Bahá’í News/Issue 243/Text
| ←Previous | Bahá’í News Issue 243 |
Next→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
| BAHÁ’Í |  |
NEWS |
| No. 243 | MAY, 1951 | YEAR 108 | BAHA’I NEWS |
The Guardian’s Messages to the 1951 National Convention[edit]
(My) heart (is) filled (with) thankfulness (at) contemplation (of the) chain (of) swiftly succeeding, epoch-making events transpiring (in the) course (of the) fifth year of the) second Seven Year Plan, rendered memorable through association (with the) Centenary (of the) Martyrdom (of the) Prophet-Herald (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation testifying (to) God’s unfailing protection (and the) manifold blessings vouchsafed (to the) Community (of the) Most Great Name alike (in) its World Center (and in) all continents (of the) globe.
Divine retributive justice (is) strikingly demonstrated through (a) series (of) sudden, rapid, devastating blows sweeping over leaders (and) henchmen (of) breakers (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant foiling (the) schemes, levelling (the) hopes, (and) well-nigh extinguishing (the) remnants (of the) conspiring crew which dared challenge (the) authority, succeeded (in) inflicting untold sorrow (and) assiduously plotted (to) disrupt (the) Will (and) Testament (of) its appointed Center.
(The) triumphant, resistlessly expanding Bahá’í Administrative Order now embraces (one) hundred (and) six sovereign states (and) dependencies constituting (an) addition (of) no less (than) twenty-seven countries since (the) Centenary celebration (of the) Declaration (of the) Mission (of the) Holy Báb.
(The) number of languages (into which) Bahá’í literature (is) translated (or in) process (of) translation (is) over eighty.
(The) number (of) incorporated Assemblies, local (and) national, (is) (one) hundred (and) ten.
(The) Centenary (of the) Martyrdom (of the) Herald (of the) Faith (was) befittingly commemorated, synchronizing (with the) completion (of the) Arcade (and) Parapet (of) His Sepulchre (on) Mount Carmel, marking (the) termination (of the) two-year, quarter million dollar enterprise.
(The) preliminaries (for the) erection (of) two additional Pillars (of the) Universal House (of) Justice, culminating (in the) formation (of) National Assemblies (in) Central America, Mexico, (and the) Antilles, (and in) South America (has been) successfully concluded, following (the) raising (of a) similar Pillar (in the) Dominion (of) Canada.
(The) interior ornamentation (of the) Mother Temple (of the) West (is) virtually completed, paving (the) way (for the) provision (of) accessories (and) landscaping (in) preparation (of its) public dedication destined (to) coincide (with the) twin celebrations (of the) consummation (of the) fifty year old enterprise (and the) Birth (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic mission.
(The) prelude (to the) historic African campaign, (the) foremost objective (of the) two year plan (of the) Bahá’í Community (of the) British Isles, linking in formal association four National Assemblies (is) marked by (the) departure (of the) first pioneer (to) Tanganyika (and) plans (for) settlement Gold Coast (and) Uganda.
Contracts amounting (to) over two hundred ten thousand dollars successively placed (for) stones, window frames, railing, steel, cement required (for the) erection (of the) Octagon, Cylinder (and) Dome (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre raising (to) sixteen hundred tons total tonnage ordered (from) Italy.
(A) quarter-century old project (is) terminated through (the) construction (of the) last two terraces connecting (the) same edifice (with the) Templar Colony (at the) foot (of) Carmel.
(The) four year plan initiated (by the) Persian National Assembly (in the) promotion (of the) interests (of the) women members (of the) community (is) successfully concluded despite increasing disabilities resulting (from the) recrudescence (of) religious fanaticism afflicting (the) sore-pressed homeland (of) Bahá’u’lláh.
(A) notable step (in the) progress (of) Bahá’í women (of the) Middle East (is) taken through (the) extension (of the) right (of) membership (in) local Assemblies (to) women believers (in) Egypt.
(The) third European Teaching Conference (and) Summer School (was) held (in) Copenhagen (and) attended (by) (one) hundred seventy-seven (persons) representing twenty-two countries.
(The) second All-Swiss Conference convened (in) Zurich, foreshadowing (the) closer integration (of the) ten goal countries (of the) European continent through (the) eventual formation (of) regional National Assemblies (in) Scandinavia, (the) Benelux countries, Switzerland, Italian (and) Iberian peninsulas.
Bahá’í literature (in) Greenlandic, previously disseminated as far (as) Thule, Etah, beyond (the) Arctic Circle, (has been) dispatched (to) radio station (in) Brondlundsfjord, Peary Land, eighty-second latitude, northernmost outpost (of the) globe.
Ties, linking (the) World Center (of the) Faith (with the) newly-emerged, rapidly consolidating sovereign state (in the) Holy Land, (have been) reinforced through (the) delivery (by the) Ministry (of) Religious Affairs (of the) Mazra’ih Mansion (into) Bahá’í custody, (the) recognition (of) Bahá’í Holy Days (by the) Ministry (of) Education (and) Culture, following exemption granted (to) Bahá’í international endowments, (and) recognition accorded Bahá’í marriage certificate.
Bahá’u’lláh’s residence (in) ‘Akká, (the) scene (of) severe crises (in the) course (of the) ministries (of
[Page 2]
the) Founder (of the) Faith (and
the) Center (of His) Covenant renovated (and) furnished, (are) added
(to the) Holy Places already opened
(to the) steadily swelling number
(of) visitors both local (and) foreign.
(A) significant step (was) taken (by the) City Governorate (of) Cairo presaging (the) eventual recognition (by) state authorities (of the) Bahá’í laws (of) personal status, already codified (and) submitted (to the) central government (by the) Egyptian National Assembly.
Bonds binding (the) Bahá’í world community (to) United Nations strengthened (by) Bahá’í participation (in) regional conference (of) Non-Governmental Organizations (in) Geneva (and) Istanbul.
Preliminary steps taken (in) preparation (of) final design (for the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (on) Mount Carmel by President (of the) International Bahá’í Council, specifically appointed (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (to be) its architect.
