Bahá’í News/Issue 264/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 264 | BAHA’I YEAR 109 | FEBRUARY, 1953 | |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
EPOCH-MAKING AFRICA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE[edit]
Rejoice (to) share (with) Bahá’í communities East (and) West thrilling reports (of) feats achieved (by the) heroic band (of) Bahá’í pioneers laboring (in) divers widely-scattered African territories, particularly (in) Uganda, (in the) heart (of the) continent, reminiscent alike (of) episodes related (in the) Book (of) Acts (and the) rapid, dramatic propagation (of the) Faith (through the) instrumentality (of the) Dawn-Breakers (in the) Heroic Age (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation. (The) marvelous accomplishments signalizing (the) rise (and) establishment (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (in) Latin America (have been) eclipsed. (The) exploits immortalizing (the) recently launched crusade (in the) European continent (have been) surpassed. (The) goal (of the) seven-month plan, initiated (by the) Kampala Assembly, aiming (at) doubling (the) twelve enrolled believers, (has been) outstripped. (The) number (of) Africans converted (in the) course (of the) last fifteen months, residing (in) Kampala (and) outlying districts, (with) Protestant, Catholic (and) Pagan backgrounds, lettered (and) unlettered, (of) both sexes, representative (of) no less (than) sixteen tribes, (has) passed (the) two hundred mark.
(The) effulgent rays (of) God’s triumphant Cause, radiating (from the) focal center (are) fast awakening
A view of the Terraces and the Shrine of the Báb from Mt. Carmel Avenue.
[Page 2]
(the) continent (and) penetrating (at an) accelerating rate isolated
regions unfrequented (by) white men
(and) enveloping (with) their radiance souls hitherto indifferent (to
the) persistent humanitarian activities (of the) Christian missions (and
the) civilizing influence (of the) civil
authorities. No less (than) nine localities (will be) qualified (to) attain, (by this) coming Riḍván, Assembly status within (a) single territory (of the) long-slumbering continent.
Zanzibar, Madagascar, French Morocco, South Rhodesia, Italian Somaliland (are) already or soon (will) be opened (to the) Faith.
Desire (to) pay special tribute (to the) strenuous efforts exerted (by) Ali Nakhjavani, setting (an) example (of) dedication (and) freedom (from) prejudice (to) fellow pioneers laboring (in) inhospitable surroundings (and) confronted (by) manifold (and) formidable obstacles.
Planning (to) entrust (to the) special representative delegated (to) attend (the) approaching Kampala Conference (a) portrait (of the) holy Báb, (a) replica (of the) one deposited beneath (the) dome (of the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (in) Wilmette, to be exhibited (to the) assembled attendants (on the) historic occasion. Confident unveiling may draw newly recruited vanguard (of the) ever-swelling host (of) Bahá’u’lláh, as well as all participating visitors, itinerant teachers (and) settlers, closer (to the) spirit (of the) Martyr-Prophet (of the) Faith (and) bestow everlasting benediction (on) all gathered (at the) memorable sessions (of the) epoch-making Intercontinental Conference dedicated (to the) prosecution (of the) latest, most glorious crusade launched (in the) course (of) eleven decades (of) Bahá’í history.
- COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved Friends:
The first of the four Intercontinental Conferences, which the Guardian has characterized as the highlights of the Jubilee Celebrations, will be in session at Kampala, Uganda, in the African Continent, when this issue of Bahá’í News is read by the believers.
To inspire us with fuller comprehension of its import, and to direct a greater inspiration upon those attending the Conference, Shoghi Effendi has sent his cabled message of January 5 to the Bahá’í Communities of East and West.
The exploits of the pioneers in Africa demonstrate the Power at work to reinforce the teachers and administrative bodies who will be responsible for the projects assigned throughout the African area under the World Crusade.
The Spirit of the Martyr-Prophet will permeate the sessions, bestowing an “everlasting benediction” and raising the divine standard of sacrifice by which the spiritual conquest of the planet is to be achieved.
We may all, with humility, pray for the success of all four Conferences, and pledge our full contribution to the Bahá’í Crusade.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
CREDENTIALS OF BAHA'IS ATTENDING THE JUBILEE CELEBRATION[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly requests every believer coming for the Convention, Temple Dedication, Intercontinental Teaching Conference and other Jubilee events, to bring Bahá’í credentials.
