Bahá’í News/Issue 267/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 267 | BAHA’I YEAR 110 | MAY, 1953 | |
THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO THE FORTY-FIFTH ANNUAL BAHA'I CONVENTION[edit]
The United States’ Tasks in World Crusade[edit]
My soul is uplifted in joy and thanksgiving at the triumphant conclusion of the second Seven Year Plan immortalized by the brilliant victories simultaneously won by the vanguard of the hosts of Bahá’u’lláh in Latin America, in Europe and in Africa—victories befittingly crowned through the consummation of a fifty year old enterprise, the completion of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Western World. The signal success that has attended the second collective enterprise undertaken in the course of the American Bahá’í history climaxes a term of stewardship to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, of almost three score years duration, — a period which has enriched the annals of the concluding epoch of the Heroic, and shed lustre on the first thirty years of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation. So fecund a period has been marked by teaching activities unexcelled throughout the western world and has been distinguished by administrative exploits unparalleled in the annals of any Bahá’í National Community whether in the East or in the West. I am impelled, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Most Great Festival, coinciding with a triple celebration — the dedication of the Mother Temple of the West, the launching of a World Spiritual Crusade and the Commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission — to pay warmest tribute to the pre-eminent share which the American Bahá’í Community has had in the course of over half a century in proclaiming His Revelation, in shielding His Cause, in championing His Covenant, in erecting the administrative machinery of His embryonic World Order, in expounding His teachings, in translating and disseminating His Holy Word, in despatching the messengers of His Glad-Tidings, in awakening Royalty to His Call, in succouring His oppressed followers, in routing His enemies, in upholding His Law, in asserting the independence of His Faith, in multiplying the financial resources of its nascent institutions and, last but not least, in rearing its greatest House of Worship — the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the Western World.
The hour is now ripe for this greatly gifted richly blessed Community to arise and reaffirm, through the launching of yet another enterprise, its primacy, enhance its spiritual heritage, plumb greater depths of consecration and capture loftier heights in the course of its strenuous and ceaseless labors for the exaltation of God’s Cause.
The Ten Year Plan, constituting the third and final stage of the initial epoch in the evolution of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Master Plan, which, God willing, will raise to greater heights the fame of the stalwart American Bahá’í Community, and seat it upon “the throne of an everlasting dominion,” envisaged by the Author of the Tablets of this same Plan, involves: First, the opening of the following virgin territories, eleven in Africa: Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands, French Somaliland, French Togoland, Mauritius, Northern Territories Protectorate, Portuguese Guinea, Reunion Island, Spanish Guinea, St. Helena and St. Thomas Island; eight in Asia: Caroline Islands, Dutch New Guinea, Hainan Island, Kazakhstan, Macao Island, Sakhalin Island, Tibet and Tonga Islands; six in Europe: Andorra, Azores, Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, Spitzbergen and Ukraine, and four in America: Aleutian Islands, Falkland Islands, Key West and Kodiak Island. Second, the consolidation of the Faith in the following territories, Six in Asia: China, Formosa, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Philippine Islands; two in Africa: Liberia and South Africa; twelve in Europe: the ten Goal Countries, Finland and France; three in America: the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska and Puerto Rico. Third, the extension of assistance to the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Central and South America, as well as to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland in forming twenty National Spiritual Assemblies in the Republics of Latin America and two in Europe, namely in Italy and Switzerland; the extension of assistance for the establishment of a National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the capital of each of the aforementioned countries as well as of national Bahá’í endowments in these same countries. Fourth, the establishment of ten National Spiritual Assemblies in the following European countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, France and Finland. Fifth, the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly in Japan and one in the South Pacific Islands. Sixth, the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís of Alaska. Seventh, the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South and West Africa. Eighth, the incorporation of each of the fourteen above-mentioned National Spiritual Assemblies. Ninth, the establishment of national Bahá’í endowments by these same National Spiritual Assemblies. Tenth, the establishment of a National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the capital city of each of the eleven of
[Page 2]
The photo at the left shows the north
door of the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa,
Israel. Below are displayed some relics
of the Báb. The large book is a copy of
the Bayán, transcribed by the Báb’s
secretary at Chihríq. Small book is the
Báb’s pocket Qur’án, first and second
pages illuminated. Small article at right
is the Báb’s ring.
the aforementioned countries, as well
as one in Anchorage, one in Suva,
and one in Johannesburg. Eleventh,
the erection of the first Dependency
of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the
Western World. Twelfth, the extension of assistance for the purchase
of land for four future Temples, two
in Europe: in Stockholm and Rome;
one in Central America, in Panama
City; and one in Africa, in Johannesburg. Thirteenth, the completion of
the landscaping of the grounds of
the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Wilmette.
Fourteenth, the raising to one hundred of the number of incorporated local assemblies within the American Union. Fifteenth, the raising to
three hundred of the number of
local spiritual assemblies in that
same country. Sixteenth, the incorporation of spiritual assemblies in
the leading cities of Sweden, Norway,
Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Spain and Portugal, as well
as of the spiritual assemblies of
Paris, of Helsingfors, of Tokio, of
Suva and of Johannesburg. Seventeenth, the quadrupling of the number of the local spiritual assemblies
and the trebling of the number of
localities in the aforementioned
countries. Eighteenth, the translation
of Bahá’í literature into ten languages in Europe: Basque, Estonian,
Flemish, Lapp, Maltese, Piedmontese, Romani, Romansch, Yiddish
and Ziryen; ten in America:
Aguaruna, Arawak, Blackfoot, Cherokee, Iroquois, Lengua, Mataco, Maya,
Mexican and Yahgan. Nineteenth,
the conversion to the Faith of members of the leading Indian tribes.