Process (of the) unfoldment (of the) ever-advancing Administrative Order accelerated (by the) formation (of the) International Bahá’í Council designed (to) assist (in the) erection (of the) superstructure (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre, cement ties uniting (the) budding World Administrative Center with (the) recently established state, (and) pave (the) way (for the) formation (of the) Bahá’í Court, essential prelude (to the) institution (of the) Universal House (of) Justice.
(I) hail particularly (the) brilliant victory won (by the) American Bahá’í Community (in) meeting (the) financial requirements (for the) completion (of the) interior ornamentation (of the) Temple (and) eliminating (the) deficit (in the) Victory Fund, exploits doubly meritorious owing (to the) added responsibilities courageously assumed (to) assist enterprise (in the) African field, (and) construction (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre (in the) Holy Land.
(I am) thrilled (by the) multiple evidences (of the) simultaneous prosecution (of) Bahá’í national plans, East (and) West, (and the) rise (and) steady consolidation (of the) World Center (of the) Faith, constituting (the) distinguishing features (of the) second epoch (of the) Formative Age whose inception (on the) morrow (of the) Second World War coincided (with the) inauguration (of the) second Bahá’í century, and which bids fair (to) eclipse (the) splendors (of the) preceding epoch, which posterity will associate with (the) birth (and) rise (of the) embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.
Cablegram received April 25, 1951
Reorientation[edit]
Cable from Shoghi Effendi
Emergence (of) independent sovereign state (in) Holy Land, synchronizing (with the) rise (and) consolidation (of the) Administrative Center (of the) World Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh of which (the) establishment (of the) International Bahá’í Council (and the) construction (of the) superstructure (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre constitute (the) initial major evidences, as well as (the) projected acquisition (of) extensive properties (in) close neighborhood (of the) Most Holy Tomb (of) Bahá and (the) precincts (of the) Shrine (on) Mount Carmel, Haifa, essential (to) their preservation, resulting (from) far-reaching changes (in the) newly-established state, demand henceforth reorientation (and) necessitate increasing financial support by Bahá’í National Communities (of) East (and) West, through curtailment (of) national (and) local budgets. (The) extent (of) appropriations (from) national (and) local budgets (of) communities (in) both hemispheres (is) regarded (as a) spiritual obligation (and) left (to the) discretion (of the) elected representatives (of the) believers. Moreover, participation (of) individual believers, through contributions directly transmitted (to the) Holy Land (are) imperative and beyond (the) scope (of the) jurisdiction (of) National (and) local Assemblies. Upon (the) response (of the) privileged builders (of the) World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh depends (the) nature (and the) rapidity (of the) evolution (of the) World Administrative Center designed (to) culminate (in the) erection (of the) last unit crowning (the) structure (of the) embryonic World Order (of) Bahá’u’lláh.
(Our) distinguished co-worker, Millie Collins, Vice-Chairman (of the) International Council (is) acquainting you (with the) pressing problems (and the) projected plans (of) contracts afoot designed (to) accelerate (the) process initiated (in the) Holy Land (for the) furtherance (of my) supreme, momentous, highly meritorious objectives. Communicate (this) message (to) all National Assemblies.
Received April 25, 1951.
Convention Messages to the Guardian[edit]
Forty-third Convention deeply grateful presence Amelia Collins binding American Community closer World Center Faith, and increasing our awareness problems momentous labors beloved Guardian. Happy announce presence newly declared Gold Coast believer, harbinger successful African campaign. Awed, inspired by message and letter revealing manifold responsibilities opportunities challenging hour. Implore prayers for assistance consummate total victory. Assure beloved Guardian we are prepared undertake whatever sacrifices required. Deepest love.
April 28, 1951
Hearts deeply moved Guardian’s gift attar rose, token his sustaining love each believer. Yesterday held first convention devotions under thrilling beauty temple dome. Grateful continuing proofs loving providence shown by formation international council, establishment two new pillars Universal House Justice, evidences swiftly unfolding Divine Plan. Humbly realize victories already granted merely milestone global mission requiring complete dedication.
April 30, 1951
Convention Message from the Guardian[edit]
Convention
% Bahá’í, Wilmette
Deeply touched (by) message, value noble sentiments, supplicating unprecedented blessings.
Cablegram received
May 3, 1951
“We Are Prepared ...”[edit]
Beloved Bahá’í friends:
With these words, the Forty-Third Annual Convention assured the beloved Guardian that the American believers “are prepared to undertake all sacrifices required to fulfill their manifold responsibilities” during the two-year period of extended austerity.
The sacred collective obligations we face will require:
- Payment of contracts amounting to $200,000 for the stone immediately necessary for construction of the Holy Shrine of the Báb.
- The fulfilment of our Budget requirements amounting to $175,000 covering essential objectives during this, the next to last year of the Seven Year Plan, plus the sum of $75,000 which has been allocated for Temple landscaping.
- Contributions made directly to the Holy Land which, in the words of the Guardian, are “imperative and beyond the scope of the jurisdiction of National and local Assemblies.”
This means that the total collective obligation to be met is $450,000—a sum entirely apart from the individual contributions which will be made directly to the beloved Guardian.
In the historic year just ended, in which the American Bahá’ís have won a “brilliant victory”, we completed the Temple Fund and wiped out the deficit by contributions totalling $450,000.
The budget required for all our obligations this year is the same as last year.
The National Spiritual Assembly is confident that the assurance given the Guardian by the Convention delegates will be upheld by the believers of the American community who will seize this glorious opportunity and privilege to lighten the burden and gladden the heart of the revered Guardian. “In this supreme ... sacred ... undertaking ... the members of the American Bahá’í Community must ... set an example of self-abnegation worthy to be emulated by their fellow-workers in every land. To participate ... is a privilege which only posterity will be able to correctly appraise.”
“No sacrifice can be deemed too great, no expenditure of material resources, no degree of renunciation of worldly benefits, comfort and pleasures, can be regarded as excessive when we recall the precious blood that flowed, the many lives that were snuffed out, the wealth of material possessions that was plundered, during the most tumultuous and cataclysmic years of the heroic age of our Faith.”
