Bahá’í News/Issue 255/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS |
| Bahá’ís of the United States |
| NO. 255 | BAHÁ’Í YEAR 109 | MAY, 1952 |
Messages from the Guardian[edit]
The Guardian’s Message to the 1952 National Convention.[edit]
Soul stirred, heart uplifted (by) recollection (of) events signalizing (the) twelve month period preceding (the) fateful year destined (to) witness (the) consummation (of) series (of) plans formulated (by) Bahá’í National Assemblies (of) five continents, as well as (the) inauguration (of the) second, glorious Jubilee (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation. (The) irresistible march (of the) Faith marked simultaneously (by the) steady consolidation (of) its administrative institutions (and the) rapid enlargement (of its) limits. No less (than) eighteen countries (have been) enrolled, raising (the) total number (within) its orbit (to) (one) hundred twenty-tour. Languages (in which) Bahá’í literature (is) printed (or is) being translated (are) now ninety, including twelve African languages. (The) vast process (of the) rise (and) establishment (of the) World Center (of the) Faith (has been) accelerated. Contingents (of) Hands (of the) Cause (have been) successively appointed (in) every continent (of the) globe, five (of) whom (are) shouldering responsibilities (in the) Holy Land. (The) International Bahá’í Council (has been) enlarged (and) officers designated.
(An) interview (was) accorded (by), (and) literature presented (to the) Israel Prime Minister (in the) course (of his) American visit (by) representatives (of the) American National Assembly. Eighteen plots, (a) twenty-two thousand square meter area, (have been) added (to the) International Bahá’í endowments (on the) slopes (of) Carmel. Government survey concluded paving (the) way (for the) acquisition (of) over (one) hundred forty thousand square meters (of) property (in the) precincts (of the) Most Holy Tomb (at) Bahji. (The) design (for the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkar (on) Carmel, conceived (by the) President (of the) International Bahá’í Council, completed. Privileges, exemption already accorded Bahá’í Holy Places (in) Israel (by) Ministry (of) Finance extended (to) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Home, Eastern (and) Western Pilgrim Houses. Pilgrimages (to) World Center (of the) Faith resumed following decade (of) external hostilities (and) internal disturbances agitating (the) Holy Land. Eight piers, designed (to) support (the) thousand ton superstructure (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre constructed. Successive contracts, totalling approximately forty-seven thousand dollars, (for the) construction (of the) structural work (and the) erection (of the) Octagon signed, culminating (in the) completion (of the) first unit (of the) superstructure, (and the) raising (of) eight pinnacles, constituting (the) second crown (of the) Holy Edifice. Preparations (to) build (the) Drum, (the) foundation unit (of the) golden Dome (of the) Sepulchre commenced.
Octagon of the Shrine of the Báb, Mt. Carmel, showing completed pinnacles. March, 1952.
Twin pillars (of the) future House (of) Justice erected
(in) Central (and) South America, additional pillar
projected (for) Europe uniting (the) heart (and) south
(of the) continent.
Preliminary measures initiated (for the) convocation (of) four intercontinental conferences (in the) African, American, European (and) Asiatic continents, involving (the) participation (of) twelve National Spiritual Assemblies, designed alike (to) befittingly celebrate (the) Centenary (of the) Year Nine (and to) launch ten year crusade destined (to) culminate (in the) Most Great Jubilee.
Two year plan (of the) Bahá’í community (of the) British Isles formally launched (on the) African continent through (the) dispatch (of) pioneers (to the) virgin territories (of) Tanganyika, Uganda, (and the) Gold Coast, (has been) reinforced (by the) assignment (of) Liberia (to the) American, Somaliland, Nyasaland (and) North Rhodesia (to the) Persian, Zanzibar (and) Madagascar (to the) Indian, (and) Libya (and) Algeria (to the) Egyptian, National Assemblies, raising (the) number (of) States (and) Dependencies already soon (to be) opened (to the) Faith (to) twenty-five.
First fruits garnered comprise purchase (of) seventeen thousand dollar Haziratu’l-Quds (in) Kampala, settlement (of) Persian, American, British, Egyptian (and) Portuguese pioneers (in) Liberia, North Rhodesia, Angola, Libya, Spanish Morocco (and) Mozambique,
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inauguration (of) teaching classes, public meetings (and) firesides, enrollment (of) several native Africans belonging (to the) Teso, Yao, Buganda (and) Mutoco tribes, (and the) formation (of) Spiritual Assemblies (in) Kampala (and) Dar-es-Salaam.
European Teaching campaign, exceeding fondest hopes, stimulated successively (by) convocation (of the) fourth European Teaching Conference (in) Scheveningen, representative (of) twenty-one countries, (the) first Iberian Conference (in) Madrid, (the) third Swiss Conference (in) Bern, (the) first Italian Conference (in) Rome, (the) first Benelux Conference (in) Brussels (and the) establishment (of) headquarters (in) Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg-Ville, Bern (and) Lisbon.
(The) process (of) consolidation (of the) Faith stimulated (by the) recognition (of) Bahá’í Holy Days (by the) Superintendent (of) Public Schools (in) Kenosha, Superintendent School (in) Milwaukee, (and) Rhode Island State Department (of) Civil Service, Bahá’í marriage certificate (by) civil authorities (of) Indianapolis, authorization by Adjutant General (of) Bahá’í identification (for) believers serving (in) U.S. Armed Forces.
Bahá’í administrative centers steadily multiplying (in) Hijaz, Yemen, Bahrayn, Kowait, Qatar, Dubai, Masgat, Aden, heralding convocation (of) historic Bahá’í Convention (in the) Arabian Peninsula, destined (to) culminate (in the) erection (of a) pillar (of the) Universal House (of) Justice (in the) midmost heart (of the) Islamic world.
(The) nineteen month plan, formulated (by the) National Spiritual Assembly (of the) Indian subcontinent (and) Burma, aiming among other things (at the) introduction (and) consolidation (of the) Faith (in the) capital cities (of) Nepal, Siam, Indo-China, Malaya, Indonesia (and) Sarawak.
Ties binding International Bahá’í Community (to) United Nations reinforced (by) official participation (of) Bahá’í delegates (in) regional Non-Governmental Conferences (in) Istanbul, Managua, Den Passar, Paris (and) Lawrence, Kansas. Historic site (of) House occupied (by) Bahá’u’lláh (in) Istanbul (has been) partly purchased, (and) investigations conducted (for the) acquisition (of) similar sites associated (with the) exile (of the) Founder (of the) Faith (in) Adrianople.
Northern outposts (of the) Faith reinforced (by the) settlement (of) pioneers (in) Edgedes Minde, Greenland, (and in) Yellowknife, Canadian North Western Territories.
Last (but) not least, (the) internal ornamentation (of the) Mother Temple (of the) West (has been) terminated, (and) design adopted, funds allocated (by the) Temple Trustees (for the) landscaping (of) its immediate surroundings, constituting (the) final step (for) its approaching Jubilee. Appeal American Bahá’í community standing (on) threshold (of) concluding year (of) second Seven Year Plan, traversing (the) last stage (of the) austerity period, confronted (by the) approaching centenary (of the) darkest, bloodiest episode (in) Bahá’í history, associated (with the) nation-wide holocaust (of) Tahirih’s martyrdom, Bahá’u’lláh’s imprisonment (in the) Siyah-Chal (in) Tihran, (to) arise (and) scale still loftier heights (of) self-sacrifice (and) efface (the) deficit (in the) National Fund. Address in particular fervent plea (to) brace itself (to) play (a) preponderating role (in the) impending world crusade, which (the) world community, utilizing (the) agencies (of the) divinely-appointed world administrative order, (is) preparing (to) launch, amidst (the) deepening shadows (of) world crisis (in) execution (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s world-encircling plan (and) subsequent unfoldment (of) world civilization, (the) ultimate attainment (of the) supreme objective, (the) illumination (and) redemption (of the) whole world.