A complete registration of Bahá’ís is to be made, and credentials are necessary for attendance at all meetings other than those open to the general public.
Bahá’ís of the United States obtain their credentials from the local Assembly. If living outside a community they apply for them from the National Assembly in advance.
Bahá’ís of lands having National Assemblies are to bring credentials from their National Spiritual Assembly. Bahá’ís of lands not having a National Assembly are to have official credentials from their local Assembly.
The kind cooperation of all Bahá’í visitors is requested.
JUBILEE ATTENDANCE POLL[edit]
A recent issue of Bahá’í News contained an insert which provided full information about hotel and housing arrangements for those attending the Convention, Temple Dedication, Jubilee public meetings and the Intercontinental Teaching Conference, or any one of these events.
With the text was included a form to be filled out by every Bahá’í planning to come, and mailed in to the National administrative headquarters, Wilmette.
Though many believers have already sent in the attendance poll, the number received by no means represents the full number planning to come.
The National Assembly urgently repeats its request for the return of this form as soon as possible. It does not obligate the believer, but provides statistical data without which it would be extremely difficult to conclude all the arrangements necessary for the accommodation, meals and bus transportation of the large number of Bahá’ís. Since the Jubilee events will be held in Chicago, Winnetka and Wilmette, careful planning must be carried out in advance.
Will local Assemblies mention these facts at the Nineteen Day Feast, and Regional Committees refer to them in their bulletins.
REPORT TO THE FRIENDS[edit]
(November)[edit]
The November 1952 meeting of the National Assembly began Friday evening, November 7, and extended through Tuesday, November 11. The chief conferences held during the meeting were with Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, Vice-President of the International Bahá’í Council, with the Jubilee Committee, and with the Centenary News Service Committee.
The seventy-one pages of Minutes recording the proceedings of this
[Page 3]
Photo at left shows an exquisite detail of a corner of an Arcade of the Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel. Pictured at right is an approach to the last Terrace leading to the Shrine of the Báb at Haifa, Israel.
meeting reflect the many and diversified activities and problems which
come to the National Assembly.
Action was taken to proceed with the capping of the pylons on the Temple in time for the Jubilee dedication, word having been received from the Guardian requesting that this be done before that time. A cablegram was sent to the Prime Minister of Israel extending sympathy on the death of Dr. Weizman, first President of Israel.
The membership of the Bahá’í World Editorial Committee for Vol. XIII was appointed. The committee is centered in and around New York City.
Various actions were taken concerning new editions of The Dawn-Breakers and Some Answered Questions, and the publication of The Bahá’í World, Vol. XI.
The Africa Committee presented an extended report which covered projects for Liberia and the Gold Coast, the Kampala Conference, and approval of additional prospective pioneers.
The Intercontinental Teaching Committee presented for consultation and approval several items connected with the forthcoming Intercontinental Conference to be held in Chicago. Several articles are being prepared for Bahá’í News to inform and orient all the friends to this historic event.
Correspondence was received from the National Spiritual Assemblies of both Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, and the British Isles. The National Assembly of Central America announced that it has been officially recognized as a “Religious Body of an International Character” by the government of Panama.
Fifteen letters and reports about teaching work throughout the country were presented and considered. Consideration was also given to an extended series of recommendations about the Green Acre School.
Other committees which submitted reports or projects for consultation were: Child Education, Youth, Temple Program, Audio-Visual, Library, Service for the Blind, Publishing, Reviewing, and United Nations. Letters from five Local Assemblies and from eleven individuals were considered.
There was a lengthy consultation with the Jubilee Committee. A tentative schedule of speakers and chairmen for the public meetings was presented.
(December)[edit]
The December meeting of the National Assembly opened Thursday evening, December 11, and closed at noon on Monday, December 15. The Minutes cover 52 pages, not including annexes in the form of documents and special reports.
Early in each session of the National Assembly detailed consideration is given to all messages received from Haifa since the preceding meeting. Another large block of time is always taken up in considering the report of the Treasurer.
Conferences were held with five individuals and with the Jubilee Committee. Additional appointments were made to six national committees.
A number of actions relative to publishing were taken. The Assembly approved recommended increases in the price list for Bahá’í literature. Steps were taken to increase insurance coverage on the book stock. Reprintings were ordered on several pamphlets. Estimates were submitted for the cost of publishing an edition of the selected talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in America. The Publishing Committee was directed to have dust jackets designed and printed for future editions of major books. The Publishing Committee was authorized to bring out an edition of a new six lesson study course on Islam prepared by Marziah Gail. A report was made to the Assembly on the longtime project to have introductions prepared for all the major Bahá’í books.
