Bahá’í News/Issue 271/Text
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| BAHÁ’Í NEWS | |||
| PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES | |||
| NO. 271 | BAHA’I YEAR 110 | SEPTEMBER, 1953 | |
THE GUARDIAN[edit]
SEALING THE TRIUMPHANT FESTIVITIES OF HOLY YEAR[edit]
A Message from the Guardian[edit]
Transmit (to the) National Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í world (the) joyous news (that the) placing (of) gilded tiles (over the) entire surface (of the) dome (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre (has been) terminated. (The) last stones (of the) crown surrounding (the) base (of the) dome (have been) laid, marking (the) conclusion (of the) stonework (of the) superstructure (of the) holy edifice. (The) shuttering (of the) interior (of the) dome (has been) removed. Frames (of the) lancet windows (of the) drum (have been) installed. (The) placing (of the) frames (of the) octagon windows (and the) plastering (of the) interior (of the) dome (are) approaching completion. Electric cables designed (for the) illumination (of the) majestic structure (have been) placed (in) position. Anticipate (the) early removal (of the) scaffolding prior (to the) placing (of the) eighteen stained glass lancet windows.
Feel assured consummation (of the) sixty year old enterprise will synchronize (with the) holding (of the) forthcoming New Delhi Intercontinental Teaching Conference, sealing (the) triumphant world-wide festivities (of the) Holy Year commemorating (the) centenary (of the) birth (of the) Mission (of) Bahá’u’lláh.
Haifa, Israel, August 19, 1953
COMMENTARY: NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Beloved friends:
In the Guardian’s message we draw close to the mysterious providence
The completed Lantern on the Dome of the Shrine of the Báb
[Page 2]
which impels the Faith and
the whole world during this Holy
Year terminating with the Nineteen
Day Feast of Knowledge, October 16.
That the Shrine of the Báb will be completed, and revealed in all its glory during the fourth and final Intercontinental Teaching Conference to be held in New Delhi October 7 to 15, is a coincidence to be cherished and revered.
Thus, during the very first year of the Ten-Year World Crusade, the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh will be signalized to East and West by the completion of this Sepulchre preserving the sacred remains of the Martyr-Prophet and Herald of His Revelation.
Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate befittingly so unique an event, recognizing that it signifies the power and the glory of the Spirit poured forth to rejuvenate mankind. The conclusion of Holy Year, so blessed with the proclamation of the Ten Year Plan, with the holding of the great Conferences, with the settlement of pioneers in unoccupied areas and with the dedication of the House of Worship, confers upon the Feast of Knowledge a special significance. Let it be an occasion of joyous gratitude and an all-embracing unity among Bahá’ís — our first and most essential evidence of our faith.
PASSING OF HAND OF CAUSE[edit]
Profoundly grieved (at) passing (of) dearly loved, outstandingly staunch Hand (of) Cause Fred Schopflocher. (His) numerous, magnificent services extending over thirty years (in) administrative (and) teaching spheres (for) United States, Canada, Institutions Bahá’í World Center greatly enriched annals (of) Formative Age (of) Faith. Abundant reward assured Abhá Kingdom. Advising American National Assembly hold befitting memorial gathering (at) Temple he generously helped raise. Advise hold memorial gathering (at) Maxwell home (to) commemorate his eminent part (in) rise (of) Administrative Order (of) Faith (in) Canada. Urge ensure burial (in) close neighborhood (of) resting place (of) distinguished Hand (of) Cause Sutherland Maxwell.
THE GUARDIAN'S CABLE TO THE THIRD INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE[edit]
Happy (to) Convey (to) assembled friends (at) epoch-making conference (the) news (of the) magnificent response (by) Bahá’í Communities (in the) East (and in the) West, (during the) course (of the) less than three-month interval separating (the) Second (and) Third Intercontinental Conferences (of this) Holy Year, to (the) call (to) arise (and) befittingly inaugurate (the) opening phase (of the) World Crusade. (The) number (of the) pioneers, (whether) white (or) colored, young (or) old, (on) all continents who volunteered (for) service (in) both virgin (and) open territories (is) past (the) two hundred mark, including three offers (for the) leper colonies. Ruanda-Urundi, Samoan Islands, Daman, Southern Rhodesia, Goa, Kodiak Island (and) Italian Somaliland (are) already opened. (The) settlement (of) French Equatorial Africa, Solomon Islands, Queen Charlotte Islands, South West Africa, Cape Verde Islands, Togoland, Mauritius, Reunion Island, St. Helena Island, St. Thomas Island, Channel Islands, Aleutian Islands, Azores, Key West, Cook Islands, Monaco, Balearic Islands, Malta, Cyprus, Hebrides Islands, Northern Territories Protectorate, Seychelles, Andorra, Canary Islands, (and) French Somaliland (is) virtually assured. (The) northern outposts (of the) Faith (in the) Western Hemisphere (have been) pushed as far as Arctic Bay, Franklin, seventy-three (degrees North) latitude, (and in) Europe as far as (the) Lofoten Islands. (A) pioneer (is) en route (to) Fezzan, Libya, chosen scene (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s banishment by ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamíd. All (the) areas within (the) Western Hemisphere allocated (to the) United States National Assembly (are) assigned. (A) third membership (of that) same Assembly (is) joining (the) ranks (of the) pioneers. (The) remaining sister National Assemblies (are) now vying (in a) spiritual race (to) complete assignments (in) their respective continents. Funds (are) inaugurated (and) sites (are) being investigated (for the) purchase (of) land (for the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs (of) Rome, Panama City (and) Toronto (and for a) National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (in) London. (I) appeal (to the) attendants (at this) conference, (in) thanksgiving (for the) manifold blessings abundantly showered (upon) Bahá’u’lláh’s Crusaders (to) immortalize (their) proceedings through (the) inauguration (of) funds (for the) purchase (of) sites (for) temples (in that) northern city, (the) scene (of the) present conference, (and in) Frankfurt (in the) heart (of the) European Continent. (I am) contributing two thousand pounds (for the) furtherance (of these) meritorious enterprises. (I) urge, moreover, (that the) participants, in view (of the) disproportionately small number (of) pioneers destined (for) virgin territories in relation (to the) total (of) volunteers, swell (the) roll (of) honor through enlisting promptly under (the) unfurled banner (of the) advancing hosts (of) Bahá’u’lláh. No worthier contribution can be offered (on the) altar (of) Bahá’í sacrifice, no greater honor won (during the) course (of the) Holy Year now swiftly drawing (to its) close.
THE GUARDIAN'S MESSAGE TO THE STOCKHOLM INTERCONTINENTAL CONFERENCE[edit]
To the Hands of the Cause, the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the pioneers, the resident believers and visitors attending the European Intercontinental Teaching Conference in Stockholm, Sweden:
Well-beloved friends:
With a glad and grateful heart I welcome the convocation, in the capital-city of Sweden, of the third of a series of Intercontinental Teaching Conferences associated with the world-wide festivities commemorating the centenary of the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh and destined to exert a profound and lasting influence on the immediate fortunes of His Faith in all continents of the globe.
I look back, with feelings of wonder, thankfulness and joy, upon the chain of memorable circumstances which, a little over a century ago,
[Page 3]
accompanied the introduction of the
Faith into, and marked the inception
of its nascent institutions within, a
continent which, in the course of the
last two thousand years, has exercised on the destiny of the human
race a pervasive influence unequalled by that of any other continent of
the globe.