Advise share message National Assemblies East (and) West.
(Received April 23, 1952)
Guardian Announces Joyful News of Land Acquired on Mount Carmel[edit]
Announce (to) National Assemblies (of) East (and) West joyful news (of) final implementation (of) agreement (with) Israel authorities involving acquisition, against payment (of) hundred eighteen thousand dollars, (of) eighteen plots, approximately six acres, (in) precincts (of) Báb’s Sepulchre.
(The) historic process (of) establishment (of) international Bahá’í endowments (on) Mount Carmel, inevitably held (in) abeyance (for) fifty years after (the) inception (of the) Faith, initiated (on the) morrow (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Ascension, through (the) purchase, (in the) course (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry, (of a) limited number (of) plots (in the) immediate surroundings (of the) newly erected Tomb (in the) heart (of the) Mountain of God, (and) greatly accelerated through (the) purchase (of) extensive properties following (the) Master’s passing, necessitated (by the) unprecedented influx (of) immigrants (to the) Holy Land, (is) now further reinforced, raising (the) total area owned (on the) slopes (of the) Holy Mountain (to) almost fifty acres.
Desire (to) acknowledge (the) indefatigable efforts exerted (by the) first western Bahá’í pilgrim since opening (of the) door (of) pilgrimage, Lawrence Hautz, in hastening (the) successful termination (of the) protracted negotiations (with the) civil authorities (of the) Holy Land.
Haifa, Israel
April 3, 1952
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The importance of this news cannot be exaggerated. The eighteen plots, equalling about six acres, and bringing the Bahá’í holdings on Mount Carmel to almost fifty acres, are infinitely more precious to the Faith than the most expensive parts of any of the great capital cities of the world. For there, on those slopes, and there alone, can arise the great Institutions through which the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will, in future years, demonstrate its power and right to establish justice and order throughout the earth.
The Guardian’s plans could be interrupted, deferred, or altered for lack of land at the World Center. Let us rejoice that the incomparable leader has found it possible to secure this strategic area to Bahá’í use for all time.
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Erection of the cement ceiling of the octagon of the Shrine. January-February, 1952.
Erection of one of the 8 pinnacles of the Shrine. March, 1952.
One of the completed pinnacles of the octagon. March, 1952.
Ornamental iron railing of the octagon in position. March, 1952.
Octagon of the Shrine seen from the mountainside and showing one iron railing in place. March, 1952.
Shoghi Effendi’s Eulogy of William Sutherland Maxwell[edit]
With sorrowful heart announce through National Assemblies Hand (of) Cause (of) Bahá’u’lláh, highly esteemed, dearly beloved, Sutherland Maxwell, (has been) gathered (into the) glory (of the) Abhá Kingdom. (His) saintly life, extending well nigh four score years, enriched (during the) course (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry (by) services (in the) Dominion of Canada, ennobled (during) Formative Age (of) Faith (by) decade (of) services (in) Holy Land, during darkest days (of) my life, doubly honored through association (with the) crown (of) martyrdom won (by) May Maxwell (and) incomparable honor bestowed (upon) his daughter, attained consummation through his appointment (as) architect (of the) Arcade (and) Superstructure (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre as well as elevation (to the) front rank (of) (the) Hands (of) Cause (of) God. Advise all National Assemblies (to) hold befitting memorial gatherings particularly (in the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (in) Wilmette (and in the) Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (in) Ṭihrán.
Have instructed Hands (of) Cause (in) United States (and) Canada, Horace Holley (and) Fred Schopflocher (to) attend (as) my representatives (the) funeral (in) Montreal. Moved (to) name after him (the) southern door (of) Báb’s Tomb (as) tribute (to) his services (to) second holiest Shrine (of the) Bahá’í world. (The) mantle (of) Hand (of) Cause now falls (upon the) shoulders (of) his distinguished daughter, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhiyyíh, who (has) already rendered (and is) still rendering manifold no less meritorious self-sacrificing services (at) World Center (of) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh.
Haifa, Israel
March 26, 1952
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The passing of Mr. William Sutherland Maxwell removes from the Bahá’í Community an international figure, a distinguished follower of Bahá’u’lláh—father of the Guardian’s wife and architect of the superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb. His monument will stand forever on Mount Carmel in his masterly design for the Sepulchre rising at the very heart of the World Center of the Faith, the object of devotion, reverence and pilgrimage through ages to come.
Funeral services were conducted at Montreal by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada on Saturday, March 29, 1952, followed by interment in a cemetery on a slope overlooking the city. The Guardian directed two Hands of the Cause, Fred Schopflocher and Horace Holley, to attend the funeral as his representatives.
In accordance with Guardian’s wishes, the National Assembly selected Saturday evening, April 26, during the Convention period, as the time for the National memorial gathering.
Correction of the Guardian’s Cable[edit]
Word has come from the Guardian through his Secretary that the cable dated February 29 is to be corrected as follows:
The words “Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh, (are) destined” should read “Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh, (and) destined;” the words “Bahá’í world, now recruited (from)” should read “Bahá’í world, (are) now recruited (from).”
Detail of one of the stones of the pinnacles of the octagon of the Shrine.
National Spiritual Assembly[edit]
As We Bahá’ís Enter The Year of Jubilee[edit]
Beloved Friends:
“The historic significance of this period cannot be over-estimated.” In this thrilling phrase of the Guardian we American Bahá’ís find a keynote creating harmony of purpose and strengthening of effort as we draw near to the Holy Year, the anniversary of the Year Nine, marking the Centenary of the assumption of His Prophetic Mission by the Author of our Faith.
Each of us now has in the pamphlet “World Order Unfolds” Shoghi Effendi’s announcement of the world-encircling plan which quickens our souls to new life and confers upon the Bahá’í World Community its most sacred and challenging crusade.
Prayerfully studying the Guardian’s successive messages, the National Spiritual Assembly has established the foundation for success in achieving the goals set by destiny as America’s contribution to the spiritual conquest of the planet and the redemption of mankind. In this first communication to the friends since the Convention, the Assembly seeks to outline the pattern of action which embraces every American Bahá’í, adult and youth, and every Bahá’í institution existing in our privileged and blessed community.
Personal Consecration[edit]
How lovingly, how wisely, how sacrificially, the Mystery of God, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, poured forth the waters of the Holy Spirit to generate in our souls the power of a mature, an active faith! Now is the harvest-time of His seed-sowing throughout our land—the gathering of the fruits of that most glorious, heavenly Spring! The first, the greatest, the essential element of the Year of Jubilee is our personal consecration as followers of Bahá’u’lláh. From Him comes the irresistible potency for the world crusade, seeking humble believers and lovers of God to employ as instruments for His divine purpose.