After investigation, the National Spiritual Assembly suggests the best way for individual Bahá’ís to send contributions is directly to the Guardian.
For amounts $1.00 to $20.00: Purchase American Express Domestic Money Orders and mail them to the Guardian.
|
The Guardian Defines Our Essential Objectives “The extension of the necessary material support and administrative guidance to the forthcoming National Assemblies of Central and South America that will enable them to develop along sound lines and without any setback in the course of their unfoldment; the steady consolidation of the victories already won in the ten goal countries of Europe; the maintenance, at its present level and at whatever cost, of the status of the Assemblies and groups (i.e., in America) so laboriously built up; the provision of whatever is required to fully complete the interior of the Temple and beautify the grounds surrounding it, in preparation for its formal inauguration and its use for public worship—these should be regarded as the essential objectives of the American Bahá’í Community during the two year interval separating us from the Centenary celebrations of the prophetic Mission of the Founder of our Faith.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI (from letter of March 29, 1951 published in this issue). |
For amounts $21.00 and more: Purchase American Express Foreign Money Orders. These Foreign money orders are transmitted by the American Express Company to the person for whom the donation is intended, and the name of the donor is not supplied to the recipient abroad. Thus it is necessary for each believer who contributes by purchasing a Foreign money order to advise the Guardian of the gift, supplying him the number indicated on the receipt which the American Express Company provides the donor.
In instructing the Company where to deliver the Foreign money order, and in writing the Guardian, the correct address is: Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, P. O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel. Send your communication airmail, the rate being 25c per ½ ounce.
The Beauty of the Shrine[edit]
Publishing Announcement[edit]
The frontispiece to Volume IX of The Bahá’í World, as the friends recall, was a reproduction in full color of Mr. Sutherland Maxwell’s design for the Shrine of the Báb. In that illustration the impressive grace of the Shrine in its final completion was revealed for the first time.
Now the Guardian has permitted the reprint of that illustration from the color plates, and the Publishing Committee has a supply on hand. Copies can be sent anywhere in the world at $0.50 per copy.
Annual Election[edit]
The results of the annual election, and the organization of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, are reported as follows:—
- Mr. Paul E. Haney, Chairman
- Mr. H. B. Kavelin, Vice-Chairman
- Mr. Horace Holley, Secretary
- Miss Edna M. True, Recording Secretary
- Mr. Leroy C. Ioas, Treasurer
- Mrs. Dorothy Baker
- Miss Elsie Austin
- Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian
- Mrs. Mamie Seto
The Guardian’s Message to Newly-Elected National Assembly[edit]
Assure newly-elected Assembly loving, fervent prayers.
Cablegram received
May 3, 1951
World Religion Day[edit]
World Religion Day marked its second annual date last January in an increasing number of countries throughout the Bahá’í world. Reports from far-flung corners of the globe tell of successful activities of an event which in one year grew from an idea to a recognized calendar day. From India’s NSA: “We congratulate you for this brilliant achievement and we are very glad to inform you that we had here a very nice World Religion Day.” From the British NSA: “We thank you warmly for the World Religion Day material.” And 300 miles east of the Azores, a floating observance of the World Religion Day was held on the S.S. Laguardia by Jessie and Ethel Revell. Fifty non-Bahá’ís of various nationalities attended in response to the invitation listed in the ship’s official calendar.
In the U.S. more than 120 public meetings were held. These meetings attracted about 3,000 non-Bahá’ís. Thousands of other persons were reached with the Bahá’í message by communities using other tools of public relations. As in 1950, this year’s event commanded more prestige publicity for the Faith than any single event in recent years.
These facts were gathered from
The 100,000 citizens of Topeka, Kansas, had an opportunity to learn of the Faith through this exhibit during Brotherhood Week.
the marked questionnaires received
by Public Relations from 124 assemblies and 20 regional committees.
Other activities reported included:
99 communities distributed literature,
Over 5000 pieces of publicity from newspapers and magazines in the United States have come to the attention of the Public Relations Committee. The headlines above demonstrate the wide variety of publicity opportunities.
57 conducted broadcasts, 23
printed programs, 104 reported publicity, 58 advertised in newspapers,
82 had displays in libraries and store
windows and 68 planned follow-up
activities.
For World Religion Day, Public Relations distributed more than 20,000 pages of mimeographed releases, program suggestions and scripts. In addition, 5,000 maps of the Bahá’í World Community and 4,480 pamphlets (“Religion of World Unity”) were sent to communities. A portfolio of materials was sent to the Guardian, other NSA’s and Bahá’í centers in Latin America and Europe. A display of World Religion Day results, exhibited at the Annual Convention, will be reproduced for community use.
Miss Vera Richter, an isolated Bahá’í shut-in of Grand Haven, Michigan, prepared a living room window display of pictures, poster, and books for World Religion Day.
Topeka, Kansas. As a result of a window display in the bank, one of the Bahá’ís was invited to talk about the Faith to a large group of Congregational church women.
[Page 5]
Australia’s PIX magazine had this as a page in its article of Faith.
References to the Faith[edit]
Among the hundreds of references on file with Public Relations is the picture story “What Is Bahá’í?” (above) which appeared in the Australian LIFE-like magazine PIX. “A religion,” the article states, “that began in a blood-bath between rival Muḥammadan sects in the middle of the last century has developed into a world-wide faith that now attracts many Europeans because of its tolerance and breadth of vision on world affairs. This is Bahá’í.”
Other interesting references: Captioned the “Classmate” to a picture of the Bahá’í Temple: “The towering dome awakens many thoughts in the minds of men.” ... Wrote a feature writer in the Columbus, Ohio Dispatch: “There is one religious group in Columbus that isn’t likely to pick a quarrel with anyone. It is the Bahá’í World Faith.” ... In the Wilmette “Life” was featured recently a poem entitled “God Most Glorious.” Its author: Horace Holley.