I feel impelled, on this historic occasion, when the members of the American, the British, the German and the newly formed Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assemblies, as well as representatives of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom, of Eire, of Germany, of Austria, of the Scandinavian and Benelux countries, of the Iberian Peninsula, of Italy, of Switzerland, of France, and of Finland are assembled, to pay a warm tribute to the valiant labours of the early British and French Bahá’í pioneers, who at the very dawn of the Faith in Europe, strove with such diligence, consecration and resolution, to fan into flame that holy Fire which the hand of the appointed Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant had kindled in the north-west extremity of that continent on the morrow of His Father’s ascension. I recall the slow eastward spread of that infant Light which led to the gradual emergence of the German and Austrian Bahá’í Communities, during the darkest period of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s incarceration in the prison-fortress of ‘Akká. I am reminded of His subsequent epoch-making visit, soon after His providential release from His forty year confinement in the Most Great Prison, to these newly-fledged struggling Communities, of His patient seed-sowing destined to yield at a later age its first fruits, and constituting a landmark of the utmost significance in the rise and establishment of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in that continent.
I, moreover, call to mind, on this occasion, the successive episodes which, on the morrow of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, in the course of the initial Epoch of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation, signalized the emergence of those administrative institutions, both local and national, which proclaimed the germination of those potent seeds which had lain dormant for more than a decade in these newly-opened European territories, and which culminated in the construction of the framework of the Administrative Order
The first line of ornamentation between ribs of the Dome, showing base of Lantern
of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and
the erection of the first two pillars
destined to sustain in that continent
the weight of the final unit of that
Order.
Nor can I fail to acclaim, as a further milestone in the irresistible evolution of that Faith, the launching, following the creation of the administrative agencies designed to provide the effectual instruments for its propagation, of the Six Year Plan of the British Bahá’í Community followed successively by the European Teaching Campaign, inaugurated in accordance with the provisions of the second Seven-Year Plan of the American Bahá’í Community, the Five-Year Plan conceived by the German and Austrian Bahá’í Communities and the Two-Year Plan later initiated by the British Bahá’í Community — Plans which, within less than a decade, succeeded in laying the structural basis of the Administrative Order of the Faith in
[Page 4]
Hands of the Cause of God present at the Third Bahá’í Intercontinental Teaching Conference
Wales, in Scotland, in Northern Ireland and in Eire, in multiplying
and consolidating Bahá’í institutions
throughout the British Isles, in
broadening and strengthening the
foundations of that same Order in
Germany and Austria, in erecting
the National Administrative Headquarters of the Faith in the city of
Frankfurt, in establishing Spiritual
Assemblies in the capital cities of
no less than ten sovereign states in
Europe, in reenforcing the administrative foundations of that Faith in
those territories, in providing the
means for the convocation of five
European, and a series of regional,
Teaching Conferences, and above
all, in the convocation of the historic
Convention in Florence culminating
in the emergence of the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
Italy and Switzerland, the third in
a series of institutions destined to
play their part in the eventual establishment of the Supreme Legislative Body of the Administrative
Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
The hour is now ripe for these Communities whether new or old, local or national, already functioning on the Northern, the Western and the Southern fringes of that continent, as well as those situated in its very heart, to initiate befittingly and prosecute energetically the European Campaign of a global Crusade which will not only contribute, to an unprecedented degree, to the broadening and the consolidation of the foundations of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh on the continent of Europe, but will also diffuse its light over the neighboring islands, and will, God willing, carry its radiance to the Eastern territories of that continent, and beyond them as far as the heart of Asia.
The privileged prosecutors of so revolutionizing, so gigantic, so sacred and beneficent a campaign, are, on the morrow of its launching, and, at such a crucial hour in the destinies of the European continent, summoned to undertake: First, the formation, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, of one National Spiritual Assembly in each one of the Scandinavian and Benelux Countries, and those of the Iberian Peninsula, and one in Finland, as well as the establishment, in collaboration with the Paris Spiritual Assembly, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of France, the establishment, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Austria, and the establishment, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, and in association with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland, of independent National Spiritual Assemblies in Italy and Switzerland. Second, the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Europe in the city of Frankfurt, the heart of Germany, which occupies such a central position in the continent of Europe.
[Page 5]
Third, the purchase of land for
the future construction of two
Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs, one in the
North in the city of Stockholm, and
one in the South in the city of Rome,
the seat and stronghold of the most
powerful church in Christendom.
Fourth, the opening of the following
thirty virgin territories and islands:
Albania, Crete, Estonia, Finno-Karelia, Frisian Islands, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Rumania,
White Russia, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria;
Channel Islands, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Hebrides Islands, Malta, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British
Isles; Andorra, Azores, Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, Spitzbergen,
Ukraine, assigned to the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of
the United States of America; Liechtenstein, Monaco, Rhodes, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, assigned to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland.
Fifth, the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in the following ten languages to be undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United
States of America, through its European Teaching Committee: Basque, Estonian, Flemish, Lapp, Maltese, Piedmontese, Romani, Romansch, Yiddish, Ziryen. Sixth, the
consolidation of Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, allocated to
the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahá’ís of the United States of
America; of Austria, Bulgaria,
Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland,
Russian S.F.S., Yugoslavia, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany
and Austria; of Eire allocated to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of the British Isles; of Iceland allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada; and of Corsica allocated to the
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland.
Seventh, the incorporation of the
thirteen above-mentioned National
Spiritual Assemblies. Eighth, the establishment by these same National
Spiritual Assemblies of national
Bahá’í endowments. Ninth, the establishment of a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the capital city of each of
the countries where National Spiritual Assemblies are to be established, as well as one in London and
one in Paris. Tenth, the formation of
a National Bahá’í Publishing Trust
in Frankfurt, Germany. Eleventh,
the formation of Israel Branches of
the National Spiritual Assemblies of
the Bahá’ís of the British Isles and
of Germany and Austria, authorized
to hold, on behalf of their parent institutions, property dedicated to the
holy Shrines at the World Center of
the Faith in the State of Israel.
Twelfth, the conversion to the Faith
of representatives of the Basque and
Gypsy races. Thirteenth, the appointment, during Riḍván 1954, by
the Hands of the Cause in Europe,
of an auxiliary Board of nine members who will, in conjunction with
the four National Spiritual Assemblies participating in the European
campaign, assist, through periodic
and systematic visits to Bahá’í centres, in the efficient and prompt execution of the Plans formulated for
the prosecution of the teaching campaign in the European continent.
A continent, occupying such a central and strategic position on the entire planet; so rich and eventful in its history, so diversified in its culture; from whose soil sprang both the Hellenic and Roman civilizations; the mainspring of a civilization to some of whose features Bahá’u’lláh Himself paid tribute; on whose southern shores Christendom first established its home; along whose eastern marches the mighty forces of the Cross and the Crescent so frequently clashed; on whose southwestern extremity a fast evolving Islamic culture yielded its fairest fruit; in whose heart the light of the Reformation shone so brightly, shedding its rays as far as the outlying regions of the globe; the well-spring of American culture; whose northern and western fringes were first warmed and illuminated, less than a century ago, by the dawning light of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh; in whose heart a Community, so rich in promise, was subsequently established; whose soil was later sanctified by the twice-repeated visit of the appointed Center of His Covenant; which witnessed, in consequence of the rise and establishment of the Administrative Order of His Faith, the erection of two of the foremost pillars of the future Universal House of Justice; which, in recent years, sustained the dynamic impact of a series of national Plans preparatory to the launching of a world spiritual crusade—such a continent has at last at this critical hour—this great turning-point in its fortunes—entered upon what may well be regarded as the opening phase of a great spiritual revival that bids fair to eclipse any period in its spiritual history.
May the elected representatives of the National Bahá’í Communities entrusted with the conduct of this momentous undertaking launched on the soil of this continent, aided by the Hands of the Cause and their auxiliary Board, reinforced by the local communities, the groups and isolated believers sharing in this massive and collective enterprise, and supported by the subsidiary agencies to be appointed for its efficient prosecution, be graciously assisted by the Lord of Hosts to contribute, in the years immediately ahead, through their concerted efforts and collective achievements, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity, to the success of this glorious Crusade, and lend a tremendous impetus to the conversion, the reconciliation and the ultimate unification of the divers and conflicting peoples, races, and classes dwelling within the borders of a travailing, a sorely-agitated, and spiritually-famished continent.