Dear friends, in the stillness of our hearts and the solitude of our chambers, let us practice day by day an intensity of prayer and meditation which will burn away everything that separates us from God, exalt us to the supreme bliss of devotion, and give to every weak and faltering soul the strength of the victorious!
Jubilee Celebrations[edit]
A Jubilee Committee has been at work for weeks on a program to assure a most befitting celebration of the event marking the birth of the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh. When its program is announced the local communities will find inspiration and guidance for a series of Nineteen Day Feasts and material for public meetings; and all believers will be invited to attend the National Jubilee Celebration to be carried out during the Riḍván period of 1953.
Temple Dedication[edit]
Work has also been carried on by a committee in preparation of the public dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Riḍván, 1953, when, with the completion of the landscape design, our blessed Temple will at last fully proclaim to the world the coming of the Promised One and summon all peoples to meet together in the oneness of Divine Revelation. For that prophetic day, the beginning of the final triumph of the Faith, how many loyal and ardent believers, for how many years, have given of their heart and their substance that the Master’s passionate longing might some day be fulfilled.
Work began on the landscaping Tuesday, April 29, 1952. The plans for dedication will be reported to you during the coming months.
Four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences[edit]
The Riḍván period, and the days immediately thereafter, of the Holy Year 1952-1953, offer the American Bahá’í a supreme experience. During one continuous visit at Wilmette he can attend the Forty-Fifth Annual Convention, the dedication of the House of Worship, the public meetings in celebration of Jubilee, and the sessions of one of the four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences called by the Guardian, through which the Bahá’ís of East and West will undertake plans to establish the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the world, during the ten years separating the Jubilee of 1953 from the Great Jubilee of 1963, when the Cause of God will be universally spread.
Bahá’ís from other lands will come as guests and visitors. Wilmette, in April and May, 1953, will become a great center of international Bahá’í consecration and action.
But all these blessings are dependent on our determination to meet our teaching obligations in our own land.
A National Teaching Plan[edit]
“They must rise and labor as never before,” the Guardian wrote through his secretary concerning the American Bahá’ís on November 23, 1951.
Appalled by our shortcomings in the realm of teaching, the National Assembly developed and submitted to Shoghi Effendi for approval a new committee arrangement for national teaching work. When this was approved, an American National Teaching Committee was appointed in order to prepare a teaching appeal and plan to present at the Convention.
This has been brilliantly done. We are now in a new teaching era and the National Assembly proclaims the plan and the appeal to the entire American Bahá’í Community as essential to the success of our very destiny in the Cause of God.
Here are the goals:
- Complete rededication to America’s Spiritual Mission on the part of all Bahá’ís and Assemblies.
- Concerted effort to carry out the injunction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that each believer “try to lead one soul to the right path” each year. Our theme and individual goal: Each one win one.
- Extend the Faith beyond Fairbanks (Alaska) and nearer the arctic Circle—an unfinished task of the second Seven Year Plan.
- Consolidate and extend teaching activities among the Indians of the United States—another unfinished task of the second Seven Year Plan.
- Extend teaching activities among all groups of people so as to reinforce the representative character of the American Bahá’í Community.
Under the new arrangement, the Area and Regional
Teaching Committees become executive arms at the
National Teaching Committee for the consolidation of
the Bahá’í community; the local Assemblies are included actively in the plan through extension teaching
projects, regional conferences and the spirit of active
cooperation. Other National Committees will contribute
materials as needed for proclamation of the Faith
through public meetings, publicity, radio, television,
etc.
When regional inter-community meetings are called, for presentation of reports by Convention delegates or teaching plans, the believers are urged to attend and take an active part.
Whole-hearted consecration to this teaching effort is essential to the success of the Guardian’s entire world plan. The source of the strength needed to achieve this glorious vision lies in a great increase in the number of American Bahá’ís.
The Annual Budget[edit]
Analyzing all the activities and functions for which we are collectively responsible this year, the National Assembly has adopted a Budget amounting to $475,000. The items composing this total are presented in the insert accompanying this issue of Bahá’í News.
As set forth in the Resolve Plan accompanying the Budget, the National Assembly is convinced that $150,000 will be contributed through regular contributions, from local Assemblies, groups and isolated believers, and that the balance, $325,000, will be contributed directly to the National Treasurer by individual Bahá’ís under the Resolve Plan.
This Bahá’í year is crucial. It brings us to such a glorious consummation as the public dedication of our House of Worship, to such a Mystery as the anniversary of the Year Nine, to such an opportunity of consecration for daily teaching and material sacrifice as comes to no other body of people on earth today.
As the Guardian has written:
“No sacrifice can be deemed too great, no expenditure of material resources, no degree of renunciation of worldly benefits, comforts 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 were plundered during these most tumultuous and cataclysmic years of the Heroic Age of our Faith.”
May these plans and considerations be widely discussed among the friends. Let us communicate our spirit of devotion and understanding to others in the Bahá’í community. Let us be united in consecration and sacrifice; and may His Spirit guide us all along the path to the very end!
“Consecrated to Teaching”[edit]
The reason we are not achieving our goals on the home front is because the friends are concentrating on so many things that there is little time for teaching. This must be reversed. The friends—each and every one—must be consecrated to teaching—and other things of lesser importance fall into their proper position. Consecration is the attitude and motive power of the individual in the teaching field. His whole interest and activity of life must be to teach the Faith. Complete dedication and consecration to teaching are the essential elements necessary now to gain the goals. The Guardian said if the friends gain that ideal condition and arise and act and teach such acts will become the magnet attracting the confirmation of Bahá’u’lláh. The Hosts of the Supreme Concourse are suspended between earth and heaven—and will rush to the aid of whoever arises in the name of the Lord and spreads the Message and confirms the souls—but consecration is necessary.
Every Bahá’í must teach. He must continuously give the message and then follow up his contacts. This teaching work includes the living of a life of service as well as speaking. One real genuine act of love and kindness may confirm a soul, just as teaching or studying from a book. Movement and action is necessary. Every Bahá’í must be a dispenser of the Water of Life. He must teach at all times. It is the source of spiritual life of the giver as well as the receiver. Each person should hold in his home a fireside at least once in 19 days to which he invites his contacts and friends. These individual firesides lead to study classes. Individuals must arise to teach—and go to all parts of the country. Individuals should be encouraged to arise. Circuits for teachers should be arranged for individuals by the National Teaching Committee, etc. (A great forward surge is needed—so the Hosts of Heaven may lift America into the spiritual life promised by the Master). The Guardian even spoke of the “dispersal” of the Bahá’ís to new areas to raise the Call of the Kingdom—to assist weak areas—and build new assemblies. The day of the settler and pioneer in America is not over. It is as vital as previously, if not more so. It is the duty of the National Teaching Committee and its auxiliary area and regional committees to stimulate the individual Bahá’ís to teach—so the individuals may make a supreme effort and sacrifice to teach. The National Teaching Committee must develop for collective action strong, vigorous teaching plans so committees and assemblies may join actively and play their parts and support the intensive work of the individuals. Such activities should include publicizing the Faith, through the press, radio, television—suitable public meetings, etc. But the important thing is to teach.
The Guardian feels firesides on the part of all individuals very important—each Bahá’í must bring in at least one Bahá’í a year as called for by the Master, so many years ago. We have failed heretofore—we must not fail now. Complete consecration to teaching on the part of each individual is necessary.