Life Publicity[edit]
A questionnaire concerning the Bahá’í story in LIFE magazine brought 112 replies from communities. Two-thirds of the communities indicated a favorable reaction to the article. Assembly comments included: “Marvelous means to talk about faith to non-Bahá’ís” ... “Editor took Temple mat to be published first time and consequently good publicity on World Religion Day” ... “Rather questionable, than unfavorable” ... “Public relations release referring to LIFE article resulted in most outstanding publicity we have received in last ten years.”
A note from the NSA of India, Pakistan, and Burma pointed out an error probably missed by most American eyes. “The picture which appeared in the LIFE and shows Prophet Mohammad seems to be the picture of Sultan Mohammad, one of the Caliphs of Turkey and not of that Holy Prophet. You will notice the Crown on the head of the man, which is the Symbol of Kingship.” The Committee passed this observation to LIFE’s editors.
More than 50 letters were received from LIFE’s readers as a result of the article. A chiropractor wrote: “My attention was drawn to your work through LIFE magazine. It is of great interest to know that a church exists that is trying to do and bring about one church.” ... From New Jersey: “It was through LIFE magazine that I found out about Bahá’í.” ... From Los Angeles: “Having read of Bahá’í in LIFE. I am keenly interested.” ... “From Wellesley college: “I have just read of your faith in LIFE magazine. I am most interested in a universal type of religion.” ... From Maine: “After reading about the Bahá’í religion in LIFE magazine, I would be very interested in learning more about it.” ... From California: “The purpose behind the movement ‘to unite under God nine of the world’s faiths’ is of grave concern to myself.”
To these inquiries, Public Relations sent materials and a covering letter. (The Committee received about 300 similar requests last year.)
College Station, Texas. A long article about the Faith appeared in this town’s only paper, which is free and thrown into every yard.
European Teaching News[edit]
Reports have been received about observances of World Religion Day. Oslo had an excellent program with Jean Deleuran, of Copenhagen, as speaker and the largest attendance they ever had so far. In Brussels two talks were given, by Miss Ioas and Mr. Hénuzet, before an audience of 50 persons after which a press-conference was held with the result that commentaries about the Faith appeared in several papers. In Rome, Professor Bausani spoke to an interested audience on the “Unity of Religion” and in Florence, Ugo Giachery talked before an audience of 38 people.
We are happy to report that Bahá’í Centers, these invaluable assets for the propagation and deepening of the Faith, have by now been established in Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg-Ville, Bern and Lisbon. In Belgium and Italy the friends have their own regular Bahá’í Bulletins and in Switzerland one is about to be initiated.
As an example of the sustained activities being carried on, and of the excellent manner in which they are reported, we are citing the following report received from Lisbon:
“February 1951.
There has been much work to be done on the Center in getting it ready for use. Chairs had to be sanded and polished and the leather seats had to be cut, stretched and nailed on—the chairs are really quite attractive and we are mighty proud of them. ... Our first fireside was held in the central sala on February 14, with 38 present.
|
Bahá’í Addresses
National Office:
Treasurer’s Office:
Make Checks Payable to:
National Bahá’í Fund Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Make checks for books and pamphlets payable to: Bahá’í Publishing Committee
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
|
Wednesday night firesides: Attendance: 21, 38, 29 and 36. We held one symposium; the slides on “The Goal is World Order” with readings given by F. and a talk on the same night by D.; a talk by H. on “The Bahá’í World Community”; and the last Wednesday talks by our two new members, X and Y., who spoke remarkably well. We are quite happy with our two new speakers.
Study Class: We have begun an eight week course on the Covenant and Administration, ending the week before April 20. Present: 17, 9, 8 and 14.
Question Hour: What began as a small, intimate group has widened considerably in number. Attendance: 8, 22, 23 and 21. We are always happy to have our friends drop in on Sunday afternoon for tea and the Question Hour. Discussions are usually quite lively and always interesting.
Confirmation Class: X received news of a position in Luanda. Y. made reservations on a boat leaving for Africa March 6. As she wanted to make her declaration before that date, we had several special classes for her on the Will and Testament and The Dispensation.”
Under “Extension” the report mentions its efforts on Extension Teaching in nearby cities, and under “Exchange Speakers,” in accordance with the ETC’s policy of exchanging teachers in such regions as Scandinavia, Benelux, Switzerland, etc., a report was given of public meetings arranged for exchange teachers.
Calendar[edit]
- May 2—Feast of Riḍván
- May 17—19 Day Feast of ‘Aẓamat (Grandeur)
- May 23—Declaration of the Báb.
- May 29—Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
- June 5—19 Day Feast of Núr (Light)
- June 8, 9, 10—Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly
- June 24—19 Day Feast of Raḥmat (Mercy)
Notes on Latin America[edit]
Word has just been received of the birth of a new Bahá’í Community in Cienfuegos, Cuba, where Sr. José Antonio Bonilla of Nicaragua and Miss Jean Silver, resident pioneer, have been laboring devotedly. Jean reports the entry of 12 believers and the hope of having 15 when they elect their first assembly on the 21st.
A new South American Community has been born this month also in Callao, port city near Lima, Peru, where Miss Eve Nicklin, Mr. and Mrs. David Beckett and others have been devoting intensive efforts to attracting and training new people. Their Community includes 11 believers to date.
Restorations of lost assemblies number 5 so far: 2 in Central America and 3 in South America. In the first, there are Quépos, Costa Rica, where the new Nicaraguan pioneer, Sr. Julio César Hernández, has collaborated effectively with Artemus Lamb; and Taulabé, Honduras, where the new Honduran pioneer, Don Gerardo Flores Corleto was of great assistance to Mrs. Marcia Steward Atwater. Don Flores is carrying forward a program of deepening for two communities: San Pedro Sula and Taulabé.
South American restorations include Medellin, Colombia, where an enthusiastic Community has been born this month through the efforts of Mrs. Gayle Woolson and Miss Elise Schreiber. Elise has obtained employment there and plans to transfer from Bogota in order to help the new friends. Other restorations effected in November in time to elect their delegates to the Convention, include Asunción, Paraguay, with Mrs. Sheila Rice-Wray and Estéban Canales collaborating in helping the friends, and also Montevideo, Uruguay, where the Brazilian pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Rangvald Taetz, have been working.