May all the privileged participators, enlisting under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh for the promotion of so preeminent and meritorious a Cause, be they from the Eastern or Western Hemisphere, of either sex, white or coloured, young or old, neophyte or veteran, whether serving in their capacity as expounders of the teachings, or administrators, of His Faith, as settlers or itinerant teachers, distinguish themselves by such deeds of heroism as will rival, nay outshine, the feats accomplished nineteen hundred years ago, by that little band of God-intoxicated disciples who, fearlessly preaching the Gospel of a newly-arisen Messiah, contributed so decisively to the illumination, the regeneration and the advancement of the entire European continent.
“Reward Kingdom Bountiful”[edit]
On being informed of the death of Miss Ella Bailey, pioneer who accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gulick in their settlement of Tripoli, Libya, the Guardian on August 30 cabled:
“Grieve passing valiant exemplary pioneer. Reward (in) Kingdom bountiful.”
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
WORLD CRUSADE REPORT[edit]
Pioneer Settlements to August 15, 1953[edit]
The following settlements of pioneers in unoccupied territories to August 15, 1953 have been reported by the respective National Spiritual Assemblies concerned.
India, Pakistan and Burma; The goals filled are Daman, Goa, Pondicherry, Sikkim, Ruanda-Urundi.
Canada: Samoa, Arctic Bay.
United States; Key West, Aleutian Islands, South Africa, Balearic Islands, French Somaliland.
Egypt and Sudan; Libya (consolidation).
Each successive issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS will hereafter list all territories where pioneers have arrived, compiled from information received from the National Spiritual Assemblies. Every three months the goals won will be recapitulated, with name of pioneer and arrival date.
This brief summary of pioneer posts is to be considered in the light of the great number of pioneer applications which have been made to the various National Spiritual Assemblies, but which, at this date, are in the process of completion. Many more goals have been assigned, but for the sake of accuracy during this historic crusade only the actual arrival of pioneers, and not intentions or preliminary plans, can be announced.
The vital matter is that the great world-shaking undertaking is under way and its speed accelerated from week to week.
Our prayers can be offered up for the success of these valiant souls, first of the vast army now being recruited.
Correction — Guardian’s Cable[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly has been informed by Rúḥíyyih Khánum, writing on behalf of the Guardian, that the following errors appeared in the text of the Guardian’s Supplementary Message to the Forty-Fifth Annual Convention, published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS for May, on page 3.
In the second paragraph, the line “crowning unit (of the) majestic edifice ...” should read “... majestic edifice, circumambulated (the) base (of the) dome, paid homage (to) His memory, recalled (His) afflictive imprisonment (and) offered prayers” ... etc.
In the third paragraph, the third line, should read “... construction (of the) ribs (of the) dome, as well as (for the) placing (of) ornamental stones surrounding its base.”
The National Assembly has been informed of two errors in the text of the Guardian’s cable dated June 25 as published in the July issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS.
In the first paragraph the correct text is: “acquisition (of the) site (of the) first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár (of) Central America.”
In the last line, second column of the July BAHÁ’Í NEWS, after “contributions” insert a comma and (“in the”).
Memorial Meeting for Siegfried Schopflocher In Bahá’í House of Worship[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly, acting upon the instruction of the Guardian, arranged a memorial meeting in honor of Siegfried Schopflocher, Hand of the Cause. In the evening of August 28, believers gathered in Foundation Hall at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár for prayers and readings from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in memory of this “outstandingly staunch” servant of the Faith.
At the close of musical selections, Amelia Collins, Hand of the Cause from Haifa, read the opening prayer, revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. This was followed by a reading of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Writings that “man is the noblest of beings, the sum of all perfections, and that all beings and all existences are the centers from which the glory of God is reflected,” by Roland Estall, member of the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly. After a brief statement from Paul Haney, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States another prayer of Bahá’u’lláh was given by Carl Scheffler, who had served for many years with Fred Schopflocher as a fellow member of the National Assembly of the United States.
Horace Holley, Hand of the Cause, who had served with Mr. Schopflocher on the National Assembly for many years spoke of the unique services to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh offered by him without ceasing throughout his Bahá’í life, of his humility, his kindness, and especially of his great generosity. It was his generosity that gave the direly needed impetus to the rearing of the superstructure of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois and again to the completion of the exterior ornamentation. He spoke of his love and service for the Bahá’í Summer Schools, of his simple but profound foresight in regard to many deep and complex problems besetting the National Assembly during those years of growth and development. Most of all he spoke of his devotion to Shoghi Effendi, his joy in serving the Guardian and the love he awakened in the hearts of others as a result of his visits to Haifa. Mr. Holley said that there are two kinds of letters which the Guardian writes, those which are written on paper and those which are written on the heart. It was the message written on the heart which Siegfried Schopflocher conveyed to others.
John Robarts, Chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada read the cable from the Guardian (printed in this issue) and told of the spirit of joy that pervaded the memorial meeting held Sunday, August 23, in the Sutherland Maxwell home in Montreal, of the many varied friends who came to pay him tribute and of his final resting place near Sutherland Maxwell on the mountain of Montreal.
Many incidents in Siegfried Schopflocher’s years of service to Canada were related, including his service on the National Spiritual Assembly since its inception in 1948, as well as on the Canadian Teaching Committee
[Page 7]
and the Montreal Assembly, culminating in his appointment as a
Hand of the Cause following his visit
to the Guardian in 1952.
In relating the qualities that made his life outstanding, Mr. Robarts mentioned Fred Schopflocher’s great humility, despite outstanding success in many fields, his exemplifying of the Bahá’í teaching that work is worship, his punctuality and, most of all, his love for Shoghi Effendi.
Mr. Robarts stated, “So often he would tell us things the Guardian had said to him on one of his visits to Haifa and his face would light up. Certainly our love for the Guardian has been enriched by association with Fred Schopflocher.”
Certainly, all who attended this memorial meeting, old friends and those who knew this Hand of the Cause only slightly, felt the spirit of his devoted service and the reciprocal love that Shoghi Effendi must have for him.
From the Canadian Convention report Mr. Robarts read an account of Mr. Schopflocher’s Riḍván speech: “When Fred came to tell us of his latest visit and of the Guardian and how he was told that now his work lay in the international field of the Cause, his voice broke, then stopped. In the silence which followed, there was an outpouring of the spirit which transcends syllables and sounds. Silence truly became eloquent: the station of that devotion which merits the title “Hand of the Cause” was openly revealed to the Canadian Bahá’í community.”
Edna True, member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, read the final prayer, one revealed by Bahá’u’lláh for the dead, and the commemorative meeting for Siegfried Schopflocher, Hand of the Cause, closed with music.
Correction[edit]
BAHÁ’Í NEWS was in error in its report of the first American pioneers to arrive at their posts under the World Crusade.
On page 1 of the August issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, the third paragraph should read:
“Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Gulick, Jr.”
To the list of pioneers should be added:
“Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Crane arrived in Key West, Florida, July 20.”
REPORT FROM THIRD INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCE, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, JULY 21-26[edit]
The Third Intercontinental Bahá’í Teaching Conference, held in Stockholm, Sweden, from July 21-26, can be described in one word, Action! In this Jubilee celebration of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission “the spirit of the Year Nine was revived” and the European campaign was launched.
Visualize, for a moment, the large auditorium of the Medborgarhus (Citizens Hall), its stage decorated with pink gladiolas, yellow roses and carnations; Ugo Giachery, the special representative of the Guardian at the speaker’s table with Edna True, chairman of the European Teaching Committee, Marion Hofman, co-chairman for the Conference, Honor Kempton and Anne Lynch, secretaries.