Twentieth, the conversion to the
Faith of representatives of the Basque
and Gipsy races. Twenty-first, the
establishment of summer-schools in
each of the Scandinavian and Benelux
countries, as well as those of the
Iberian Peninsula. Twenty-second,
the Proclamation of the Faith
through the Press and Radio throughout the United States of America.
Twenty-third, the establishment of a
Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Wilmette,
Illinois. Twenty-fourth, the formation
of an Asian Teaching Committee designed to stimulate and coordinate
the teaching activities initiated by
the Plan.
May this Community—the spiritual descendants of the Dawn-Breakers of the Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Faith, the chief repository of the immortal Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, the foremost executors of the Mandate issued by the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, the champion-builders of a divinely conceived Administrative Order, the standard-bearers of the all-conquering army of the Lord of Hosts, the torchbearers of a future divinely inspired world civilization — arise, in the course of the momentous decade separating the Great from Most Great Jubilee, to secure, as befits its rank, the lion’s share in the prosecution of a global crusade designed to diffuse the Light of God’s Revelation over the surface of the entire Planet.
April 29, 1953
THE GUARDIAN'S SUPPLEMENTARY MESSAGE TO FORTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION[edit]
(On the) occasion (of the) fivefold historic celebration — (the) dedication (for) public worship (of the) holiest Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (of the) Bahá’í world; (the) convocation (of the) Second Intercontinental Teaching Conference (of the) Holy Year; (the) Anniversary (of the) Declaration (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) Garden of Riḍván; (the) holding (of the) Forty-Fifth American Bahá’í Convention, (and the) launching (of the) epochal, global spiritual Crusade, marking (the) climax (of the) festivities associated (with the) Centenary (of the) Birth (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission — announce (to) His followers (of) East (and) West (that the) final phase (of the) construction (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre (has been) ushered in through (the) erection (of) scaffolding (for the) completion (of the) shuttering (of the) dome.
Forty-four gilded tiles out of (a) total (of) twelve thousand, designed (to) cover two hundred fifty square meter surface (of the) dome (were) placed (in) permanent position (on the) eve (of the) ninth day (of the) Ninetieth Anniversary (of the) Riḍván Festival. (On the) afternoon (of the) same day, during (the) course (of a) moving ceremony (in the) presence (of) pilgrims (and) resident believers (of) ‘Akká (and) Haifa, (there was) placed reverently (a) fragment (of the) plaster ceiling (of the) Báb’s prison cell (in the) Castle (of) Máh-Kú, beneath (the) gilded tiles (of the) crowning unit (of the) majestic edifice. Circumambulated (the) base (of the) dome, paid homage (to) His memory, (and) recalled (His) afflictive imprisonment. Offered prayer (on) behalf (of the) friends (of) East (and) West (on a) subsequent visit (to the) interior (of) His Shrine.
Preparatory steps are now being taken (for the) pouring (of) concrete (for the) construction (of the) ribs (of the) dome, as well as (the) ornamental stones surrounding its base.
(My) hopes (are) heightened (that the) termination (of the) five-year-long, three-quarter million dollar enterprise, undertaken (in the) heart (of) Carmel, (will) coincide (with the) termination (of the) worldwide celebrations commemorating (the) Centenary (of the) inception (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Ministry.
Also announce (the) formation (of) no less (than) sixteen new Spiritual Assemblies (in the) African continent:—Monrovia, Benghazi, Nairobi, Jinja, Akarukei, Tilling, Mbale, Atoot, Kococwa, Acissa, Opot, Fassy, Ocaka, Osopotoil, Kadoki, Kabuku.
(In) Uganda alone (the) number (of) believers (is) over two hundred ninety, residing (in) twenty-five localities, representative (of) twenty tribes.
Finally share (the) heart-warming news (of the) impending establishment (of the) long-overdue Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (in the) French capital through (the) conclusion (of an) agreement (to) purchase (a) nine thousand pound property situated (in the) best residential quarter (of the) city.
Kiyani’s spontaneous, generous contribution (is) solely responsible (for the) achievement (of the) great victory (of the) establishment (of the) institution designed (to) serve (as the) administrative headquarters (of) both (the) present Paris Assembly (and the) projected French National Spiritual Assembly.
Advise (the) American National Assembly (to) share (this) message (with its) sister Assemblies (throughout the) Bahá’í world.
Haifa, April 30, 1953
THE GUARDIAN'S CABLE CONCERNING MRS. FLORENCE MORTON[edit]
On learning of the passing of Mrs. Florence Morton, Worcester, Mass., former member of the National Spiritual Assembly and for some years its Treasurer, the Assembly cabled the Guardian to inform him. Shoghi Effendi has cabled this reply, received April 8:
“Grieve passing faithful promoter (of) Faith. Praying (for the) progress (of her) soul.”
Correction — Guardian’s Cable[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has been informed by the Assistant Secretary writing on behalf of the Guardian, that three errors appeared in the text of the Guardian’s cable dated February 9, published in Bahá’í News for March.
In the first paragraph, the sentence beginning “World wide celebrations ...” should read “World wide celebrations (of the) Holy Year inaugurated last October heightened (during) course present month through (the) holding (of the) epoch making gathering, moving steadily towards climax (during) approaching Riḍván festivities (have been) greatly enhanced,” etc.