Splendid increases in membership are reported this month in Valparaiso, Chile, where nine have asked for membership, as the result of the teaching efforts of Miss Gwenne Sholtis, cooperating with the friends of that Community, whose number had dropped below the danger line: in Lima, Peru, where six new members have been received; in Quito,
[Page 7]
Ecuador, with six new members,
Sra. Blanca de Campos of Panama
and Mr. Larry Kramer cooperating;
Caracas, Venezuela, with six, Mrs.
Ruth Moffett and Miss Katherine
Meyer cooperating; Kingston, Jamaica, with nine, six having been accepted and three more applying for
membership. Mrs. Ruth Moffett and
Dr. Malcolm King have been working in Jamaica, and the new Canadian pioneer, Miss Gale Keass of
Toronto, has just arrived there to
help the group of students in Port
Antonio.
Miss Elena Marsella reports the serious illness of one of the most beloved teachers in Ciudad Trujillo, Dominican Republic. She writes: “Don Epifanio has the hospital in an uproar. The patients will be up and walking around pretty soon, even those near death’s door. He has his Bahá’í books all around him and his irrepressible sense of humor going strong. I pity the poor man next to Don Epifanio. He has tubes running in and out of him from all directions, and Don Epifanio keeps him laughing.”
An unusual problem is reported by Mrs. Muriel Miessler after a visit this month to one of the Brazilian Communities. She reports an earnest competition to be “the humblest of all.” This spiritual modesty is so great that none can bear to act as chairman of a committee, but all desire to prefer the others to themselves. Muriel has had to convince them that no spiritual pride is involved in working out the pattern of Bahá’í Administration.
A Meditation[edit]
I know not, O my God, what the Fire is with which Thou didst light the lamp of Thy Cause, or what the Glass wherewith Thou didst preserve it from Thine enemies. By Thy might! I marvel at the wonders of Thy Revelation, and at the tokens of Thy glory. I recognize, O Thou Who art my heart’s Desire, that were fire to be touched by water it would instantly be extinguished, whereas the Fire which Thou didst kindle can never go out, though all the seas of the earth be poured upon it. Should water at any time touch it, the hands of Thy power would, as decreed in Thy Tablets, transmute that water into a fuel that would feed its flame.
The new community of Cienfuegos, Cuba, sent this Naw-Ruz greeting.
Around the Bahá’í World[edit]
AUSTRALIA
Over 1100 copies of George Townshend’s “Old Churches and the New World Faith” were distributed by the Public Relations Committee of Australia and New Zealand. With the letter went a brief history of the Faith and a letter appealing to the leaders of religion as “custodians of the soul of humanity” to seize “an opportunity to enkindle the Spirit of Truth in the sick soul of humanity”. The Primate of Australia, Most Rev. Mowl, Cardinal Gilroy, archbishops and bishops of both the Anglican and Roman churches, and leaders and ministers of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches were reached.
The Herald of the South, Australasian Bahá’í Magazine, contains articles which make a good introduction to the Faith. Among them we note “The Báb, Portents and Proofs,” “Bahá’í Teachings on Economics,” “The Need for a New Prophet.” Subscription price is 7/6 per year and should be sent to Mr. Eric S.G. Bowes, Box 1149K, GPO, Adelaide, S. Australia.
CANADA
Two Bahá’í pioneers are serving at Moose Factory on an island in Hudson Bay near Moosonee, Ontario. One is a bookkeeper, and the other a Nurse’s Aide in the large Indian hospital there. “Transportation at this time of year is by sno-mobile, dogs, snowshoes or on foot. ... To all friends everywhere we both send our love and humbly ask that Indians and Eskimos here and those elsewhere in Canada be remembered in their prayers.”
The Canadian News also prints a statement on the status of Bahá’ís at the UN, from which we glean the following:
1. We have been accredited at the Department of Public Information of the UN.
2. Because of this recognition we have accredited national observers, but we do not have consultative status. These observers at the present time are: Mrs. Mildred R. Mottahedeh, Accredited observer for the Bahá’í International Community; Dr. Ugo Giachery, European observer for the Bahá’í International Community; William De Forge, National observer for the NSA of the Bahá’ís of the US.
3. We do not have delegates to the UN, except at conferences called by the Department of Public Information, such as Conferences of International Non-Governmental Organizations. Here Bahá’ís have done outstanding work in contributing constructive,
[Page 8]
sound suggestions as to
how to build the bridge of cooperation between the people and the UN.
As one of the special advisers of the
UN said, “The Bahá’ís already have
what the UN is groping towards.”
“Pioneer” is a hard worked word in Bahá’í parlance, and it means, according to Webster’s Dictionary, “One who goes before into that which is unknown or untried, to remove obstructions or to prepare the way for others.” Pioneering in any sense means a state of mind, as much as anything, a feeling of responsibility toward the Cause, a feeling that if the pioneer doesn’t carry on nothing will get done. Therefore it would seem that a very quick way to fulfill the Guardian’s desire for us is for each of us to be a “pioneer,” whether we live in a large community, a group, or are isolated believers. We can always turn to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for help, and His words on the Bahá’í teacher will help all of us. He said:
“It is a wonderful, priceless boon to be a vessel carrying food from God. It cannot be bought with gold.
“The first condition of a religious teacher is to believe in God; the second to turn his face toward God; the third to be severed from all save God. Such teachers will constitute illumined lamps of guidance, the stars of the heaven of mercy, the trees of the orchard of Abhá, flowers of the garden of mystery and torches of the path of salvation.
“Teaching the Cause of God is not only through the tongue; it is through deeds, a good disposition, happiness of nature, kindness and sympathy, good fellowship, trustworthiness, holiness, virtue, purity of ideals, and, lastly, speech.
“The greatest bestowal of God is love. That is the origin of all of the bestowals of God. Until love takes possession of the heart no other great or divine bounty can be revealed in it.”
