Bahá’í News/Issue 257/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 257 | BAHA’I YEAR 109 | JULY, 1952 | |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
THE GUARDIAN'S DOUBLE ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE BAHA'I WORLD[edit]
“(On) morrow (of) sixtieth anniversary (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Ascension share double announcement (with) Bahá’í world through all National Assemblies: (The) rapid progress (of the) enterprise majestically unfolding (in the) heart (of) God’s Holy Mountain, (and the) steady decline (in the) fortunes (of the) remnant (of) old Covenant-breakers still defiantly challenging (the) combined strength (of the) Bahá’í world community.
“(The) termination (of the) Octagon, setting (the) second crown (on the) Holy Edifice, synchronizing (with) last Naw-Rúz Festival, (was) followed (by the) erection (and) gilding (of the) balustrade (during the) course (of the) succeeding Riḍván period. Preliminary investigations culminated (in the) erection (of the) scaffolding (and the) commencement (of the) construction (of the) Drum (at an) estimated cost (of) thirteen thousand pounds, constituting (the) third unit (of the) Edifice preparatory (to) raising (the) golden Dome. Experiments, prior (to the) placing (of the) contract (for the) gilded tiles (for the) Dome, concluded. Confidently anticipate (the) completion (of) all preliminaries, enabling (the) builders (of the) mighty, sacred Structure (to) start construction (of the) Dome (on the) morrow (of the) opening (of the) fast approaching Holy Year, paving (the) way (to the) fulfilment (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy, uttered (in the) dark days (of the) First World War, envisaging (the) glory (of the) resplendent Dome greeting (the) devout gaze (of) future pilgrims drawing nigh (to the) shores (of the) Holy Land.
“Old Covenant-breakers, untaught (by the) lessons (of the) past sixty years, (the) reverses suffered (in) connection (with the) restitution (of) keys (to the) Shrine, (the) evacuation (and) restoration (of the) Mansion, (the) devastating loss (in) rapid succession (of) outstanding leaders (and) spokesmen, backed (by the) support (of the) perfidious Sohrab, engaging (the) services (of a) clever, hostile lawyer, unitedly challenged (the) authority conferred (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Testament, (and) instituted legal proceedings against (the) Guardian (of the) Faith, questioned (his) right (to) demolish dilapidated house situated (within the) precincts (and) constituting (an) affront (to the) Most Holy Shrine (of the) Bahá’í World, were rebuffed through (the) intervention (of the) Israel government denying (the) competence (of the) civil court (to) adjudicate (the) matter, subsequently threatened (to) appeal (the) government decision (to the) Supreme Court, provoked (the) authorities who, (in) consequence (of) my representations (to) both (the) Prime Minister (and the) Minister (of) Foreign Affairs, issued authorization (to) demolish (the) ruins.
Mayor Hushi of Haifa greeting Edna True and Horace Holley (American National Spiritual Assembly) in the Auditorium of the Bahá’í Temple (May 14, 1952).
[Page 2]
“Short-sighted action prompted
(by) blind, uncontrollable animosity,
resulted (in the) irretrievable curtailment (of) long-standing privileges extended (to the) Covenant-breakers (during the) course (of)
six decades (on the) occasion (of
the) celebration (of the) Bahá’í Holy
Days.
“(The) signal success (in the) removal (of the) ruins (was) immediately followed (by) landscaping (the) approaches (to the) Shrine, (the) erection (of a) gate (and the) embellishment (of the) surroundings (of the) Tomb (of) Bahá’u’lláh, long denied (a) befitting entrance through (the) deliberate obstruction (by the) enemies (of the) Faith. Public access (to the) heart (of the) Qiblih (of the) Bahá’í World (is) now made possible through traversing (the) sacred precincts leading successively (to the) Holy Court (and the) outer (and) inner sanctuaries (of the) Blessed Threshold (of the) Holy (of) Holies. Recent events prelude (the) acquisition (and) development (of) over thirty acres (of) property surrounding Bahá’u’lláh’s resting place (and) paving (the) way (for the) erection (in the) course (of) future decades (of a) befitting Mausoleum destined (to) enshrine (the) Dust (of the) Founder (of) God’s Most Holy Faith.”
Haifa, Israel
June 11, 1952
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Friends:
On May 29 last the Bahá’ís of East and West reverently observed the sixtieth anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh. That occasion has been signalized for us by the double announcement which the Guardian cabled on June 11.
What a dramatic contrast between the two aspects of Shoghi Effendi’s message!
On the one hand we are given the intensely interesting details of the rapid progress in the construction of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. Not only is the Drum, the third unit, now under way but the Dome itself will be begun soon after the opening of Holy Year in October. All hearts are now filled with determination to do what we can by our contributions to make it possible for Shoghi Effendi to bring the sacred Edifice to completion by Riḍván, 1953, to be the focal point of the world-wide events planned for Jubilee!
And on the other hand the Covenant-breakers, that doomed band of deniers and plotters against the Faith, have been publicly rebuffed by their failure to challenge the authority bestowed upon the Guardian by the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Both aspects of the cabled announcement mean the same thing: that the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is at this critical hour manifesting its power to establish the Faith and to scatter its enemies.
The cable really has a third announcement: that conditions are favorable for the acquisition of property surrounding the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh, on which in future a befitting Mausoleum will be raised.
From the Guardian’s words we can not only take fresh resolution — they also clarify our vision of the ceaseless advance of the Cause to its ultimate fulfilment in the unfication of the human race and the establishment of one Faith and one Order upon earth.