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
CONCERNING TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO NEW DELHI CONFERENCE[edit]
From the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pakistan and Burma word comes that those attending the Intercontinental Conference should make certain that their travel arrangements provide for transportation through to New Delhi, and do not terminate at Karachi in the event they travel via that city. It is difficult on account of currency regulations for a traveler at Karachi to secure transportation from there to New Delhi unless his travelers’ checks or other currency meet these regulations.
RECOGNITION OF BAHA'I HOLY DAYS[edit]
The response to the Guardian’s wish, that local Assemblies apply to the School authorities for permission to excuse Bahá’í children from attendance on Bahá’í Holy Days, is augmenting.
Since the last notice on this subject in Bahá’í News the National Spiritual Assembly has learned that the following Assemblies have applied for and obtained such recognition: Wilmington, Del., San Francisco, Cal., Newton, Mass., Shorewood, Wisc., Cleveland, O., Prince George’s County, Md.
This is a matter for all Assemblies to carry out where children of Bahá’ís are attending school.
THE TEN YEAR CRUSADE[edit]
The broad outlines of the world-encircling plan were divinely revealed. Its course was chartered by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s infallible Pen. Its shining goals have been set. The requisite administrative machinery has been created. The signal has been given by the Author of the Plan, its Supreme Commander. The Lord of Hosts, the King of Kings has pledged unfailing aid to every crusader battling for His Cause. Invisible battalions are mustered, rank upon rank, ready to pour forth reinforcements from on high. Bahá’u’lláh’s army of light is standing on the threshold of the Holy Year. Let them, as they enter it, vow with one voice, one heart, one soul, never to turn back in the entire course of the fateful decade ahead until each and every one will have contributed his share in laying on a world-wide scale an unassailable administrative foundation for Bahá’u’lláh’s Christ-promised Kingdom on earth, swelling thereby the chorus of universal jubilation wherein earth and heaven will join as prophesied by Daniel, echoed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; “on that day will the faithful rejoice with exceeding gladness”.
(From Launching the World-Embracing Spiritual Crusade by Shoghi Effendi)
Capping the Pylons on the Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois. View left above shows the placing of the first cap on a first story pylon. View at right above shows the first cap being placed on a second story pylon. Below are several photos showing the process of placing these final ornaments on the House of Worship.
[Page 5]
The Hands of the Cause attending the First Intercontinental Bahá’í Teaching Conference in Kampala, Uganda, Africa, February 12 through 18th. The Kampala Hazíratu’l-Quds is in the background. Left to right are: Musá Banání, Valíyu’lláh Varqá, Shu’á’ulláh ‘Alá’í, Mason Remey, Horace Holley, Tarázu’lláh Samandari, Dhikru’lláh Khádim, Leroy Ioas, Dorothy Baker, ’Alí-Akbar Furutan.
THE AFRICA INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE[edit]
The Bahá’í Africa Conference was a unique and history-making event and it lived up to its theme “LIGHT OVER AFRICA”. Kampala is one of the lovelier and more temperate spots of Africa where the Native African and the European are not in bitter competition. In this Protectorate during February 12 to 18, the first Bahá’í Intercontinental Conference of the year was held. Meetings were held in a large and well-made army Marquee erected on the spacious attractive grounds of the Kampala Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. In that tent, which was literally and figuratively a tent of the Oneness of Mankind, Bahá’ís assembled from 19 countries and 30 races coming from the continents of America, Asia, Europe and Africa. The Africans were well represented and constituted a majority of the Conference. They came from 18 tribes of Uganda and from North Africa. In addition there were Bahá’ís from North, East, West and South Africa. This mingling of races and nationalities done upon such a high and dignified level, productive of such happiness and inspiration, served to obliterate completely any sense of strangeness, tension or separation which usually characterizes the meeting of races who have long observed the divisive traditions and embittering separations established by old traditions in Africa. Thus the Kampala Conference designed in the spirit of Unity established and demonstrated the Bahá’í patterns for harmony and unity among the children of men.
There were some 232 Bahá’ís attending the Conference. The joy and eagerness which characterizes Bahá’í gatherings was apparent throughout the Conference. And with it there was earnest consultation over the tasks and opportunities of
[Page 6]
the Great Teaching Crusade, the
training of Bahá’í teachers, the
maturing of individual Bahá’ís to the
spirit and principles of their Faith,
and the important work of developing and consolidating Bahá’í groups
and Assemblies throughout the African Continent. (Excerpts from some
of the talks are given in following
pages.)
The momentum of the Conference and its high spirit were launched by the period of earnest and beautiful prayers with which it opened. Following this the messages from the Beloved Guardian were read. It was as if he released a new power with each word, for he gave us the magnificent scope of the Crusade, a set of objectives, and a wide perspective on the Crusade and its relation to the development of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Along with these great messages, the Guardian sent a striking map of the world in which, with his own hands, he had drawn the Crusade objectives and by means of colors and lines charted the assignments made to each country and related the responsibilities. The Messages and the maps were presented by Leroy Ioas, Hand of the Cause who came as the Guardian’s representative to the Conference. He gave us the Beloved Guardian’s words and views in a most stirring way, pointing out that through this Holy Crusade the Bahá’ís will in 10 years double the work they have accomplished in 110 years. They will cover the earth with the glory of the Lord, thus fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Daniel. He made us understand that the victories ahead as well as those past would be due to our ability to strengthen the administrative order and demonstrate the devotion and service which is the spirit of the Bahá’í Faith.