The Guardian feels so strongly about teaching that he stated the propagation of the Faith is perhaps the most important of all the phases of the Guardianship—even more important than directing the administrative order—which he feels is now so developed locally and nationally that it should be the channel through which the creative forces of the Faith can more effectively be spread to the world.—Leroy C. Ioas (excerpts from letter written to the National Spiritual Assembly from Haifa, March 25, 1952)
Requisites for Teaching[edit]
The supreme requisite for teaching the Cause of God is a deep awareness on the part of every believer that he is a party to the Covenant of God. In taking this Covenant, he agreed to do whatsoever has been commanded by the Lord of the Covenant, Bahá’u’lláh, and by the Center, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!
“... according to the irrefutable texts,” wrote ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “He has taken from us a firm covenant that we may live and act in accord with the divine exhortations, commands and lordly teachings.”
One of the oft repeated commandments of Bahá’u’lláh
and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, revoiced by our Guardian, is to teach
the Cause of God.
“Teach ye the Cause of God, O people of Bahá,” wrote Bahá’u’lláh, “for God hath prescribed unto every one the duty of proclaiming His Message, and regardeth it as the most meritorious of all deeds.”
The next essential is “belief in the Center of the Master’s Covenant (at present, Shoghi Effendi) and love
for him are the shield and sword of a Bahá’í. He can
conquer with them, without them he is defenseless.”
An all important requirement is a firm conviction in
the efficacy of the Bahá’í message: that it is the one and
only solution for the many, varied and complex problems which afflict humanity today.
There is, also, the great need for the believer to exemplify in his daily life the high standard of conduct set for all humanity in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, and thereby demonstrate that world reform is possible through the reformation of the character of the individual.
“The companions of God,” Bahá’u’lláh Himself declared, “are, in this day, the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such trustworthiness, such truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds and character that all mankind may profit by their example.”
“The betterment of the world,” is yet another statement, “can be accomplished through pure and goodly
deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct.”
The kindly approach in teaching the Faith is yet
another necessity and the most impressive way to broach
the subject of our Faith to a person.
“Endeavor to become the cause of the attraction of souls,” wrote ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, rather than to enforce minds. “... Show what love is, what kindness is, what true severance is and generosity. This is the important thing to do....”
“How often, how very often, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá greeted
people with, “are you well, are you happy?” His loving
interest reached out and surrounded them like sunshine. This sincere concern for an interest in the person
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you confront is the greatest teaching technique in the whole world and nothing will ever surpass it.”
One way to keep the listener’s interest is to show a deep respect for his beliefs and convictions, no matter whether they are orthodox or liberal, strange or radical. If the Bahá’í shows surprise or astonishment at his listener’s pet beliefs, he may at the very outset become estranged and lose all desire to learn more about the Faith.
In order to keep a sympathetic atmosphere in the early stages of teaching the Faith, one should avoid, as far as possible, all points of difference and seek points of contact. This can best be done by learning of the beliefs, interests, problems and hobbies of the pupil.
It will, also, take some time for the interested person, even after he becomes a believer, to forsake a life time of theories, beliefs and convictions. Here great patience is necessary until the former ideas have been supplanted by the truths as found in the Faith; this change will come as a result of time, study and growth, varying with the capacity of the person.
An obvious need is that the Bahá’í must have people to teach. As every believer is limited in the number of friends and acquaintances in his own circle, this fact makes it clear that he must go where he is likely to find those receptive to his message. The humanitarian groups, social and service clubs offer a good field, also, women’s and men’s clubs and organizations.
Lastly, one of the most important requirements for teaching is the sense of profound responsibility the believer holds as a Bahá’í: that he has a moral duty to humanity and in this matter, he dares not fail.
“To fail in one’s moral duty to humanity these days,” wrote Rúḥíyyih Khánum, “is a heavy failure. How would we like to be without the Cause today? Where would we see any hope, any real security ahead in the future? How could we live without that sense of nearness to God and understanding of His ways which our teachings confer as their greatest blessing? Can any of us feel he can receive such a bounty and yet withhold it from others, rest quiescent in his own inner sense of security and leave others untaught and unhelped in these disastrous days the world is passing through?”
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Convention Message to The Guardian[edit]
Delegates stirred (to) depths (by) your inspiring message. Eternally grateful (for) your untiring efforts (in) fashioning necessary agencies guaranteeing success (of) Master’s Divine Plan. Humbly beseech your prayers (to) strengthen (our) resolve (to) fulfil (our) obligation. Deeply appreciate historic opportunity (and) privilege (of) participating (in) unprecedented World Crusade. Warmest love from assembled friends.
Guardian’s Reply to Convention Message[edit]
Deeply appreciate message. Ardently supplicating blessings (for) noble resolve (to) discharge sacred responsibilities fulfil mission.
Cable received April 27, 1952
Bahá’í News for Agenda of Nineteen Day Feast[edit]
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
As we American believers today find ourselves challenged by mighty tasks of such moment that human destiny is the central issue, let us from time to time re-examine the sources of our inspiration, our guidance and our unified action in the Teachings and in the Order of the Faith.
For example, consider the Nineteen Day Feast in the light of the Master’s words: “The Nineteen Day Feast was inaugurated by the Báb and ratified by Bahá’u’lláh in His Holy Book the Aqdas, so that people may gather together and outwardly show fellowship and love, that the Divine mysteries may be disclosed.”
What a priceless bounty to a distracted world! For, if we are faithful to this purpose, the Nineteen Day Feast will reinforce our weak human powers and associate our united spirits with the Holy Spirit itself.
Perhaps the statement is true if we say that Bahá’ís do not fail in relation to their tasks but in relation to their opportunities. That is, the task becomes insuperable whenever we neglect the spiritual forces and agencies created by God for the very purpose of raising up and training a people to accomplish just such tasks as have come to us!
Do we attend regularly, keeping our appointment with the Holy Spirit? Do we attend in devotion, ardor, unity, and sacrifice? Does the Feast not only offer us the flame of prayer and meditation but also the challenge of an agenda which comes to grips with the vital Bahá’í matters arising from our local, our national and our world community?
In the “Order of Business for the Consultation Period” (The Bahá’í Community, pages 29-31) we find this statement: “A matter of vital importance at this meeting is consideration of national and international Bahá’í affairs, to strengthen the capacity of the community to cooperate in promotion of the larger Bahá’í interests and to deepen the understanding of all believers concerning the relation of the local community to the Bahá’í World Community.”
For now, all isolation, provincialism and separateness is abolished for Bahá’ís. Though we live in a small village, our spiritual concerns are universal, bringing us in contact with the plans and directions of the Guardian and the unfoldment of events throughout the great international body the Bahá’ís have become. Local Bahá’í activities are aspects of universal Bahá’í activities whenever they arise above personality and become imbued with the majestic sweep of the ultimate goal.
How to become imbued with this majesty and magnanimity? One path we can all tread to this attainment is through consultation and discussion of the contents of the successive copies of Bahá’í News.
Let us realize that the Guardian, through his letters and cables, is a contributor to Bahá’í News — the various National Spiritual Assemblies are contributors —the national committees which sustain work of vital importance in the United States, in Europe and in Africa—these, too, share with every community and every believer the thrilling story of the conquests they are making in the Name of Bahá’u’lláh!