The Africa Teaching Committee and the European Teaching Committee reported in detail on projects under their supervision. Plans were completed for the calling of the first Italo-Swiss Convention in Florence, April 23-26.
There was a lengthy consultation on teaching in the United States. Correspondence was considered from three RTCs.
The special NSA committee on the Annual Convention submitted a tentative agenda and recommended that, as in former years, the delegates be invited to submit in advance suggestions for the agenda. The recommendation was accepted and a letter to delegates voted.
Letters were considered from four Local Spiritual Assemblies, from eleven individuals, and from five National Spiritual Assemblies.
The Temple Dedication Committee submitted a report and recommendations. The program for the commemorative meeting on May 1 is in preliminary outline. The program for the public dedication is taking shape. Painstaking work is being put in on the selection of the right passages for the solemnity and purpose of this historic occasion. Careful rehearsing of readings and music will be necessary.
A conference was held with the Jubilee Committee. The program for the public meetings during the Jubilee period was discussed and is nearing final form.
The Intercontinental Teaching Committee submitted a suggested agenda for the Intercontinental Conference, subject to possible changes arising from further messages received from the Guardian.
CORRECTION — GUARDIAN’S DECEMBER 15 CABLE
Line 25 ... occasion (of the) completion (of the) construction (of the) Mother Temple (of the) West, ....
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AFRICA[edit]
An Historical Milestone[edit]
February marks a most significant milestone. The Kampala Conference, first of the four historic International Conferences which the Guardian states are to “immortalize the Centenary of the memorable year” is convening. The hearts of all the new believers throughout the vast continent of Africa are united with those of the friends in every land in this thrilling achievement and all are quickened by this visible demonstration of the dynamic unifying power of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
December Bahá’í News told of the arrival of ‘Azíz Yazdi in Nairobi, Kenya. Now through the British Africa News we learn that his wife and three children have joined him there. The group has been augmented further by the arrival of Mr. Afsharian whose plans to settle in Nairobi have materialized.
Africa News also states that Italian Somaliland is the goal territory for Soheil Samandari, Persian Bahá’í who previously pioneered in Pakistan. Another Persian pioneer, Ezattullah Zahrai, has proceeded to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika. The Mansoor Masrur family, Persian pioneers, have gone to Casablanca, Morocco. The plans of Mrs. Shomais Afnan were to proceed from England to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, (on the special advice of the Guardian) where she has obtained a position in a nursing home.
Monrovia, Liberia has more than double the requirements for Assembly status, and the election of its first Local Spiritual Assembly will take place in April, 1953. Two new Monrovian Bahá’ís, Magnus Amegashie and R. Amartey have been awarded government scholarships to study in the United States. The latter will return to Gold Coast when his studies are completed. Valerie Wilson recently left the United States in response to the call for pioneers and has begun her pioneer work in Monrovia.
Youth in Kampala[edit]
A recent letter from African Bahá’í Youth in Kampala expresses the depth of their belief, in the following words:
“We are not past masters at English, dear bretheren. The language is but auxiliary, otherwise we should tell you what joy we had when we first heard about the Bahá’í Faith in such words as should bring you right down to Kampala and see our eyes beam with joy and hope. For the first time we see what God meant when He made people with different colors. Indeed, the world would have irreparable boredom if we were all white, black, red or yellow ...
“It may be of interest to you that, probably unlike other countries, in Africa the Bahá’í Faith will be shouldered by the young people who, so far, are the ones who can read and write English. It is they who will be interpreting the Faith into local languages.”