The Conference agenda was designed to draw upon the teaching and administrative experience of the Bahá’ís around the world. Talks of great wisdom, information and inspiration were given by the Hands of the Cause, the Assembly representatives from the U.S., Great Britain, Persia, India and Írán. The Africa pioneers who had done the groundbreaking in Africa’s widely differing areas contributed much in their down-to-earth discussion of the pioneers’ problems, and the attitudes they must be prepared to face and with which they must deal.
The high spiritual note of the conference came when its visitors were afforded the privilege of viewing the Photograph of the Portrait of the Báb which the Beloved Guardian had sent as a special gift. The occasion was one of great reverence and spiritual dedication. Preceding the viewing of this Portrait a short period was devoted to stories of the Báb told by the Persian Hands and by Mr. Leroy Ioas. Then in a most beautiful voice Mr. ’Ali-Akbar Furútan, one of the Hands, chanted the Visiting Tablet in the original tongue. The Portrait was then set upon a table befittingly graced with silk and roses. Each row of believers then walked reverently by to view the Portrait, remembering the suffering and service of the Báb, martyred for Heralding the Dawn of a World Faith.
Along with this Portrait the Guardian sent another very valuable and impressive gift to the Conference. It was a beautifully lettered scroll of portions of the Báb’s Commentary on the Súrih of Joseph. This magnificent revelation of the Báb was the one He gave on the night of His announcement of His station and Mission. The Guardian said that the Commentary was the Bible of the early Bahá’ís and that the Báb sent portions of it to Bahá’u’lláh, Who when He read it acknowledged the Báb. This Commentary is significant for many things. In it the Báb gave prophecies concerning the suffering which would come, and concerning the extension of the Faith to Africa. In it, also, He first called the people of the West to issue forth from their cities in the service of the Faith.
The African Bahá’ís evidenced great interest and concentration during the Conference. They followed the consultation closely and frequently participated, expressing their views on matters discussed. Two African women of the Teso tribe addressed the Conference. They were particularly concerned with the emphasis the Faith places upon education and freedom from prejudice. Several of their speakers made an appeal for Bahá’í teachers and schools.
Conference languages were English, Persian, Teso African and Swahili. The African and Persian interpreters did a masterful job of translating the talks and discussion contributions. They spoke with eloquence and ease, so that none of the listeners lost the expression and fire of what was said during the sessions.
The Persian Bahá’ís brought a unique spirit to the Conference. They added a warmth and a human interest which endeared them to all. The Hands gave us interesting stories of the early days of the Faith. One of them, Mr. Ṭaráẓu’lláh Samandarí, the only living Bahá’í who saw Bahá’u’lláh, enchanted us with the stories and reminiscences of his meeting and his visit with Bahá’u’lláh. There was a spontaneous and natural friendliness about the Persian Bahá’ís. They gave the African believers such courtesies and such whole hearted affection. Mrs. Varqá, wife of the Hand of the Cause, at the close of one session gave each of the African ladies a gift of lovely Persian jewelry which utterly delighted everyone.
The American Bahá’ís also came in for a share of special interest from the Africans. They seemed eager to learn about America and spent many hours questioning the American friends. Americans attending the Conference were Hands of the Cause, Dorothy Baker, Horace Holley, and Leroy Ioas and Mason Remey (now at the World Center of the Faith); NSA representatives Elsie Austin and Matthew Bullock; pioneers William Foster, Valerie Wilson, Rex and Mary Collison, Mary and Allan Elston; Africa Committee Members Marguerite Sears and Ludmilla Van Sombeek; visitors Mildred Mottahedeh, Mr. and Mrs. Sabet from the United States, Canadian visitor Eddie Elliott, and Central American visitor Mabel Sneider from Panama.
The spirit of Louis Gregory, first Negro Hand of the Cause, was keenly felt at the African Conference. The story of the Life of Louis Gregory as issued by the NSA was sent to the Conference. The Africans eagerly read all of it and expressed keen interest and deep admiration for this distinguished servant of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh who devoted his life to the promulgation of the Teachings. Several asked that a large picture of Louis Gregory be sent to the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Kampala.
Two public meetings were held in connection with the Conference in Kampala. The first was at Makere College, the leading African college in East Africa for African natives. Horace Holley and H. M. Balyuzi (of Great Britain) spoke at this meeting, which was well attended by Europeans, Africans and Asians. The second meeting was held at the Conference Marquee. Matthew Bullock
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Views of the Kampala Conference. At left Leroy Ioas greets new believers. At right Nathan Olei translates into Teso language. (See December Bahá’í News, page 7)
and Dorothy Baker were its speakers. This meeting attracted lively
comment in the Kampala press as
the result of slanted reporting. However, from it came an opportunity to
reply to the article which misstated
the teachings of the Faith. In addition to the public meetings and the
press publicity, we must mention
the two fine window displays which
were arranged in Kampala. Both
were in prominent shops on the main
street of Kampala, and were arranged by American pioneers, the Collisons and the Elstons. The displays
were of books, posters and pamphlets
on the Faith, pictures of the Temple
and a circle of dolls which represented the various races and nationalities. These windows drew crowds of
Europeans, Africans and Asians.
The Conference released a special booklet for teaching use in Africa. It was The Bahá’í Life, an unusually fine compilation of the teachings selected and arranged by Rex and Mary Collison for the British Africa Teaching Committee who published the pamphlet.
The Conference closed on a very high note of dedication. Every believer there resolved to achieve a share of service toward the new goals, and a new power in living the principles of the Faith. All understood the grave responsibilities the Bahá’ís face as they enter upon the greatest religious Crusade in history. All knew that the victories sought could come only through deeds which expressed sincere devotion, wisdom, purity of heart, courageous and tireless service in the promotion of that which will advance the Unity of Mankind.