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What newspaper or magazine on earth has such contributors, such a mission, such an exalted aim as the News Letters published throughout the Bahá’í World?
Therefore, the National Assembly, now, at the threshold of our new world era, 1953-1963, stresses these facts and allows the facts themselves to arrest the attention and capture the interest of all local Assemblies, all groups which conduct Feasts and all Bahá’ís whose right and privilege it is to join with other believers at the Nineteen Day Feasts. “Because the members of the world of humanity are unable to exist without being banded together, cooperation and helpfulness is the basis of human society.”
Report to the Friends[edit]
The meeting held February 22, 23 and 24 was the eleventh meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly since the 1951 Convention. Its transactions are recorded in fifth-three pages of minutes, plus four annexes covering fifteen pages. The resolutions adopted are numbered from 1577 to 1703, or 126 votes passed during the meeting.
Three conferences were held, with Lt. and Mrs. Davenport, recently returned from Japan, with Mr. and Mrs. Rex Collison, en route as pioneers to Africa, and with members of the National Projects Committee.
A cablegram from the Guardian recorded in these minutes approved the teaching plan submitted to Shoghi Effendi from the previous meeting, thus clarifying and authorizing the appointment of an American National Teaching Committee as the basis of teaching work throughout the United States during the Bahá’í year to come.
A draft of a constitution for the National Assemblies of Latin America, compiled from the two constitutions prepared separately by the two National Spiritual Assemblies, was forwarded to the Guardian for his final approval.
The treasurer’s report showed that as of January 31 the budget requirements have exceeded cash receipts by $59,781, and action was taken to appeal for extra donations to the end of the current Bahá’í year. A letter to be sent local Assemblies and Regional Teaching Committees was drafted.
A surplus of $400 was received from the Sales Committee as a result of its operations this year.
The drafts of letters to be sent the President and to Justice Douglas were approved. These conveyed the Assembly’s appreciation of the President’s plea for religious unity and of the book written by Justice Douglas expressing his views of the relations of East and West.
A report was submitted for the executors of Mr. Wilhelm’s estate. Due to erroneous press stories, action was taken to prepare a statement for Bahá’í News giving the true facts.
A report was also submitted concerning the estate of Mrs. Ruhaniyyih Latimer, under which a bequest is to come to the National Assembly.
A report was presented concerning the estate of Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, under whose will a memorial to Mrs. Helen Goodall is to be constructed by the San Francisco Assembly in the form of a local administrative headquarters.
Manuscripts and illustrations for The Bahá’í World, Vol. XII (1950-1952) compiled and collected by the Editorial Committee, have been received by the National Assembly and forwarded to the Guardian.
The United Nations Committee reported that conferences will be held in Bolivia and in Ecuador, and Bahá’í delegates have been appointed from Latin America.
An extensive report was submitted by the United States Africa Teaching Committee. Projects have been developed for American pioneers in all but one of the goal countries. Mr. William Foster, pioneer in Liberia, has confirmed and enrolled a native believer, and has brought into activity another American Bahá’í residing there. Mrs. Ethel Stephens is an instructor at Kumasi College of Technology, Kumasi, Gold Coast. She has established friendly relations with her associates. Mr. Foster has a post at the University of Liberia. Mr. and Mrs. Collison will settle in Kampala, Uganda.
Lt. and Mrs. Davenport brought most interesting and encouraging news from Japan, where the American Bahá’ís have a special opportunity. The Guardian is being requested to advise as to further developments there.
The European Teaching Committee reported that Regional Committees have been appointed to assist in the establishment of the future Regional National Assemblies. An annual Teaching Conference will be held hereafter in each of the four groups of adjoining nations listed by the Guardian. The European Conference will be held in Luxembourg from August 24 through August 31.
An American National Teaching Committee was appointed, and action taken to announce this Committee and its functions in Bahá’í News. The new policy and plans are to be presented at Convention.
School Program Committees presented programs for the 1952 season. The Louhelen Committee reported a successful winter session.
Action was taken to meet the need for a one-page leaflet by reprinting part of the text of the gray Temple folder written by Mr. Christian.
An announcement of the Temple Landscape Plans was approved for publication in Bahá’í News.
Progress was recorded in the work of the Committee which is preparing a series of permanent exhibits depicting phases of the Temple architecture and the Teachings.
The Convention Agenda was approved. The program of the Annual Bahá’í Congress (Temple public meeting held during Convention) was prepared.
Much favorable comment was noted on the radio broadcast feature, “Words for the World.”
Considerable correspondence with the other National Assemblies was discussed in connection with matters of common interest in teaching work and plans for Holy Year.
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
National Treasurer, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Bahá’í Publishing Committee, 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
Bahá’í News Editorial Office—see notice elsewhere in this issue.
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View of Kampala, Uganda, where first local Spiritual Assembly of Africa is to be established. Here also will be constructed the Hazíratu’l-Quds of the future National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Uganda and Kenya.
Administrative Headquarters in Africa[edit]
On March 16 a cable was received from the Guardian addressed to five National Spiritual Assemblies informing them of the imminent purchase of a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds for Central Africa.
“Inform United States, British, Persian, Egyptian, Indian National Assemblies imminent purchase Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Central Africa. Have forwarded my contribution six thousand dollars toward historic enterprise. Appeal five cooperating National Assemblies participate through contribution meritorious purchase. Purchase price 5500 pounds. Advice forward contributions Banani, Kampala.”
The National Assembly discussed this message at the March meeting and recorded its feeling that it would be proper and fitting for the American Bahá’ís to assume a good share of the purchase price. However, in view of heavy unexpected calls on the National Fund the Assembly could only appropriate a budget of $2000. This has been cabled to Mr. Musa Banani.
How swift the movement of events! The National Assembly here did not have a headquarters until 1939, thirty years after the first National Bahá’í Convention in North America. Now, before Central Africa has even its first local Assembly, the far-seeing Guardian prepares a Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, creating for the Bahá’í work a substantial public edifice which assures prestige and respect for the activities of the believers.
International News[edit]
Notes for “Africa News”[edit]
From the Africa News published by the Africa Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles, we learn that Mrs. Amelia Collins aroused the enthusiasm of the Bahá’ís in Cairo, Egypt, by explaining to them the Guardian’s plan for an Intercontinental Conference to be held in Africa next year. The Bahá’ís there felt the same closeness to the Center of the Faith as American Bahá’ís felt when Mrs. Collins spoke at our Convention.
Among the pilgrims to Haifa, were Mr. and Mrs. Moussa Banani. The Bananis were among the first Persian Bahá’ís to respond to the call for pioneers to Africa and have settled in Kampala, Uganda. Bahá’ís in Kampala and in Dar es Salaam held devotional services at the hour when the Guardian and the Bananis were praying at the Holy Shrines for the confirmation of the teaching work in Africa.
Eric Manton and his son, Terry, passed through Dar es Salaam on their way to Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia, where they are pioneering.
Africa News told the story of the death in a plane crash in Sicily of Mrs. Marguerite Preston and her young son, Adrian. Mrs. Preston, a former member of the British National Spiritual Assembly, a resident of Sotik, Kenya, East Africa, since 1945, was returning to African soil after attending the British Annual Teaching Conference during which she had actively participated in consultations on the Africa project.