After the convening of the Conference on Wednesday morning, July 22, by Edna True, the message of the Guardian was read by Ugo Giachery, outlining the thirteen goals of “so revolutionary, so gigantic, so sacred and beneficent campaign.” Messages and greetings were read by Honor Kempton, from the International Bahá’í Council, many of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the European Teaching Committee and countless local Assemblies and individuals.
The chairman then presented each of the fourteen Hands of the Cause who were present: Amelia Collins, vice-president of the International Bahá’í Council, Charles Mason Remey, president of the International Bahá’í Council, Dorothy Baker, Hermann Grossmann, Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Valíyu’lláh Varqá, Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í, Ṭaraẓu’lláh Samandarí, ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, George Townshend, Músá Banání, Horace Holley, Dhikru’lláh Khádem and Ugo Giachery. On this occasion Mrs. Baker remarked, “I begin to understand why Europe has been considered the pulse of the world. If we regenerate its pulse, the world may be conquered!”
Then, as the believers answered the roll call of countries, 377 responded from 30 countries:
- 110 from the 10 goal countries,
- 76 from Germany,
- 66 from Írán,
- 42 from England and
- 48 friends from other lands!
On the afternoon of this first day of the Conference, the sacred gift of our beloved Guardian—the blessed portrait of His Holiness the Báb—was unveiled, following the reading of the “Remover of Difficulties,” the story of the meeting of Mullá Ḥusayn with the Báb, and the chanting of the Tablet of Aḥmad by a descendant of the Báb. Profound reverence touched each heart as the friends gazed on the portrait of the Blessed Báb, creating a sense of dedication and consecration which was to burst into a flame of action! It was a holy moment, a moment in eternity.
The public meeting, held that night in the Concerthus, brought an audience of almost 700 to hear Mrs. Gerd Strand of Oslo, Norway, and Professor Zeine N. Zeine of Beirut, Lebanon. Hans Odemyr of Stockholm presented the speakers after giving a brief resume of the principles of the Faith. Mrs. Strand, who spoke in Swedish on “The Spiritual Regeneration of the Individual Man,” pictured the “winter darkness of doubt and restlessness” with the Bahá’í Revelation “coming as a sunrise from the east, carrying the hope and promise of spring in its bosom,” She reviewed the effects of education and religion on the character of man and closed her talk with a quotation from Bahá’u’lláh giving the Bahá’í standards of conduct. Professor Zeine, speaking of “The Reconstruction of Human Society,” explained that the reason “we are living in a time of confusion, perplexity and insecurity is because most people have lost their sense of values and their sense of direction, admitting no authority higher than his own, rejecting spiritual authority.” He logically unfolded his subject, showing that “only God can save humanity from itself” and ended with the thought that “human society cannot be reconstructed on any solid, lasting foundation unless we turn to God again...”
The session Thursday morning opened with the reading of the cable to be sent to the Guardian:
377 believers (from) thirty countries humbly thank (the) beloved Guardian (for the) sacred, blessed bounty (of his) priceless gift (and) join (in) heartfelt loving greetings.
[Page 8]
Bahá’ís representing thirty countries Third Bahá’í Intercontinental Teaching Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, July 21-26, 1953
(Our) hearts (are) joyously, solemnly united (and) uplifted (by) your
message (sent) through (your) honored representative (and by) greetings from fourteen revered, beloved
Hands (of the) Cause. (The) vision
(of) Europe’s great destiny (and
this) immense Crusade calls us (to)
rededication (and a) greater loyalty. (We are) entreating your prayers. Devoted love, Third Intercontinental Conference.
Introducing the subject, “Launching the European Campaign of the World-Embracing Crusade,” Dr. Giachery summarized the Guardian’s cable for us and made an impassioned appeal for us not to consider our limitations and human frailties but to arise, one and all, to shoulder our responsibilities. He listed the three immediate goals as follows:
- To get our pioneers to the virgin territories as soon as possible.
- To start translations, and
- To purchase land for future Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs in Rome and Stockholm and the construction of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Frankfurt.
The response began immediately with Horace Holley’s announcement that the Bahá’ís of America, through their National Spiritual Assembly, were making what might be called a token contribution of $250. “Undoubtedly, the first payment,” he added. This was followed by an offer of $5,000 each for Stockholm and Frankfurt, another of $1,000 for each, and then came offers in kronor, pesetas, marks, lire, francs so that in a few moments a total was reached of $8,567 for each. But this was not all, for the floodgates had opened and Bahá’ís, young and old, gave cameras, wedding rings, Bahá’í rings, diamonds, watches, necklaces, earrings. One young man offered to sell his motorcycle and walk. Two brothers offered to work for two months on the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Frankfurt. Many laid on the altar of sacrifice the last piece of jewelry belonging to the family, heirlooms, precious and historic gifts associated with the Holy family and the early believers which could never be replaced. Some of the gifts were given in memory of departed mothers, sisters, brothers, pioneers Dagmar Dole and Johanna Schubarth; in memory of the chairman of the Persian National Assembly and of Louis Gregory, first Negro Hand of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Numerous gifts were given for the Stockholm Mashriqu’l-Adhkár; photographs and paintings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Persian rugs carrying the symbol of the Greatest Name, embroidered cloths, a silver picture frame, a vase, precious soil from the home of the Báb in Iṣfáhán and other offerings from the friends.
In the afternoon a glimpse of the First and Second International Conferences was given as Músá Banání, Shu’á’u’lláh ‘Alá’í, Horace Holley, Mildred Mottahedeh and Beatrice Ashton made their reports. Mr. Banání told many interesting incidents in connection with the preparations for the Kampala Conference and explained how seemingly insurmountable obstacles had been miraculously overcome, many at the very last moment. General ‘Alá’í compared the gathering to an experimental farm, wherein God was trying out new seeds which were destined to bring in a bumper crop. He confessed that, before the Conference, he had had misgivings as to the firmness of the African believers so recently converted to the Faith. Much to his joy, he found that “each of these African believers is deep in the Faith ... and that their knowledge is superior to many of the people who have been in the Faith for years.”
The Temple Dedication was vividly described by Horace Holley, who spoke of the structural beauty of the edifice and of its interior ornamentation and read the statement made at the dedication, in behalf of
[Page 9]
the Guardian, by Rúḥíyyih Khánum.
Mrs. Mottahedeh then, in a few moments, covered the high points of
the Second Intercontinental Teaching
Conference, held in Wilmette. The
afternoon session closed with a showing of slides and films taken by believers at the First and Second Intercontinental Conferences and the
Temple Dedication. These were explained by Beatrice Ashton.
Two evenings of the Conference were devoted to the early history of the Faith, with George Townshend and Dhikru’lláh Khádem speaking Thursday evening on “The Sufferings of Bahá’u’lláh and Their Significance”. Mr. Townshend explained that “the pains, the griefs, the sorrows, the sufferings, the rejections, the betrayals, the frustrations which were the common lot of all the High Prophets reached their culmination in Him” and, he significantly added, “Not He Himself alone, but the Cause of God was in prison.” Again, he said, “Wrongs done to the founder of a religion have two inevitable effects: one is that of retribution against the wrong done, the severity of which we may judge from the 2000-year exile of the Jewish people, the other is that of reward to the High Prophet through the release of fresh powers of life that otherwise would have lain latent, enabling Him to pour forth Divine energies which in their boundlessness will utterly overwhelm the forces of evil and empower Him to say, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Mr. Townshend closed with these words, “Love is a priceless thing, only to be won at the cost of death ... Those heroic souls who are wrapped in the love of the Lord, they are the true lovers.”
Mr. Khádem traced the life of Bahá’u’lláh in His imprisonments and banishment. He told of His great sufferings and loneliness, pointing out that, “When we look back a hundred years ago, Bahá’u’lláh was alone, but now His lovers all around the world in 2500 localities in 129 countries speak of Him in 90 different languages!” He then enumerated many of the achievements of the Faith, ending with the establishment of the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly, another pillar of the Universal House of Justice. “By 1963 we shall have a Universal House of Justice, no doubt, and in Baghdád witness to that great day of Daniel. He could not live to see that day but he said, ‘Blessed are they who will see that day.’ ... Daniel, whose grave is in ‘Iráq, will, in each one of us, see his prophecy fulfilled ...”
