Bahá’í News/Issue 261/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 261 | BAHA’I YEAR 109 | NOVEMBER, 1952 | |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO EUROPEAN CONFERENCE AND SCHOOL[edit]
(On the) occasion, auspicious opening Luxembourg Teaching Conference coinciding (with the) eve (of the) historic Holy Year marking (the) conclusion (of the) series (of the) memorable annual gatherings, leaving (an) indelible imprint (on the) annals (of the) second stage (of the) evolution (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, wholeheartedly share feelings (of) joy, pride (and) gratitude evoked (in the) hearts (of the) assembled representatives (of the) Bahá’í Communities (on the) European Continent (at the) prospect (of the) forthcoming convocation (of the) epoch-making convention (in) Florence, (the) harbinger (of the) birth (of the) Italo-Swiss Bahá’í National Assembly. Stop. (The) projected institutions called (into) being amidst (the) world-wide celebrations commemorating (the) inception (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic Mission, constituting fairest fruit (of the) initial stage (of the) European crusade, bound (to) add its valuable support (to the) triple pillars recently erected under (the) aegis (of the) same plan (in the) course (of the) same stage (of) its evolution designed (to) sustain (the) weight, (to) broaden (the) basis, (to) enhance (the) prestige, (to) add diversity (to the) elements (that are) destined (to) participate (in) six continents (of the) globe, (in the) future election (of the) Universal House (of) Justice. Stop.
Moved (to) warmly congratulate (the) American National Spiritual
The new garden in front of the Mansion at Bahjí.
Assembly, ably directing (the) vast
operations (of the) European crusade from (the) heart (of the)
North American Continent; (the)
European Teaching Committee, (the)
principal executor (of the) plan,
inaugurating (the) European phase
(of) America’s unfolding mission;
(the) European representative (of
the) Committee established (in)
Geneva, vigilantly coordinating
(the) ramifications (of the) newly
launched project; every subsidiary
agency, regional (and) local, contributing its share (to the) triumph
(of the) common cause; all pioneers,
past (and) present; settlers, itinerant teachers, worthy emissaries (of
the) Centre (of the) Covenant, who
nobly responded (to) His call (in
the) length (and) breadth (of the)
ten goal countries; (the) entire body
(of the) steadily multiplying native
believers, constituting (the) core (of
the) vanguard (of the) army, singled out by (the) Lord (of) Hosts
(for the) quickening (and the) ultimate conquest (of the) spiritually
slumbering continent, particularly
(the) members (of the) twin rapidly
rising communities (of) Italy (and)
Switzerland, who singly (and) collectively hastened, through high endeavours, (the) consummation (of
the) enterprise, exceeding fondest
expectations. Stop. Hail this crowning exploit (of the) Second Seven
Year Plan as (the) forerunner (of
the) formation (in) rapid succession,
(in the) course (of the) third phase
(of the) Plan conceived (by the)
Center (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant,
(of) Regional-National Assemblies
(in) Scandinavia, Benelux countries,
Iberian Peninsula, themselves a prelude (to the) establishment (in) present (and) succeeding epochs (of the)
evolution (of the) Divine Plan, (of)
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separate National Assemblies (in)
each sovereign state, principality,
(and) chief dependency (on the) European Continent, as well as (on the)
neighbouring principal islands (of
the) Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean,
(and) North Sea. Stop.
Earnestly appeal (to) all participants (in the) phenomenal birth (and) rise (of the) communities constituting weighty elements (in the) life (of the) firmly knit world Bahá’í family (to) prepare themselves during present Conference (for the) future close collaboration (with the) long established sister communities (in the) British Isles, France, (and) Germany (to) meet (the) challenge (of the) major strenuous task constituting (the) pivot (of the) deliberations (of the) approaching Stockholm Inter-continental Conference, designed (to) expand (and) consolidate (the) framework (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) north, south, west (and) heart (of the) European Continent, foreshadowing (the) launching (of) future enterprises (in) collaboration (with the) German, Persian, ‘Iráqí Bahá’í Communities, calculated (to) extend (the) regenerating influence (of the) same order (to) eastern (and) southeastern territories (of the) same continent (and) eventually beyond its confines, across (the) Ural Mountains (to the) north, west (and) ultimately (to the) heart (of the) Asiatic Continent. Stop.
Urge all attendants (to) dedicate part (of the) sessions (of this) Conference synchronizing (with) Centenary (of the) imprisonment (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) Síyáh-Chál (in) prayerful remembrance (of the) sombre tragedy preceding (the) rise (of the) resplendant Orb (of the) august Revelation, (to) draw nigh (to) His spirit, (to) fix (their) thoughts (on) His promises, (to) derive fresh inspiration (from the) glorious triumph, following so closely (upon) His agonizing ordeal, (to) contemplate (the) magnitude (of) His Cause, (to) pledge themselves (to) ensure (in the) course (of the) decade opening before them (the) success (of the) twin colossal tasks assigned them, (the) propagation (of) His Faith (and the) consolidation (of the) agencies (of) His rising Administrative Order throughout (the) entire European Continent.
Haifa
August 23, 1952
Views of the ruins at Bahjí in March, 1952, removal of which was the issue involved in the legal case referred to in the Guardian’s cable of June 11, 1952, published in Bahá’í News for July. The Covenant-breakers “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 ...”
This five room building was located to the south and front of the Mansion, which can be seen at the left. The building and the court case associated with its removal was described in the letter from the International Bahá’í Council, published in Bahá’í News, August, 1952.
Within one week of the demolition of the ruins, opposite, a beautiful garden had been created over the very spot where it had stood. The gate in the center is the new entrance to the Holy Court leading to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
Marble vases, carved white Carrara marble ornaments, lamp posts, cypress trees, peacocks, eagles, and pebbled walks decorate the new garden. Entrance to the Mansion of Bahjí is on the left.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
STATE CONVENTIONS[edit]
The State Conventions for election of delegates to the Jubilee Convention, 1953, will be held on Sunday, December 7, 1952.
State Convention Committees have been appointed to make advance arrangements and to open the Conventions.
The National Spiritual Assembly will mail to every adult voting Bahá’í in the United States a printed form with full explanation and agenda. Each voter will also receive a blank ballot to take to the Convention or mail in advance, if unable to attend in person.
Every organic Bahá’í function has vital importance during Jubilee Year, to prepare for the 1953 Convention, Intercontinental Conference, Jubilee Celebrations and public dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship.
Will each State Convention Committee, and every voting Bahá’í energetically and prayerfully fulfill his responsibility.
BAHA'IS AND THE PRINCIPLE OF INTERNATIONALISM[edit]
Beloved Friends:
The society in which we live is struggling to find a solution to a number of difficult problems.
Among these we note, for example, the problem of race amity, which has become acute as result of the loss of the old, long-continued physical isolation of peoples—the cause of the development of distinctive racial characteristics and cultures. Aside from the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of mankind—the fulfilment of the teaching concerning brotherhood found in every ancient revealed Faith—there is no escape from the far-reaching influences of race prejudice in embittering wide areas of mankind today.