Excerpts from the Conference Talks[edit]
Leroy Ioas: The Guardian feels that the pioneers are doing great and wonderful service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. They are leaving their homes, and dispersing to carry the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom of God on Earth. He feels that the work of the pioneer in Africa is the most important work today. Theirs is the great task. They are not alone under any circumstances, for their work is the work of the Holy Spirit.
To the new African Believers: The Guardian is filled with joy over them and the Africa work. He has said that the people of Africa are not contaminated by the materialism of the East or West. Being of pure hearts, they have been chosen to establish the Bahá’í way of life. The Guardian hopes that they will arise to become pioneers and spread the Faith to their people and others in the world.
... The secret of success in the teaching work is complete detachment from the things of the world; consecration of one’s life to the Teaching work and nothing else; constant contact with the spirit through prayer and meditation and intelligent action. Having prayed, we must act, for prayer can only be answered through action.
Valíu’llah Varqá: The protection of the believers lies in devotion and obedience to the Guardian and to the Teachings.
Horace Holley: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said “Blessed are those who work in groups. Small groups which learn to solve their problems train themselves for larger problems. The small group is but the flowerpot in which the seed is planted. When the seed grows we transplant it to a larger garden.
... The Bahá’í local community with the local assembly is civilization in miniature. The individual begins to realize that the Faith establishes a social order. The unified group is human society. The unified community is civilization. Human society is a series of human relationships. The Bahá’í Faith gives us the form of perfect government for our own Bahá’í affairs. Man is not wholly man until he learns the laws of the spirit of the Teachings.
... The seed has all the potentialities of the tree. The little group is the seed, and when it has attained a tiny sprout, community development begins which will result in the maturity of the tree. God has no time. He is timeless. Man conquers
[Page 8]
time when he is endued with moral
purpose. He knows the power of God
will bring His work to perfection.
The Guardian wrote the American Bahá’ís that the world is in dire need of the love of God. At every stage in the consolidation of the community, we must do our utmost to convey the love that is born of God.
Ali Nahkjavani: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that teaching is like the science of medicine. In each case you find a different disease, and the treatment changes accordingly. The Guardian has given us the general principle for teaching in Africa: “One teaches the receptive souls one finds”. Also in the Challenging Requirements the Guardian emphasizes the fundamental prerequisites of Teaching and tells us teaching methods must be adapted to the various backgrounds, temperaments and susceptibilities of the races.
The susceptibilities of the African people are: (1) an abhorrence of any racial discrimination; (2) fear of plans and activities originated by white people; (3) a dissatisfaction with the methods used by missionaries; (4) a consciousness of the superiority of the outside world, coupled with a thirst for knowledge and progress; (5) an understanding and preference for simpler ideas; (6) a hesitation at the use of reason in the study of religious methods; (7) an acceptance of the teachings of the Church and the Bible; (8) a sensitiveness and appreciation for true and genuine love; lack of prejudice and genuine hospitality; (8) a strong faith in God and His Prophets.
... The first thing a pioneer must have is devotion, understanding and love for the Guardian. He should study the writings constantly and turn to the Guardian in his heart. The second most important thing is prayer at all times, not in words, but in deeds.... Where there is more than one pioneer, there must be unity ... real unity among the Bahá’ís. The spirit of love and unity is absolutely necessary, or there can be no success. Deeds not words must be the attitude of the pioneer.
Bill Foster: There is great need for prayer and consecration to the teaching work. We should also remember to contact influential people in a country and make them friends of the Faith, for they can be a great source of help when difficulties and attacks develop.... There is great need for more pioneers in West Africa. Africa needs people with trained skills, educators, scientists and doctors. More pioneers should consider West Africa.
Philip Hainsworth: An African once said to me ... “Our hearts are like mirrors, we reflect what we see.” The success of the Persian pioneers is explained by the fact that they show such an abundance of love to the African who reflects it back.
... The Bahá’í must instill in the African a crusading spirit for African advancement. They must demonstrate the Unity of the Faith, and prove that they have come to drive out disunity. To meet the need there must be preparation, prayer; meditation; study classes for deepening, and classes for educating the illiterate in every village. The Africans must be urged to help themselves and to develop and share the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.
Mention must be made here of the beautiful telegrams, and cables of greeting sent to the Conference by the absent Hands of the Cause: Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum and Mrs. Corinne True of the U. S.; Dr. Townshend of England; Dr. Grossmann of Germany; and Ugo Giachery of Italy and Fred Schopflocher of Canada. The Conference in return cabled the assurance of its love and prayers to these friends, some of whom were ill. In addition to these greetings there were those from numerous committees, assemblies and friends in the United States.
A Bahá’í group at Asmara, Eritria (in Northern Africa).
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
First Samoan Becomes a Bahá’í[edit]
In the South-West Pacific there are Bahá’í groups established in New Guinea, New Caledonia and in Fiji. And now thrilling news comes of the enrollment of the first Samoan who has interested several other people in the Faith. One has already stated a desire to become a Bahá’í.
First South-West Pacific School[edit]
Plans are well advanced for the first South-West Pacific School, which will be held on the 4th through the 6th of May, immediately following the Convention to be held at the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Sydney. The purpose of the school is to enable the believers to make a brief survey of the South-West Pacific area as a prelude to carrying the Faith to the Islands of the Pacific. The program covers a study of the Islands of the Condominium of the New Hebrides, Fiji, Tonga and the Friendly Isles. A talk on the particular subjects will be given at each session, films of the South-West Pacific will be shown and a brochure of required information will be made available for reference.
