in fields other than their home towns.

Rangoon

A report from Rangoon tells of the slow regathering of the Daidanaw friends in their village after their dispersal due to recent insurgent rising. One Bahá’í was killed during the disturbances, one had his arm broken, all had their cattle and farm implements pillaged. But these remarkable souls take up life again without a murmur or a request for help. Further, they are contributing to the Holy Shrine Fund.

Calcutta

This Assembly has transferred the sum of money they had saved for the construction of their Ḥaẓíra to the Holy Shrine fund.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

A new Bahá’í group of 5 adults and 2 youth has been formed in Suva on the island of Fiji. This is the first Bahá’í group to be formed in the Pacific Islands which come under the jurisdiction of the NSA of Australia and New Zealand. Mr. Alvin Blum of Auckland, New Zealand, on the advice of the NSA, visited the group in October and encouraged further teaching activity.

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.

The following is an excerpt from a letter to an individual believer received from the Guardian, dated December 18, 1949:

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

(Australian News Letter No. 24, March, 1950)

The following extract is taken from a letter from the Guardian to an individual believer published in the News Letter from India and dated June 28, 1950:

“There is no objection to the Bahá’ís associating with such organizations as the World Government Organization. The instructions he gave to the British Bahá’ís may be followed. However, great care should be taken to make sure these organizations are absolutely non-partisan in their political views and lean neither to East or West.”

Berkeley, California, Bahá’ís have potluck suppers for teaching. Bahá’ís contribute extra money for the Victory Fund.

The Home Front

The annual reports for Albuquerque, New Mexico, show that this community held regular study classes for inquirers on Tuesday nights and also regular firesides on Wednesdays to share the teaching responsibilities and to “tell the story” as widely as possible. To celebrate the birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, a turkey dinner and public meeting were arranged at the YMCA with Bahá’ís bringing covered dishes and one of the members contributing the turkey. Before Christmas a public meeting was held on “The Bahá’í Attitude toward Christ,” and attractive folders with appropriate quotations were given to the guests as greeting cards. The World Religion Day meeting was held at Danselfer’s School with Everett Crocker speaking on “Comparative Religion” and Irene Hurlburt furnishing music. Literature was displayed at the public library and in a window of the Albuquerque Electric Co.

Naw-Rúz was celebrated with a banquet and program. By special request, a third study class was begun for Saturday nights. The community voted to increase the proportion of its contribution to the National Fund from 50% to 75%. Copies of Prescription for Living were placed in the public and university libraries. Special publicity on the front page of a newspaper was obtained when Bob Powers came to speak and was interviewed by an editor on his experiences on the Los Angeles police force in efforts to improve race relations.

For several years the communities of Lakewood and Jamestown, New York, have jointly held open house on New Year’s Eve to demonstrate Bahá’í social life to their friends. Toward midnight the lights are turned low and prayers are read. This year the communities plan to conduct a Bahá’í marriage ceremony

[Page 16] for one of their families whose twenty-fifth wedding anniversary falls this year.

Mrs. Olivia Kelsey of Independence, Missouri, took part in a round table discussion before a class on Comparative Religion at Park College, Parkville, Missouri. Arrangements were made by the Kansas City friends through a former student of the school.

Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, friends were ‎intrumental instrumental‎ in contacting the editorial committee of Common Cause, and through them David Earl was secured to write an authoritative description of “The Bahá’í Faith and World Government”, which appeared in the September, 1950, issue. The magazine is published by The Committee to Frame a World Constitution with Robert Maynard Hutchins, president, and G. A. Borgese, secretary-general. Mr. Borgese, of the University of Chicago faculty, was guest speaker at the National commemorative meeting on the Martyrdom of the Báb.

The D. R. Witzels, who are isolated Bahá’ís in Ogden, Utah, temporarily, intend to inform the residents about the Faith. “We have been in Ogden a week and a half, and so far we have put four books in the Carnegie Library: Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, The Bahá’í World Faith, Bahá’í Administration, and The Kitáb-i-Iqán. We hope to get This Earth One Country in soon. We have the enclosed display ad running every Sunday and a smaller one for weekdays. We have one contact who is reading, and we go in to Salt Lake City for inspiration.” The ad reads: “THE BAHA’I WORLD FAITH advocates WORLD PEACE through WORLD GOV’T. See Carnegie Library.” Mr. Witzel is stationed at a nearby army camp.