We note also the problem of creating a mutual relationship for the various religious systems, each of which claims a divine origin and a unique authority and power. Efforts to assert inter-organizational unity, and to emphasize a few truths held
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in common, succeed only in reaffirming the differences. For lack of
religious unity the world can not generate sufficient moral force to solve
any problem of human association
except on a limited, parochial, self-contained basis. The Bahá’í teaching
of progressive revelation, proclaiming that all the Messengers are one
in spirit and purpose, revolutionizes
religion. The Bahá’í community demonstrates that religious unity can be
achieved within a universal Faith but
that there is no inter-organizational
unity possible with the perpetuation
of different systems, rites, formulas
and officials.
The problem which receives most attention today is that of internationalism. The patriot fears that his own country would lose its sovereign power if brought within any form of international government. He points to the failure of internationalism to establish any peace or security so far and protests that internationalism is even inherently militaristic. His human rights, his cultures, ideals and property seem to him to be hazarded if other governments and peoples are given the power to control them by majority vote.
The internationalist in turn points out the fact that the nation is no longer sovereign in relation to world affairs and that nationalism has led the world to two disastrous international wars. He argues that these wars have impaired human rights, values and properties infinitely more than would be likely or even possible under a new world sovereignty. Furthermore he refers to the principle of federalism as already thoroughly established by the experience of Switzerland and the United States. A world state, he explains, would give the central government control only over international matters and leave a large measure of domestic control in the various national governments.
What is the Bahá’í position? In essence, it is spiritual and moral, not political. It affirms the oneness and solidarity of mankind as a divine creation, admitting that evolution is needed before this basic truth can be realized in cultural, social, economic and political terms. The dynamic behind this evolution is not political action but the operation of the Holy Spirit. The Bahá’í accepts as a present fact the truth of brotherhood and understands the unbearable stresses and strains of modern civilization as fundamentally forms of opposition to or denial of the laws and principles which lie at the heart of every revealed Faith. Brotherhood as the spirit of cooperation the Bahá’í recognizes to be the necessary sentiment and motive of human life but incomplete without a social order giving it expression in action and pledged to preserve its ideal from destruction.
The Bahá’í position includes acceptance of the principle of world federation while realizing that humanity needs preparation morally and spiritually before a sound federal order can be achieved. The Bahá’í is concerned with the inculcation of moral principles, the strengthening of hope, respect for government and implicit faith that humanity is under the guidance and protection of God. The Bahá’í knows that mankind passes through different stages of development from infancy to maturity. At no stage can he turn back to the simpler and easier past. God has decreed that peace and righteousness shall prevail on earth. Through the turmoil of argument, the oppression of menacing danger, the Bahá’í presses forward in this providential age, preserving in his heart a vision which no political party can deny and no outer circumstance indict. His highest aspiration is to reflect to others some ray of the light of a New Day.
THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL[edit]
The Guardian has written the National Assembly to direct that a change be made in future editions of Esslemont’s “Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era.” This correction has particular interest for the believers at this time since it deals with the fulfilment of prophecy.
“Regarding the prophecy of Daniel: The passage in Esslemont should be changed to state that this prophecy refers to the one-hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, in the Garden of Riḍván, Baghdád—reference to this can be found in ‘The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ in quotations from two of His Tablets.” — Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter dated June 30, 1952.
MUSIC AT FEASTS[edit]
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National Bahá’í Addresses
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:
National Treasurer:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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A letter addressed to the National Assembly, inquiring whether music can be provided at the Nineteen Day Feast, was referred to the Guardian. Shoghi Effendi’s answer opens the door to a musical program at these Feasts wherever the local Assembly desires.
“Music is permitted during the spiritual part—or any part—of the Nineteen Day Feast.”—Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in letter dated June 30, 1952.
ON VOTING IN CIVIL ELECTIONS[edit]
“.... No Bahá’í vote for an officer, no Bahá’í participation in the affairs of the Republic, shall involve acceptance ... of a program or policy that contravenes any vital principle, spiritual or social, of the Faith.
“.... No vote cast, or office undertaken, by a Bahá’í should necessarily constitute acceptance, by the voter or office holder, of the entire program of any political party. No Bahá’í can be regarded as either a Republican or Democrat, as such. He is above all else, the supporter of the principles enunciated by Bahá’u’lláh, with which, I am firmly convinced, the program of no political party is completely harmonious.” (Shoghi Effendi)
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View of Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa. The Guardian has urged the British National Assembly to concentrate on the formation of an Assembly in Nairobi by April, 1953.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AFRICA[edit]
Letter from Guardian to British National Assembly[edit]
The British National Assembly received a letter from the Guardian, which contains passages concerning the Africa Project. Excerpts from this message are printed here from the British Africa News.
(Through his Secretary)
“As regards the Africa campaign: this enterprise, so enthusiastically carried on, has been throughout this past year the greatest source of joy to the heart of the beloved Guardian.... The formation of the Dar es-Salaam and Kampala Assemblies was also a great satisfaction to him.
“The guardian feels that although the Conference planned for Kampala is primarily a Conference and in no sense a Convention (having no delegates), there is no objection to the representatives of various National Assemblies who may attend meeting in separate sessions for more special and concentrated consultation. Any Hands of the Cause attending could also be included in this private discussion.
“He feels that now more than ever the British friends have every reason to feel proud of their accomplishments and happy over the very evident bestowals from the Throne on High. They have found, after half a century of development, scope for their abilities, and a field large enough to distinguish themselves in, and they are certainly taking advantage of it, much to the delight of the Guardian and their fellow-Bahá’ís.”
(In his own hand)
“The potent seeds, a loving and vigilant Master, sowed with His own hands in the course of a twice repeated visit to the homeland of this community, are now, after having lain dormant for almost a quarter of a century, at long last, sprouting through the length and breadth of the British Isles, and are even revealing the potency of their regenerative power through the instrumentality of those valiant pioneers, who, faithful to His Call and dedicated to His service, are leaving the shores of those islands to settle in territories of a far-away and backward continent. Amidst their arduous labours, in their contact with the heterogeneous tribes and races dwelling in that continent, in their dealings with the civil authorities of divers countries and states within whose jurisdiction they will labour, in their struggle with an inhospitable climate, in the hazards to which they will be inevitably exposed, in the adventures they may experience, in the reverses they may temporarily suffer, in the opposition they will meet with, in the tests and trials they will undergo, His unfailing guidance will be vouchsafed to them in direct proportion to the degree of their consecration to their task, and the perseverance, the courage and fidelity they will display as they discharge their duties.
“The remarkable success that has attended their high endeavours since the initiation of their first collective enterprise within the confines of their native land, the still more notable evidence of God’s sustaining grace that has accompanied the opening of the first stage of their Mission overseas, are sufficient proof of the tremendous potency of the forces at work for the purpose of ensuring the unrestricted expansion of their future activities within and beyond the frontiers of their island home, and the ultimate consummation of their magnificent enterprise.”
Progress with Translations[edit]
Before the Africa Project came into being, Philip Hainsworth, by special arrangement with the Guardian, had translations of a Bahá’í pamphlet done in Ki-Swahili, Hausa and Chinyanja. At the end of the Six Year Plan in Britain, in 1950, the Guardian told the British Bahá’í Community to publish by Riḍván 1953 translations in three further African languages, which he raised to nine languages soon after the Two Year Plan opened in 1951.