Friday morning Ugo Giachery read the paragraph of the Guardian’s cable setting forth Europe’s part in the Global Crusade, listing the territories in which we must have a pioneer before the end of the Jubilee year, just a little over two months from now! He made a moving appeal for pioneers, saying, “We are young and strong and able to go; we all have our businesses, our family connections and things that are important to do, but when we realize that we can do without them and that by pioneering we can accomplish something that will last for all eternity ...!
“I am hoping that before the day is over we shall be able to cable the Guardian that every place is filled. The Guardian will inscribe the name of every pioneer on a special scroll, the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, and this will remain forever in the inmost tomb of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahjí.
Dr. Giachery then announced that another message from the Guardian had been received (see page 1) and read it to the assembled believers.
This cable from the beloved Guardian set ablaze the true spirit of sacrifice and devoted souls responded to the call; singly, in families, in couples, offering to go “wherever needed.” Sixty-three volunteered, in all: 27 from the Persian ranks, 11 from England, four from Germany, 15 from the ten goal countries with 5 offers from American pioneers now serving under the European Teaching Committee in Europe and one from America.
On Friday afternoon the friends had the joy of seeing moving pictures of the Holy places of the Faith in Israel. The beauty of the gardens, as well as the tremendous achievements at the World Center, is just one more miracle to add to the wondrous testimonies to the power of Bahá’u’lláh in our day!
Friday evening, Horace Holley, in his presentation of “The Birth and Development of the Institutions of the Faith,” traced the power and authority of Bahá’u’lláh perpetuated in Bahá’í institutions. “Now what we have here is indeed a divine creation. It is humanity being raised toward God and the divine grace of God descending to humanity ... Therefore, in our daily lives when we have troubles and difficulties of an administrative nature, let us not be too impatient or too easily discouraged because we are in the process of making possible the formation of that spiritual body of the Universal House of Justice. There is the basis
Pioneers who volunteered at Stockholm for the ten-year Global Crusade
[Page 10]
of the world’s peace. There is the
order and security of the world.
There is the nobility and enlightenment of the human race ... If by
the purity of our motives, by the
depths of our self-sacrifice, we could
hasten by one year or one month
the establishment of that body, the
whole human race would bless us
for that great gift.” Mr. Holley concluded with this thought: “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told us to see God in every
human face, and we should also see
God in our institutions. When we do
this, we can with more patience and
insight join in this great new order
of justice and peace.”
Mr. Ṭaraẓu’lláh Samandarí spoke of “The Stirring Episodes of the Early Days of the Faith.” He said, “When there is a Divine Beloved, He needs lovers ... A farmer needs, first of all, soil in which to plant ... The Manifestations require the heart in which to plant their love ... In the days of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, there were lovers who went through the fire of martyrdom.” Mr. Samandarí pointed out that today “Pioneering is the equivalent to martyrdom and suffering. They will reap the same fruits as the early believers for their sacrifice.” He told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prophecy that kings would one day carry flowers to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and visit the Holy Places of the Bahá’í world.
One time, in the presence of Bahá’u’lláh as He chanted the Tablet to the Sulṭán, Mr. Samandarí said, “He was seen in two states at the same time; that of the majesty and might of kingship, and one of modesty and meekness; the two could be seen, side by side.” In conclusion, he related a story of the last days of the Blessed Perfection. He had summoned all the believers to come to His bedside and chanted verses from the Book of Aqdas referring to His passing. Seeing the believers overcome with grief, He counselled them, “The most important attribute in the life of the believers should be love and unity.”
In beginning his presentation of “The Dawn-Breakers,” Mr. ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan said that the Guardian had instructed the believers to study the history of the Faith and compare it with the early days of past religions. Mr. Furútan showed that the disciples of other religions had not fully recognized the true and exalted station of their own prophets and gave examples of disobedience to the expressed wishes and commands of Moses, Christ and Muḥammad. As contrast, he cited the many examples of absolute obedience in the Bahá’í Faith. One, taken from the record of the last days of the earthly life of the Báb, tells that when the Báb called for a volunteer to take His life (not wishing, as He said, to die by the hand of an unbeliever) a youth sprang to his feet, ready to obey His command and later explained that his obedience was to His Cause, not to His person; to His Word, not to His personality. Mr. Furútan closed his remarks by referring to a saying of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “A small piece of cotton can prevent the ear from hearing sweet melodies. A very thin veil can cover the eyes and make it impossible for them to see. A very small headache can cause our mind to stop functioning ... a small drop of mortal poison can kill the person who takes it. The veils of selfishness are like the piece of cotton, the thin veil, the small headache and the drop, but those heroic souls (The Dawn-Breakers) did not let any veils come in between them and their true responsibility.”
At the opening of the session Saturday morning a letter from King Gustav Adolph of Sweden was read in which he acknowledged receipt of the Jubilee booklet.
Dr. Grossman then turned attention to four maps of Europe on which were designated the goals of each of the four National Spiritual Assemblies in the European Spiritual Assemblies in the European campaign and endeavored to orient, geographically, the needs of the Crusade. He brought out many interesting historical facts with regard to these countries and the languages into which Bahá’í literature is to be translated during the next ten years.
At this point another letter, written by Rúḥíyyih Khánum at the request of the Guardian, was read by Dr. Giachery: “The friends in Stockholm must realize that the most important institutions to support at this time are the London Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and the funds for the Temple land in Stockholm and Frankfurt. The back of some of the hardest work in the plan will then be broken ... the Guardian wishes that the friends should do their utmost to fill the remaining virgin territories and after returning home they should urge the Bahá’ís generally to do the same. The hands of the Cause in their travels should do likewise...”
John Ferraby, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles was asked to report on the efforts made thus far in England to secure a site for their Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds. “Nearly the whole of the center of London is owned by a few landowners,” he said. “And the few properties available command a very high price indeed. There is only one property offered which seems in any way suitable. If we cannot find a cheaper place, the Guardian has told us we may purchase it.... For a lease they are asking 5000 pounds sterling, but for the land 13000 pounds sterling, making a total of 18000 pounds in all.” The Guardian has cabled 2000 pounds toward the cost.”
Again the Conference was moved to action and excitement mounted as contributions were offered. Soon it was announced that the London Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds was assured a very substantial amount by this Conference.
Consultation on the Guardian’s cable continued and many points were clarified, among them the meaning of “incorporation” and “national endowments”, set forth by Horace Holley. “The legal incorporation of a national or local assembly”, he said, “is very important from several points of view. In the first place it produces recognition and enhances the prestige of the Faith and in the second place it brings to the Bahá’í community the advantage of legal protection in the case of lawsuits, litigation etc. Finally, it creates of the institution of the Spiritual Assembly a legal person, a corporate body which is free from the personalities of the nine members. This legal person has perpetuity of existence.” In considering endowments, he added, “In the future the Local Spiritual Assembly and, of course, the National Spiritual Assembly will build schools, libraries and other Bahá’í institutions. As these institutions come into existence they are held legally by the aggregate body and not by the nine members of the Spiritual Assembly. The nine members of the Spiritual Assembly are the trustees of these
[Page 11]
Bahá’ís attending the Unity Banquet, Stockholm, Sweden
properties.” He drew attention to
the lesson taught the American believers by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He
told them to build the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. “Little by little the friends
began to contribute their funds to
build the Temple. After a while we
had sufficient funds to begin construction and by the time the Temple was completed $2,600,000 had
been spent! Because the Bahá’ís
concentrated on carrying out the
Master’s wish, they produced a
building that is the glory of America.