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View of Kampala, Uganda in British East Africa, where the African Intercontinental Conference is being held, February 12-18. This is the first of the series of International Conferences initiating the Centennial festivities, being convened by the British National Spiritual Assembly. Hands of the Cause will attend this Conference as well as National Assembly representatives from the British Isles, United States, Persia, Egypt and India and new Bahá’ís from territories of the Africa Continent. The Conference Program appeared in January Bahá’í News. |
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PHOTOGRAPHS OF WORLD CENTER
Mr. Ted Cardell, pioneering in Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, took a number of beautiful photographs on his recent pilgrimage to Haifa under the direction of the Guardian. These include all of the interesting and holy places in and about the Bahá’í World Center. Because of the difficulties in producing and distributing these photographs in Africa, Mr. Cardell has enlisted the services of Mr. Lawrence A. Hautz, Mr. Carl A. Scherer and Mrs. Dorothy V. Petersen who are recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States as a committee acting to supply believers and National Spiritual Assemblies all over the world. In the United States all orders should be placed with your local Spiritual Assembly or the nearest LSA who will forward the bulk order to this committee and then distribute the pictures after we ship the order to them. The price designated below includes the cost of mailing. In all other countries orders should be placed through their respective National Spiritual Assembly or where there is no NSA through the nearest one. Because of the tremendous amount of detail, orders will only be filled when a check or money order in U.S. currency is attached. The pictures are all 4x5 and will be sold in full sets only.
All orders should be addressed to Mrs. Dorothy V. Petersen, 2557 North 69th Street, Wauwatosa 10, Wisconsin. |
FOUNDATIONS OF THE KINGDOM
To our age God has sent His Prophet, Bahá’u’lláh. He has created a new age, endowed it with a glorious destiny, revealed its principle of truth, and summoned the people of the East and West to unite in devotion to the one true God. The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh,
Special Jubilee Pamphlet |
[Page 6]
Bahá’í Delegation at Fifth Conference of International Non-Governmental Organizations on United Nations Information, October
6-10, 1952, at United Nations, New York. The Bahá’í Delegation are at right front section and includes William DeForge,
Manual Vera, Hilda Yen Male, Albert Rakovsky, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Nettie Reynenberg, Mildred R. Mottahedeh, and Hedda
Rakovsky.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
Teamwork, Unity and Love[edit]
An excellent half-page article, with photographs of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, featured in the Adelaide Chronicle, was one of the visible results of the two and one-half month lecture tour of Mrs. Shirin Fozdar of India. Mrs. Fozdar visited every goal town, all capital cities, spoke over radio stations and was interviewed by newspaper reporters in all centers. Plans for this teaching tour were published in the August issue of Bahá’í News. Returning to Singapore approximately the first of November Mrs. Fozdar wrote:
“... I feel it my duty to write and thank you and your National Assembly and through you all the Bahá’í Local Assemblies, Regional Teaching Committees and individual pioneers and Groups in various States in these two countries.... God’s blessings are bound to be attracted for the wonderful teamwork, unity and love in most of the places I visited ...”
Bahá’í Representatives to UN Conference in Manila[edit]
The United Nations Non-Governmental Organization Conference held in Manila October 24-31 was attended by four Bahá’í representatives. The chairman of the Bahá’í delegation, which represented six countries of South-East Asia, reports that the Conference was an outstanding success.
“The Bahá’ís were the only delegation to receive a special press interview on the Faith alone. We gave two radio broadcasts and were asked to speak on the Faith at several luncheons. After a few days we ran out of literature and were forced to duplicate some in order to meet the demand. The Bahá’ís were mentioned by the Speaker of the House, Mr. Perez, in his closing address to the final plenary session, for our contribution to the conference, and a study group meeting arose after the conference, initiated by interested delegates, which we were asked to address. Such was the impact of the Bahá’í delegation in terms of facts. The spiritual impact can never be assessed. Undoubtedly the cohorts of the Spiritual Concourse unleashed forces beyond any of our prayers or hopes. The success of this undertaking has been vouchsafed to us only because the prayers of the Guardian, the various National Assemblies and Bahá’ís have been with us.”
Mr. Stanley Bolton, Jr., representing the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand, was chairman of the delegation; Mr. H. K. Payman, secretary, represented the Bahá’ís of Indonesia; the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan and Burma were represented by Mr. S. H. Koreshi and the Bahá’í International Community by Mr. David M. Earl.
European Pioneer Returns to Australia[edit]
Lillian Wyss arrived in Sydney on December 11 from Europe, where
[Page 7]
she has been assisting in the European Teaching field for the last five
years. She wrote recently to the
Guardian offering her services in
any field and was directed by him to
return to Australia and New Zealand
to assist in the concluding phases of
the Six Year Plan.