FRANCE
A Bahá’í Center has been opened in Paris — Galerie Viviene 34 Entrance at 4 rue des Petits Champs or 5 rue de la Banque. The Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:45 p.m. till 8 p.m. It has a small library and a stock of pamphlets for distribution. The friends take turns in being present to receive visitors and inquirers. Firesides are held there also.
The Florida State Convention brought these Bahá’ís together.
The Bahá’í Assembly of Dumont, New Jersey, has recently been incorporated.
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. Jessie May Higman, Athol, Mass. Feb. 23, 1951
- Mr. James Cooper, East Fruitport, Mich. About March 1, 1951
- Mr. Frank Durbon Clark, Elsinor, Calif. March 9, 1951
- Mr. George Monfils, Fargo, N. Dakota. April 5, 1951
Marriages[edit]
Pinckney, Mich., Mrs. Mary E. Newton to Mr. H. D. Wolter (non-Bahá’í) Feb. 17, 1951
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Sheila Wolcott to Mr. Amin Banani Feb. 11, 1951
Burbank, Calif., Mrs. Glennah Carter to Mr. Frank Pignata (non-Bahá’í) Oct. 17, 1950
Chicago, Illinois, Miss Marie Reeder (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Robert Van Meer, March 11, 1951
Neptune, N. J., Mrs. Emily E. Feist (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Eric S. Olson, March 26, 1951
[Page 9]
The ornamentation of the Temple dome is almost completed, as this picture, taken March 28th shows.
The Naw-Ruz celebration of the Bahá’ís of Little Rock, Arkansas, emphasized the new international Bahá’í Council and the cooperation of four National Spiritual Assemblies in teaching the Faith in Africa.
From Maine to California, communities have been having Victory
or Temple Fund dinners. Food is
contributed by Bahá’ís who sometimes bring guests. Money is usually
placed in an inconspicuous bowl or
collected by one person. The non-Bahá’ís, of course, do not contribute.
At Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a Rabbi gave up air time so that the Bahá’ís could broadcast for World Religion Day. The women are making a set of United Nations Flags to present to a public school in the name of the Bahá’í Community.
Living the Bahá’í Life: Distinction[edit]
I desire distinction for you. The Bahá’ís must be distinguished from others of humanity. But this distinction must not depend upon wealth—that they should become more affluent than other people. I do not desire for you financial distinction. It is not an ordinary distinction I desire; not scientific, commercial, industrial distinction. For you I desire spiritual distinction; that is, you must become eminent and distinguished in morals. In the love of God you must become distinguished from all else. You must become distinguished for loving humanity; for unity and accord; for love and justice. In brief, you must become distinguished in all the virtues of the human world; for faithfulness and sincerity; for justice and fidelity; for firmness and steadfastness; for philanthropic deeds and service to the human world; for love toward every human being; for unity and accord with all people; for removing prejudices and promoting international peace. Finally, you must become distinguished for heavenly illumination and acquiring the bestowals of God. I desire this distinction for you. This must be the point of distinction among you.
Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.185
We should all visit the sick. When they are in sorrow and suffering it is a real help and benefit to have a friend come. Happiness is a great healer to those who are ill. In the east it is the custom to call upon the patient often and meet him individually. The people in the east show the utmost kindness and compassion to the sick and suffering. This has greater effect than the remedy itself. You must always have this thought of love and affection when you visit the ailing and afflicted.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Excellent publicity was given the Faith in an article written by the religious editor of The Milwaukee Journal. It stated some of the history and teachings of “one of Milwaukee’s most unusual religions”. Individual pictures of three of the local assembly members were shown.
Green Acre Youth Camp[edit]
Added details are available concerning the youth camp at Green Acre. The session which lasts from June 17th to the 30th is designed for youth and young adults 14 to 30 years of age. The cost is $15 a week. Plans have been made for an intensive play, study, and work program.
Weekly Rates at Green Acre[edit]
The April Bahá’í News carried the complete program for Green Acre and the other summer schools. The Green Acre Committee has given weekly rates as follows: (a 10% discount will be given those guests who stay two weeks or longer in July.)
At the Main House:
| Single Room with board $30.00 to $41.00 |
| Double room with board $28.00 to $38.00 |
| Three in a room with board $27.00 to $36.00 |
| Cottages and Fellowship House: |
| Single room with board $30.00 per person |
| Double room with board $28.00 per person |
| Three in a room with board $27.00 per person |
Special rates for young men and women on top floor of cottages and Fellowship House, $21.00 per person.
Special youth rates (ages 12-20), room and board, $20.00.
Children under 12 in rooms with parents, $15.00 for room and board.
Youth camp rates, June 17th to July 1st, $15.00 per week, room and board.
Geyserville[edit]
Courses for Geyserville have been announced. A little more detail on plans for teaching the courses may be of interest.
Workshops are nothing new at Geyserville: they have proven their value in the past. Why? Because, in whatever course they are used, they give the students not only an opportunity to learn the subject, but also to develop and improve their own teaching methods. Within the frame of workshops, something new will be added this year — “socio-drama.” This is the technique where one part of a group works out a given problem before the rest of the group. The solution is discussed and suggestions made for changes. The situation is then “played back.” This kind of drama is, of course, spontaneous — no rehearsals! It fulfills the wish we all make sometimes, “If I had that to do again, I would do thus and so.”
As previously stated, not all of the courses will be workshops; there will also be some combinations of lecture and discussion, and of lecture and seminar.
And not all of our learning together will be in classes. Plans for the “Bahá’í Open Forum” grew out of the spontaneous afternoon discussion groups held at Geyserville in 1948. These were so well liked that a forum will be a special feature of the late afternoon program this year.
Do non-Bahá’ís ask you questions that seem to be “key” questions for a good many people? Do you feel that if you could answer them more clearly and accurately from the Teachings you would be giving a better understanding of the Bahá’í Faith to inquirers? Key questions and Bahá’í answers will be one of the subjects for the Open Forum. There will be plenty of flexibility in this forum. It will be built around topics you want discussed.