NO RESPITE IN BAHA'I ACTIVITY DURING WORLD CRUSADE[edit]
Deeply touched (by) reconsecration (and) readiness to sacrifice. Praying fulfilment hopes. Advise allocate substantial portion (of) budget (to) meet continual needs rising (at) International Center (of) Faith.
| May 3, 1952. | —SHOGHI |
Deeply appreciate noble determination. Praying (for) great victories.
| May 12, 1952. | —SHOGHI |
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved friends:
The Guardian’s cable of May 12, cited above, is Shoghi Effendi’s gracious response to a cable from the National Spiritual Assembly expressing determination not to make use of the promised respite of three years mentioned by the Guardian in communications setting forth the goals of the Second Seven Year Plan. Culminating in 1953, that Plan was to be followed by a period of three years after which, in 1956, a Third Seven Year Plan would be announced bringing the American Bahá’í Community up to the Great Jubilee of 1963.
In the World Crusade outlined in successive messages during 1951 and 1952, we have that Plan. The Intercontinental Teaching Conferences will, under the Guardian’s direction, attack the problem of ways and means.
No one surveying the immensity of the crusade, the vital importance to humanity of its success, and the relatively small number of Bahá’ís around whom the actual work must revolve, could possibly find any occasion for even a brief cessation of ardent and wholehearted effort by the Bahá’ís of East and West.
The American Bahá’ís are prepared to undertake any international teaching missions the Guardian may wish to assign. The condition of the world, the deepening crisis in human affairs, the very nature of faith itself, deepens within us a constancy of action and purpose commensurate with our task. To be the trustees of the Master’s Divine Plan is not a title bestowed upon an aristocrat, nor a medal of honor handed to a soldier who has performed his duty, but a responsibility which no individual member of the community can lay down. There is no respite in Bahá’í activity during the World Crusade!
THE GUARDIAN UNABLE ATTEND TEMPLE DEDICATION[edit]
From the March meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly a cable was sent to Shoghi Effendi imploring the blessing of his presence at the Dedication of the Temple in 1953.
His reply was received in a letter written through his secretary on May 12: “He regrets exceedingly that he sees no possibility whatever of his being present for the Temple Jubilee during the Holy Year. The work of the Cause for years has prevented him from visiting the friends in different centers, much as he would like to do so; and far from decreasing, at the present time it is steadily increasing.”
The message sent was: “Implore blessing (for) Bahá’ís assembled
[Page 3]
here from entire Bahá’í fold (in)
Holy Year for Temple Dedication
(the) presence (of the) revered
Guardian (at the) site dedicated (by
the) Master (in) 1912 for release
(of) inspiration (for the) World Crusade. Hearts longing (for) inestimable bounty.”
In spirit and in purpose the Guardian is always with the active friends. The simple statement of fact giving the reason why he can not accept the invitation reminds us poignantly of the incredible burden carried by the Guardian for the sake of the welfare and progress of the Faith.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
THE NATIONAL BUDGET[edit]
Dearly beloved friends:
The eyes of the American Bahá’í Community are fixed with wonderment upon the glorious events that will unfold in the Jubilee Year that lies ahead. A renewed spirit of consecration has been awakened in the heart of every sincere believer who is determined to assist in the fulfillment of the “preponderating role” we must play in the impending world crusade that will be launched by our beloved Guardian “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.”
Our heroic accomplishments of past years were all born of faith, and one true measure of our faith is the condition of the Fund which has been termed “the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established.”
Our budget of $475,000 will be met this year because more of us will be aware that contributing to the Fund is an essential part of our Bahá’í life, and that thereby, we are helping to supply the vital “life-blood” to the body of the Cause. More and more, we will come to realize that the spiritual reality of “one soul in many bodies” is expressed through the Fund when it is supported by every believer.
Let us prove in deeds of generosity our devotion and attachment to our beloved Faith, that the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh may descend upon us! Let our contributions be sustained and regular in order that we may avoid the crises of past years, so that our Jubilee celebrations may be joyous—for us and for our beloved Guardian!
Let us be inspired by the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “God does not ask from any soul except according to his ability. Whosoever comes with one good act, God will give him tenfold. There is no doubt that the living Lord shall assist and confirm the generous soul. O ye lovers of the Beauty of the True One! Become ye self-sacrificing; become ye self-sacrificing.”
Resolve payments and other contributions are to be made to:
NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND
112 LINDEN AVENUE
WILMETTE, ILLINOIS
CONVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS[edit]
The 1952 Convention made a serious and constructive response to the opportunities which arose during reports and consultation for recommending actions to the incoming National Spiritual Assembly.
The wide area of interest is indicated by the different types of recommendation recorded.
For example: (1) concern was expressed that the Assembly make certain that ample funds are budgeted for the teaching mission in Africa; (2) a pamphlet was suggested for the information of all believers about the teachings which forbid the willful taking of life and the Bahá’í position on loyalty to government; (3) that special effort be made to assure the presence at the dedication of the Temple of all those who were present when the Master blessed the site in 1912; (4) that the Guardian be invited to be present at the dedication of the House of Worship in 1953; (5) that a friendly communication be issued to the various churches, synagogues, universities and societies where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke in 1912, setting forth the progress achieved in religious unity in America since His visit forty years ago; (6) that all pamphlet literature in future be designed in convenient size for the pocket, and carry on the front cover a picture of the Temple or material related to it; (7) that the National Assembly provide the Jubilee Committee and Public Relations Committee with professional assistance to realize the full possibility of the Jubilee celebrations; (8) that means be adopted for providing college students, especially those enrolled in classes of comparative religion, with complete information about the Faith.