So far translations into two of these languages, Twi and Luganda, have been published. Three others, in Acholi, Adanwe and Ewe, are in the hands of printers. Completed translations in Igbo and Yoruba are awaiting their turn for printing, and the remaining two translations, in KiKikuyu and Mende are at the final stage before printing.
Providing the printing of the pamphlets is not delayed by shortage of funds or some unexpected obstacle, it is likely that all nine translations will be published before the Africa Conference, making it possible to display there translations of Bahá’í literature in twelve African languages.
Liberia[edit]
Liberia reports four more new Bahá’ís, including a young man of nineteen years, who becomes the first Liberian Bahá’í youth. These new declarations bring the total number of Bahá’ís in Liberia to fifteen.
The Group has formally organized, elected officers and appointed committees. Two public meetings are held weekly and individual contact work and teaching is being done by all the Liberian Bahá’ís.
Two of the new Liberian believers are expected to journey to the United States in January. Mr. Rudolph Amartey has applied for a government scholarship to attend an American University, and Mr. Magnus Amegashie has been awarded a scholarship to pursue study abroad. He is considering an American college.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
The Australasian Bahá’í quarterly magazine, “Herald of the South,” recently told of an authoritative and valuable reference book by Dr. Mario Pei called “The Story of Language.” Dr. Pei, in his book, makes it clear that the function of language in human affairs is infinitely wider than merely communicating man’s daily wants. He tells that language is a barrier to understanding and is one of the things which divide the human race, but he also states that it is a bond, in that all human beings have language in common, and many of these languages are brothers and cousins of one another.
In almost every chapter Dr. Pei shows how greatly the study of languages can help towards international understanding. He says that one of our main barriers to understanding with the Soviets is a “semantic crisis.” Words such as “liberty,” “peace-loving” and “democracy” have by no means the same meaning on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
Dr. Pei devotes a section of his book to an international language and he suggests that an international language should be acquired by children, in the infant stage, so that they become bi-lingual. Dr. Pei says the choice of the language must be agreed upon in a concerted move, and arranged, or rearranged so as to be written phonetically. He says if this were done in the 1950’s, the universal language would be a reality by 2050 A.D.
(“The Story of Language” published by George Allen and Unwin, London.)
Letter from Haifa[edit]
The Australian Bahá’í Bulletin carries a very interesting letter to the Australian friends from Miss Jessie Revell, member of the International Bahá’í Council, from which some extracts are taken:
“This is the nerve center of the Bahá’í world. Everything that happens in the Bahá’í world has repercussions here and now the Cause is entering a World stage in its activities.
“Our beloved Guardian tells us with regard to the Intercontinental Conferences to be held during the Bahá’í Holy Year that nothing similar has been attempted since the history of the Faith. It is a World Crusade utilizing the agencies of a World Administrative Order which is world-wide in character, to carry out the provisions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s World Plan in the service of a World Faith—a Global Crusade in which all National Spiritual Assemblies will take part. The chief task of these Conferences will be opening up new territories under their jurisdiction, consolidating the work, utilizing the institutions to promote the teaching work, on an international scale.
“One day at dinner Shoghi Effendi called for a World Map and he himself drew circles around the territories under the jurisdiction of the eleven National Spiritual Assemblies, then he drew circles around eleven more territories where new National Spiritual Assemblies are to be made within the next ten years and he called this ‘the wheels of Bahá’u’lláh’s chariot.’ This world crusade will last ten years and will culminate in The Most Great Jubilee and will include every sovereign state, every chief dependency, every island of the globe. How very fortunate we all are to have a part in this great crusade! America is the chief executor of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s World Plan. In ten years we will double what has been accomplished since 1844, working through the Institutions of the Faith.
“Bahá’ís are working to build up a Divine Civilization to go hand in hand with a material civilization, not a materialistic civilization. One day Shoghi Effendi said that materialistic civilization implies the negation of Divine Civilization. Material civilization is not harmful but it is insufficient, it has to be linked with Divine Civilization. He said that the Master was always attacking materialistic civilization. Matter is not a bad thing but materialistic matter is bad, nationhood is a good thing, but nationalism is a bad thing and politics is the nerve center of materialistic civilization and America is the most confused and corrupt political center in the world, because it has a materialistic civilization.
“Shoghi Effendi said that when he thinks of the Dome of the Shrine of the Báb he thinks of two things: the International House of Justice and the Institution of Guardianship and the Hands of the Cause. He said the Shrine has a triple crown; one on the parapet of the first unit (the arcade) this crown is of white marble, with green and red decorations, green being a symbol of the lineage of the Báb, red a symbol of His martyrdom and this is adorned with the Greatest Name, one facing ‘Akká and one at each of the four corners. A verse from the Holy Writings will be inscribed on each panel. The second crown is on the Octagon with eight pinnacles gilded with gold on the top and a balustrade around it. The third crown will be the Dome on the drum and this will be entirely golden.
“ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that there would be nine terraces to the German Colony to the top of the mountain. Shoghi Effendi told us that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visualized ships carrying the kings of the earth, laying anchor at the port of Haifa, disembarking, proceeding bareheaded and barefooted, carrying garlands of flowers and flower baskets with precious stones, approaching the Threshold, laying down their crowns, prostrating themselves and sacrificing their crowns as offerings.”
Bahá’í Representative to UN Conference[edit]
Mr. Stanley Bolton, Jr. will represent the Bahá’ís of Australia and
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New Zealand at a United Nation’s
Non-Governmental Organizations
Conference to be held in Manila,
Philippines the latter part of October.
INDIA, PAKISTAN AND BURMA[edit]
Indian’s Success in Australia Lecturing[edit]
Mrs. Shirin Fozdar of India writes from Australia, where she is lecturing, that her trip has been very successful. She has been speaking at the rate of two to four lectures a day. While in Perth she made four broadcasts in six days. She also reports that the newspapers are giving good publicity.
Mrs. Fozdar says that it is something of a surprise to the Australian people with their racial hatred for Asiatics that an Indian has gone to lecture to them. Her lectures are well attended and women’s organizations particularly are eager to have her speak to them.
New Era School Anniversary[edit]
The New Era School in Panchgani celebrated it’s 8th School Anniversary on the 1st of August, 1952. Many of the local friends and some parents and guardians from Bombay and Poona attended the function.
Persian Bahá’í Granted Scholarship[edit]
Mr. Hushmand Fateh Azam of Ṭihrán University and a member of the Library of Ṭihrán University, Faculty of Arts, has been granted a Government of India Scholarship for study at Shanteneketan, Bolepur, Tagore University. He will serve the Faith during his two year stay at this University.
Singapore[edit]
News has recently been received that the Singapore Assembly has been registered with the Government under the Societies Act, and this news has been gazetted by the Government.
Fiji[edit]
David Ali an Indian Bahá’í youth of Suva, Fiji Islands, writes to say: “I am an Indian Bahá’í youth of
Some of the Bahá’ís and friends of Helsinki, Finland. There are now eleven Bahá’ís, including one youth, in Finland. Miss Josephine Kruka, American pioneer to Finland, is seated center, bottom row.
sixteen and am a member of the
Suva Bahá’í group. At present I am
in High School. We have eight adults,
and four youths here including myself. We also have a Fijian native
in the cohorts of Bahá’u’lláh, the first
one of his race.