Please remember in sending your requests for reservations to Mr. Alfred Zahl, Secretary of the Maintenance Committee, 826 West Grant Place, San Mateo, California, to state clearly the exact time — the week or two weeks — you plan to come to Geyserville.
The Home Front[edit]
Honolulu, Hawaii. Our Guardian has called Hawaii “that symbolic spot, the meeting place of East and West.” For the first time, Bahá’ís and Buddhists have been included among Protestants, Catholics and Jews in the World Brotherhood movement. At a dinner to mark the formation of the Hawaii Chapter of World Brotherhood, talks were given by representatives of the various faiths. Many non-Bahá’ís commented on the statement of our representative, Mrs. Kathryn Ruggles, as being the best of the evening. Over two hundred people of many races and religions attended. Eleven members of the Honolulu Community were entertained with the others by Philippine music and Korean dances.
Buffalo, New York, has weekly open meetings in the form of panel discussions on a single Bahá’í principle, such as the oneness of mankind. An appointed observer takes notes as to how the informal meetings might be improved.
Rochester, New York, and Vicinity. A unique follow-up technique developed around Rochester is a series of intimate parties held every other Sunday evening in a different Bahá’í home for contacts who have shown sustained interest in public meetings. Only a few Bahá’ís attend each time, in order to keep the gatherings small. A wider discussion of the Teachings is possible from spontaneous conversation.
Greenwich, Connecticut. In part follows an ad placed in a newspaper; “Is your child receiving the religious education you want? Lessons from the Bible and great religions, from a non-sectarian point of view. For children from 7 to 11 years of age.”
Virginia and West Virginia. One Community is working out an idea for furthering Bahá’í prestige by having two or three Bahá’ís attend meetings of various organizations that have objectives harmonious with our principles, getting acquainted, and finally inviting a member to speak at a Bahá’í meeting to show him that we, too, are working for his goal.
Arlington, Virginia, which has no youth of its own borrowed young people from Washington and Falls Church. A symposium, “What is my Faith Contributing to the Spiritual Needs of World Youth Today?” included a Catholic point of view, the Unitarian view, a Hindu presentation with an officer from the Indian embassy telling of Krishna, and a Bahá’í summation which pointed out progressive Revelation and the Universal Principles underlying all the great revealed religions. A follow-up with representation from Judaism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam is planned.
Florida. The Junior Youth presented a demonstration of Progressive Revelation for the State Convention. Each concluded his talk with a Friendship song such as “We’ll Soon Be One World.” Some used a blackboard to illustrate. One young man compared “Three
[Page 11]
Stages of Revelation” to electricity.
His diagram showed a generator,
transformer and electric appliances
to show the connections between
God, the Manifestations and His
creation.
Marysville, Michigan. At the annual mass meeting of the NAACP, a Bahá’í had the opportunity of reading a paper based on the Faith. Contact had been made through two believers who had attended meetings.
Ypsilanti, Michigan. Operation “X” is a series of social affairs with simple refreshments. Bahá’ís from nearby cities attend along with non-Bahá’í guests. In addition this community has a regular study class and an afternoon tea and discussion for the ladies.
Boston, Massachusetts. Theme for World Youth Day was “A Practical Religion at Work.” A speaker from Boston University Theological School said, “Attend a ‘bull-session’, you will find young people who admit they need something that they can believe in, something they can understand and work for. Religion surely comes to the fore.” A director of a boy’s club spoke of “Youth and the Democratic Process” and a Bahá’í from Providence, R.I. was the last speaker.
Four picnics to attract people have resulted in two study classes with an attendance of 14 each in Analy Township, California. At Millbrae, children and youth of the Peninsula district meet at the Allen home each Sunday. Mrs. Eleanor Allen and Mrs. Phoebe Babo are in charge of the primary group, Mrs. Bernice Stroessler of the intermediate group, and John Stroessler of the youth group which averages 12-14 in membership.
During the annual Fur Rendezvous of Anchorage, Alaska, two out of a group of 15 Eskimos were the guests of Janet and Verne Stout, Bahá’ís. During their visit, the Stouts’ home was the scene of a children’s party for the Intercalary Days. The room and table decorations were green, lavendar and yellow. Eighteen children attended and exchanged gifts. Games with prizes and sound movies entertained them before dinner. Each was given a souvenir Temple postal or small photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
From the Regional Bulletin of Pennsylvania comes this teaching suggestion: “... definite situations in which a Bahá’í and supposed non-Bahá’í meet. Members from the group are asked to come forward to represent these two and to have a spontaneous conversation in which the Bahá’í would attempt to interest the non-Bahá’í in the Faith. The purpose, of course, was to show how Bahá’ís might handle a given situation with different types of personalities.... It was found that such a teaching technique was not only informative but also full of fun for all.
Chicago. The following titles for public meetings may give helpful suggestions: Peace begins with God, Spiritual Equilibrium, Spiritual Doors, The Coming Dawn, Prescription for Living.
100 new chairs have been bought for the Chicago Center. Bahá’ís in that area are helping to pay for them by making extra sacrificial offerings to cover the cost of a single chair.
|
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. |
Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. Bahá’ís are earning money for the Victory Fund by selling books, jewelry, and household items to each other. A list has been circulated of things that the friends are willing to sell with their prices, and more than $60 was raised in this manner the first two months of the project. Bed springs, a heat lamp, a cornstick pan, an egg poacher, a skirt and books were among the items changing hands.
Batavia, Illinois, has had a variety of programs, including two Sunday evening suppers with outside speakers and discussion, a panel on “What Is the Bahá’í Faith?”, a book review of Faith Is Power for You by Daniel
Pohling, and special world Religion Day and Brotherhood meetings with out-of-town Bahá’í speakers. A male quartet and a store window display added to the World Religion Day celebration.
Providence, Rhode Island. The minister of a church was so impressed by the Naw-Rúz celebration and the days leading to it, as explained by a Bahá’í, that he offered the use of his church for a Naw-Rúz dinner. The children recited verses from Hidden Words. Two days later, there was another dinner for the children. The adults of the community hope to make Bahá’í holidays so attractive to the younger ones, that they will be thinking of these rather than of what the rest of the world is celebrating.