The Master told Mrs. Corinne True
who was the first and, for many
years, the financial secretary, that
they must make a beginning and
then all things would come and,
therefore, no matter how small or
how weak your community is, realize that it is the seed from which
will come the fruitful trees!”
At the beginning of the afternoon session, Amelia Collins, at the request of our Guardian, shared with us the latest photographs of developments in the work on the Shrine of the Báb and explained how, on the day of the Feast of Riḍván, the Guardian had sealed a bit of the plaster from the ceiling of the prison room of the Báb at Máh-Kú behind one of the golden tiles in the Dome of the Shrine.
Discussing “Opening up New Territories”, Edna True outlined some salient considerations and shared experiences of the European Teaching Committee in the work in Europe. Dorothy Ferraby, of England, reviewed the work of the British Africa Committee in its collaboration with other National Spiritual Assemblies in the development of
[Page 12]
the first world project. Dorothy
Baker followed with practical suggestions for opening new territory
and placing pioneers, using Spitzbergen as a concrete example. Honor
Kempton spoke on spiritual prerequisites and practical preparation for
pioneers, suggesting “The Advent of
Divine Justice” and “The Challenging Requirements of the Present
Hour” as excellent textbooks for this
study. Many pioneers in the European field shared their experiences
with us for the remainder of the
afternoon.
The night of the Unity Banquet arrived. A full moon watched its reflection in the waters surrounding Stockholm’s Town Hall. Inside, the magnificent “Golden Room”, dazzling in its splendor, was filled with joyous, “God-intoxicated souls” gathered to commemorate the great Jubilee of the Year Nine. In this perfect setting all sat, enchanted, as the Guardian’s special representative, the president and vice-president of the International Bahá’í Council, Hands of the Cause, seven members from National Spiritual Assemblies, delegates from each of the ten goal countries (which now include France and Finland) and visitors from other lands were presented. Heart-warming greetings in many languages heightened the spirit of love and unity in the hearts until all were “as one soul in many bodies.” Each believer, leaving this golden scene, carried with him a precious little packet of petals from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, brought from the Holy Land for this occasion. As it had opened, the Unity Banquet closed with chanting by Persian believers. The Jubilee had indeed been befittingly commemorated.
Summarizing the Conference next morning, Marion Hofman declared, “These days have been days of faith, obedience, detachment, love, heroism and sacrifice!” As examples she pointed out that even before the Guardian’s request that the friends establish Funds to purchase Temple sites, $27,000 had been donated; that, in response to the appeal of the Guardian for the participants to “swell the roll of honor through enlisting promptly under the unfurled banner of the advancing Hosts of Bahá’u’lláh,” one out of seven arose and enlisted under that banner.” A third achievement she likened to the Holiest Temple of the Bahá’í World. “As that building of steel and concrete rose in Wilmette, a symbol of the transcendence of the Cause ... it brought joy to the believers around the world ... even so does the arising of the European Bahá’í community reinforce all of us.”
Edna True, at the close of the morning session, expressed the appreciation of the European Teaching Committee for the assistance given by all who contributed to the success of the Stockholm Conference. Ugo Giachery, the Guardian’s special representative to the Stockholm Conference, commented on the maturity which the European community had reached, lauded the European Teaching Committee and the pioneers for their work and addressed special thanks to the Persian friends who contributed so generously to the achievement of the European goals.
Closing the Conference Sunday afternoon, Horace Holley announced that the representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies had held several sessions during the Conference and had appointed a special committee to accept all pioneer offers and achieve settlement of the goal areas as quickly as possible. He read the following cable, sent to the Guardian by the Hands of the Cause and representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies:
“Fourteen Hands (and) members (of the following) National Spiritual Assemblies: United States, British Isles, Germany, Italo-Swiss, Írán, ‘Iráq, present (at) Stockholm, consulting (on the) rapid settlement (of) pioneer territories, impressed (by the) spiritual fervor (and) capacity (of the) Third Conference, pledge (and) humbly beseech prayers. Devoted love.”
Dorothy Baker reported that of the European goals assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, the Azores, Balearic Islands, Lofoton Islands, and Spitzbergen had been filled, leaving one virgin territory to be assigned, Andorra. As she spoke, a believer immediately offered to pioneer in that country.
Dr. Eugen Schmidt announced that pioneers under the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria had been assigned to Greece, Frisian Islands and Crete.
Dr. Ugo Giachery announced for the Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assembly that assignments have been made for Monaco, Sicily, Rhodes, and Sardinia. This left Liechtenstein and San Marino but, again, believers immediately arose to volunteer for these posts.
Mr. Ferraby, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the British Isles, announced assignments to Cyprus, Malta, and the Shetland Islands. Pioneers were available to fill other posts, he said, but funds were lacking. A Persian believer at once assured the necessary amount to send pioneers to the Channel, Hebrides and Orkney Islands, while a Bahá’í from Sweden offered to settle in the Faroe Islands.
Thus, pioneers were assigned to all of the territories to be opened to the Faith in Europe! For those territories where, for the present, admittance to the countries can not be secured, the pioneers are preparing themselves by thrift and study for the moment when they shall take their posts. The others either are en route or planning their imminent departures to positions for the waging of the World Crusade.
With these miracles of action the Conference drew to its close. In his farewell remarks, Mr. Khádem drew attention to other tangible miracles; the presence at the Conference, as Bahá’ís, of a descendant of Náṣiri’d-Dín-Sháh, a descendant of the Imám-Jum‘ih whose father’s uncle was the “Son of the Wolf”, and the former head of the Shaykhí School of Iṣfáhán, at whose declaration as a believer it was said: “the backbone of the Shaykhís is broken.”
Dr. Mühlschlegel closed the Conference saying that, as 2500 years ago a Persian Sháh had sent forces to Greece which resulted, together with Christendom, in the founding of the Occidental civilization, so now another kind of emperor, out of the Síyáh-Chál in Ṭihrán has sent spiritual forces to conquer the whole world; forces that, without weapons, will conquer the citadels of the hearts of nations.
The Third Intercontinental Bahá’í Teaching Conference closed with the reading, in English and in the original Persian, of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s prayer for the unity of East and West.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS[edit]
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND[edit]
In Western Samoa, a United Nations Mandate, a believer from Apia spoke about the Faith with two delegates of the U.N. Annual Mission to the Islands. Both had previously heard the Bahá’í message.
South Australia has produced “Regional Review and News”, the first Regional Teaching Committee news letter to be published in Australia. New Zealand already has a regional news letter.
CANADA[edit]
The New Territories Committee has been made responsible for all new and consolidation areas assigned to the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly and is authorized to accept pioneer offers. Prospective pioneers should, in writing to the secretary, give name, address, telephone number, age, state of health, occupation and job experience, education including languages spoken, Bahá’í teaching and administrative experience, the area preferred and the date on which they are free to leave, what financial assistance is needed and how long they are prepared to stay. All offers should be addressed to:
- Mrs. Mary Andrews, Secretary
- 276 Frost Avenue, Rideau Park
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The New Territories Committee has announced the settlement of Samoa, Franklin, and Queen Charlotte. Pioneers are preparing to leave for Cape Breton, Keewatin, Baranoff, Yukon and Labrador. Volunteers for other areas, particularly those who speak French, will be most welcome.
EGYPT AND SUDAN[edit]
Site for Mashriqu’l-Adhkár to Be Chosen[edit]
Immediate consideration is being given to three plots of land, in connection with selection of a site for the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár to be built in Cairo. The choice lies among areas on the banks of the Nile, on the desert fringe near Heliopolis and in Al-Mokatam mountain.
Publicity for the Faith in Algeria[edit]
The newly-formed Algerian Bahá’í group has secured news coverage for the Faith in the local papers. On the occasion of the visit of Dhikru’lláh Khádem, Hand of the Cause, a lecture given by Mr. Khádem was reprinted the next day in the newspapers.