“An Indian Bahá’í teacher from the Australian National Assembly invited us and introduced the Faith from Qur’ánic angle to the orthodox and bigoted Sunní Muslims here. Their response was only jeers and mocks. The seed has been planted and already a handful of Bahá’ís have shaken about 25,000 Muslims in Fiji. They have given out a written fatva to their colleagues to disassociate themselves entirely from the Bahá’ís. They think that a handful of Bahá’ís can do more damage than a battalion. It is indeed a great concern to them. For us this is only a passing phase, for we know that nothing in this world can arrest the growth of the Faith. The Muslims can not harm us, they are only full of hot air, but there are a few mischief mongers.”
JAPAN[edit]
Sectional Meeting of the 39th Esperanto Congress of Japan Hold for Bahá’ís[edit]
In Kyoto, Japan, the 39th Esperanto Congress of Japan was held
September 21 to 23. About 300 Esperantists gathered at the Kyoto University Hall; they came from all parts of Japan.
A unique feature of the Congress was that for the first time one of the sectional meetings was designated for the Bahá’ís. This meeting was arranged by Tokujiro Torii, the first blind Esperantist of Japan and the second person to become a Bahá’í in Japan—he embraced the Faith in 1916. Mr. Torii today is the Vice Principal of the Kyoto Government School for the Blind.
Miss Agnes Alexander, who writes of this Congress, attended as a Bahá’í Esperantist and presented greetings from the Local Spiritual Assembly of Tokyo. She also spoke on the Bahá’í Faith in three of the sixteen sectional meetings; one for the women, for the blind, and for the Bahá’ís. Among those who attended the last meeting, three were blind.
The high point of the Congress came when Mr. Torii was called to report on the Blind and Bahá’í sections. As he was guided to the platform, the entire Congress in one accord broke into a prolonged and hearty applause. With his finger tips he read his Braille notes as he spoke in fluent Esperanto. The seeds sown by Mr. Torii, particularly among the blind and those associated with them are now bearing fruit.
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To Foster the Spirit of Unity
“With hearts cleansed from the least trace of suspicion and filled with hope and faith in what the spirit of love can achieve, we must one and all endeavor at this moment to forget past impressions, and with absolute good-will and genuine cooperation unite in deepening and diffusing the spirit of love and service that the Cause has thus far so remarkably shown to the world. “Does not ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wish us, as He looks down upon us with loving expectation from His glorious Station, to obliterate as much as possible all traces of censure, of conflicting discussions, of cooling remarks, of petty unnecessary observations that impede the onward march of the Cause, that damp the zeal of the firm believer and detract from the sublimity of the Bahá’í Cause in the eyes of the inquirer? ...” SHOGHI EFFENDI, Bahá’í Administration, pp. 18 and 19 |
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
BAHA'I CONTACTS AT SAMPSON AIR FORCE BASE[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Geneva, N. Y., will be happy to provide a Bahá’í contact for believers, their friends and interested persons who pass through or are stationed at Sampson Air Force Base, located near Geneva.
Correspondence concerning this should be addressed to the Geneva Assembly as listed in Bahá’í Directory.
BAHA'I HOLY DAYS RECOGNIZED IN WILMINGTON[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Wilmington, Delaware, applied to the Superintendent of Public Schools for recognition of the Bahá’í Holy Days, and received favorable action.
In a letter dated May 15, 1952, the Superintendent wrote the Assembly “to advise that we shall notify our principals of the holidays observed by members of the Bahá’í Faith and will report that they treat absences of children on these days in the manner similar to that followed with those of other faiths.”
BAHA'I BRIEFS[edit]
From Santa Paula, Calif. comes the news that a local Bahá’í has been teaching a Sunday School class in the Universalist Church at the invitation of the Minister. She has been given a free hand to teach religions from the broad aspect, and 10 year-olds there are now acquainted with all of the Divine Manifestations.
Long Island will present public meetings every month in the Garden City Hotel. Each meeting will feature both a guest speaker and a Bahá’í speaker.
New Haven, Conn. reports the visit to the home of some isolated believers by five members of the community. Because of this visit a Fireside was held with neighbors of the isolated couple. This reminds us that we never know what we will find at the other end of such a visit, and even though a Fireside does not always result, the joy and fellowship brought to the isolated Bahá’ís can never be measured.
Eastern Mass. and R.I. have as Goal Cities Cambridge, Mass., Ipswich, Mass., and East Providence, R.I. The RTC is looking for volunteer settlers and pioneers for these areas.
Milwaukee, Wis. presented a talk over radio station WTMJ which offers free time in rotation to all members of the Milwaukee County Council of Churches. Another broadcast is scheduled for May 24, 1953.
In Berkeley, Calif. the community has had recent success at getting traveling Bahá’ís interviewed over station KLX on a women’s program. There are times when we cannot afford to be too modest about talents and backgrounds that will serve to spread the word about the Faith.
Washington, D.C. carried the story of Qurratu’l-‘Ayn to the public when a member was able to have two letters to the editor published in newspapers reminding the general public that she was the first woman to give her life for the emancipation of women.
In one month six believers in far off Anchorage, Alaska were able to hold 32 Firesides, 19 of them being by one member.
Rochester, N. Y. and vicinity Bahá’ís are sponsoring a series of ten monthly meetings at the Hotel Seneca.
Wauwatosa, Wis. reports a public meeting held at noon in the dining room of a local hotel. This luncheon meeting was attended by about 75 people, 40 of whom were non-Bahá’ís. Following the talk, Tuesday afternoon Firesides were announced for those who were interested in attending. The regular evening Firesides were also publicized. The interesting thing about this meeting is that it was promoted largely through the efforts of one member of the Community and one member of the Town of Wauwatosa Group. It is very inspirational to know that so much can be accomplished by only two determined people.
And from West Hollywood and Los Angeles, Calif. comes news of social get-togethers sponsored by individual members of the communities to acquaint people with the Faith. Once a month a children’s reception is held, and plans now call for a Spanish Bahá’í Reception to be held to supplement the Spanish speaking Fireside held each Saturday evening.
WHY SUPPORT THE FUND?[edit]
An answer to this question has been received and it should cause us all to stop and reflect for a few moments upon it. Says the writer, “We are told that when we give, the bounties we will receive in the Abhá Kingdom are unspeakably glorious. This is a wonderful and very beautiful promise, yet one of the greatest qualities of a Bahá’í is his unselfish devotion and interest in his fellow man and humanity, with no thought of self. Let us face our fund from the aspect that we are all striving to become Bahá’ís to the greatest extent of our ability and capacity. With this in mind, and forgetful of self, the answer we get to our question is this: We are giving our money in exchange for the advancement of humanity, promoting the oneness of mankind, for the security of posterity, and most important of all—the speedy establishment of peace on earth under the protection of Bahá’u’lláh. Reflect, meditate, and pray, and you will see many more and wonderful God-given bounties that can be gained in exchange for our insignificant sacrifices.”