BRITISH ISLES[edit]
Youth—and Pioneering[edit]
In England the Bahá’í Youth are looking ahead to pioneering and thinking seriously of what this involves. To them it means “breaking new territory” and blazing a trail, with an element of loneliness. But the pioneer’s aloneness becomes a source of strength, for it turns him to God, he rediscovers the power in prayer, and he grasps every opportunity for making new friends among his fellow men. “He should set out as an explorer, dependent on none but God; fully equipped for self-sufficiency and ready for adventure.” He must be a secure and stable being, and thus create a positive force which will attract people to him.
GERMANY[edit]
Preparing for the Global Crusade[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria are drawing strength for the fulfilment of their Five Year Plan by uniting in prayer at nine o’clock the evening of the ninth day of each Bahá’í month, as the Holy Year draws to its close. Those Bahá’ís who are not living in a community or group are asked to unite in the prayers that they may also experience that a Bahá’í “is never alone.”
Bahá’í Schools were held during the past summer and fall in four different parts of Germany at different times. Two Youth Schools were held in other cities, one in summer and the other in the fall. In preparation for the coming Global Crusade the next Summer Schools will have sessions for preparing pioneer teachers.
SOUTH AMERICA[edit]
Youth Activities in Colombia[edit]
Barranquilla, Colombia has a youth group which functions under the name of “Club do Amistad Universal” (Universal Friendship Club). It originated two years ago. Cali, Colombia also has a youth group and these two social groups function under the National Youth Committee which has its headquarters in Bogota, Colombia.
International Summer School Sessions in February[edit]
The two International Summer Schools in South America will be in session during February. The session in Loncoche, Chile, will be from the 5th to the 15th of February and the one in Ezeiza, Argentina, opens the 14th and closes the 22nd. The plans made for these schools include many varied social activities besides the deepening classes and they are expecting a record attendance.
Institutes from Caracas to Punta Arenas[edit]
A special publication of “Drama of Salvation,” with additional material on the true believer and plans of the various National Assemblies especially prepared for us by Dorothy Baker, Hand of the Cause, was sent to all of the Bahá’í Communities and Groups in South America for study in institutes held during the last two weeks of October of 1952.
In Argentina the groups of Vicente Lopez, Lanús, Ezeiza and Eva Peron held the first two sessions separately, then joined with the Community of Buenos Aires for a
The Rome, Italy Bahá’í Community welcomes two returning pilgrims, Mrs. Corinne True (holding Greatest Name) and Dr. Katherine True.
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The Fourth Swiss Bahá’í Teaching Conference at Basel, Switzerland, November 22-23, 1952.
final all-day session in the International School at Ezeiza where each
brought his picnic lunch.
The two Communities of Lima and Callao, Perú, joined together for the institute, the first two classes being held in the Bahá’í Center in Lima, and the third was combined with a lunch in the home of a believer in Callao. There were 48 people present at the lunch, and afterwards two guests from Lima asked to be accepted into the Faith.
Osorno and Santiago, Chile both had great interest and very good attendance at their institutes, and both Communities secured good newspaper publicity about this course of study. Enthusiastic reports of the institutes held in their communities have been received also from Asunción, Paraguay; La Paz, Bolivia; Bahía, Brasil; Río de Janeiro, Brasil; Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta Arenas, Chile; Caracas, Venezuela; Cali and Bucaramanga, Colombia.
THE FOURTH ALL-SWISS CONFERENCE[edit]
The Fourth All-Swiss Conference which took place on November 22 and 23, 1952 at the Baslerhof Hotel, Basel, proved another great spiritual experience for all of its participants. Inasmuch as Basel, situated in Northwest Switzerland, is the most important goal-city in our present Teaching and Extension Plan, it was chosen as the seat of our Conference.
The opening session Saturday morning, was entirely spiritual in nature, serving to create an atmosphere of marked unity which persisted during the entire Conference. All sessions were opened with music and prayers.
The talks were kept brief, allowing plenty of time for consultation and lively discussion, with all Friends participating. Everything was well prepared, and the program whose features had been well worked out by the Regional Committee could be carried through without interruption. A most harmonious spirit and a warm sense of fellowship pervaded both Conference Days. No doubt the prefatory prayers of all the Friends contributed to the smooth functioning of the Conference and to its unity of spirit. In all humility let us gratefully recognize in Bahá’u’lláh the source of all success. Through the presence of His spirit, our Conference became a heavenly Feast. Does not our beloved Guardian stress again and again the necessity of prayer both before and during every undertaking for our Divine Cause?