Jubilee Program[edit]
The Jubilee Year Riḍván program for Australia and New Zealand states that the Convention will begin on the night of Thursday, April 30th. Meetings on the 1st of May have been planned to coincide with the Temple Dedication Program for Bahá’ís only at Wilmette, Illinois, U. S. A. and also with the Dedication Program to which the general public will be admitted.
GERMANY[edit]
World Religion Day Meetings[edit]
Reports from Berlin, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden in Germany and Vienna, Austria, indicate an ever-increasing interest in these meetings held under
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the auspices of the Bahá’í Assemblies. Addressing the meetings thus
far reported in Germany and Austria
were representatives of Buddhism,
Judaism, Hinduism, Islám, the Quakers, the Unitarian church, Liberal
Catholics, Seventh Day Adventists,
and the People’s Movement for Free
Christians. All voiced the common
goal of religion in bringing about
unity among the diverse elements of
humanity. The meetings were concluded by the Bahá’í speaker who
presented the way offered in the
Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
World Youth Day[edit]
World Youth Day was celebrated in Germany by a public address given in Esslingen the evening of March 28 by Claude Levy of Luxembourg on “A Young Religion Requires Young People.” The following morning, Sunday, was devoted to reports and consultation at the Bahá’í Home situated in the beautiful hills outside of Esslingen.
GREAT BRITAIN[edit]
Making Firm the Home Front[edit]
The Two Year Plan has ended with greater success than could have been anticipated a few weeks ago. At the last meeting of the National Assembly on April 12th, at least three more pioneers or declarations in crucial towns were needed for maintenance of all Assemblies, and more for removal of all major weaknesses. The Assembly had before it a last minute appeal from the Guardian addressed to the entire British Bahá’í Community and sent in reply to a Consolidation Committee cable. Vigorous action was taken to give the Community the opportunity to respond to this eleventh hour appeal and the outcome was five pioneer offers and three declarations, which went far towards placing all assemblies on a firm basis.
African Goals Achieved[edit]
In Africa all goals have also been achieved. The Nairobi Community will certainly have an Assembly, and may need to hold an election. A visa has been granted to Mr. and Mrs. Dunne of the United States for the Gold Coast and their arrival there is delayed only by the difficulty of getting a passage from the United States so near the Coronation. The attitude of the Gold Coast authorities has recently seemed more friendly than formerly. We are happy to report also that Madagascar, an Indian goal territory, was opened on April 20th by the arrival there of a pioneer from Britain, Mehrangiz Munsiff. All the goals allocated by the Guardian for opening by this Riḍván were thus open to the Faith on that date. From Uganda comes news of the formation of twelve new local assemblies, an important step towards the future establishment of a National Assembly in Central and East Africa.
Holy Year Celebrations[edit]
Holy Year celebrations reached their culmination with the Riḍván celebrations in London. A devotional program for Bahá’ís only was held in a hired hall on the first day of Riḍván. The Jubilee Exhibition at Park Lane House has been opened and public meetings held each evening. At the time this report is being written, it is too early to assess the success of the celebrations in publicising the Faith, but it is clear that the great amount of work done by the Centenary Committee and its sub-committees is bearing fruit.
Unfortunately Sir Ronald Storrs, who had provisionally agreed to open the Exhibition, was unable to do so as he was not in this country and we were most grateful to Mr. St. Barbe Baker for stepping into the breach. A number of important tributes to the Faith were obtained for inclusion in the Souvenir Booklet.
Inter-National Assembly Cooperation[edit]
First steps have been taken towards Inter-National Assembly cooperation during the Ten Year Crusade and the Guardian has made it clear that the British National Assembly will be the consultative body for British territories, but for these only. Plans for prosecution of the Ten Year Plan in Africa are being laid. Now we know also the goals of the British Communities in Europe and Asia and at home in the British Isles. We stand at the threshold of a mighty period in Bahá’í history.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
FAITH IN ACTION[edit]
From the bulletin of the RTC of Hawaii comes news of an interview of two Honolulu believers on a women’s program heard on Station KGU. Dr. W. R. Shimer, founder of the Hawaiian chapter of World Brotherhood, recently reported on Bahá’í pioneer activities in Africa during his weekly radio program on intergroup relations news. Maui was able to supply a speaker to the Kiwanis Club, which plans to use excerpts from the writings in a series of “spot” radio announcements. And the Islands once again prove their claim to the title, “Crossroads of the World” with visiting Bahá’ís dropping in from London, U.S.A., Okinawa, and Sidney, Australia.
Three members of the Anchorage, Alaska Community journeyed to Fairbanks to further the work of the RTC there. An illustrated lecture on the Temple given at the University of Alaska before the International Relations Club was well attended.
The Bahá’í Journal, published by the Los Angeles Community reminds us that, “Our visit to Chicago and to the Temple (for Convention) can be an occasion for reminding all our friends, families, and contacts that we are Bahá’ís ... that this is a tremendous year in the development of our Faith ... that the Bahá’í World Community is truly world wide, and that representatives from remote countries will be in attendance.”
The Bahá’ís in Jamestown, N. Y. held a panel discussion on February 21st on “How Can We Express World Brotherhood?” at the YMCA. Members of the panel were non-Bahá’ís, from widely differing backgrounds, namely: Hawaiian, Indian, Colored, French and an American born in India. 45 people attended this meeting.
“Words for the World” continue to be source of bringing the words of Bahá’u’lláh to the public. Buffalo, New York has reported two broadcasts over WKBW of these records.