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Picture of Temple landscaping from the long walk approaching the Temple from the corner of Sheridan Road and Linden Avenue.
NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
DEDICATION OF THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP[edit]
The completion of the Temple landscape design, and the public dedication of the House of Worship, are events of intense interest and supreme importance to American Bahá’ís. To that fulfilment fifty years of unified effort have been devoted, and for that consummation every believer has contributed from his heart and from his material means.
The Temple stands today in its majesty as a demonstration of Bahá’í unity, an embodiment of Bahá’í history in North America, and the most impressive evidence throughout the West of the spiritual potency of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
The dedication will take place on Saturday, May 2, 1953, a distinctive public feature of our worldwide Holy Year celebrations and a demonstration of the universality of the Faith revealed for the regeneration of the peoples of the world. This gathering of Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís for worship in the great auditorium will be preceded by a public meeting, Friday evening, May 1, when speakers will tell the historic story of the Temple, explain its architectural and engineering elements, and present its spiritual meaning and purpose.
Concerning the nature of worship in the Temple, the Guardian wrote on July 29, 1946: “The nature of these gatherings is for prayer, meditation and the reading of writings from the Sacred Scriptures of our Faith and of other Faiths; there can be one or a number of readers; any Bahá’í chosen, or even non-Bahá’í, may read. The gathering should be simple, dignified, and designed to uplift the soul and educate it through hearing the creative Word. No speeches may be made, no extraneous matter introduced ... Vocal music alone may be used and the position of the singer or singers is also a matter for your Assembly to decide after receiving the advice of experts.”
It is wholly mysterious and providential that consecration of the completed Temple should coincide with the worldwide celebration of the Centenary of the Birth of the Bahá’í Revelation, and the Centenary itself occur at a time of darkest crisis in human affairs. Tremendous forces converge and give this event extraordinary historic importance and extraordinary spiritual influence. The Sun of Truth rises toward the zenith, and the epic process of
[Page 10]
destruction and construction is intensified.
We have the testimony of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself, whose Presence in 1912 blessed the Temple site and made this the holiest House of Worship ever to be constructed in the Bahá’í World.
“When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is accomplished, when the lights are emanating therefrom, the righteous ones are presenting themselves therein, the prayers are performed with supplication towards the mysterious Kingdom, the voice of glorification is raised to the Lord, the Supreme, then the believers shall rejoice, the hearts shall be dilated and overflow with the love of the All-living and Self-existent. The people shall hasten to worship in that heavenly Temple, the fragrances of God will be elevated, the divine teachings will be established in the hearts like the establishment of the Spirit in mankind; the people will then stand firm in the Cause of your Lord, the Merciful. Praise and greetings be upon you.”
The Master also revealed the following: “.... the founding of this Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is to be the inception of the organization of the Kingdom. Therefore it is important and is an expression of the upraising of the Evident Standard, which is waving in the center of that Continent, and the results and effects of which will become manifest in the hearts and spirits.”
The Guardian’s words concerning the dedication were written in his letter dated November 23, 1951: “Another special feature of the celebrations of this Jubilee will be the consecration of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West for public worship on the occasion of its completion, fifty years after its inception. This official opening should also take place in conjunction with the 1953 annual Convention. Representatives of different religious denominations should be invited to attend and if possible participate. Non-Bahá’ís should, likewise, be invited to be present. Readings from the Sacred Scriptures of various Faiths should be carefully selected and read on this solemn occasion. The Press and Radio should be utilized to give publicity to this celebration. All National Assemblies throughout the Bahá’í World should be invited by your Assembly to send representatives on this historic occasion.”
Temple landscaping progress, showing Chinese Juniper trees lining a few of the approaches to the Temple. The dark circle in the center is the beginning of a sunken garden, of which there will be nine, in between the nine walks.
The Guardian’s answers to questions about the use of the Temple
addressed to him by the National
Assembly have been published in
Bahá’í News, September, 1952.
In accordance with this direction the National Assembly has appointed a Temple Dedication Committee to prepare the program for the public meeting on Friday evening, May 1, and for the dedication on May 2, and the committee is making an active study of the elements entering into these two gatherings.
On Friday afternoon, May 1, the Anniversary of the Master’s Presence at the Temple site in 1912, a suitable gathering for Bahá’ís only will be held in the auditorium to commemorate that event. This meeting is not part of the public dedication.
Since the dedication of the House of Worship is an event associated so intimately with the feelings and thoughts of the whole American Bahá’í community, the committee welcomes suggestions from the friends communicated through their Local Assembly or Regional Teaching Committee at the earliest possible date.
TEMPLE DEDICATION COMMITTEE—Paul E. Haney, Mrs. Corinne True, Allen B. McDaniel, Carl Scheffler, Albert R. Windust, Horace Holley, Chairman.
NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]
“New Horizons of Unity” Still Available[edit]
The National Youth Committee have recently published a pamphlet which gives a brief explanation of the Bahá’í Faith with an excerpt from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s writings and a paragraph from a letter from the Guardian to the youth. Also included in the pamphlet is ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s “Prayer For All Nations” and the nine texts taken from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh which appear in the interior of the Temple.
This pamphlet was sent out in the World Youth Day kits for the 1952 World Youth Day held in March. There are still some of these pamphlets available at $1.50 per hundred.
Guardian Urges Youth to Prepare for Pioneering[edit]
The Guardian recently sent a letter to the youth telling of his desire that they seriously consider a profession or trade that might insure them of a post in a pioneer field in Africa, the Pacific Islands, or Asia, and in which they could earn their living while serving the Cause as well.
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Bahá’ís attending the European Teaching Conference and Summer School, September, 1952, Luxembourg.
EUROPEAN TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
European Teaching Conference and Summer School[edit]
The Fifth Annual European Teaching Conference and Third Annual European Teaching Summer School took place in Luxembourgville, Luxembourg August 30 through September 7. As expressed by the Guardian in his cable greeting, this marked “(the) conclusion (of the) series (of the) memorable annual gatherings, leaving (an) indelible imprint (on the) annals (of the) second stage (of the) evolution (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan....” Thus this Conference was indeed an historic one. The Guardian’s cable message to those assembled in this gathering was a sober and fateful one but the new believers in the ten Goal countries whom the Guardian said “constituted (the) core (of the) vanguard (of the) army, singled out by (the) Lord (of) Hosts (for the) quickening (and) ultimate conquest (of the) spiritually slumbering continent, ...” demonstrated not only a realization of this vital moment in the growth of the Faith but their complete willingness and capacity to assume their full responsibility in the forthcoming momentous Global Crusade.
Following is a firsthand report of the Conference and Summer School by an American Bahá’í visitor present at both occasions.
Luxembourg!
The smallest and most invaded country in Europe. A cross roads of culture and conquest for centuries. Today a country that is rapidly healing its war wounds; a free market in the center of western Europe. A land of conservative, courageous people; a stronghold of religious orthodoxy.
The capital city of Luxembourg was the goal of Bahá’ís on August 29th.
We arrived by bus and train along with Schuman Plan officials—was it mere chance that had brought us here at the moment when the six nations of the Schuman Plan had come to arrange for greater unity?!