One of the most important Conference themes, besides that concerning teaching activities, dealt with the establishment of the Italo-Swiss National Assembly in Florence. An extraordinary bounty was the presence of Dr. Ugo Giachery, who came all the way from Rome expressly to attend our Conference. His explanations were of particular value because he could bring us firsthand the views of the Guardian. The ten-year World Crusade — this glorious universal plan for the unfoldment of our Faith across the entire earth, impressed all Friends anew. We were made aware how great, how decisive are the tasks which lie before us — made aware of the degree of dedicated, self-sacrificing service expected from every Believer without exception.
A valuable feature of the Conference was, despite its material aspect, our community-dining. Many an interesting and inspiring conversation was set in motion and brought the Friends into closer association. We were happy indeed that several of the German Friends were present, demonstrating again that inner bond which unites our large, all-encompassing Bahá’í Family.
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A most uplifting and solemn note
at the Conference was the Memorial
Service for Dagmar Dole, who recently passed away in Switzerland,
where her earthly remains have
found their resting place. This beautiful service with its prayers, tender
music and sweet singing, stirred all
hearts. We were one in the thought
that our dear Pioneer is living in
the exalted sphere of the spiritual
Kingdom of God, about which
Bahá’u’lláh has brought us such wonderful tidings.
Our Public Meeting was planned for Sunday afternoon. Two talks were featured—one by Elsa Steinmetz, the other by Dr. Eugen Schmidt, Stuttgart. The Meeting was well attended and it is our hope that it will bear abundant fruit for Basel. After the program many people lingered, giving opportunity for interesting discussion and for imparting additional information concerning the Faith.
Sunday evening most of the Friends were obliged to leave for home. But all were enthusiastic about the Conference; all were enriched by and strengthened in our beloved Faith — filled with hope and confidence. Again and again over a long period their thoughts turned back to Basel. A beautiful spirit of accord enfolded the entire Conference and a confidence-inspiring power emanated from it. Glorious cooperation and the heartfelt wish of all to have a part in it, lead to an inner unity and revealed the growing maturity of the individual and the deepening in the Faith of the entire Swiss Community.
We know, however, that not through our own strength but only when we are permeated and sustained by the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, will the holy office of Service lead us to our goal.
SWISS REGIONAL COMMITTEE
HIS UNFAILING LIGHT[edit]
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National Bahá’í Addresses
National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters:
Illinois. National Treasurer:
Bahá’í Publishing Committee:
Bahá’í News Editorial Office:
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Dearly - beloved friends! Though the task be long and arduous, yet the prize which the All-Bountiful Bestower has chosen to confer upon you is of such preciousness that neither tongue nor pen can befittingly appraise it. Though the goal towards which you are now so strenuously striving be distant, and as yet undisclosed to men’s eyes, yet its promise lies firmly embedded in the authoritative and unalterable utterances of Bahá’u’lláh. Though the course He has traced for you seems, at times, lost in the threatening shadows with which a stricken humanity is now enveloped, yet the unfailing light He has caused to shine continually upon you is of such brightness that no earthly dusk can ever eclipse its splendor. Though small in numbers and circumscribed as yet in your experiences, powers, and resources, yet the Force which energizes your mission is limitless in its range and incalculable in its potency. Though the enemies which every acceleration in the progress of your mission must raise up be fierce, numerous and unrelenting, yet the invisible Hosts which, if you persevere, must, as promised, rush forth to your aid, will, in the end, enable you to vanquish their hopes and annihilate their forces. Though the ultimate blessings that must crown the consummation of your mission be undoubted, and the Divine promises given you firm and irrevocable, yet the measure of the goodly reward which every one of you is to reap must depend on the extent to which your daily exertions will have contributed to the expansion of that mission and the hastening of its triumph.
From The Advent of Divine Justice—Shoghi Effendi
Bahá’í Summer School at Hyderabad, Sind, Pakistan, November 2 - 12, 1952.
[Page 10]
A Temple landscape view from the Linden Avenue-Sheridan Road approach taken in December, 1952.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
FAITH IN ACTION[edit]
Chicago, Illinois has had attention called to the imminent completion of the Bahá’í House of Worship by a page of pictures and an accompanying story in the Chicago Daily News under the heading, “A 100-Year-Old-Dream Is About To Come True.”