Australia and New Zealand[edit]
The News Brief from our active fellow-believers “down under,” brings us these interesting items:
Hand of the Cause: The announcement by the Guardian of the elevation of Clara Dunn to the rank of Hand of the Cause, has resulted in a wave of great rejoicing among the Bahá’ís throughout these regions. The late John Henry Hyde Dunn, together with his wife Clara, pioneers of the Cause “Down Under,” long ago won the deep love and abiding loyalty of believers in Australia and New Zealand. “Mother” and “Father,” as they are affectionately known, both to Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís, indicates their lofty position in the minds and hearts of the believers as the spiritual parents of the Cause in New Zealand and in Australia—the Land of the Dawning.
Suva, Fiji: The First of His Race: “It is with great pleasure and joy that I am writing this letter to you—another shipwrecked and forlorn brother has been guided by the Beacon of Truth and has come to the Harbour of Security. He is a Fijian youth about twenty years, eager and helpful, and the first of his race to embrace the Faith and beautify the Tree of Humanity.”
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Thus does an Indian Bahá’í youth of sixteen years announce the advent of the first Fijian, age nineteen years, into the ranks of the Cohorts of Bahá’u’lláh. Salute to youth!
Brisbane, Queensland: “With great pleasure I wish to inform you of the formation of the Bahá’í Youth Committee.... These young people have already interested several non-Bahá’ís and held four successful meetings.” In these words, Betty Anderson, Secretary of the newly-formed Group, informs the N.S.A. that another step forward in the path of progress in the Faith has been taken by the Brisbane Bahá’í Youth.
Teaching Conferences: Reports of Teaching Conferences organized by Regional Committees in the various centers, reveal a speeding up of the teaching tempo. Fortnightly visits to Hamilton, New Zealand; regular visits also to goal towns in South Australia, Victoria, N.S.W. and Tasmania, show that minds and hearts are fully awake to the urgency of the situation as the time for the completion of our Six Years’ Plan draws to a close.
New Caledonia: Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton left on 27th February 1952 for the above island, where she is engaged in teaching work. She reports that “... wonderful things are happening in this very, very beautiful Island.” At the time of writing, she was 220 miles on the other side of the Island from Noumea, and has been to Bouwrail and Voh. She states that rain, mud, mosquitoes, heat, smells etc. make “the going very hard,” but she manages to remain buoyant and cheerful and prays continually “... that the light and teaching of Bahá’u’lláh will penetrate and a soul will rise to carry forward His ever advancing civilization.”
Canada[edit]
The monthly Canadian Bahá’í News is not a voluminous paper, but it always contains interesting material, and the March issue includes some practical suggestions for closer community union which might well be shared with the friends in other parts:
The Writing of Letters. Who of us has not said, as he or she put down a letter from a believer in another part of our country, “How I would like to share this with the Friends.” Why not do it? Would it not be possible to set aside a part of the social period of the Feast for the reading of letters? It would serve to make the communities and the individuals who compose them so much better known—one with the other. Often items of tremendous inspirational value find only a relatively small audience. So let us take our letters to the Feast.
Travelling. There comes that exciting time in the life of every Bahá’í when he or she is about to embark on a long journey. Or perhaps it’s just a business trip. Or a bus journey of but a few hours. No matter. There are several steps every Bahá’í should consider before taking his or her departure. Have you obtained your credentials from the secretary of your Local Spiritual Assembly? This should be carried with you always. Then, well before you are scheduled to start out, write a letter to the secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly in each community you plan to visit. Be sure you write to the Secretary, even if it is only a postcard.
By way of illustration, a young man recently decided to visit a certain city and, instead of writing the local secretary, he dropped a line to a member of the community who was his personal friend. Unfortunately that member was ill and the letter was held until the person was well enough to mail it to the Secretary. It was received the day after the young man left the city, so he never did meet the community, the primary object of his trip.
The moral of our story is this. Whenever you have a communication of any sort to pass on, whether to a Local Spiritual Assembly, a National Committee, a Regional Teaching Committee or the National Spiritual Assembly, please address your correspondence to the Secretary.
Entertaining the stranger in our midst. One last thought is directed to the governing bodies of each community. Have you a rounded, well-considered program to handle the advent of a visitor to your community, the member recently transferred from another centre? Do you make it a point to see that such people meet as large a representation of your community as you can muster? A young woman once crossed this continent on her way to the East Coast and found herself alone in a hotel room in Montreal. She was a believer and had met only one member of the Montreal community—May Maxwell. So she phoned the Maxwell home and was told by Mrs. Maxwell that her husband would be right down in his car to give her a ride to their home. Before the young lady could settle herself in her room, Mr. Maxwell arrived and escorted her to that famous mansion—the Maxwell home. There, our friend was not only warmly greeted by her hostess but by almost two dozen members of the local Bahá’í Community. She quickly found Baháis who shared interests with her and on all sides such warm and spiritual love that she might have been in her home community. Do we make our brothers and sisters feel so much at home when they visit our communities today?
Again we quote the Guardian: “Indeed, the believers have not yet fully learned to draw on each other’s strength and consolation in time of need. The Cause of God is endowed with tremendous powers, and the reason the believers do not gain more from it is because they have not learned to draw fully on these mighty forces of love and strength and harmony generated by the Faith.”
Germany[edit]
The German Bahá’í News for February, recently received, brings accounts of World Religion Day programs held in various cities. Frankfurt a.m. began its observance of the World Religion Day with a morning program in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. The guest speaker was the Evangelical minister Heinz Kappes of Karlsruhe. His address was followed by a lecture by Dr. Hermann Grossmann whose theme was “One God, one humanity.” The fact that Rev. Kappes was known in Frankfurt as manager of the Association for Christian and Jewish Cooperation, brought some of the members of that movement to the Bahá’í meeting. Musical numbers were offered by Professor D. Marguerre of Darmstadt and his wife. Bahá’ís from Darmstadt, Bergstrasse, Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Giessen also took part in the celebration of the day.
In a Karlsruhe newspaper appeared this article, under
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Friends attending the third All Swiss Conference in Bern, February 23-24. For an account of the Conference see Bahá’í News for April.
the title of “Peace of heart and soul”:
“On the occasion of World Religion Day, on Sunday morning, members of the Bahá’í community, the congregation of Free-Religionists, and the Society of Friends (Quakers) met together for a celebration and spiritual meeting. In the talks given by the various speakers—Mr. Malende, a government official; the Persian, Hassan Afnan; Mr. Hellinger of the school board; and Mrs. Hanni Weber—there was heard over and over an appeal for tolerance toward those whose opinions differ from our own. This tolerance is based upon the conviction that mankind is good, upon love for every single fellow creature, and upon the consciousness that all men are children of one God, even if they worship, and pray to him, with differing forms. This policy of live and let live should lead out across racial and national boundaries to a real peace of the heart and soul. A musical recital by Mrs. Herta Peters-Vollmaier and Mrs. Gertrude Hermann-Mettenberger brought to a close the inspiration of this elevated hour.”
In Heidelberg, also in a morning gathering, one of the Persian Friends, Heshmat Moayyad spoke on Bahá’í history, and Ruprecht G. Kruger of Frankfurt, gave an address on the subject, “Where love is, there God is also.” The chamber music, presented by Heidelberg artists, gave the meeting a festive character.