Attack on the Faith in Libya Answered[edit]
Tidings arrive continuously in Egypt from Libya about the activities of the believers in that territory and about the high spirit which characterizes the affairs of the Faith, especially since the formation of the Local Spiritual Assembly. The believers’ high ideals, profound love, the loyalty they show to the country in which they live, their sympathy and love expressed to the natives without any religious or color discrimination, distinguish their service.
One local newspaper printed an ungenerous article against the Faith, clearly indicating that the writer had no understanding of Bahá’í principles. To this article the believers wrote an answer, calm, full of sincere love and supported by most convincing proofs.
NATIONAL NEWS[edit]
NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS[edit]
Bahá’í News Service reports the receipt of the first news clipping from a United States virgin territory, Key West, Florida.
This committee also announces that the September issue of Color magazine will feature a story on the Bahá’í Faith.
The third annual public meeting to be held at Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge, New Hampshire, took place on August 8.
A new Bahá’í Center has been established in Jackson, Mississippi. At street level, the center has a full glass front for exhibits. Forty people can be seated in the newly-decorated hall.
A new Bahá’í Center for New Orleans, Louisiana has been opened in the 5600 block of Magazine Street.
The Anchorage, Alaska Bahá’í Community was host to pioneers who passed through the city on the way to their posts for the ten year Crusade. Mrs. Rose Perkal was greeted during her brief stopover enroute to Kodiak Island. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell with Daniel, David and Mark, their sons, stayed for a week before proceeding to their outpost in the Aleutian Islands.
BAHA'I NEWS[edit]
An Organ for the World Crusade[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States has recorded its view that BAHÁ’Í NEWS is to fulfill the function of an organ for the World Crusade, and contain material supplied by all the participating National Spiritual Assemblies.
U.S. AFRICA COMMITTEE[edit]
American Pioneers at Posts[edit]
The first American Bahá’ís to arrive in a virgin territory under the new ten year Crusade were Rex and Mary Collison. When the Guardian’s call came for Bahá’ís in East Africa to go to virgin areas, the Collisons packed their belongings and moved at once from Kampala to Ruanda-Urundi. They arrived at their post June 20.
Fred Schechter, having helped with teaching and consolidation in Nairobi since April, moved to Djibouti, French Somaliland in July.
In addition to these “firsts”, nine American Bahá’ís settled in consolidation areas during July, four in North Africa and five in South Africa.
Major and Zara Dunne arrived at their pioneer post in Accra, Gold Coast, in June. Severe difficulties involving the housing shortage, malaria and emergency surgery have been overcome and study classes have now been arranged.
There are now 23 Bahá’ís in Nairobi, 11 of whom are African.
In Monrovia, Liberia, a newspaper recently published a fine article on the Faith, praising the professional work of a Bahá’í pioneer. Mr. Rudolph Amarty, the first declared African Bahá’í to visit the Americas, is scheduled to enroll in a university
[Page 14]
Bahá’ís and friends, Nairobi, Kenya
East African Bahá’í pioneers meet with African friends in a village near Mombasa, Kenya
in Winnipeg, Canada. On his
way to Canada, Mr. Amarty, a Liberian Bahá’í of the Fanti (Gold
Coast) tribe, will spend some time
in the United States.
The committee’s earnest ambition is to get every approved Bahá’í pioneer located in Africa. Our task involves much that is beyond, our control, and we ask the friends to pray constantly that difficulties may be removed for this and all the other Crusade Committees, so that the doors may be opened and the path made free for the many souls who have arisen to serve Bahá’u’lláh in the lands of the Spiritual Crusade. May we all by dedicated love, by sustained effort and by courageous faith achieve the fresh victories desired for us by the Beloved Guardian of the Cause of God.
At its first meeting the U.S. Africa Committee tackled the job of matching pioneers and projects. Plans were developed for nine of the eleven virgin areas assigned the United States Bahá’ís and submitted to the National Spiritual Assembly for approval. Clearances were forwarded and the pioneers selected are now preparing to leave for their posts.
The beloved Guardian, in a letter to the Committee, stressed that it is important to concentrate on getting more pioneers out into the virgin territories of Africa as soon as possible. He attaches the greatest possible importance to filling all the pioneer posts all over the world during this year. Every effort should be made to accomplish this. He advised that no further pioneers be directed to South Africa, except by his permission, as the number of Bahá’ís in that area is now adequate. Pioneers from America may and should go to any of the 33 virgin territories in Africa.
For this reason the Committee is now encouraging and assisting Bahá’ís who are willing to go to any of the 33 virgin areas in Africa. The cost of Africa projects is very great and the Committee seeks pioneers who are fully or partially able to sustain themselves, wherever possible.
A survey of all the virgin areas in Africa is being completed and will be sent to all pioneers who have applications on file with the Committee. Pioneering in the virgin areas calls for the utmost courage, faith, devotion and realism. With these qualities the pioneer must be willing to sacrifice and endure hardships.
U. S. Africa Teaching Committee for 1953-1954: Elsie Austin, Chairman; Matthew Bullock, vice-chairman; Amos Gibson, treasurer; Rexford Parmalee; Edna Williams; Marie Rice; Albert James.
AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE[edit]
The functions of the American Indian Service Committee, as outlined by the National Spiritual Assembly, are: to establish Bahá’í communities among Indians, to stimulate a nation-wide effort to carry the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to the members of the Indian race, to develop favorable attitudes toward the Faith among Indian leaders, to provide for translation of the Teachings into the Indian languages. This Committee plans to publish a bulletin which is available to any believer who will send his request to the Corresponding Secretary.
The cooperation of communities and individual believers is essential to the work of the Committee. On July 25, for example, Reno Bahá’ís went to the Stillwater Reservation, home of Shoshone and Piute Indians. The principles of the Faith were presented, questions were answered and refreshments served. The Bahá’ís were invited to return to the Reservation to explain their new Faith.
The Committee is eager to welcome suggestions and accounts of the experiences of Bahá’ís who have contact with the Indians as friends, relatives or through teaching the Faith. Any believers who want to relate themselves to this part of the Spiritual Crusade by becoming a pioneer or settler, or by finding and teaching the Indians in their own area are asked to communicate with:
- Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Corresponding Secretary
- 736 Encanto Drive, S.E.
- Phoenix, Arizona
AREA TEACHING COMMITTEES[edit]
New Teaching Structure Begins to Function[edit]
BAHÁ’Í NEWS has received Area Teaching Committee Bulletins from the New England, East Central States, South Central States and Gulf States Committees, which reflect the heightened activity beginning under the New Teaching Structure (Bahá’í News, July, 1953, page 6). Each of the bulletins refers to or
[Page 15]
quotes recent letters from Leroy
Ioas which read:
The Guardian says that this is now the time of scattering and the friends must scatter to the four corners of the globe. For instance, in America, he feels that all large Assemblies (19 members or more) should send dozens of settlers to outlying areas. America should be completely covered with settlers, and this would bring about more teaching and, of course, new Assemblies.
Central States Area Committee Conference[edit]
Other evidence of new activity was the representative and enthusiastic participation in the Central States Area Conference, held at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Center, August 9, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa each were well represented in the more than two hundred believers who attended.
Two Hands of the Cause, Mrs. Amelia Collins and Mr. Horace Holley, addressed the gathering.
Mr. Holley spoke of the International Conferences in Kampala and Stockholm and Mrs. Collins spoke of the theme closest her heart, our beloved Guardian and his wishes for the American Bahá’ís. In speaking of the conference in Stockholm, Mr. Holley said that for the first time he realized the limitations of the American boundaries and that there are no boundaries in the Spiritual Kingdom. We have been brought up to this, he said, by the efforts of our Guardian. Mrs. Collins said that the Guardian cannot understand why those who have volunteered to pioneer have not gone out to their respective posts. Pioneering is uppermost in his mind and he is waiting anxiously to hear that pioneers have gone out.