The paper Israel Speaks has published an interview with Rúḥíyyih Khánum in which the beauty of the Bahá’í gardens on Mount Carmel is extolled.
Anchorage, Alaska reports a public meeting at which members of the White, Negro, Oriental, and Eskimo races were present; “a very harmonious spirit manifested itself.”
Station WHEB at Portsmouth, New Hampshire has been using Words for the World.
The Green Acre Program Committee is preparing the calendar of events for the 1953 summer session and would appreciate hearing from anyone who would be interested in serving as physical education director. Swimming instruction and life-saving qualifications are necessary.
A Portland, Oregon Bahá’í took part on a radio broadcast over station KPOJ inaugurating a half-hour public service feature entitled, “The Jewish Life Program.”
Miami, Florida is drawing closer to the world-wide activities of the Faith. A pioneer has recently returned from Brazil, and the Community has formed a welcoming committee to meet Bahá’ís from other countries who will use Miami
[Page 11]
as a port of entry when coming to
the Inter-Continental Conference to
be held in Wilmette.
Butte, Montana Bahá’ís have rented a small areaway in the central portion of town. In it an illuminated poster proclaims the Bahá’í Message 24 hours a day.
A joyous spirit of unity and response is reported by the Bahá’ís of West Hollywood, California at the monthly “children’s party” held by them with the Los Angeles community. At the third party, held in December, 140 children and 100 adults of diverse races and religions were present to enjoy the music and songs from around the world. Children took part in the reading of prayers from the Bahá’í Faith and other religions for the children of other lands.
The Bahá’í News needs items to present a representative picture of activity at home and abroad. Won’t you check to see that we are included on your mailing list for all area, regional, and local bulletins and news items? Especially needed are items recording activities that relate community efforts toward the World Crusade.
TEACHING SUGGESTIONS[edit]
House of Worship[edit]
An interesting fireside or public meeting can be developed using the Temple as a teacher. You could prepare an illustrated talk based on the excellent compilation of material on the architecture and construction, and on the spiritual significance of the House of Worship which was compiled by the Jubilee Committee, with Temple slides for illustrations. Your Assembly may have a set of these slides. If not, they can be borrowed from the Regional Teaching Committee.
Bahá’í Youth Bulletin[edit]
Do the youth in your community receive the BAHÁ’Í YOUTH BULLETIN published by the National Youth Committee? This bulletin is full of excellent suggestions and teaching material. It is of interest not only to the youth, but to all adult believers as well.
Friends in Other Cities[edit]
We can cooperate in teaching even though we live miles apart by sharing our contacts. Do you have a friend or acquaintance interested in the Faith who lives in another city or region? If so, notify the secretary of the Assembly there, or, if there is no Assembly, the secretary of the Regional Teaching Committee.
Your letter or card should include answers to the following questions about each person you refer: What information does he (or she) have about the Faith? What Bahá’í books has he read? What Bahá’í meetings has he attended? What are his main interests? What is his religious background? You can also include other facts which you consider pertinent.
This information will help the secretary to make sure that your friend is invited to meetings or firesides which would seem to appeal particularly to him, and that he meets Bahá’ís most likely to have similar interests.
WORLD YOUTH DAY — 1953[edit]
“Hope in a Troubled World”[edit]
The topic for the 19th Annual World Youth day is “Hope in a Troubled World.” This has been chosen because the youth feel that it is important to tell people of this great new Faith in terms of its ability to solve the difficulties of the modern world.
The Youth make the following appeal to the Friends:
“In the midst of the Intercontinental Conferences, while we are learning to think internationally and bending our efforts beyond the limitations of our national borders, we must all cooperate to make the coming World Youth Day a tremendous success.”
The Youth Committee in a recent supplement for the World Youth Day has outlined a suggested symposium consisting of two possible programs, a panel and follow-up meetings to keep contacts interested. They also discuss effective publicity methods and poster planning.
For any information regarding World Youth Day write to the National Youth Committee, 12 Corte Nueva, Millbrae, California.