The evening of the 29th was an informal reception at the famous Casino. Here we were to eat and study together for a week. Saturday morning the Conference was officially opened. The four Hands of the Cause who were sent: Mr. Ugo Giachery, Dr. Hermann Grossmann, Mr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel and Mr. Zikrullah Khadem—read the opening prayers. How blessed we felt by their presence!
Mr. Claude Levy, the Chairman of the Luxembourgville Assembly welcomed us to his country. The local believers and pioneers had worked long hours to make us happy and comfortable. Miss Edna True, Chairman of the Conference, greeted us in the name of the European Teaching Committee, National Spiritual Assembly and believers of the United States. She pictured the accomplishments to date: 18 Assemblies and over 500 believers in the ten goal countries. Then told of the work ahead in launching the World Crusade in which the Guardian has given Europe a vital part.
Next came the moment most eagerly awaited — the reading of the Guardian’s cable to the Conference. His love and guidance engulfed us. He was proud of our achievements but in the resistless march of the Cause ahead we had only begun.
“... Earnestly appeal (to) all participants (in the) phenomenal birth (and) rise (of the) communities constituting weighty elements (in the) life (of the) firmly knit world Bahá’í family (to) prepare themselves during present Conference (for the) future close collaboration (with the) long established sister communities (in the) British Isles, France, (and) Germany (to) meet (the) challenge (of the) major strenuous task constituting (the) pivot (of the) deliberations (of the) approaching Stockholm Inter-continental Conference, designed (to) expand (and) consolidate (the) framework (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) north, south,
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west (and) heart (of the) European
Continent, foreshadowing (the)
launching (of) future enterprises (in)
collaboration (with the) German,
Persian, ‘Iráqi Bahá’í Communities, calculated (to) extend (the)
regenerating influence (of the)
same order (to) eastern (and) southeastern territories (of the) same continent (and) eventually beyond its
confines, across (the) Ural Mountains (to the) north, west (and) ultimately (to the) heart (of the) Asiatic Continent. Stop....”
(Full text of this cable is carried
elsewhere in this issue).
Mentally we were packing bags, making plans. The Channel Isles, Orkney Isles, Siberia, Tibet — would one need a horse or mule for Tibet! This was a group who knew what action and sacrifice meant and their hearts flew ahead to the tasks to come. Miss Honor Kempton read other messages to the Conference, warm and cordial messages, by letter and cable conveying the grateful acknowledgement of tasks achieved and loving best wishes for future accomplishments, from the American National Assembly, a warm and tender letter from the ETC and from the friends in many places. We felt the oneness of the Bahá’í World Community.
Then came the Roll Call. Do you know what a Roll Call means here in Europe? Six years ago not a handful would have responded. Now the countries were called, one by one—Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland,—across Europe we went—Turkey, Egypt, Persia. Shining faces stood, souls that had been “found,” the vanguard of the Lord of Hosts. Twenty-one countries represented, one hundred and thirty-two believers present. “Look what God has wrought” was upon our lips.
Saturday afternoon we settled down to study and consultation. The study for the week was divided into five aspects:
- The spiritual development and responsibility of the individual.
- Building the Administration.
- Teaching the Cause — The Divine Plan
- The history of the Faith and its Significance Today.
- Preparation for the Jubilee Year—The Stockholm Conference.
Else Steinmetz started us off with
her talk on “Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant
in Action.” “Cast away that which
you possess and on the wings of detachment, soar beyond all created
things.” (Bahá’u’lláh.) ... “Wings.
Symbol of the rhythmic motion of
life itself, of ascent and descent, rising and falling, coming and going.
Upon this principle of attraction and
repulsion, depend the order and majesty of both the physical and spiritual world. With the same rhythmic
certainty which the physical sun pursues to draw the planets toward itself, so a living God regularly draws
His creatures scattered in darkness
back to the light—the light of a new
Revelation.”
The talks had been mimeographed in three languages—English, French and German. A tremendous task, but it lifted the barrier of language.
The Hands of the Cause gave freely of their knowledge in the excellent discussion periods. The following are a few of their remarks:
Mr. Khadem:
“If we did not have the Guardian what could we as believers accomplish? The unity and love which exists among the believers has never existed to the same degree before because previous Dispensations did not have the Covenant and the Guardian ...
“The Guardian is bringing into reality the goal in the human world—the Kingdom of God upon earth. The tent which Bahá’u’lláh used on Mt. Carmel and under which He wrote the Tablet of Carmel will be pitched again upon the same spot.
“The original copy of the Íqán is now in Haifa. Dictated by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote the manuscript when He was sixteen years old. It is marked in the margin by Bahá’u’lláh’s own hand.”
Dr. Grossmann:
“Love and obedience for the believer are as two wings to function in the Covenant. The Covenant is a unity of different elements.
- Acknowledgement of the Prophet
- Changing of one’s character
- Learning and studying the teachings
- Living the Administration
All four of these elements are
necessary in our lives.”
Mr. Giachery:
“The Italo-Swiss Convention plans are taking shape. Tentative dates are April 24 and 25.
“Purity of heart is most essential for every believer. We can not really know prayer until we have this.
“There are ways that we can lift the burden the Guardian carries and bring him happiness.
- To have love and unity among the friends.
- To form new Assemblies
- Pioneers going into virgin territory
- Increased membership
- Firm establishment of the Administration
These are the gifts we may give
him!
“The stained glass windows for the Shrine of the Báb have arrived in Haifa. They were made in Italy from a design of Mr. Maxwell’s.”
Mr. Muhlschlegel:
“ ‘Love me that I may love thee.’ (Bahá’u’lláh.) This is the care of the Covenant. The Covenant is God’s promise to man that He will help us, has helped us. But we must let ourselves be assisted.
“In former times man was not acquainted with the laws of nature, but he knew he needed God! Now man knows nature but he thinks he does not need God! ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s tablet to Dr. Forel shows the unbeliever the way to God. When we teach man to know God then we can teach him of the Covenant.”
The hours and days slipped by. Lilian Wyss, Theo Beets, Louis Hénuzet, Guilio Jacoviello and Anita Ioas gave the keynote talks, preceding the consultation periods of the Conference.
Monday night was the closing of the three day Conference. A Unity Banquet was held. Our lecture hall in the Casino had been transformed. We sat down at long flower decked tables with a red rose for each person to pin over the heart.
Honor Kempton and Suzette Kipp, (the first Luxembourgan to accept the Faith) were co-chairmen. Miss Hipp expressed in her opening remarks the sentiment of us all. That we were more grateful than words could express for the bounty of knowing of God’s Covenant today—for the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
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which had brought the ETC and pioneers to Europe—for the great love
and guidance of the Guardian. She
reminded us that this would be the
last of the European Teaching Conferences. Next year we would be in
Stockholm and the work from now
on would be in Regional setups. Eyes
were misty as she told how deeply
the European believers appreciated
the devotion and help from America.
“We send our heartfelt thanks to you
all.”
Miss Kempton called upon the Hands of the Cause and then a representative from each Community and country. “Thank you, thank God” was said over and over and the love that poured from the hearts created an unforgettable atmosphere. We seemed to forget time and space and be aware only of the unity between earth and heaven.