Other recommendations expressed the great interest felt by the delegates (9) in widening the avenues of youth service and (10) in further development of child education facilities.
All these recommendations were carefully considered, and the actions taken are summarized for the friends.
- The Africa Teaching budget has been raised from $12,000 to $15,000.
- A special committee has been appointed to study the references and report a recommendation.
- This recommendation has been turned over to the Jubilee Committee with the request that special effort be made to carry it out.
- An invitation was sent to the Guardian before the Convention, as reported elsewhere in this issue.
- The National Assembly feels that such contact can be made more effectively during the year 1953-1954.
- The Publishing Committee has been requested to make a study of format and typography for pamphlet literature and to submit the results to the Assembly with recommendations.
- Steps have been taken to make available some special Bahá’í publicity talent for the plans of the Jubilee Committee.
- The Assembly has under way a project which will help meet the need expressed in this recommendation.
- Committee appointments made since the Convention carry out the spirit of this suggestion.
- All proclamation committees have been authorized to draw upon the available talents of the entire American Bahá’í community for the development of their plans and materials.
- It is interesting and helpful to note that in the final Convention session the delegates unanimously adopted a resolution to support enthusiastically
- the plans of the American National Teaching Committee and to pledge help in promoting the teaching work in the delegates’ home communities.
- A recommendation that a statement about the Faith be prepared suitable for presentation to local civil authorities in the South, in order to help obtain for Bahá’ís the full benefit of laws assuring civil rights, has been thoroughly examined, with the result that the National Assembly concluded that existing Bahá’í literature can well be used for this purpose.
- The National Assembly feels unable at this time to carry out the recommendation that a complete Bahá’í Directory be maintained and supplied to believers listing all towns where Bahá’ís reside and the address of the Assembly, group or isolated believer.
- The National Assembly also decided that it would be inadvisable to investigate the greater use of tape recordings of Bahá’í talks for use in areas where traveling teachers are seldom available.
- A recommendation suggested that a postcard panorama be made up with views of the Bahá’í Shrines, the Temple, Schools, etc. This suggestion has been recorded for future action when pictures of the completed Temple landscape design can be obtained.
"THE STRENGTH OF THE CAUSE"[edit]
Words of the Guardian[edit]
In a letter written by the Guardian through his secretary to the Program Committee of Geyserville School on November 11, 1951, the true strength of the Cause is defined.
“It is good for the Bahá’ís to learn that being a Bahá’í is essentially an inner thing, or way of life, and not dependent on fixed patterns. Important as our organized institutions are, they are not the Faith itself. The strength of the Cause grows no matter how much disrupted its activites may temporarily be. This we see over and over again, in lands where the Faith has been temporarily banned; at times when the believers are persecuted and even killed; where they are serving all alone or scattered and isolated. So it has been a stimulating experience for the American believers to be without their schools for a few years, rather than a depressing one.”
Corrections[edit]
The Guardian has sent a list of corrections to be made in the text of his message to the Convention, as published on pages 1 and 2 of Bahá’í News for May.
- Add a comma after “Sepulchre,” page 1, first column, last line.
- Add “Ahsa” between the words “Bahrayn” and “Kowait,” page 2, column one, third paragraph.
- After “martyrdom,” add the words “and with” before “Bahá’u’lláh’s,” page 2, column 1, 6th line from bottom.
- Change “(the)” to “(a)”, page 2, column 2, first line.
- Change “(of the)” to “(of a)” at end of same line and beginning of second line.
- “Shadows (of) world crisis” should be “shadows (of a) world crisis,” in same paragraph.
- Change “(and)” to “(for the)”, line 5, page 2, column 2.
- “Unfoldment (of) world civilization” should be “unfoldment (of a) world civilization,” same paragraph.
MAYOR OF HAIFA VISITS TEMPLE[edit]
On May 14 the Mayor of Haifa, Israel, Mr. Babba Hushi, responded cordially to an invitation extended to him by the National Spiritual Assembly to visit the Bahá’í House of Worship. A party of about thirty believers had gathered at the Temple to welcome the mayor on his arrival.
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Requested to speak to the group, Mr. Hushi expressed his respect and regard for the Bahá’ís and his admiration to the Shrine and Shrine Gardens at Haifa, and the desire of the civil authorities to extend their cooperation. Mr. Hushi and his party were assured of the grateful appreciation of the American Bahá’ís and their interest in the development of Israel, seat of the Bahá’í World Center. The party was conducted through the building and were clearly very much impressed. The “Prayer for All Nations” was read while all were gathered together in the auditorium.
This pleasant and helpful contact was furthered a few days later in New York where Mr. William de Forge was the mayor’s guest at breakfast and spent three hours in discussion with Mr. Hushi and his associates. Two of those present stated their intention of writing an article about the Faith for the papers of which they are editor or correspondent. Mr. de Forge has reported that the mayor was impressed by the prayer read in the House at Worship and desired a copy of it.
A RADIO OPPORTUNITY[edit]
During the sessions of one of the last State Conventions, the suggestion was advanced that believers take advantage of an opportunity arising from time to time in radio stations. This concerns the stations which broadcast prayers, and which, if a sympathetic contact is made, might make use of some of the Bahá’í prayers.
This matter is reported as an opportunity well worth consideration.
[Page 5]
Guests at reception for Mayor Babba Hushi, of Haifa, Israel, held at the Bahá’í Temple on May 14, 1952. Mayor Hushi is sixth from the left in the front row.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
The Annual Convention, 1952, marked the beginning of the last year of the Six-Year Plan, and brought a spirit of resolution to attain those goals.