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Dawnbreakers by Nabil, new edition, similar to previous edition, containing all of original material; bound in green fabrikoid, stamped in gold. This volume is now on the press and will be available sometime in February. Orders may be sent in now. Price $7.50
Bahá’í World, Volume XI, covering period of 1946-1950, witnessing the beginning of work on the Shrine of the Bab. Bound in black fabrikoid, stamped in gold Price $12.50 net
Bahá’í Calendar — 1953 Jubilee Edition. Beautiful artist’s drawing of the Bahá’í House of Worship and Landscaping of Temple grounds, in three colors, black, green and red on white. Each $ .20 25 for $4.50
The Books of God Are Open. By E. S. Campbell. New printed edition. Relating Biblical prophecies to the Coming of the Kingdom of God on Earth. With references. 5½x8½, 28-pages with attractive colored paper cover. Per copy $.60; 10 copies $5.00.
NEW PRICES. Please note the following price increases, effective February 15, 1953:
Hidden Words, (Bound in Maroon
Fabrikoid) $1.25
(Bound in grey paper) .75
Bahá’í World Faith—(Bound in cloth) $2.00
The Publishing Committee has acquired the following stock of pamphlets published a few years ago by the Public Relations Committee.
| The Reality of Brotherhood, 8x11" | 50 for $1.00 |
| On Industrial Justice, 8x11" | 50 for $1.00 |
| A School of World Religion, 5x8½" | $.04 |
| A Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights, a statement presented to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. | $.05 each, 30 for $1.00 |
| World Religion Leaflets, attractive red trimmed one page leaflet, 8x11" | $.01 each, 75 for $.50 |
[Page 12]
Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma and delegates to an Inter-Assembly Conference at Panchgani, India, October, 1952.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
CALENDAR[edit]
- Intercalary Days
- Ayyam-i-Ha—February 26 to March 1
- Feasts:
- February 7—Mulk, Dominion
- March 2—‘Alá’, Loftiness
- March 21—Bahá, Splendor
- National Spiritual Assembly Meetings:
- February 7 & 8
- February 27, 28, March 1
MARRIAGES[edit]
Waukegan, Ill., Miss Kathryn June Wetherford to Sgt. David W. Alley, July 26, 1952
Harvard, Mass., Miss Laura Pingree Brown to Mr. Robert B. Row, July 20, 1952
Peoria, Ill., Miss Emma Friederich to Mr. John Snider, October 1, 1952
Washington, D. C., Mrs. Eloyce Gist to Mr. John W. Slaughter, December 17, 1952
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Mary J. Kennedy to Mr. Walter F. Daley, November 23, 1952
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Caprice R. Cole to Mr. David W. Cowles, December 28, 1952
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.
- Sylvia Dewey, Bakersfield, Calif. date not reported
- Mrs. Leta Brewer, Long Beach, Calif. November 12, 1952
- Mrs. Mabel Prather, Phoenix, Ariz. July 2, 1952
- Mrs. Cora M. Jenkins, Bethesda, Ohio November 3, 1952
- Mrs. Florence Helmholt, Brooklyn, N.Y. December 1, 1952
- Mr. Harold Peter Bye, Washington, D.C. December 11, 1952
- Mr. Emerson A. Wilson, Tacoma, Wash. November 15, 1952
- Miss Eethel Bates, New York, N.Y. June 1952
- Mr. Jacob J. Bettinger, East Orange, N.J. December 3, 1952
DIRECTORY ADDITIONS & CHANGES[edit]
12-3-52 to 1-2-53[edit]
Local Spiritual Assemblies:
- MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
- Mrs. Catherine M. Healy, Sec’y.
- 45 North Fullerton Ave.
- BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT
- Mrs. Janet R. Lindstrom, Sec’y.
- 46 High St.
- BEVERLY HILLS JUDICIAL DISTRICT
- Now known as West Hollywood
Regional Teaching Committees:
- RTC of Okla., Ark.
- Mrs. Anne Davidson, Sec’y.
- 636 East Park
- Oklahoma City, Okla.
National Committees
- BAHA’I WORLD EDITORIAL COMMITTEE, VOL. XIII
- Mrs. Katherine McLaughlin, Chm.
- Mrs. O. H. Blackwell, Sec’y.
- 256 Burns St., Forest Hills,
- New York 75, N.Y.
- Mr. Rafi Mottahedeh
- Dr. Genevieve Coy
- Mrs. Della Quinlan
- Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh
- Mrs. Annamarie Honnold
- Mr. Alai Kalantar
- Mrs. Ellen Sims
- SOUTHWESTERN AREA YOUTH COMMITTEE
- Miss Karin Hogberg, Sec’y.
- 5540 Marburn Ave.
- Los Angeles 43, Calif.
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, Mrs. Ruth Jones, 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.