Stuttgart organized an important morning program, in which representatives of various creeds gave information about their religious beliefs. In Esslingen also the followers of a number of creeds took part in the observance of World Religion Day.
American News[edit]
The hearts of all of us are rejoiced when we hear of opportunities for giving the Bahá’í message to new people. In March Natalie Anderson spoke to a hundred people participating in a course on various religions at the Community Church of Boston. Her half hour talk on “Why I Am a Bahá’í” was followed by discussion.
Several weeks later the Boston Bahá’ís were invited to appear for a twenty-five minute television program, “Our Believing World” on station WBZ-TV for a New England network. The director of the program acted as an inquirer asking questions which were answered by various members of the Assembly. Pictures of the House of Worship were shown and discussed, and finally, the program simulated a Bahá’í meeting with chairman, speaker, and audience, with Dr. Manucher Javid giving a short Bahá’í talk.
Chicago also had the opportunity to use television recently when Nina Matthison was interviewed for twenty minutes on the “Bob and Kay” show. Believers went to neighbors’ homes to see the program and in several cases aroused a natural interest on the part of those neighbors in the Faith.
A telegram and excerpts from William Sears’ Bahá’í Brotherhood broadcast were read to the 125 guests at the Annual Pennsylvania Teacher’s Association Luncheon in Philadelphia. Mr. Sears had been invited to appear on the program and sent the material when he became ill. He has also been invited to be Master of Ceremonies at the International House for the annual Festival of Nations at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Dr. Manucher Javid and Charles Krug were asked to
speak again this year to twenty-one students at the
Boston University School of Theology.
Another Bahá’í was invited to speak at the Forum at the Coral Gables Jewish Center. Over a hundred members of the congregation remained when their Rabbi told them Philip Marangella would talk and spoke of having known and respected the Bahá’ís for a number of years.
Indirect Teaching Through Community Service[edit]
The Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Bahá’ís encouraged the Girl Scouts in their interest in international friendship by presenting them with a United Nations flag at a pageant in which the girls wore costumes of many countries and described the gifts of each nation to the world. The Miami, Florida, Bahá’ís gave copies of Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era and Prescription for Living to the Pratt Veteran’s Hospital serving 400 veterans. They also gave books and magazines which were stamped “Miami Community of the Bahá’í World Faith” with the local secretary’s address and telephone number. The same community had evenings of fellowship while they made scrapbooks for the Variety Children’s Hospital. Each of the nine scrapbooks completed had the inscription and a picture of the Temple on the first page.
What Can One Person Do?[edit]
The Pennsylvania Regional Bulletin describes the activities of one isolated Bahá’í whose devotion and activity might stimulate others in her position.
“She studies the Teachings every day to deepen her own knowledge. Once a week she invites one non-Bahá’í to a family dinner following which a fireside is held. After six such dinners and firesides, a large fireside is held with a speaker, and all previous guests are invited. She corresponds with isolated believers. She gave one radio interview in celebration of World Religion Day and arranged for another interview for a member of a Regional Committee. She read her script the day before to a creative writing group where there were ten college women who heard of the faith for the first time. She has befriended an African youth who visits her home at intervals and corresponds with him wherever he may be.”
The Guardian Writes the United States Africa Teaching Committee[edit]
On January 27, 1952, the Guardian, through his secretary wrote the United States Africa Teaching Committee a letter to which he appended a postscript in his own hand. The following excerpts have general interest and importance.
To Africa Committee, January 27, 1952.
“He has been most cheered to hear of the arrival of Mrs. Stephens in Africa, and more recently, of Mr. Foster. It is truly remarkable that both of these devoted souls should belong to the Negro race; and we cannot but believe that it is the Will of God that has raised up from this race the two first official pioneers from the United States.
“He considers it of great importance that, as far as possible, the pioneers should be self-supporting. As some of them unavoidably will not be self-supporting, the funds will have to be supplied from the United States; the more the friends can go out and either find jobs, live on a personal income, or supplement the funds received from your committee, the better. In this connection, he was delighted to hear that Mr. and Mrs. Collison have volunteered for pioneer work, and he hopes that their offer can be speedily and fully utilized by your Committee.
“As you know from his recent cable, the Africa Conference, which originally was going to be a more or less modest affair, has, largely due to the rapid progress being made in that Continent, become an extremely important event. He is urging the believers to attend it, not only from all parts of Africa, but from other countries as well; and for your information, any Bahá’í is free to go, and indeed, if he can manage it financially, is encouraged to take part.
“He wishes you all success in your work, and admires greatly the enthusiasm and efficiency with which you are carrying out your tasks.”
“May the Almighty guide, bless and sustain you, and your fellow-workers to enrich the record of your notable and highly meritorious services, and lend a great impetus to the great and historic campaign launched on the African Continent.”
(signed) SHOGHI
Green Acre Bahá’í Summer School[edit]
The summer of 1952 promises to be an historic time at Green Acre, the beautiful Bahá’í school among the pines at Eliot, Maine. The entire program, which revolves around ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, is aimed directly at deepening the Bahá’í in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The courses have been carefully chosen to give both the young person and the adult a clearer understanding of the Bahá’ís relation to God, to Bahá’u’lláh, and to one another. “The New Human Race” (the people we are to “become”) and “Meditation and Prayer” are two of the new and outstanding courses to be offered. The others are “World Order Unfolds,” “Fundamentals of the Bahá’í Faith,” “The Dawnbreakers,” “Public Relations as an Aid to Teaching,” “Public Relations Techniques,” “Group Dynamics,” and “Three Letters of Rúḥíyyih Khánum.” Because of their importance two full weeks has been allotted to each study.
The school will run for two months, from July 7 to August 29, classes to be held five days a week, with special Institutes such as the “Drama of Salvation” on week-ends.
The entire Bahá’í Community of the United States has been combed for the most skillful teachers. Each teacher is a trained specialist in his own field, both academically and spiritually.
Woven into the study and discussion is an abundance of recreation for everyone: from sandbox play for the small fry to baseball, dancing, and lobster parties for the grown-ups. For information or reservations, write Miss Dorthea Morrell, 203 Fenimore Street, Brooklyn 25, New York.
Green Acre Rates[edit]
Rates at Green Acre for 1952 provide for room and board, at Sarah Farmer Hall, Library, Fellowship House, and two cottages. The rates run from $25.00 per person per week (three in a room) to $50.00. There are also week-end rates, and adult camp rates and youth camp rates.
Adult Camp[edit]
Something very special this year is the Adult Camp during the first 3 weeks in June, which is dedicated to beautifying Green Acre. If you can build, paint, or make general repairs, you are urged to come out. You’ll enjoy living and working in a real Bahá’í Community. Rates for board and room are only $21.00 a week. For information or reservations, write Mrs. Eleanor E. Hadden, Secretary, Green Acre Development Committee, Box 129, West Chester, Penn.
Youth Camp[edit]
A rare opportunity to be part of a real Bahá’í community. A fortnight of special classes and activity for youth (ages 14 to 25). Youth will have their own adult counselors and each person may give full play to his energy and imagination. The slogan: “Develop Green Acre and Develop Yourselves.” Each Bahá’í youth is asked to bring one non-Bahá’í to the camp. Send reservations to Mrs. Margaret Ruhe, 41 Center Drive, Old Greenwich, Conn., June 22nd to July 6th. Rates: $15.00 a week for room and board.