Waterloo, Iowa. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held a convention in this town and asked the Bahá’í Assembly to install their officers. Mrs. Karl Kough read ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer for all nations and Mr. Harry Hill installed the officers.
Quincy and Melrose Township, Illinois. The ten Bahá’ís in these two groups are very active. Their newspaper publicity is good and their weekly meetings are publicized twice weekly over the two radio stations. The communities sponsored a book display with flowers and pictures at the public library.
Manchester, Iowa. Mrs. Hester Hoff is an isolated believer, but she tries to visit as many Bahá’í meetings elsewhere as possible. For World Religion Day she had a display in the window of her store.
At Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mr. Alvin Myers was interviewed about the Faith by the local news editor, who wrote an informative article in the paper. Several inquiries came to the Bahá’ís following its publication.
When the RTC sent Mrs. Mabel Eastman on a teaching tour of Iowa cities, Cedar Rapids held four firesides which were attended by fifteen non-Bahá’ís, some of whom came back to several. A new study class is being held now for those who showed continued interest.
At Binghamton, New York, the friends celebrated Naw-Rúz with a covered dish supper at the Masonic Temple. Twenty-three attended.
Dumont, New Jersey asked Nancy Gates, pioneer from Denmark to speak at their regular Monday evening group. Thirty-five attended.
[Page 12]
The following project was reported in the Colorado and Wyoming
Bulletin: “Once a month on Saturday evening the Bahá’ís have a supper and a Bahá’í speaker to ‘give
the message.’ All Bahá’ís are invited, but they must each bring a non-Bahá’í friend. Each time a Bahá’í
comes to a ‘Fellowship’ evening he
must bring a different friend because the friend in turn is expected
to bring a friend also. In this way
the audience is continually augmented and renewed and it puts the
Bahá’ís to work finding new friends
to bring.”
College Station, Texas. The Battalion, this city’s only newspaper, is free and thrown in every yard. Following its series on Islám, a lengthy discussion of the Bahá’í Faith was offered to its readers. Progressive religion was emphasized.
Two interesting meetings have been held lately in New York City. In May, Dr. Ethel Alpenfels, Associate Professor of Education at New York University and author of Sense and Nonsense About Race and Race Against Time, used her authority as an anthropologist to explode the myth of the superiority of any one race.
In April, the New York Center was filled for the talk by the archeologist-anthropologist, Dr. William Leo Hansberry, who spoke on the contributions of the Negro to the total culture of the world. Dr. Hansberry has expressed admiration for the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith and for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh. His talk was entitled “Noble Have I Created Thee”. Dr. Borrah Kavelin summarized the Faith. A reception followed, with tea served the entire audience.
Providence, Rhode Island, friends have been pleased with the publicity they have received in a new weekly newspaper printed in Italian and English.
The goat of a Pennsylvania isolated believer had triplets instead of a single kid. The two extra were sold and the money is being sent to the Shrine of the Báb.
A Bahá’í Service at the Cathedral of the Pines[edit]
This summer the Bahá’ís are offering one of the services at the famed Cathedral of the Pines at Rindge, New Hampshire. This outdoor spot is dedicated to the Glory of God and given in memory of Sanderson Sloan, killed in action in the last war, as a place where all people may come and worship. Rindge is located on the southern border of New Hampshire near the center, at the juncture of Routes 202 and 119.
The Bahá’í service will be held at 3:00 on the afternoon of August 11. It is hoped that many of the Bahá’ís who may be able to be in this region at the time will come and bring their friends to this special public meeting held under the auspices of the Northeastern Area National Teaching Committee.
Bahá’í Youth Bulletin[edit]
All Bahá’í youth may receive issues of the bulletin by writing to the National Youth Committee Editorial Office, 2910 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley 5, California. Communities that are wishing to start a youth group would find the Bulletin’s suggestions useful.
The issue for March and April contained some reports of youth conferences held in February throughout the country, youth plans for the National Convention, reports on World Youth Day observances in Germany and Boston, teaching hints, a service man’s experiences, a suggestion for teaching through the Pen-Pal Bureau, and a report of a youth meeting in Washington on the “Economic Plan of the Bahá’í Faith” by Paul Haney, attended by 51.
A Teaching Prayer of Bahá’u’lláh[edit]
Magnified be Thy name, O my God! I testify that if Thy servants were to turn towards Thee with the eyes Thou didst create in them and with the ears wherewith Thou didst endow them, they would all be carried away by a single word sent down from the right hand of the throne of Thy majesty. That word alone would suffice to brighten their faces, and to assure their hearts, and to cause their souls to soar up to the atmosphere of Thy great glory, and to ascend into the heaven of Thy sovereignty.
I pray Thee, O Thou Who art the Lord of all names and the Ruler of both earth and heaven, to grant that all who are dear to Thee may each become a cup of Thy mercy in Thy days, that they may quicken the hearts of Thy servants. Empower them also, O my God, to be as the rain that poureth down from the clouds of Thy grace, and as the winds that wait the vernal fragrances of Thy loving-kindness, that through them the soil of the hearts of Thy creatures may be clad with verdure, and may bring forth the things that will shed their fragrance over all Thy dominion, so that every one may perceive the sweet smell of the Robe of Thy Revelation. Potent art Thou to do what Thou willest.
The power of Thy might beareth me witness! Whoso hath drunk of the cup which the hand of Thy mercy hath borne round will strip himself of all things except Thee, and will be able through a word of his mouth, to enrapture the souls of such of Thy servants as have slumbered on the bed of forgetfulness and negligence, and to cause them to turn their faces toward Thy most Great Sign, and seek from Thee naught else except Thyself, and ask of Thee only what Thou hast determined for them by the pen of Thy judgment and hast prescribed in the Tablet of Thy decree.
Send down, then, O my God, through Thy Most Great Name, upon Thy loved ones what will, under all conditions, draw them nearer unto Thee. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, Whose help is implored by all men.
A Bahá’í youth of Tunisia, North Africa.