Tuesday morning came, and the Summer School Sessions began. Charlotte Stirratt, Ned Blackmer, Amelia Bowman, Honor Kempton, Eleanor Hollibaugh, Virginia Orbison, Eugen Schmidt, David Hofman and Edna True were our teachers. We could not help but spread our wings under such tutelage. It was mature study and discussion.
At noon on Thursday we tuned in on an historic radio broadcast. A Bahá’í interview had been requested by the most powerful radio station in all Europe “Radio-Luxembourg!” It was the first time the Faith had been given over such a wide area.
Friday afternoon was recreation time. We piled into two big busses, our destination Echternach, a city rich in tradition and architecture. Here Saint Willibrord came about 987 A.D. to bring Christianity to Luxembourg. As we wandered through the tiny streets and squares we spoke the name of Bahá’u’lláh, but little did the passive priests realize that the hope of Europe had come! As we gathered by our busses to return, Mr. Khadem told us of the death of the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia. Our joy was suddenly turned into grief.
Friday evening was the public meeting. Mme. Lea Nys spoke in French on the “Reconstruction of Human Society,” Dr. Grossmann, in German, on the “Regeneration of Individual Man.” It was a triumph to have the press come. Never have we heard the Cause more convincingly presented!
Sunday night was the Feast of Power—our last hours together. The prayer for Shoghi Effendi was said in twelve languages; we heard the record of the Master’s Voice. Tea was served to us by the Hands of the Cause. A gift of Turkish paste had been brought by Mr. Doktoroglu of Istanbul. Our hearts and minds were filled to overflowing. How great had been the gifts of the week together. We wanted to linger but there were tasks ahead. “Goodbye! See you in Stockholm” were our last words.
U.S. AFRICA COMMITTEE[edit]
Committee plans to have five new pioneers in the field this month encountered unexpected and severe difficulties and delays. But our efforts are continuing on the five projects which will carry these American pioneers to the Gold Coast, Kenya and Liberia.
From the Collisons in Kampala has come another of those long interesting letters of life and events in Africa. They relate that the Guardian said to Ted Cardell: “I am living for the day when the African Bahá’ís come to see me in Haifa.” The Collisons are expecting a car which was shipped them, and when it comes they are daring to dream that they will be able to drive to Haifa with some of the African believers. We pray that this dream may come true. The Collisons also stated that the Africans are intensely interested in America and American life. Many ask about the status of the Negro in American life, and what seems to impress them most about the Bahá’ís is their fairness and sincere approach to the Africans as human beings.
The Collisons’ description of Ali Nakjawani’s method of teaching the Faith to the native Africans was most interesting. He is a master at giving things simply, forcefully and an artist at using examples and analogies within the African’s experience and natural surroundings. Mrs. Collison states that the Africans like the talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Portals to Freedom, the Chosen Highway and stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. They love the prayers and are anxious to have prayer books of their own.
The Collisons have been writing long interesting letters to their
Mary and Rex Collison, first American pioneers to Kampala, Uganda. Mr. and Mrs. Collison are hosts and caretakers at the new Hazíratu’l-Quds at Kampala. News of the Collisons is to be found in the U. S. Africa Committee report.
friends, and were advised that their
longest letter was published in three
installments in the Geyserville Press, their American hometown
paper.
The Kampala Conference[edit]
For those interested in news and information on the coming Kampala Conference, the First Intercontinental Conference, more news and information has come in:
- DATE: February 12 to 18, 1953
- PLACE: Kampala Uganda, British East Africa
- PASSPORTS AND VISAS NEEDED: Apply to the State Department of your Country for a passport to visit British East Africa. Then Apply to the British Consul of your city (or the nearest city where one is located) for a Visitor’s Visa to visit British East Africa. These applications should be filed as soon as possible.
- If you intend to visit Haifa while on the way to or from the Conference you will need permission from the Guardian and also a visa from the Israeli Consul.
- INOCULATIONS: Certificates showing small pox and yellow fever inoculations are required in order to attend the Kampala Conference. Since Kampala is not far from the cholera belt it would be well to have inoculations for cholera.
- TRAVEL: Persons who intend to visit the Conference and Haifa may leave New York, Monday,
- afternoon and with stops in Shannon, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Rome and Athens, will arrive in Tel Aviv, Israel the following Wednesday morning. The short trip from Tel Aviv to Haifa may be made by plane or train. (This is the route submitted by Cook’s Agency.)
- The British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) has submitted the following route which is “considered the fastest and most direct” Boston—London—Nicosia (a British Island), Haifa. Then Haifa-Nicosia-Khartoum-Entebbe (Kampala).
- On return trip, arrangements could be made to stop at cities serviced by BOAC according to the wishes of the traveler.
- The only round trip fare that has as yet been obtained is the first class round trip fare to Kampala, which is $1,432.80. This fare can be cut materially by travelling from New York to London and return, tourist class and during off-season, i.e. November and March inclusive.
AMERICAN NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE[edit]
Tips for Teaching[edit]
“Perhaps the reason why you have not accomplished so much in the field of teaching is the extent you have looked upon your own weaknesses and inabilities to spread the Message. Bahá’u’lláh and the Master have both urged us repeatedly to disregard our own handicaps and lay our whole reliance upon God. He will come to our aid if we only arise and become an active channel for God’s Grace.
“Do you think it is the teachers who make converts and change human hearts? No, surely not. They are only pure souls who take the first steps and then let the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh move and make use of them. If any one of them should even for a second think, or consider his achievements as due to his own capacities, his work is ended and his fall starts. This is the fact why so many competent souls have, after wonderful services, suddenly found themselves utterly impotent and perhaps thrown aside by the spirit of the Cause as useless souls.
The criterion is the extent to which
we are ready to have the will of
God work through us.”
— Letter from the Guardian,
through his secretary, to Mrs. Marie
Hopper, October 26, 1933.
A bulletin, “Suggestions for Opening a New City to the Bahá’í Faith,” has been prepared by the American National Teaching Committee. These suggestions are based on actual, successful experiences of Regional Teaching Committees, the Bahá’í Groups, and pioneer settlers and teachers over a period of years in opening new cities to the Faith. They are offered in the hope that they may prove helpful to other Regional Teaching Committees, Bahá’í Groups, settlers and extension teaching committees of Local Spiritual Assemblies in the present national effort to expand and consolidate the home front. It is recognized that this is not the only plan that can achieve these goals, but many of the elements of the plan may offer ideas that can be incorporated in the teaching programs planned or already under way in new cities. Copies of this bulletin may be obtained on request from the Secretary of your Regional Teaching Committee.
BAHA'I SERVICE FOR THE BLIND[edit]
Memorial Gift to Bahá’í Service for the Blind[edit]
Braille plates for The Open Door have been presented to this Committee in memory of Marion Longyear. This gift has made it possible for the Committee to publish The Open Door in Braille, Grade 2. This much-needed pamphlet is now being offered at 65c per copy.