[Page 10]
The Greenacre Youth Camp and Adult Camp will be held simultaneously this year from June 15th to
July 5th, preceding the regular Summer School Session. All young people between the ages of fourteen and
twenty-five are urged to attend this
Youth Camp to work, study, play and
contribute valuable services to this
future University site. The rates are
$15.00 per week and $2.50 per day.
Applications should be sent to Mr.
Iradj Sabet, 10 So. 38th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
The Riḍván Feast was an occasion of great happiness for the San Diego Community. Two noteworthy goals were achieved—the incorporation of their Assembly and the establishment of a Spiritual Assembly in their goal city teaching project, Chula Vista.
Nashville, Tennessee Bahá’ís observed Riḍván with a broadcast over Station WLAC(CBS) stressing The Promised Day of God. The Nashville community planned advance publicity in the way of advertising, news articles, personal calls and hundreds of cards. Copies of the broadcast are being mailed to all who requested them and a careful follow-up of all leads will be made.
The Waukesha County Bahá’ís are systematically following up the splendid cooperative work they have been doing in recent months. Another television interview over NBC through the Milwaukee Journal is anticipated for the time of Temple Dedication and an illustrated talk on the Temple was given at the Waukesha Woman’s Club on March 28. The groundwork for this joint teaching effort was laid several months ago by the Brookfield Community.
WHEN YOUTH ARISE TO TEACH[edit]
The student religious council at the University of Arizona recently sponsored “Religious Emphasis Week” and meetings and seminars were conducted on the campus. The various houses at the University could select the speaker and topic in the seminar which they wished to hear. The Bahá’í speaker was booked solidly and spoke at six different houses and delivered the message to over two-hundred and fifty students. Since that time he has had three invitations to speak on the Faith at the various young peoples’ church groups in Tucson.
At the closing seminar on campus five main religions, Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, Jewish and Bahá’í, each presented ten minute programs which brought out the belief of each group. The Bahá’í speaker had a short talk and played “Words for the World.”
It is assumed at the University of Arizona that there are many of these new people called Bahá’ís. A local minister put it this way in a sermon, “Do you know where the youth of today are going? They are all going Bahá’í!”
This activity is the result of the efforts of the one Bahá’í student enrolled at the University.
NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]
BAHA'I SERVICE FOR THE BLIND[edit]
This committee is happy to report that the Jubilee pamphlet, “The Mission of Bahá’u’lláh”, printed in Braille, Grade Two, is now available at the nominal cost of $1.80 a copy. This pamphlet can well take its place in displays, alongside the ink-print edition. Now, both blind and sighted readers will share the opportunity to partake of the spiritual uplift of this most important Bahá’í Jubilee literature and to have a copy of the Jubilee pamphlet as “a precious souvenir of Bahá’í Holy Year”.
Kindly send remittance with order to:
BAHÁ’Í SERVICE FOR THE BLIND
616 North Oxford Avenue
Los Angeles 4, California
THE FUTURE HOUSE OF JUSTICE[edit]
The Bahá’í Youth at Green Acre Summer School submitted two questions to the Guardian:
- Why are there to be no women on the Universal House of Justice?
- Why are there women serving on the International Council at present?
The Guardian’s reply through his secretary states: “Regarding your question, the Master said the wisdom of having no woman on the International House of Justice, would become manifest in the future. We have no other indication than this.
“At present there are women on the International Council, and this will continue as long as it exists, but when the International House of Justice is elected, there will only be men on it, as this is the Law of the Aqdas.”
NATIONAL YOUTH COMMITTEE[edit]
National Youth Conference Held March 7-8[edit]
The theme of the Youth conference held in March was “Our Last Irretrievable Chance.” This theme was divided into three topics as follows: “Our Special Mission in the Bahá’í World: The Divine Plan,” “The Meritorious Achievements of the American Bahá’ís,” and “The Tasks Ahead: How Can We Achieve Our Goals.”
The division of the theme into three panels allowed for a maximum of active participation by the youth in this important Conference.
Bahá’í College Clubs Hold Meetings at Two Universities[edit]
Weekly meetings are being held by the Bahá’í College Club at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, at the Student Religious Center. Weekly study classes are also being held at Stanford University for non-Bahá’ís. The meetings are well attended, and topics are carefully selected to stimulate and interest college students.
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
The Bahá’í Faith Information Statistical and Comparative, 1844-1952, with Supplement, The Ten Year International Bahá’í Teaching and Consolidation Plan, 1953-1963, with map showing objectives of World Crusade. By Shoghi Effendi. This is the new statistical material prepared by the Guardian and the supplement presenting full detail on the Ten Year World Crusade outlined in the Guardian’s October 8th cable. Price each with map.....$ .75
Ten Year World Crusade maps sold separately. Price each.....$ .35
Divine Art of Living. Light green cloth cover with deep green lettering. Price.....$1.50
Six Lessons on Islám by Marzieh Gail. New and valuable material for individual, group and Summer School study on Muḥammad and the Qur’an. The National Spiritual Assembly recommends this course for supplying background knowledge for pioneers during the coming World Crusade. 40 pp., 8½ x 11, attractive stiff paper cover. Price.....$ .75
The Spell of the Temple. By Allen McDaniel. A new book written by Mr. McDaniel, long associated with the construction of the building. Describes erection of the Bahá’í House of Worship with affection and interest. Illustrated. Price.....$2.50
Bahá’í Literature Catalog — 1953. This contains several price changes—a few decreases and several increases. The increases are vitally necessary due to increased manufacturing costs, packaging, postage and other expenses, all of which are considerably higher than in previous years.