Children’s School[edit]
The entire season will be full of rich and varied activity for the children from pre-school age to youth. Placed in his own age group, each child will be given a balanced program: study of the Bahá’í Faith, the creative arts, natural sciences, and sports and recreation. Professional teachers will show each child how to put forth his best talents, thus helping him to become integrated into the group.
Youth[edit]
All summer, Youth will have their own activities, special classes, and recreation, planned around a recreation room which will be their own. Youth Counselors throughout the season, will plan and carry out their activities with them.
Weekends[edit]
There are special plans this year, particularly for those Bahá’ís who can come to Green Acre only on weekends, but also to afford a richer program for the regular students. Each weekend will be a complete unit in itself, with a forum, movies and a cultural evening, all built around a common theme. Following an Area Teaching Conference over the Fourth of July, the seven subsequent weekends will have as their themes—Israel, United Nations, The Scientific Approach, The World’s Religions, Africa, World Government, and Asia. The seminars will be conducted by specialists in these respective fields. In addition, another unit will be offered, for Bahá’ís only, on the Drama of Salvation.
Community Activities[edit]
For all coming to Green Ace, there will be opportunity to live a rounded Bahá’í life, participate in Bahá’í community life, serve Green Acre, get physical exercise for those who want it, to be creative, and to make Green Acre a more beautiful and even happier place. This is your school, and here is your chance to contribute your talents to its progress and development. You will have your choice of gardening, repairing, sewing, painting, arranging flowers, planning entertainment, working with children, clerical work, etc. As we work together, we will live a much fuller Bahá’í life. Continuous through the season.
Travel Information[edit]
From Boston to Portsmouth, N. H.:
- Boston and Main Railroad from North Station
From New York City:
- Bus or train to Boston, and follow as above, or from Grand Central Station to Dover, N. H.; from Dover to Portsmouth by connecting bus.
Portsmouth to Eliot:
- A bus travels to Eliot four or five times a day.
- Portsmouth taxis will make the trip to Green Acre.
- If the Dormitory Manager is notified in advance, the school station wagon will pick up passengers on its regular trips.
From Western New York:
- Route No. 9 from Albany to Concord; route No. 4 to Portsmouth; then Route No. 103 to Green Acre.
For Reservations[edit]
Write to Miss Dorothea Morrell, 203 Fenimore Street, Brooklyn 25, N. Y., Until June 1st; after that to Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. Rooms can be reserved from July 4th through September 1st. Classes from July 7th to August 29th.
National Spiritual Assembly — 1952-53[edit]
The members of the National Spiritual Assembly elected by the delegates to the Forty-Fourth Annual Bahá’í Convention have organized, with officers as follows:—
- Paul E. Haney, Chairman
- Dorothy Baker, Vice Chairman
- Horace Holley, Secretary
- Edna M. True, Recording Secretary
- H. B. Kavelin, Treasurer
- Mamie L. Seto
- Elsie Austin
- Wm. Kenneth Christian
- Mathew W. Bullock
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.
- Mr. Harold Clough, Taunton, Mass., February 22, 1952
- Mrs. Effie Harp, Augusta, Georgia March 9, 1952
- Mr. Frank R. Patterson, Indianapolis, Indiana, February 24, 1952
- Mrs. Olive Hill, Ipswich, Mass. February 22, 1952
- Mrs. Bessie E. Ramsdell, Marysville, Wash. February 19, 1952
- Mrs. Elaine Rosasco, Park Forest, Ill. December 15, 1951
- Mr. Rudolph Stauss, Deer Park, Ohio February 24, 1952.
- Mr. Nels G. Johnson, Wauwatosa, Wis. December 17, 1951
- Mr. Harry Shaw Miller, Beverly, Mass. March 1, 1952
- Mrs. Evelyn Movius Hall, Pasadena, Calif. January 24, 1952
- Mr. Edward V. Flack, Los Angeles, Calif. March 12, 1952
- Dr. W. G. Moseley, Chicago, Ill. March 7, 1952
- Miss Edith Rowand, Geyserville, Calif. March 1952
- Mrs. Gertrude Seter, Burbank, Calif. March 16, 1952
- Mme. Elsa Chaslon, New York, N. Y. February 14, 1952
- Mrs. Ida Riddle, Chicago, Ill. March 23, 1952
- Mrs. A. E. Regal, Brookfield, Ill. March 23, 1952
- Mrs. Eva Shattuck, Brady Lake, Ohio March 14, 1952
- Mr. James P. Messimore, Minerva, Ohio March 16, 1952
- Mr. Louis Blodgett, Altadena, Calif. March 24, 1952
- Mr. Alfred Maidment, Natick, Mass. March 2, 1952
- Miss Mabel King, Cambridge, Mass. March 20, 1952
Marriages[edit]
Hart, Mich., Miss Evelyn English to Pvt. Jack Thompson (non-Bahá’í) December 26, 1951
Fairview, N. J., Miss Doris McCandlish to Mr. Charles Kurzius (non-Bahá’í) March 22, 1952
Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Mary A. Farwell to Mr. Allen H. Elston (date not reported)
Colorado Springs, Colo., Mrs. Anne Morris to Sgt. Christopher C. Gill (non-Bahá’í) February 20, 1952
Directory Additions and Changes[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
- Glendale, Calif.
- Mrs. Garnette Whitefield, Sec’y.
- 1411 So. Adams St.
- Glendale 5, Calif.
Regional Teaching Committees:
RTC of Georgia
- Mrs. Olive M. Releford, Sec’y.
- 600 Magnolia St.
- Atlanta, Ga.
RTC of So. Calif.
- Mrs. Garnette Whitefield, Sec’y.
- 1411 So. Adams St.
- Glendale 5, Calif.
Publishing Announcements[edit]
The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys has been reprinted, with an Introduction written by Dr. Robert L. Gulick. (Price: 75c per copy for paper binding, $1.00 for Fabrikoid).
Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith, a one-page leaflet written by Wm. Kenneth Christian, is available at 10c for ten copies.
World Order Unfolds has been mailed free of charge to every member of the American Bahá’í Community. Additional copies of this compilation of excerpts from messages of the Guardian are now available at 15c per copy.
America’s God-Given Mission, the new Round-Table Discussion book prepared by the American National Teaching Committee, is now available at 75c per copy.
BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING COMMITTEE
110 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILL.
BAHA’I NEWS is published by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Copies are sent without charge to Bahá’ís throughout the United States, and to Bahá’í administrative bodies in other lands. Its purpose is to keep members of the Faith informed of international, national and local Bahá’í developments, and serve as an organ for the distribution of messages written by the Guardian of the Faith, the International Bahá’í Council, and the general announcements prepared by the American National Spiritual Assembly.
Reports, plans, news items and photographs of general interest are requested from national committees and local assemblies of the United States as well as from national assemblies of other lands.
BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1951-52: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Miss Garreta Busey, Managing Editor, Mr. Wm. Kenneth Christian, Miss Mae Graves, Mrs. Doris Holley, Mr. Horace Holley, Chairman, Miss Flora Emily Hottes, Mrs. Eleanor Hutchens, Mrs. Ruth Jones. EDITORIAL OFFICE: 503 West Elm St., Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A. CHANGE OF ADDRESS should be reported to National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois.