For deepening in the Faith the Boston community holds study classes in the Center six nights a week. A period of prayer and meditation is conducted each night also. Two youth fellowship meetings are held on Sundays, one for teenagers and one for young adults. A Bahá’í booth was set up at the Boston Antiques Exhibition which was visited by 28,000.

Iowa Bahá’ís arranged a state picnic at Newton this summer.

The Alaskan Road Commission has completed a road through the Bahá’í property at Turnagain Arms, and the public is invited to petition for a name for it. The Bahá’í Way has been suggested. Anchorage has completed a series of radio broadcasts. Bahá’ís in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks run weekly ads in the newspapers.

The Youth Symposium which was given at the Temple was to be repeated in Maywood on February 4th. Farrukh Ioas was chairman for the theme, “Religion’s Effect on Civilization”. Speakers were Sylvia Joy Haywood on “Religions of the Past,” Ted Anderson on “Today and Today’s Needs”, and Robert B. Amerson on “God’s Revelation for Today.”

Great Falls, Montana, Bahá’ís gave the usual price of a dinner at a public eating place at the Feast for the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh and sent the money for the Shrine of the Báb. They were able to tell the Virginia City Players, who enact the story of early Montana Gold Rush Days, about the Faith. A blind senator-elect to the state legislature recently used material on the Faith gleaned from the friends in presenting a speech before his local Toastmaster’s club.

Study classes are held in the Butte, Montana, Y.M.C.A.

On November 16th, seven Bahá’í women in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, arranged a meeting attended by more than 100 persons who heard Dr. Raymond Piper speak in the Grand Ballroom of the Garden City Hotel on “The Major Gifts of the World’s Religions”. Professor Piper of Syracuse University spoke at the Temple during the Centenary Celebrations of 1944. Recently he has returned from a seventeen month tour of the Orient where he made movies of the religious customs of worship. When he showed these he included pictures of the Temple and the Shrines on Mt. Carmel.

A member of a University of Illinois sociology class asked Professor Garreta Busey to tell about the Faith. Although only two class periods were to be devoted to religions and religious institutions, Miss Busey was given an entire session. The Urbana assembly conducted a Bahá’í funeral service for Professor Walter Gaines of the University, with his son, Robert, an Ann Arbor Bahá’í, assisting with the readings. Although he was not a Bahá’í, Dr. Gaines had requested a Bahá’í funeral. Several who attended spoke appreciatively of the service.

An inter-racial fireside now under Chicago auspices began when Miss Busey went to speak at the home of a sister of Mrs. Mary Jones, an Urbana Bahá’í.

An Arlington, Virginia, Bahá’í, Bill Morris, is a medical aidman with the army in Korea.

At Newport News, Virginia, Rassin Wurie was invited to speak before a business and professional organization of 60 members, and has been invited to speak before a group in Norfolk who are studying the Qur’án.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abdu’l-Bahá on Bringing Peace	9
The Guardian, on Conventions	11
Criticism	15
Epoch-making Enterprise	1
The Greatest Need	2
To India	14
Two Extremes	2
Two Kinds of Bahá’ís	2
World Gov’t Organization	15
The NSA, on African Teaching	1
American Gifts to Shrine	2
Bahá’í Greeting to Dr. Bunch	3
Convention Housing	2
First Annual Convention, Central and South America	2
National Membership List	3
Victory Fund	3
Addresses	9
Around the Bahá’í World	14
Calendar	6
Cleveland’s Martyrdom Observance	10
Contributions	10
Directory Changes, Additions	8
Enrollments	11
European Teaching News	10
For Club Programs	5
Have You Participated?	10
Home Front	15
In Memoriam	6
Latin American News	7
Living the Bahá’í Life: Peace	9
Marriages	7
Memorial Gifts	11
Miss Alexander in Japan	3
1944 Centenary Movies	5
Pennsylvania Regional Winter School	10
Publishing Announcement	2
Radio Committee	11
Revell Sisters Called to Haifa	2
Speakers’ Aids	8
Summer School Plans	4
Two Year Plan of Preparation	5
Pictures. Berkeley Pot Luck	15
Dominican Republic	8
La Paz	7
Lt. Davenport in Japan, Korea	3
Miss Vento in Helsinki	13
Panama	8
Phoenix World Religion Day	9
Temple	11