A Bahá’í visiting a South Australian goal town writes: “.... glorious success at Nuriootpa after two days. Was led to a new person who said she had been waiting for just such a message.... I felt as if I were almost an onlooker ... it was between her and God.”
Fiji[edit]
Weekly firesides and classes are held in Fiji. The friends are happy to learn that Mrs. Else Norden Waldan will visit Suva for about six months to work among both Europeans and non-Europeans. The strong racial feeling has allowed them to reach only non-Europeans.
New Caledonia[edit]
Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton’s knowledge of French has enabled her to teach the Cause in these Islands. A loving welcome to the Kingdom is extended to Mlle. Francois Feminier, a new believer.
New Guinea[edit]
Mrs. H. Moores, Queensland Bahá’í residing at Port Moresby, has written to the National Teaching Committee of difficulties experienced, due to indifference on the part of the whites, and illiteracy among the natives.
BELGIUM[edit]
First Bahá’í “Benelux” Conference[edit]
Forty-seven friends from Holland, Luxembourg and Belgium gathered for their first conference on April 12-14, 1952, at the Brussels Bahá’í Center. The sun streamed through the open doors of the Center that revealed the white-walled garden and blossoming yellow branches. The Conference opened with prayers in the official languages of French and Dutch.
Mr. Zikrulláh Khadem, Hand of the Cause, brought the message from the Guardian. He also spoke of the growth of Bahá’í communities in Persia, and particularly of Ṭihrán.
The evening public meeting attracted a large, receptive audience who heard Roger Swinnen speak on “The Unfoldment of World Civilization.” Sunday and Monday sessions were devoted to discussions on individual
[Page 6]
and community responsibilities, teaching and extension work,
and coordination of press and radio
activities in the three countries. The
final session lifted the Conference’s
sights to “Goals Ahead”: the
Fifth European Teaching Conference
in Luxembourg, (August 30-September 7), Holy Year and Inter-Continental Conferences, the future National Spiritual Assembly of Switzerland and Italy.
BRITISH ISLES[edit]
Africa News, issued by the British Africa Committee, reports the local Spiritual Assemblies formed at Riḍván in Kampala, Uganda, and Dar-es-Salaam.
A delegation composed of three members of the Africa Committee was received at the Colonial Office on January 11 to discuss non-British immigrant applications to African territories. It was agreed that the British Africa Committee would vouch, when possible, for pioneers applying for entry to British African territories. The Colonial Office agreed to write to the governments concerned, mentioning the interview, and making it clear that Bahá’ís carrying these credentials have no connection with the “Caravan.” The Colonial Office also will contact Uganda authorities to obtain their views on the proposal to hold the Africa Conference at Kampala, Uganda, in the spring of 1953.
CENTRAL AMERICA[edit]
1952 Convention Fixes Definite Goals[edit]
The Annual Convention, held in San José, Costa Rica, April 22-25, implanted a new world vision of the Cause, stimulating development of a One-Year Plan, with definite goals established. Attending the Convention from the United States were Mathew Bullock and Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause who represented the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States. Alan Pringle and Gale Keass of Canada, now residing in Central America, also attended.
Difficulties concerning hotel reservations for colored believers and for the Convention sessions were surmounted. As the Convention got underway, a spirit of unity, eagerness and growing capacity for consultation and action was evident.
The National Spiritual Assembly approved the One-Year Plan and the following goals which includes formation of ten new groups and two assemblies for each country: (1) Each Bahá’í to win a new believer; (2) a Center for every assembly; (3) fifteen active members in every community; (4) regular contributions to the National Fund from each community; (5) every Bahá’í to spread the Teachings.
A new National Teaching Committee was formed with headquarters in Mexico City. All efforts are being concentrated on this Plan, the first of its kind in Latin America, in preparation for association with the United States, Canada, and South America in the historic World Crusade.
The newly-elected National Spiritual Assembly is as follows: Raquel Constante, Chairman; Cora Oliver, Vice-Chairman; James Facey, Treasurer; Elena Marsella, Secretary; Artemus Lamb, Corresponding Secretary; Louise Caswell; Zenayda Jurado; David Escalante; Randolph Fitz-Henley.
Expanding Teaching Efforts[edit]
Julio Hernandez, young Latin American Bahá’í, has just completed a successful teaching mission in Chichicastenango, Guatemala, in the heart of the famous Indian country. Senor Hernandez assisted in rebuilding the Local Assembly and in establishing a committee for Indian teaching.
Strenuous and apparently successful efforts are being made to establish an Assembly in the Canal Zone, inhabited entirely by English-speaking Americans and Negroes from the Islands. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá emphasized the importance of this area. Excellent opportunities for employment are offered here by the Panama Canal Zone Company, Washington 25, D. C. for those having Civil Service status in almost any branch of clerical and office work, nursing, engineering, etc. The two-month vacation offers splendid opportunity for Bahá’í work throughout the area.
The first official cession of Bahá’í property in Central America will take place in Karbila, Honduras, in September. This property, being planted in coffee to make it self-sustaining, was donated to the Guardian by Marcia Steward and Louise Caswell.
ETHIOPIA[edit]
The Bahá’í News Letter of India, Pakistan and Burma carries a report of good progress in teaching work in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. Important personalities are investigating the Cause and have requested literature.
HOLLAND[edit]
In 1919 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá addressed a Tablet to the Central Organization for a Durable Peace, The Hague. Last September the Fourth European Teaching Conference was held in Scheveningen (The Hague). And now comes the glad tidings of the first Spiritual Assembly at The Hague ... once again, the harvest from the initial seed-sowing by the Master’s hand.
INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA[edit]
A New Epoch[edit]
Through his secretary, the Guardian writes: “He was delighted over the formulation of your Assembly’s 19-Month Plan. This spirit of initiative shown by you is highly commendable, and he hopes that all the Bahá’ís whether of Indian or Persian origin, will arise to unitedly see it achieve its goals ... It brought great joy to the Guardian’s heart to see there are so many believers now in the area of South East Asia. This marks a new epoch in the unfoldment of our Faith ...”
A series of Inter-Assembly conferences have been held in Karachi, West Pakistan; Rangoon, Burma; Poona, Delhi and Calcutta, India, for consultation on the 19-month Plan.
IRAN[edit]
First Pioneer to Africa from Persia[edit]
In response to the Guardian’s appeal, Mr. Aziz Yazdi, Secretary of the Persian Africa Committee, decided to settle his family and business
[Page 7]
Bahá’ís of Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
in Northern Rhodesia. Dr.
Nasrollah Badri Ala’i of Shiráz, a
surgeon-dentist, has made plans to
settle in Akkra, Gold Coast.
JAPAN[edit]
Light For the Blind[edit]
Of the nineteen Tablets addressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Japanese living in Japan, five were sent to blind young men. Today, Mr. Tokujiro Torii, Vice Principal of the Government School for Blind in Kyote, has completed transcribing a third volume of the Bahá’í teachings into Japanese Braille. Our blind brother, Mr. Torii, a Bahá’í since 1916, was the second believer in Japan. Through his efforts the first Japanese Braille volume was published in 1917.
From Tokyo, Agnes Alexander writes of the declaration of a young American from the U. S. Air Force on May 5. Sgt. Charles W. Smith is from Washington, D. C., where he first learned of the Faith. “This seems significant,” writes Agnes Alexander, “coming a few days after Japan regained her independence ... another sign of the drawing together of the two countries...” Eight American Bahá’ís, five of whom were service men, were present at the Naw-Rúz Feast in Tokyo.
NORWAY[edit]
Steady teaching efforts are being put forth in Norway. A recent series of public meetings in Oslo carried the theme of “Peace.” Speakers were Ake Norgren of Stockholm, Tove Deleuran of Copenhagen, Gerda Strand, UN delegate from Norway, and Kaj Mulvas of Copenhagen. Gerda Strand also spoke in Copenhagen on “The Relationship of the Bahá’í Faith to the United Nations.” Mrs. Amelia Bowman has begun initial work of firesides and study classes in Oslo’s extension teaching activities in the cities of Moss, Stavanger and Bergen.
PORTUGAL[edit]
Last January pioneer Albert Danneberg went from Lisbon to Oporto and began immediately to hold meetings. Later Mr. and Mrs. Mottahedeh flew in, were interviewed by Oporto’s largest newspaper and spoke to twenty-one people on the Faith.
Now comes the announcement of the formation of a Spiritual Assembly in Oporto!
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Annual Convention at Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 29-May 2[edit]
Delegates and visitors from every South American country attended the opening dinner and reception on the evening of April 28. They were guests of the Buenos Aires Bahá’í Community at the horseshoe-shaped dinner table in the big dining room of the Hotel “Alla en el Sur”, (There in the South). Situated on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires, and surrounded by lovely lawns and gardens, the hotel is just across the road from the International Bahá’í Summer School of Ezeiza. Convention sessions were held in one of the chalets near the main building.
Convention Chairman, Margot Worley of Brazil, stated that the first year of National Assembly apprenticeship was over, and the time to forge ahead into new achievements was at hand. A plea was made to put aside personal things and make great efforts for the Cause.
The Guardian’s messages of July 11 and 12, 1951 were read and studied, stimulating discussion on methods for achieving the goals. Dorothy Baker spoke on the progress of the Faith around the world, the importance of the appointment of the nineteen Hands of the Cause, and the International Council. All delegates and visitors attended every Convention session, and the school which followed, with a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication.
[Page 8]
Delegates to the Central American Annual Convention, San Jose, Costa Rica, April 22-25, 1952. Dorothy Baker, representing the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, is fourth from the left, front row.
The following National Spiritual
Assembly of South America was
elected: Margot Worley, Brazil,
Chairman; Mercedes Sanchez, Peru,
Vice-Chairman; Gayle Woolson,
Colombia, Corresponding Secretary;
Guillermo Aguilar, Peru, Treasurer;
Edmund Miessler, Brazil, Recording
Secretary; Manuel Vera, Peru; Eve
Nicklin, Peru; Rangwald Taetz,
Uruguay; Boliva Plaza, Eucador.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
TEACHING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE NATION[edit]
Berkeley, California Bahá’ís used a “Middle East: Hub of the World” theme for a series of public meetings as follows: “Israel, the Promise Fulfilled”, “Egypt, New Day on the Nile”, “Irán, Threat or Promise?”, “Íráq, Abode of Peace”, and “Africa, the Latest Frontier”. Mr. Labinjo Shonubi, a Nigerian university student who has been attending Bahá’í firesides regularly, spoke on the Africa program.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to the Montclair, New Jersey Unity Church on May 12, 1912, was commemorated this year on Sunday, May 11, with a talk on “The Bahá’í Teachings on American Destiny”. Mr. William de Forge, official Bahá’í observer to the United Nations, was the speaker, at the invitation of the minister, Dr. Norman D. Fletcher. Montclair Bahá’ís followed up this excellent opportunity for teaching with a public meeting on May 26 with Mr. de Forge again as speaker. His topic: “Quo Vadis, 1952.”