Braille Kit[edit]
In order to meet the demand for our Jubilee Year, a new kit of Braille literature has been assembled in a most attractive assortments of colors. It is really a double-edged teaching tool—useful to the blind and an attraction to the sighted, designed to be used for contact work, for blind inquirers attending classes or firesides, and for very colorful displays at all types of Bahá’í meetings.
The kit consists of:
- The Bahá’í House of Worship
- Communion with God
- The Open Door
- The Nine-Inscription Booklet (2 copies)
Priced at only $2.50, it is now available at
- Bahá’í Service for the Blind
- 616 North Oxford Avenue
- Los Angeles 4, California
JUBILEE COMMITTEE[edit]
Were you Present?[edit]
The Jubilee Committee would like to have the names and addresses of all Bahá’ís living, who were present on the grounds of the Temple when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicated the Temple site, on May 1, 1912.
If you were one of those fortunate few who attended that wonderful ceremony, please send your name and address to Dr. Katherine True, 418 Forest Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois.
DIRECTORY ADDITIONS AND CHANGES[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
GREENWICH, CONN.,
- Mrs. Juliette Meade, Act. Sec’y.
- 69 Northfield St.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
- Mrs. Laura Walsh, Sec’y.
- % Mrs. Viola Thomson
- 414 Clancy Ave., N.E.
JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK
- Mr. Elias Laughlin, Sec’y.
- 16 Valley St.
DALLAS, TEXAS
- Mrs. Allene Squires, Sec’y.
- 7002 Fillmore Place
Regional Teaching Committees:
RTC of Oregon
- Mrs. Zara Dunne, Secretary
- P.O. Box 846, Astoria, Ore.
RTC of Texas
- Mrs. Inez L. Butterfield, Act. Sec’y.
- 3409 Mt. Vernon, Houston, Texas
RTC of Ohio
- Mrs. Florence M. Reeb, Act. Sec’y.
- 2803 Sherwood Rd., Apt. A
- Columbus, Ohio
"WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM"[edit]
Consider in what a great age thou hast stepped into the world of existence and under the shadow of what an Ensign of Guidance thou wert sheltered and attained the hope and greatest desire of the saints!
If thou dost arise to comply with that which is deemed worthy of this favor and is a duty, thou shalt observe that this Guidance is the crown of eternal sovereignty and this attainment is everlasting glory, happiness and the means of the forgiveness of sins and the lamp of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
O ye real friends! Make ye an effort that this universe may become another universe and this darkened world find a ray of the Sun of Truth and become luminous and refulgent.
The material world is gloomy. Praise be to God! thou hast been led to the illumined realm. Darkness hath environed all the inhabitants of the globe, but thou hast found guidance. The souls are dead; thou hast been quickened through the Spirit of Truth. The eyes are blind; thine eyes became bright by beholding the lights. The ears are deaf; thou hast heard the voice of the Merciful One.
The essence of all exhortation is that thou shouldst abandon thyself and sacrifice life, body and heart for the Beloved One of the World.
If thou seekest to be intoxicated with the Cup of the Most Mighty Gift, cut thyself from the world and be quit of self and desire. Exert thyself night and day until spiritual powers may penetrate thy heart and soul. Abandon the body and the material, until the merciful powers may become manifest; because not until the soil is become pure will it develop through the heavenly bounty, not until the heart is purified, will the radiance of the Sun of Truth shine therein. I beg of God that thou wilt day by day increase the purity of thy heart, the cheerfulness of thy soul, the light of thy insight and the search for Truth.
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“O ye friends of God! Exert ye with heart and soul, so that association, love, unity and agreement be obtained between the hearts, all the aims may be merged into one aim, all the songs become one song and the power of the Holy Spirit may become so overwhelmingly victorious as to overcome all the forces of the world of nature. Work! This is the great Work, should ye become assisted therein. Thus America may become the fulcrum of merciful susceptibilities and the throne of the Kingdom of God be established upon earth with the greatest joy and majesty.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, America’s Spiritual Mission, p. 42
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[Page 16]
Bahá’ís at the Cathedral of the Pines Bahá’í Service in Rindge, New Hampshire. The Bahá’í speakers, Mr. William de Forge and Mrs. Dudley Blakely are shown at the left of the group.
MARRIAGES[edit]
Mount Vernon, N. Y., Miss Janet Deats to Mr. Donald Washburn (non-Bahá’í) August 30, 1952
Pontiac, Mich., Miss Jennie Koikas (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Calvin Tilman June 7, 1952
Anchorage, Alaska, Mrs. Florence Green to S/Sgt. Robert Martin June 12, 1952
Boston, Mass., Miss Anita Hartwood to Mr. William Morgan (non-Bahá’í) August 23, 1952
Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Faith Lack James to Mr. James Montgomery (non-Bahá’í) date not reported
Chicago, Ill., Miss Lucille Jordan to Mr. Monroe McCarrell, Jr. August 21, 1952
Chicago, Ill., Miss Jean Roddy (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Aldrich Burton September 14, 1952
Santa Rosa, Calif., Mrs. Ruth Nicholas to Mr. Adolph Linge June 1, 1952
Boston, Mass., Miss Moneveh Weeks to Mr. Nicholas Peters September 20, 1952
Madison, Wis., Miss Eloise Barton (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Lawrence Suhm September 6, 1952
South Bend, Ind., Miss Camilla J. Love to Mr. Oscar White (non-Bahá’í) June 21, 1952
Seattle, Wash., Mrs. Dora Gulliford to Mr. Paul Bray (non-Bahá’í) date not reported
Maywood, Ill., Miss Billie Harvey (non-Bahá’í) to Mr. Arthur C. Jackson September 22, 1952
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
The Open Door, new printing available about November 10. Please reorder. 10 for .50
The Renewal of Civilization, by David Hofman. Expect to be in stock again by November 15. .75
Heart of the Gospel (paper) by Geo. Townshend. Expect to receive new shipment by November 15. 1.25
Four Pamphlets will be Three Pamphlets from now on, consisting
only of Man, The Supreme Talisman, Human Relations For World Unity and God Is Man’s Goal
Price, .10 each, 3 for .25
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
- Miss Frances Moore, Preston, Minnesota August 23, 1952
- Mrs. Eva Batey, Atlantic City, New Jersey date not known
- Miss Alta Helene Moore, Castile, New York September 5, 1952
- Mr. Peter Dickson, South Gate, Calif. July 18, 1952
- Miss Helen Campbell, New York, N. Y. September 17, 1952
- Mrs. Louise Bosch, Belmont, Calif. September 6, 1952
- Miss Carol DeBruin, Somers Twp., Wisc. September 28, 1952
- Mr. Charles Fishback, Chicago, Illinois August 4, 1952
- Mrs. Marion Longyear, Beverly Hills, Calif. September 10, 1952
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
State Convention:
- Sunday, December 7, 1952
Anniversaries:
- November 12—Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
- November 26—Day of the Covenant
- November 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Feasts:
- November 4—Qudrat, Power
- November 23—Qawl, Speech
National Spiritual Assembly Meetings:
- November 8, 9, 10, and 11
- December 12, 13, and 14
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. 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,
Managing Editor; Mr. William C. Henning, Miss Farrukh Ioas, Miss Joan Lozier, Mr. Robert Moul.
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.