He said that our armor is the Divine Plan given to us by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. They were divinely inspired and we can go forth to fulfill this Plan knowing we will succeed. Our battle cry must be Yá-Bahá’u’l-Abhá, teaching the Cause our paramount duty. Mrs. Collins said our Guardian is made joyful by our good deeds and saddened by our wrong doing. We must lead a Bahá’í life.
In consulting on pioneering on the home front it was said that pioneers should find “pockets” such as clubs and other organizations which believe in racial unity, religious unity or other principles of the Faith. But we must not go into these organizations to “sell” them our Faith.
Discussion on pioneering brought out that twenty-one states in the United States have only one Assembly. It was recommended that believers employ all possible means to assist these regions, to multiply their groups and bring them to Assembly status.
Several people present were waiting to go to Africa, China, Puerto Rica, Samoa, Southern Rhodesia and Alaska. We are asked to pray that the difficulties which prevent pioneers from going immediately to their posts may be removed.
Area Conferences Scheduled[edit]
The Area Teaching Committee for the South Central States has scheduled two Conferences, one for October and the other in January or February.
The East Central States Area Teaching Committee plans a Weekend Area Teaching Conference to be held at the Louhelen Bahá’í School, August 29-30. The New England States Area Teaching Committee will hold a series of picnic Conferences throughout the area.
BAHA'I YOUTH[edit]
First Youth Conference Scheduled[edit]
“A Call to Action” is the theme of the first Youth Conference, to be held in New York City on Sunday, October 25. This conference will be devoted to a study of the opportunities and responsibilities of Youth in the ten year Crusade. It will be followed by a public meeting conducted by the Youth entitled: “The Bahá’í World Faith: Today’s Call to Action.”
National Bahá’í Youth week, which begins with this Conference and lasts from October 25 to November 1, is consecrated to a special teaching effort.
Advance preparations are being made for a second Youth Conference to be held in February.
AUDIO-VISUAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE[edit]
The Audio-Visual Education Committee announces that the “Three Wing Display Unit” exhibited at the Jubilee is ready for distribution to any part of the United States. The unit may be ordered from:
- Audio-Visual Education Committee
- 126 Evergreen Place
- West Englewood, N.J.
Price, including shipping, $3.50
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SECOND COMING[edit]
A New Pamphlet by George Townshend[edit]
The Bahá’ís of Kampala, Uganda, Africa have submitted a series of questions concerning Biblical prophecies about the Second Coming of Christ which Dr. George Townshend has answered most fully, citing scriptural references. This pamphlet is available from the Publishing Committee. (see Publications)
Some of the questions which Dr. Townshend has answered are:
How can we be sure that the promises of Christ to return are not merely the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Churches?
What are the characteristics of the New Era, according to the Bible?
Is there anything in the Bible to prove that religion must be in agreement with our reason?
Increasing interest is being focused on the Bahá’í Faith today by the Christian world. Dr. Townshend’s work should be a welcome resource to all who prepare to teach the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.
NEW PUBLICATIONS[edit]
Questions About the Second Coming, with answers by George Townshend. Dr. Townshend’s answers are in reply to questions asked by the Bahá’ís of Kampala, Uganda, Africa. See special article above. 12 pps., 9¾ x 6½, with attractive colored cover.
Each | $ .25 |
Twelve copies | $2.50 |
Dawn-Breakers Study Guide. A new edition of this helpful aid to study of the Dawn-Breakers has been prepared. This is a very readable
[Page 16]
edition with an attractive format similar to the pamphlet, Six Lessons On Islám by Marzieh Gail.
The study guide comprises a synopsis of the Narrative, a questionnaire
to portray more sharply each character and event, and a key to pronunciation. If you are reading The
Dawn-Breakers by yourself, with another individual, or in a group study,
you will find this study guide will
add greatly toward your comprehension and appreciation of this great
book. 35 pp., bound in grey granite
paper, stamped in red.
Per copy | $.75 |
Pamphlet for UN Day[edit]
United Nations day comes on October 24, 1953. For Bahá’ís this is an opportunity for public teaching. The Publishing Committee has on hand the pamphlet, A Bahá’í Declaration of Human Obligations and Rights, originally presented to the UN Human Rights Commission. It clearly states the Bahá’í attitude on the individual’s status in a social order evolving toward world citizenship in a world commonwealth. An effective pamphlet for your UN Day literature. Send orders to allow sufficient time for processing and shipping. 11 pp., 8½ x 11, on good quality paper.
Each | $ .05 |
30 copies | $1.00 |
Handbook Inserts. The 1952 inserts, temporarily out of stock, are again available. These supplement the looseleaf blue Handbook (Two-Year Program of Preparation) with sections on Public Meetings, Firesides, Exhibits, Radio, Publicity, etc. This material has been of definite value to individual, committee, and group planning on all phases of teaching and promotional activity. The Handbook sells for $.75. The 1952 inserts (mimeographed, 17 pp.) are extra.
Each set of inserts | $ .10 |
The Koran. Rodwell’s Translation.
This translation, recommended by
the Guardian, is the Everyman’s Library edition used in Six Lessons On Islám by Marzieh Gail. 560 pp.,
bound in blue cloth. ..... $1.65 (net)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS[edit]
HOLY DAYS
- October 20, Birth of the Báb
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
- 4th Bahá’í Intercontinental Conference, New Delhi, India — October 7-15
FEASTS
- September 8 — ‘Izzat, Might
- September 27 — Mashíyyat, Will
- October 16 — ‘Ilm, Knowledge
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
- September 25, 26, 27
MARRIAGES[edit]
“Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verily, this Thy servant and this Thy maidservant have gathered under the shadow of Thy mercy and they are united through Thy favor and generosity. O Lord! Assist them in this Thy world and Thy Kingdom and destine for them every good through Thy bounty and grace ...”
Dayton, Ohio—Miss Patricia Nevin to Mr. Raymond Kizer, December 23, 1952
Cleveland Heights, Ohio—Miss Taki Kimura to Mr. Frank Sugimato, June 13, 1953
Denver, Colorado—Miss Arline A. Costanten of California to Mr. Darryl L. Guy, June 19, 1953
New York, N. Y.—Mr. Karlis Bergholcs to Miss June Roberta Vanderveer, July 5, 1953
Chicago, Ill.—Miss Annette Stein to Mr. Leonard Gilman (no date given)
Milwaukee, Wis.—Miss Carol Amschler to Mr. Robert Thiele (no date given)
Ann Arbor, Michigan —Mrs. Lois Pitchford to Mr. Marvin A. Nochman, August 15, 1953.
Cleveland Heights, Ohio—Miss Garnett S. McKee to Mr. Prescott S. Cole, July 9, 1953
Miami Beach, Florida—Miss Joyce Barnett to Sgt. Merwin Francis Touzeau, August 8, 1953
Chicago, Illinois—Miss Evelyn Larson to Mr. Donald K. Allen, July 11, 1953
Ankara, Turkey—Mrs. Lillian Morgan (formerly of Chicago, Illinois) to Mr. Harold E. Richards, June 26, 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. Mary McClure O’Hara
- Los Angeles, California
- July 12, 1953
- Miss Helen Greeman
- Quincy, Illinois
- July 10, 1953
- Mrs. Nellie C. Barber
- Laurel, Maryland
- (no date reported)
- Mr. David Goldner
- New York, N. Y.
- June 17, 1953
- Mr. Bishop Lewis
- New York, N. Y.
- June 28, 1953
- Mrs. Margaret Meier
- Mount Vernon, N. Y.
- July 24, 1953
- Mrs. Mina Morrison
- Battle Creek, Michigan
- July 10, 1953
- Miss Leone Barnitz
- Washington, D.C.
- July 30, 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 1953-1954: Mrs. Eunice Braun, Managing Editor; Mr. David Ned Blackmer, Assistant Editor; Mrs. Beatrice Ashton, Miss Edna True.
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.