Boston Bahá’ís Plan TV Follow-up[edit]
The May issue of Bahá’í News carried a report on the Boston Community’s participation in a twenty-five minute television program on the “Our Believing World” series on Station WBZ-TV, with the program director acting as an inquirer. The program director has recently forwarded a number of letters to the Boston Community sent to the station by listeners requesting more information on the Faith. Here is an excerpt from one letter: “Last Sunday’s program marked something of a highlight for me among your always singularly fine programs. I am not a Bahá’í; but after listening to the astonishingly sane, sympathetic, and profoundly spiritual ideas presented by the speakers, I find myself deeply interested in this faith, which seems a logical progression and synthesis of all faiths ...”
Boston Bahá’ís are following up these requests with a letter to each inquirer, a copy of “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era,” and an invitation to a fireside.
From the Regional Bulletins[edit]
RTCs are responding to the call of the National Spiritual Assembly for preparation for Jubilee Year with plans for regional conferences and for Institutes on “America’s God-Given Mission.”
Long Island held their first conference on May 18 at Huntington Station. Wisconsin held one in Milwaukee, May 24; Western New York, May 25 at the Buffalo Bahá’í Center.
The RTC of Idaho and Utah reports the formation of three new groups in Lewiston, Idaho, Mountain Home, Idaho, and Salt Lake County, Utah.
Bahá’ís on both sides of the “invisible border” are holding their annual International Picnic on June 15 at Queenston Heights, Ontario, Canada.
Youth on the Campus[edit]
The University of California at Berkeley has recently granted Bahá’í holy days to students in response to a letter from the Local Spiritual Assembly. A list of Bahá’í holy days is posted in the office of the Dean. Bahá’í students at the University also obtained recognition this year on the Inter-Faith Council sponsored by the Federation of Churches.
Northwestern University Bahá’í youth have held monthly meetings with a non-Bahá’í attendance of from one to fifteen. Short talks on the Faith have been followed by lively discussion periods and refreshments.
University of Chicago Youth recently sponsored a series of three lectures.
University of Wisconsin has twelve Bahá’í youth active in teaching work on the campus and in the Madison Bahá’í Community. One of their most successful accomplishments has been the teaching of the children’s classes in the Madison Community.
NATIONAL BAHA'I MEMORIAL IN TRIBUTE TO ROY COCHRAN WILHELM[edit]
On the evening of March 29, 1952, a National Bahá’í Memorial Service was held in the Temple Foundation Hall in Wilmette, Illinois, in tribute to the late Roy C. Wilhelm, distinguished Bahá’í teacher, and Hand of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’ís who had known Mr. Wilhelm and had worked with him throughout the years were present, as well as others who were eager to learn of the life and spiritual accomplishments of this outstanding believer.
Mr. Paul Haney, Chairman of the National Assembly, opened the services by reading the prayer for the departed, and then explained the purpose of the meeting in these words:
“Friends, we are gathered tonight in this Memorial Meeting at the express instruction and direction of Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá’í Cause, to pay tribute to one of the great figures of both the Heroic and Formative Periods of our Faith.
“Roy C. Wilhelm was a trusted servant of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. His sterling qualities were greatly prized by our Guardian. A cable received shortly after Roy’s passing last December revealed the Guardian’s high regard for him. He deplored the loss sustained by his passing; he spoke of his indomitable faith and outstanding services in local, national and international fields. This cable brought the joyful news that Roy Wilhelm’s deeds of service and saintly life qualified him to join the ranks of the Hands of the Cause, and assured him an everlasting reward in the Abhá Kingdom.”
The chairman also read the following quotation from a Tablet sent by the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to one of the early believers:
“Mr. Wilhelm My son of the Kingdom, verily, verily, I say unto you on his head he has a crown of everlasting glory, and a dignity with the utmost beauty and perfection.”
An illuminating selection from the Sacred Writings on the state of the soul after death was read by Mr. Edwin Mattoon, and this was followed by the reading of a prayer by Mr. Donald Kinney.
In seeking a source of information on the early Bahá’í life of Mr. Wilhelm, the National Assembly turned to Mrs. Mariam Haney. A description of the services rendered by Roy in the early years of the Faith in this country, prepared by Mrs. Haney, was read. This account described the teaching activities to which Mr. Wilhelm so fully dedicated his time and efforts. His historic services in connection with the bringing out of the early literature of the Faith were graphically described, and the importance of this work emphasized.
Mrs. Haney’s account noted that Mr. Wilhelm and his mother were blessed with the privilege of making the sacred pilgrimage to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Most Great Prison in ‘Akká in April, 1907. The Master’s Words of welcome to them were quoted, together with Mr. Wilhelm’s reply in which he expressed the hope that he would become more worthy of the bounties of God. The Master assured him that this hope would be fulfilled.
The account further stated that Mr. Wilhelm returned from this pilgrimage aflame with the love and light of the Kingdom, and ready to make any and every sacrifice for the Cause. The many years of selfless service that followed verified the sincerity of that noble resolve.