Has your community placed its copy of Bahá’í World, Volume XI in your local public or college libraries? The recent publicity on the Dedication and Jubilee events has focused attention on the Faith throughout the country. The many requests from writers who are doing research on the Bahá’í Faith and students preparing term papers demonstrate the need for this invaluable source book on all aspects of the Faith available for their research.
A Bahá’í Group in Addis Ababa on occasion of visit of Mason Remey, President of the International Bahá’í Council, Mildred Mottahedeh, New York City, and R. Yazdi, following their attendance at the International Conference at Kampala, Uganda, Africa.
Bahá’í House of Worship (New
Edition). By Wm. Kenneth Christian. Contains new interior and exterior photo and three sections entitled “The Meaning of the Temple”,
“The Faith of Bahá’ís”, and Statistical Data. 8 pps., attractive yellow
trim. Price.....Two copies $ .15.....100 copies $6.50
The Báb’s Address to the Letters of the Living. This item, listed in the
new Literature Catalog, is in process
of manufacture and will be available
by approximately June 10.
Price.....$ .10
Fifty copies.....$4.50
Early Pilgrimage. By May Maxwell. Story of the first group of pilgrims from the West to visit ‘Abdu’l-Bahá written by the mother of Rúḥíyyih Khánum, May Maxwell, and containing a photograph of her. Also a foreword by Mason Remey. First English shipment completely exhausted at Conference sales. New supply available by approximately June 15. 43 pps. Attractive paper cover. Price.....$ .50
Reduced Rate[edit]
Bahá’í House of Worship — Grey Temple folder. This is the 6-page
grey bordered folder with illustration
of the Temple. The price has been
reduced by one-half.
Price.....20 copies $ .50
(Be sure and state the full title above when ordering this item.)
Out of Stock[edit]
Life Eternal. The recent stock unexpectedly acquired on this book is now exhausted. We do not anticipate having any future supply.
Some Answered Questions. This book awaits the addition of new material, an Introduction. When this is available to the Publishing Committee the book will go into production. Publication date cannot be given at this time.
Prayers and Meditations. This book will be reprinted. An announcement of publication date of new edition will appear in a later issue of Bahá’í News.
Please watch Publication Section in Bahá’í News for all information concerning new publications, price changes, out of stock items and delivery dates.
Well Stocked Libraries[edit]
Well supplied libraries can be a major line of attack as well as defense in our Crusade to hoist the banner of the Kingdom. Let us make it a regular part of our program to augment the number of libraries having Bahá’í literature and the number of Bahá’í books in our public and college libraries.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
Holy Days
- May 23, Declaration of the Báb
- May 29, Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
Feasts:
- May 17—’Azamat, Grandeur
- June 5—Núr, Light
- June 24—Raḥmat, Mercy
DIRECTORY ADDITIONS AND CHANGES[edit]
LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
- SAN DIEGO, CALIF.
- (Address mail to recording secretary)
- Mrs. Bernice Stroessler
- 4202 58th St., Zone 15
- SANTA MONICA, CALIF.
- Mrs. Doris Aldrich, Sec’y.
- 2620 11th St., Apt. 1
- CHAMPAIGN, ILL.
- Mr. Edgar G. Harris, Sec’y.
- 208 W. Ells Ave.
- DULUTH, MINN.
- Mrs. Virginia Peterson, Sec’y.
- 1433 N. 8th Ave., E.
- TACOMA, WASH.
- (Correction in address)
- Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, Sec’y.
- 414 S. Tacoma Ave., Zone 3
NATIONAL COMMITTEES
- YOUTH NORTHEASTERN AREA
- Miss Carol Kelsey, Sec’y.
- 502 Grenville Ave.
- West Englewood, New Jersey
Members of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ismailia, Egypt.
MARRIAGES[edit]
Arlington, Virginia, Miss Patricia Bryson to 1st Lt. McLaren Ian Phillips, Jr., March 6, 1953
El Paso County, Colo., Miss Elizabeth M. Lindstrom to Mr. Charles Wm. Ducker, March 10, 1953
New York, N.Y., Miss Iris Glass to Mr. Hassan Tarafdar, March 5, 1953
Berkeley, Calif., Mrs. Beatrice B. Cornell to Mr. Charles Rinde, February 10, 1953
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Ethel Healani Alama to Mr. Tracy C. Hamilton, March 21, 1953
Los Angeles, Calif., Miss Arden Gehrke to Mr. Raymond J. McMahon, March 21, 1953
Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Eda Rae Bracken to Mr. Frank G. Keith, Jr., March 29, 1953
Helena, Montana, Miss Esther James to Mr. Gerhard Burner, August, 1952
San Francisco, Calif., Miss Elinore Stufflebeam to Mr. George Putney, February 14, 1953
IN MEMORIAM[edit]
Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.
- Mrs. Grace Proudfoot, Los Angeles, Calif., February 23, 1953
- Mrs. Theresa French, New York, N.Y., October 8, 1952
- Mr. Harvey Green, Columbus, Ohio, March 3, 1953
- Mr. J. A. Hunnicutt, Greenville, So. Carolina, March 3, 1953
- Mrs. Josephine Spink, Muskegon Heights, March 21, 1953
- Mrs. Bertha Spicer, Lima, Ohio, March, 1953
- Mrs. Florence Morten, Worcester, Mass., April 3, 1953
- Mrs. Mary A. Stone, Brattleboro, Vermont, April 3, 1953
- Mrs. Eva R. Crawford, Denver, Colorado, March 19, 1953
BAHÁ’Í 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.
BAHÁ’Í 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.