Mr. Curtis Kelsey, who was associated with Mr. Wilhelm from the earliest days of the development of the Wilhelm Trustee property in West Englewood, N.J., added a brief tribute from the background of his association with Roy, and his knowledge of the middle years of Roy’s life of Bahá’í service. Mr. Kelsey described the unique way in which Mr. Wilhelm always approached people to make openings for mention of the Faith. Of Roy Wilhelm’s teaching work Mr. Kelsey said that Roy always carried out to the letter the injunction of the Master “to teach the Cause of God”, and he never lost an opportunity to obey this Divine Command. It was Roy who gave the Teachings to the incomparable Martha Root, another Hand of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
The National Assembly had requested Mr. Horace Holley, who served on the National Body with Mr. Wilhelm for so many years, to deliver the tribute of the National Spiritual Assembly. Mr. Holley could not attend the Memorial Meeting since he had been directed by the Guardian to represent Shoghi Effendi at the funeral of Mr. Sutherland Maxwell, which was held on the same day in Montreal. However, Mr. Holley prepared a written tribute to Mr. Wilhelm. This was read by Mrs. Dorothy Baker, who added a beautiful tribute of her own based on her association with Mr. Wilhelm during the later years of his active Bahá’í service.
As brought out in the article prepared by Mr. Holley, perhaps the essence of Roy’s life and character appear to us in this Tablet revealed to him by the Master:
“The sight of your portrait brought joy to my heart, because it is luminous and celestial, and looking at the photograph of your house, I saw the charm of the spot, the beauty of its environment, and the perfection of its building.
“I am extremely pleased with you because you are a true Bahá’í. Your house is My house; there is no difference whatsoever between yours and mine.”
The service was closed by the reading of the Master’s Tablet of Visitation by the chairman. Those present felt that the meeting was an impressive Memorial to the life and spiritual station of one of the great characters of the Faith in America.
Courtesy[edit]
“We know that the Báb especially commended politeness and the most refined courtesy in all social relations. ‘Never sadden anyone, no matter whom, for no matter what,’ He (the Báb) enjoined.”
“O people of God! I exhort you to courtesy .... Blessed is he who is illumined with the light of courtesy, and is adorned with the mantle of uprightness!”
“Comprehend the meaning of My Words, and be thou of the discerning.... We, verily, have chosen courtesy, and made it the true mark of such as are nigh unto Him. Courtesy, is, in truth, a raiment which fitteth all men, whether young or old.”
NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
U.S. AFRICA COMMITTEE NEWS[edit]
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"THE OBJECT OF LIFE TO A BAHA'I"
(From Rúḥíyyih Khánum’s letter in April 1952 Bahá’í Youth Bulletin) “The other day a man asked Shoghi Effendi: ‘What is the object of life to a Bahá’í?’ As the Guardian repeated his answer to me (I had not been present with the visitor), indeed, before he did, I wondered in my own mind what it had been. Had he told the man that to us the object of life is to know God, or perfect our character? I never really dreamed of the answer he had given, which was this: The object of life to a Bahá’í is to promote the oneness of mankind. The whole object of our lives is bound up with the lives of all human beings; not a personal salvation we are seeking, but a universal one. We are not to cast our eyes within ourselves and say: ‘Now get busy saving your soul and reserving a comfortable berth in the next world!’ No, we are to get busy on bringing Heaven to this Planet ... The Guardian then went on to explain that our aim is to produce a world civilization which will in turn react on the character of the individual ... we have a tendency to put aside spiritual laws when we deal with administrative problems. If one thinks about it, this is the exact opposite of the whole concept of Bahá’í government. Bahá’u’lláh, the “Father,” has come to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth ... It implies a world run by law, but spiritual law. It implies order, discipline, organization, but based on the principles given by God’s unerring Prophet ... It follows that the place where a Bahá’í should be most actively one, living up to his teachings to the fullest extent of his capacity, is in any gathering representing the Administrative Order.” |
A new and enlarged Africa Committee, recently appointed by the National Assembly, is now organizing and more efficiently distributing the work of the Committee so that it may be carried on at an increased tempo.
Five new pioneer projects are under consideration which will locate American pioneers in three new areas, Tanganyika, Kenya and Somaliland; and reinforce the teaching work now being carried on in Liberia, the Gold Coast and Uganda.
Plans and preparation for American participation in the Africa Conference to be held in Kampala continues. As soon as more definite details have been received from the British friends regarding the dates, programme and events of the Conference, the U. S. Committee will publicize them.
Mrs. Ethel Stephens, the first American Bahá’í pioneer to Africa is nearing the end of her contract year with Kumasi College. Regretfully, Mrs. Stephens writes the committee, that an unexpected bereavement, and crisis in her family affairs, are causing her to plan a return to the United States at the end of her first year. Mrs. Stephens, working under great difficulties, has built up a reservoir of good will for the Faith in the Gold Coast. Her demonstration of high Bahá’í standards and noble attitudes have brought to many people a sincere respect and admiration for the Bahá’í Faith. One of the large church schools in the Gold Coast has been so impressed with her work that it, with full knowledge of her Bahá’í status, has offered Mrs. Stephens a position as head of its secondary school in the Gold Coast. Mrs. Stephens has recently been granted the privilege of speaking publicly on the Faith.
Reports from Liberia indicate that Mr. Foster and the two other Bahá’í friends there are vigorously pursuing teaching activities, holding firesides, observing the feasts and anniversaries, and speaking publicly for the Faith whenever they are afforded an opportunity. Recently committee members in the Washington area were afforded the privilege of meeting the able and informed Assistant Secretary of War of the Republic of Liberia, Miss Elia Wright, Miss Wright had met pioneer Foster and remembered him pleasantly.
Stirring and interesting letters are beginning to come in from the Collisons in Uganda. They have increased interest in Africa with a nine page account of their trip over. This has been mimeographed by one of the friends and widely distributed.
The Committee has been most happy over the growing cooperation from Bahá’í Summer Schools. The International Bahá’í School has scheduled a course on Africa. Louhelen Bahá’í School has recently sent an invitation to the Secretary inviting her to give a course on Africa this summer. And Green Acre Bahá’í Youth has requested the Committee to send an African student to their work camp week at Green Acre.
The Committee is also indebted to Mr. Jamison Bond, a Canadian Bahá’í, who has prepared and submitted for use of the pioneers a reading list of books and articles dealing with Africa and its peoples.
TIPS FOR TEACHING[edit]
America’s God-Given Mission is a valuable aid for teaching inquirers as well as for deepening ourselves. The striking quotations comprising this compilation present in fast-moving sequence the early history of the Cause in America, the unfoldment of the Divine Plan, the progressive steps in the establishment of the institutions of the Faith, and the world-wide achievements to be celebrated in “the Great Jubilee.” Through it the student not only acquires well-rounded knowledge of the Faith, but also catches the spirit and vision of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh as the divinely-ordered expression of “the redemptive scheme of God” for the human race.
Fireside teaching is the most effective way for each Bahá’í to “win one” for the Faith. A new bulletin entitled Teaching the Bahá’í Faith, now available from the Bahá’í Publishing Committee, outlines the fireside method of teaching and the types of study classes that should be offered to prepare students for Bahá’í membership. (See Publishing Announcement elsewhere in this issue).
"WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM"[edit]
Welcome! Welcome! You are very welcome!
... This is the day of Bahá’u’lláh; the age of the Blessed Perfection; the cycle of the Greatest Name. If you do not smile now, for what time will you await and what greater happiness could you expect? ...
Make firm your feet![edit]
As to you, O friends of God: Make firm your feet in the Cause of God with such firmness as cannot be shaken by the most great disasters of this world. Be not troubled by anything under any condition. Be as lofty mountains, dawning-stars from the horizon of existence, brilliant lamps in the assemblies of oneness and lowly souls, pure hearted, with the friends.
This person is Unquestionably a Bahá’í![edit]
O ye Cohorts of God! Through the protection and help of the Blessed Perfection—may my life be a sacrifice to His beloved ones!—you must conduct and deport yourselves in such a manner that you may stand out among other souls distinguished by a brilliancy like unto the sun. If any one of you enters a city he must become the center of attraction because of the sincerity, faithfulness, love, honesty, fidelity, truthfulness and loving-kindness of his disposition and nature toward all the inhabitants of the world, that the people of the city may all cry out: “This person is unquestionably a Bahá’í; for his manners, his behavior, his conduct, his morals, his nature and his disposition are of the attributes of the Bahá’ís.” Until you do attain to this station, you have not fulfilled the Covenant and the Testament of God...
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“It has often happened that one blessed soul has become the cause of the guidance of a nation. Now we must not consider our ability and capacity, nay rather we must fix our gaze upon the favors and bounties of God, in these days, Who has made of the drop a sea, and of the atom a sun.” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 48)
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[Page 12]
Mrs. Ruth Moffett, shown fourth from left in above photo taken at the Naw-Ruz Feast which was given during the Educational Seminar held at Fargo, N. D.
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestowed joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.
- Dr. Elkin Vogt, Lithonia, Georgia (date not reported)
- Dr. Leo Saxon, Chicago, Ill. April 29, 1952
- Mrs. Anna Reid, Shoreham, L. I., N. Y. April 30, 1952
- Mrs. Elizabeth G. Bispham, Indianapolis, Ind. April 28, 1952
- Mr. Edwin W. Akers, Sebastopol, Calif. January, 1952
- Mr. A. Frederick Collins, Congers, New York January, 1952
- Mrs. Marguerite McCardell, West Chester, Pa. May 11, 1952
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
Anniversary:
July 9—Martyrdom of the Báb
Feasts:
July 13—Kalimát, Words
National Spiritual Assembly Meetings:
- July 25, 26, 27, and 28
- August 29, 30, 31 and Sept. 1.
Summer School Sessions:
- Geyserville—June 21 - August 29, 1952
- Louhelen—June 29-August 29, 1952
- International School—July 5-August 15, 1952
- Green Acre—July 7-August 29, 1952
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Teaching Problems, by Rúḥíyyih Khánum is available again. (8 pages, 10c per copy).
The Handbook,—Two Year Program of Preparation has many tips for teaching. Inserts are now available at a small charge of 10c per set (to cover cost of handling) 17 pages covering the following data:
- Public Meetings
- Follow-Up Meetings
- Preparation for Membership
- Preparing Isolated Believers for Enrollment
- Exhibits
- Non-Bahá’í Sources for Material and Ideas
- Teaching the Bahá’í Faith (The Fireside Method)
Complete copies of the Handbook, including these inserts, may be had at 85c per copy.
110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
MARRIAGES[edit]
“Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verily, this thy servant and this Thy maid-servant have gathered under the shadow of Thy mercy and they are united through Thy favor and generosity. O Lord! Assist them in this Thy world and Thy Kingdom and destine for them every good through Thy bounty and grace ...”
Washington, D. C., Miss Hamideh Nabil to Capt. John B. Cornell April 28, 1952
Sonoma, Calif., Miss Audrey Collison to Mr. Irwin M. MacLeod (non-Bahá’í) date not reported.
Wauwatosa, Wis., Miss Marjorie Lewis to Mr. John Hymer (non-Bahá’í) May 31, 1952
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. Material is due in Wilmette on the first day of the month preceding the date of issue for which it is intended.
BAHA’I NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee. The Committee for 1952-1953:
Mrs. Eunice Braun, Chairman,
Mrs. Gaylord Christensen,
Miss Mae Graves, Managing Editor,
Mr. William C. Henning,
Miss Farrukh Ioas.
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
Change of Address should be reported directly to National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.
